Chris Harrison Did A Racism
How hard is it to say that white supremacy has no place in "The Bachelor" franchise? Apparently, for him, very.
We are so fucking tired. And if we’re fucking tired, we can only begin to imagine how fucking tired Black and brown contestants, producers and fans of “The Bachelor” are.
You know, some Wednesdays you wake up and think you’re just gonna have a nice day of ordering new Nap Dresses, and instead Chris Harrison, the longtime host of “The Bachelor,” goes on a 15-minute rant to Rachel Lindsay about the need for “compassion” towards white people who have engaged in racist behavior.
When Rachel, who is now a host for Extra, asked Chris to respond to the many allegations of racist behavior that have been levied against white “Bachelor” frontrunner Rachael Kirkconnell (who has yet to speak out — according to Reality Steve, at the behest of production), he did not say plainly that racist behavior was not something that the franchise stood for. Instead, he jumped to Rachael’s defense, bizarrely suggesting that people didn’t know that antebellum plantation cosplay was offensive all the way back in… 2018.
This absurd line of defense betrays a fundamental truth: “The Bachelor” will always prioritize support for white contestants over people of color who are hurt by their racist behavior.
As Leslie Streeter put it:
Frankly, it was a nauseating display of white fragility, as well as utterly and completely out of touch. Chris Harrison is clearly ill-equipped to engage in any meaty conversations about race, gender or identity. If he’s looking for ways that the “Bachelor” franchise can “do better,” perhaps he should start by looking in the mirror.
You can read all of our (slightly more coherent) thoughts on the matter over at HuffPost.
And you can listen to us break down the racist history behind the “Old South” party that Kirkconnell attended on this week’s “Here To Make Friends,” featuring our bud, “Last Week Tonight” writer, Ali Barthwell.
Things That Are More Fun Than Chris Harrison
Nap Dresses: We can’t stop won’t stop making self-indulgent online purchases. But truly who can resist the siren call of a flirty, comfy garment that makes you feel like you’re a mix between the ladies of “Bridgerton” and Felicity the American Girl Doll? Hill House’s new collection, which dropped today, is utterly dreamy. (Also — and we swear this is NOT a paid ad — if anyone is new to Hill House and wants a discount, you can use this link!)
“Fake Accounts” by Lauren Oyler and “No One Is Talking About This” by Patricia Lockwood: Read Claire’s masterful review, and then read the novels.
“Under The Influence” Podcast: Jo Piazza dives into the world of mommy influencers. It’s a real treat.
Ecoslay Orange Marmalade: Claire has been going through something of a journey herself these days… a curly hair journey. Embracing one’s natural wave can be a messy, frustrating process, but what better time to do that than when you’re barely seeing, well, anyone but your nuclear family or roommates? This inexpensive and incredibly effective styling gel has led to several wash days of shiny, shapely waves, and a good hair day is a precious ego boost in these times. Ecoslay is a small, Black-owned business — the founder still makes the products in her own kitchen — and the results are phenomenal.
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