This has been a bad week, if you are closed minded, bigoted or exclusionary.
Americans are “just saying no” to racism, inequality and prejudice. In case you have been in a coma, or live under a rock, here is a rundown of this week’s big events:
Paula Deen admitted to using the “N-word” and having a penchant for “plantation style” service (code for black men in tuxedoes and white gloves serving white supremacists their dinners). In a series of apologies posted to YouTube, Deen asked for forgiveness again, and again and again. Her crocodile tears and drag queen makeup that stayed intact for the entire ordeal did not succeed in having the desired effect. Her subsequent appearance on the Today Show where she used biblical references to justify her situation, and claimed to be confused as to what is acceptable vocabulary after hearing her black kitchen staff use the “N-word” among themselves, was like rubbing salt in the country’s wounds. Her endorsement deals began dropping like flies, and at this moment The Food Network, Novo Nordisk, Smithfield Pork, Target, Wal-Mart, and Caesar’s have all bid adieu to the Southern belle. In the meantime, sales of Deen’s latest book have sky rocketed, her cruises have sold out, and lines of fat white folks are lining up outside her restaurants in a show of solidarity.
Big business is standing up and saying that racism of any kind is unacceptable and making an example of Deen by hitting her in her pocket book.
No word yet from the butter industry, on the demise of their iconic queen.
The Supreme Court voted to end the Defense of Marriage act, now allowing all married couples, regardless of their sexual orientation, the same rights. Just typing that sentence feels ridiculous. Did we really need to go to the Supreme Court to know that denying benefits to some, based on whom they love is just plain wrong?
While there is still much work to be done on the equality front, this is a giant step in the right direction. Cue the Gay Pride parade, set to happen this weekend in New York.
The Supreme Court also tackled voting issues and ruled that the act to protect minority-voting rights was unconstitutional and unnecessary. Given the previous stories, maybe they need to rethink that one. One small step backwards, perhaps?
Democratic Senator Wendy Davis became an overnight media sensation when she successfully filibustered a vote that would close abortion clinics across the state of Texas, and ban abortion after 20 weeks. People applauded her accomplishment, and women all over the country want to walk in her shoes: pink Mizuna Wave Riders to be exact.
Republicans are in an uproar, and are trying to reschedule the vote, with the hopes of passing the bill, denying women in Texas the right to choose.
American seems to be at a threshold, similar to that of the mid 1950’s when equal rights were at the forefront. This week, it seems that many people are waking up to the fact that injustices based on race, religion, or sexual preferences are not acceptable. We can only hope that the other part of our country will soon follow suit.
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Indigo jones 