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Read other letters about this article
to read Heather Havrilesky's mean-spirited and lazy commentary on the recent episode of "Top Chef". Mean-spirited because, as others have pointed out, the pervasive dynamic on this show for the last several episodes has been that of the "cool kids" ganging up on the perceived "outsider". The nastiness appeared to escalate a little each week, so that last week's outburst, while disturbing, was not altogether surprising. To dismiss it by suggesting
"Besides, wasn't this the humbling experience that Marcel was unconsciously crying out for these long weeks?"
shows an appalling lack of compassion. The suggestion that race was somehow at the bottom of things seems like nothing more than a lazy invocation of a particularly tired canard.
It seems clear that "Bravo" has engaged in some pretty vigorous editing of the material, thereby manipulating viewer response to some degree. Even so, Marcel's consistently sensible response to the bullying suggests a level of maturity way beyond the others in the contest. This is not to suggest that he should win, necessarily; if the judging is based on culinary ability, Sam or Ilan-the-worm probably have the edge.
Whatever the outcome of the contest, I believe Salon readers deserve better from the resident TV critic. Since I think this was an uncharacteristic lapse, I hope that Ms. Havrilesky finds the generosity of spirit to apologize, and move on.
