I was busy and forgot to comment on this the other day but after watching the video I just had to.
A bunch of libs go to Arab, Ala., (pronounced AY-rab) with a woman dressed in a black hijab. They expect to find all manner of hate and intolerance. In fact, the liberal dude who is from Arab seems the most convinced he’ll find it. But, guess what? None. In fact, as the guy says at the end, Arab has been much maligned by the native in their group, since all they found was “Southern hospitality.” I especially love the mention of the “survival types” in a breakfast joint. When the camera pans over toward them, you realize they’re just a group of hunters wearing camo.
I lived in Alabama for about nine years and have visited Arab many times. In grad school I worked for a fine state senator, Sid McDonald, who was from Arab. On a visit their once I was treated to the Arab High School Big Band Ensemble playing Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller as well as I’ve ever heard apart from a CD or vinyl. Not bad for a bunch of hate-filled rednecks.
Even though these Yankees (and one Arab lefty) came away saying nice things about Arab and a state I love, their opening bit by the highway is filled with noxious stereotyping that, were any other group the target, would have them up on hate-speech charges.
