GG feasts on raw seal innards. Claims to enjoy.Few news stories make the rounds whereby you read the same subject matter, but from different sources. I'm referring to the latest "controversy" surrounding Canada's Governor General Michael Jean and her recent participation in the Inuit tradition of consuming a raw seal heart.
As far as the event goes, I'm ambivalent. Apparently it is a cultural tradition, sort of like smoking a ceremonial peace-pipe. I plead ignorance, but I will accept the Inuit explanation and give the GG a "pass". She participated in an act of good will. She gets my benefit of the doubt.
The real entertainment value comes from the media coverage. Check out some of the headlines. I challenge you not to smirk as you read:
Jean's Seal Meal Sparks Feeding Frenzy (Toronto Star)
Choice quote: "To others, it was an act of rock-star audacity that awakened memories of grizzled old bat-muncher Ozzy Osbourne."
Gov Gen Eats Piece of Raw Seal Heart In Nunavut (ctv)
Choice quote: "After slashing through the flesh, the Governor General turned to the woman beside her and asked: "Could I try the heart?" "
Seal Heart Feast Both Sweet and Sour (National Post)
Choice quote: "Gawker, a U. S. media blog, wrote a column comparing Ms. Jean to Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin, notorious for hunting wolves from a helicopter, declaring the Queen's representative in Canada "clearly the more badass of the two.""
GG Chows Down on Raw Seal Heart (Winnipeg Sun)
Choice quote: "Within seconds Jean was holding a crimson chuck of seal-ticker, she tucked it into her mouth, swallowed it, and turned to her daughter to say it tasted good. "
I'll bet that many journalists out there ache for a piece like this, a chance to trot out their best puns, try to put a good-natured spin on a controversial event. This is the reason why you'd be best served to read the same story from different sources, the chuckles are non-stop.
It's also sort of fun to read about the Animal Rights agencies tip-toe around the cultural aspect of this. I mean, how do you lambaste a practice you don't like without offending an entire culture?
