When first tuning into Netflix's Tiger King, you're slightly charmed by Joe Exotic and his, erm, exotic nature.
With the action casually unfolding over the course of the show, you're forced to follow on a crazy train of someone else's creation.
It's fascinating, and you can't help enjoying yourself.
And then you take a step back and realize...this is terrible. Especially when you see things like Joe Exotic saying he thinks it is "discrimination" that White people can't say the n-word.
No, this is not a joke, Joe Exotic actually said this.
"What's going on here in this country? It's absolutely pathetic. I can't say the N-word but you can get on YouTube and watch any Black man's rap video and they're calling each other the N-word. What the hell! Is this discrimination? I'm White—they can say the N-word and I can't?"
Of course, the n-word is often considered the most offensive word in the English language, since for hundreds of years, it has been used as a slur against Black people. So, White people, in fact, have said it—to great consequence.
People couldn't believe their ears.
Joe Exotic is currently serving 22 years in prison for attempted murder.
People suddenly understand that this sentence was likely very appropriate.
Though, nobody was really surprised.
Mostly disappointed.
It shouldn't need to be said, but folks, remind your White friends every once in awhile—this kind of language is not okay.
And getting backlash for using racial slurs for a group you're not a part of is not discrimination or denying you your rights. Freedom of speech is not freedom from consequences.
The cultural phenomenon that is Tiger King has spawned numerous memes, parodies and products including this shirt available here.
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