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There’s nothing better than a little righteous indignation is there? Unless of course you count self-righteous indignation. By now you’ve most likely read about the Bob Griese “taco comment”. Honest, it’s actually taken on a name of it’s own. Why, there’s even a “taco comment video”! An instant replay of sorts for the politically correct crowd. They can watch it again and again as they thump their chests in self righteous (or is that just righteous?) indignation.
The gist of the matter is this. The “taco comment” was made during ESPN’s broadcast of the Minnesota-Ohio State football game on Saturday, when a graphic appeared on screen showing the the top five drivers in NASCAR’s points race. Chris Spielman, Griese’s broadcast partner, asked where Juan Pablo Montoya was. Bob Griese then responded that “he was out having a taco.” Uh oh…
The politically correct crowd suggested immediately that Griese had thrown a 90 yard slur in the direction of Montoya. I’m guessing Montoya’s of Mexican descent. And if so, clearly to the PC crowd anyway, it must be a slur to suggest that he might be off someplace enjoying a taco. I have read accounts that likened Griese’s comment to the now infamous Fuzzy Zoeller “fried chicken and watermelon comment” after Tiger Woods’ first Masters win. Some have gone so far as to suggest that had it been Woods who had been insulted by Griese he would have been fired on the spot.
Griese of course apologized for his comment before the end of the game. All accounts of the matter have said that by then it was too late. The damage had been done. The PC (politically correct) crowd would come to the rescue of Montoya and all Mexicans who were offended by Griese’s insensitive remark.
Now, I don’t know Mr. Montoya. I don’t even know a whole lot about NASCAR’s current state of affairs. I may very well be the only North Carolinian who doesn’t. Wait a minute. Did I just offend all North Carolinians by suggesting that anyone in this fine state liked NASCAR? If so, I apologize. My point is that thus far, I haven’t heard a peep out of Mr. Montoya. Was he offended? Shouldn’t we at least wait to hear what he has to say? Or is he perhaps taking a page from the Tiger Woods book and not saying anything? Letting this whole issue take on a life of it’s own?
Let me ask you folks who are so up in arms about this a couple of quick questions if I might. If Spielman had asked about a driver who hailed from the good old USofA, and had Griese said “He’s out getting a hamburger”, should all of us who are native good old USofA’ers have taken offense? After all, we would have just been portrayed as a nation of hamburger eaters. I don’t know about you, but I take issue with that. Same thing for hot dogs. And what about those Chick Fil A cows? Pretty damned insensitive toward the plight of chickens, don’t you think?
If this getting all bent out of shape at the mention of a nationality, and the food stuffs that have come to be associated with it over the years, is truly such a big deal, shouldn’t we stop saying things like “We’re going out for Chinese” or “Italian” or “Thai” or “Vietnamese” or yes, even “Mexican”? I mean, tell me please, what’s the difference between any of that and what Griese said? Are there any of you politically correct types, who are now calling for his scalp, (likely an affront to the Native Americans I might remind you), who have not uttered one of those statements when going out to eat?
Are you happy now that he’s been suspended for a game? Clearly his apology wasn’t enough for you. What does that game suspension accomplish anyway? I guess ESPN felt compelled to do it. Maybe it saves some face. Does it remind you of anything? Grade school, junior high, high school perhaps? That’s mostly what everyone’s behavior over this is reminiscent of. Nothing like a dose of good old righteous indignation.
Come on people. We’ve got bigger things to worry about. There’s a lot of bad things going on in this world of ours. Why are you worrying about an off the cuff comment? Tell me that you haven’t said or heard something similar, at the office water cooler or wherever, and that you didn’t say anything about it then. How about worrying about the idiots (I hope I’m not offending the suicide bombers among you) who strap explosive vests on and go about blowing up innocent bystanders? Why aren’t you up in arms about that? Or about the millions who are without jobs and losing homes and belongings? Can’t bring your political correctness to bear on those issues? And what about all of the comedians in the world who poke a little fun at very similar things? Where is our sense of humor when we need it? Maybe more importantly, where’s our sense of perspective?
