As we’ve been hearing in the news (and seeing on this site) these days, certain words and symbols referenced in history and culture–the Confederate flag, for instance–cause great offense to people. Thankfully, these words and symbols are slowly being eliminated from sight, sound, and speech because considerate, proactive citizens aren’t afraid to speak up in defiance of society’s outdated, prejudiced traditional morals and values. We now have another patriot who is willing to fight for change.
A fellow from Des Moines, Iowa, by the name of Ryan Koch is offended, and he isn’t going to take it anymore. He has decided to take it upon himself to try to change the name of the Southern-style dining chain and Duck Dynasty merchandise seller Cracker Barrel…uh, C****** Barrel Old Country Store.
Mr. Koch, this brave warrior for social justice, has started a petition at the website change.org. He insists that the name “C****** Barrel” is offensive and should be changed to “Caucasian Barrel.” He writes in his petition,
I say all of us European Americans start protesting C****er Barrel. It uses an offensive slur and it is deeply offensive and mocks our long and proud heritage.
The name is offensive, their logo stereotypes European Americans as people who sit on chairs and lean against what appears to be a bourbon barrel, claiming we are all a bunch of alcoholics. Sure, they’ll SAY it’s a “cracker” barrel but everyone knows crackers don’t come in barrels, they come in bags and boxes!
Change the name C****er Barrel to Caucasian Barrel. After all, white people should have something to be offended by, too!
We should all be proud of this valiant young American. *sniff* You can tell how American he is by the number of times he says he’s offended in his petition. It has just topped 12,000 signatures since he posted the petition three days ago.
Word of this petition has reached the media. Several news outlets and blogs have covered the story. But somehow, not everyone is sure of what to make of Mr. Koch’s petition.
One writer on the foodie site Eater had this to say, in part, about the petition:
Koch is all “European Americans to start protesting C****er Barrel” because it mocks their “long and proud heritage” — a heritage that may include the ownership of slaves. Koch further takes issue with the chain’s logo, which features a man sitting on a chair next to a barrel. He alleges that it “stereotypes European Americans as people who sit on chairs and lean against what appears to be a bourbon barrel, claiming we are all a bunch of alcoholics.” Sure.
The Eater writer considers Koch “someone who doesn’t quite understand racial inequality.” She “inserts eye roll.” She can’t believe that “somehow the petition actually has signatures.”
She ends her entry with, “Though, based on how ridiculous it is, this could all be one big joke.”
Nnnaw.
Well, yes, it’s totally, like, one big joke. Reading just a few words into the Eater article, it was clear the petition was one big joke.
Just to be clear: it’s one big joke, people! The man who started the petition said so on Twitter. One big joke:
@JakePedrero it is a joke. Satirical petition to show how stupid all the "I'm offended" crap is getting.
— Ryan Koch (@rykoch) July 10, 2015
A writer at Jezebel knew it was a joke but couldn’t figure out what the funny part was:
I can’t for the life of me figure out what this Change.org petition is trying to satirize.
Ermm, people like YOU.
The Jezebellian goes on…
It’s definitely not serious, so let’s get that out of the way right now. Exactly what it’s making fun of is less clear; is it mocking white people who complain about a cultural invasion of political correctness…or is it mocking people who actually get offended by offensive things? I’ve got no damn clue.
“Damn, where are the cluuuuuues?” the writer asks the reflected image in the mirror.
On the one hand, you have comments like these, which lend credence to the “lol white people” theory…
The writer lists a few amusing quips that appeared beneath the petition, such as White Castle is next and I am deeply offended by this and will only frequent my favorite Irish restaurant, McDonald’s, in the future.
The Jezebel author then proceeds to write:
On the other hand, there are these dumbfu
Okay, moving right along, quickly, quickly…
Let’s go, right this way…
Yes, that’s good…
All right. I think we’re far enough away now.
The smart takes in these two examples at Eater and Jezebel help prove Mr. Koch’s point, I would think. There are other examples I found of other people who didn’t quite know how to react to this petition. The meaning of satire sailed over the head of one Detroit news site headline writer who went with, “Is Cracker Barrel racist? Satirical petition suggests it is.” The voters of an online poll on a Tampa Bay news site were overwhelmingly in disagreement with the petition (87%) and affirmed they would not sign it. In addressing the topic to its readers, Snopes used the headline “White Whine.” Those are a handful of the examples one would come across when looking into the coverage of this story.
Via Facebook, Ryan Koch further clarified his intent with the petition:
I started this satirical petition in lieu of constant media reports of various groups and organizations constantly wanting to change things throughout the country because they claim they are offended.
The petition was meant to shed light on how ridiculous all of the political correctness currently going on in the country is, and how we should focus on real issues such as crime, unemployment, veteran suicide, and corrupt politics rather than cater to everyone who feels they need to be offended.
I do not in any way feel the need for, or want Cracker Barrel to change their name. I do not have any ill feelings towards the restaurant chain, and I enjoy dining at their locations frequently. I am not expecting a response from Cracker Barrel in regards to this petition, as they were not involved in the creation of it.
Neither Cracker Barrel nor anyone who reads the petition should take its purpose of changing the name seriously.
The petition is strictly for satirical and comedic purposes to show how ridiculous political correctness is getting in America.
As for Cracker Barrel’s thoughts on the petition, the company released this statement:
Cracker Barrel is aware of this satirical petition and recognizes that individuals have the right to express their opinion on all types of things. At Cracker Barrel, our mission is Pleasing People. While we respect the opinions of these individuals, our brand is well-known as a home away from home so we have no plans to change our name as it is synonymous with great food and great service.
The name Koch likely set off an immediate trigger in the minds in some of the people I cited. However, I’ve read nothing to indicate that this is another elaborate set-up by the Koch Brothers. But you never know. Perhaps this guy is related to them somehow.
Excuse me, I must leave in order to locate my shiny silver hat and be offended by more stuff.
