If this was American politics, we’d call it Pakigate. But it isn’t. It’s British, so I don’t know what to call it other than completely and utterly stupid on the part of Prince Harry. You know Prince Harry? Yes, as in the now-hotter-than-Prince William-prince.
(True story: When William was at his peak attractiveness–age 16– and I was at my peak boycrazyness–age 13– I had his poster on my wall. Did I ever have a shot with him? No. In fact, there’s a long list of laws that tell you why I cannot. Being American and Catholic are just the tip of the iceberg. But I still had hope. Don’t judge me, fools. And on second thought, you should never marry someone who had your poster on their wall. That’s just weird. Tom and Katie, I’m talking to you.)
Anyway, Harry made an oopsie. In a video, he called one of his platoon buddies his “little Paki friend”, which of course is not cool, and then he tells another he looks like a “raghead”. Now, before he gets the title His Royal Highness Prince Harry the Racist and you get your royal britches in a twist, I want to not defend him while defending him…if that makes sense. Our own American troops use language like that. It’s not uncommon. But it’s terrible. Also, while you think good ‘ole ‘Arry might have his wits about him because HE IS THE PRINCE OF WALES, he’s done some dumb things in the past. Like that time he wore a Nazi uniform to a Halloween party. Or how he blatantly smokes pot at parties. Maybe he isn’t royally brilliant, but that doesn’t make him a racist.
But watch the video for yourself. Do you think he’s just a dude, who happens to be a prince, trying to fit in with his platoon? Because that’s what it seems like to me. Also, at the end you’ll feel like you know him a little better than anticipated after one of his buddies asks him a question, and he obliges with the answer.
Here is Harry’s apology:
“Prince Harry fully understands how offensive this term can be, and is extremely sorry for any offense his words might cause,” spokesman Patrick Harrison said in a statement.
“However, on this occasion three years ago, Prince Harry used the term without any malice and as a nickname about a highly popular member of his platoon. There is no question that Prince Harry was in any way seeking to insult his friend.”
No mention of the ginger pubes.
But we learn another fact. Harry made this video three years ago. Does that change things?
UPDATED: The father of the cadet Harry made the remark about is furious and says his apology isn’t enough. Also, Harry is in even more trouble with one of his own charities. Click HERE.
[Posted by Kathleen]
six words to change the world. 