Seeing Red

Speaking of the Heartland. . . There was a French documentary on the tele yesterday which focused (in a rather amateurish manner) on America's "war" on indecency, using the Janet Jackson incident, Howard Stern, FCUK (French Connection UK) fragrances, and Florida's Bubba the Love Sponge, as examples. The campaign against FCUK was rather amusing, given that if one takes the argument to its ridiculous conclusion, we should restrict the use of any word or acronym that has letters that can be arranged to say something potentially offensive (e.g., "this"). But Bubba the Love Sponge, fired from his #1 radio show in 2004 for indecency) was quite successful at pointing out the true absurdity of American conservatism. While taking the French journalist on a tour of his home, he showed his collection of autographs and memorabilia - featuring a letter from Jeb Bush thanking Bubba for letting him come on his show (during his gubernatorial campaign). He also showed off his gun collection which included an AR-15 assault rifle and a .308 sniper rifle. According to Bubba, "I can't say asshole on the radio, but I'm allowed to own these".

In the magazine section of Saturday's newspaper, there was also an article by a journalist who travelled through the U.S. by train - from Chicago to Los Angeles - to take a look at the red states. In the wake of the last presidential election, the rest of the world appears fascinated by this portion of America. The writer recounted various anecdotes involving encounters with obese, gun loving Americans who wear their religion on their sleeves. The general message was that Americans are simple, overweight, God-fearing, and somewhat ignorant anachronisms in an increasingly progressive and self-aware world. But they're also very nice and welcoming.