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When he called the city "tough," he meant it as an insult.
In late February, Carlson had the intent of using his nationally broadcast self-titled program to trash Springfield in a hair-brained effort to highlight accusations of racism at Smith College, which is about 45 minutes outside of the City of Homes. The situation at Smith in Northampton involved a Black student being asked, repeatedly by a college police officer, why she was on campus over the summer.
This has nothing to do with Springfield.
But that didn’t stop Carlson from dragging the historically Black city anyway.
In comparing the two, Carlson stretched with the wingspan of an albatross to make the situation into a parable about how hard the world is on white men.
It made no sense.
And in Massachusetts, the message resonated about as well as a bell made out of wet wool.
Carlson called Springfield “tragic” and a place that is best known for burnt-out buildings and murder. The streets are teeming with “immigrants” - a term Carlson uses as a curse. He also implied Smith - a member of the Seven Sisters - lacks academic merit. He said the college is rich, noting Smith’s billion-dollar endowment and high tuition and fees.
He said it is impossible for a Black woman, with a good education, to be the victim of racism. This still doesn't have anything to do with Springfield.
Springfield is a “tough” city, but not in the way Carlson, the perennial victim (and according to Fox’s own lawyers, not someone to be trusted), would understand. Springfield is tough in that its residents have fortitude, grit, and determination to grow in arts and entertainment, as well as manufacturing, education, and entrepreneurship.
Springfield is tough in that its residents don’t take what the world gives them at face value - they are innovators. Springfield is the birthplace of the American dictionary, basketball, the wrench, adult education, and the Springfield rifle, just to name a few.
Springfield is tough in its steadfast championship of what’s right. The city was a big abolitionist hub during the days of the Underground Railroad — not that many people know this. Today, the city fights for the rights of immigrants.
There are obstacles to these higher goals - and some come from within the city itself - but Carlson doesn’t know that. He’s not even a Touron.
Sen. Ed Markey may have had the best reaction and FYI for Carlson when he tweeted on Feb. 26 - “The community in Springfield, Massachusetts, is diverse and beautiful, full of vibrant neighborhoods, and home to world-class hospitals, colleges, and museums. @TuckerCarlson can keep Springfield out of his mouth. They don’t deserve his vicious, dishonest, and hateful comments.”
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