Michigan's governor mocks the Eucharist
10/12/2024
In one of the stranger episodes of political theater I've ever seen, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer filmed a short TikTok segment where she stood before a woman on her knees and sternly fed her a Dorito chip, placing it on the tongue in the manner of one receiving the sacrament of the Eucharist.
It is interesting that when it was initially released and press inquiries started coming in, the governor's flacks insisted that it was just a TikTok thing, and people who didn't get it were lame squares who didn't understand modern hip culture.
The line was not tenable when the Michigan Catholic Conference brought the thunder:
“The skit goes further than the viral online trend that inspired it, specifically imitating the posture and gestures of Catholics receiving the Holy Eucharist, in which we believe that Jesus Christ is truly present,” said Paul A. Long, President and CEO of the Michigan Catholic Conference which represents the seven dioceses of the state, October 11.
“It is not just distasteful or ‘strange;’ it is an all-too-familiar example of an elected official mocking religious persons and their practices. While dialogue on this issue with the governor’s office is appreciated, whether or not insulting Catholics and the Eucharist was the intent, it has had an offensive impact.”
Faced with admitting bigotry or lying, the governor naturally chose the latter:
“Over 25 years in public service, I would never do something to denigrate someone's faith. I’ve used my platform to stand up for people’s right to hold and practice their personal religious beliefs. My team has spoken to the Michigan Catholic Conference. What was supposed to be a video about the importance of the CHIPS Act to Michigan jobs, has been construed as something it was never intended to be, and I apologize for that.”
This is par for the course these days: "I didn't do it, but people are angry and so I'm sorry they mistakenly took my obvious insult at face value."
It is interesting that an alternative explanation emerged at the same time, namely that this was just soft-core lesbian porn.
I think it is both.
The larger point is that a statewide elected official (and her staff) felt comfortable pulling off this stunt. Attacking the Catholic Church has never been more fashionable.
Paradoxically, I think this is one of the things driving people towards the Church. Going to Mass has gone from a chore to a revolutionary act of courage. For months my parish has been emphasizing receiving the Host on the tongue rather than in the hand and I'm curious to see if there is a significant shift because of this.
Comments