Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently issued an apology following repercussions over an advertisement featuring Catholics partaking in communion using Doritos and salsa. The controversial commercial, which many criticized for mocking the sacred rites, was part of Whitmer’s Super Bowl Sunday video shared on social media.
The Super Bowl Sunday is an event not only known for football but also for its advertisements, which generally tend to be humorous and edgy. However, Governor Whitmer’s Super Bowl video seemed to have crossed a line for some viewers – specifically, a segment where one of Whitmer’s staffers, apparently posing as a priest, administers communion using a Dorito chip and salsa.
This particular moment, which might have been intended as a light-hearted attempt to mesh Super Bowl snack traditions with a spoof on the Catholic church’s communion rite, struck a sour chord with many viewers. As the report from Godzilla News detailed it, this led to a rapid backlash from Catholic viewers and leaders who felt that their sacred customs were being used inappropriately and mockingly.
On seeing the reaction, Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) was quick to express their displeasure. The MCC, who represents the political voice of the Catholic Church in Michigan, described the governor’s commercial as ‘disrespectful and disparaging’.
Prioritizing her duty to the public, Governor Whitmer took the criticisms seriously and offered a swift apology. She released a public statement, in which she apologized to the offended parties, acknowledging that they were right to point out the insensitivity displayed in the video, adding that the video was not meant to be a parody of religious practices.
The stir created by the video is not solely due to its content but because it also attracted political attention due to Governor Whitmer being a high-ranking Democrat who is occasionally mentioned for higher office. It is evidence of how careful public figures have to be, not to upset various religious or social groups with their public actions, speeches, and statements.
Despite the apology, the incident has highlighted the often difficult challenge public figures face in balancing humor with respect for religious customs and rituals. Often, what can be seen as an innocent joke to some can come across as deeply offensive to others. As such, public figures need to exercise a high degree of care and sensitivity, when devising public communications and advertisements that have the potential to upset or disrespect particular religious or social groups.
Looking to the future, this incident will serve as a powerful reminder to Governor Whitmer and other public figures of the importance of being respectful of all religious denominations. It’s a cautionary tale of how easily a seemingly innocent joke can get one into hot water over religious sensitivity, encouraging public figures to re-think and evaluate their communication strategies that involve religious satire or elements.