Louisiana Politician Ignites Outrage after “Buckwheat” Comment

 

A Louisiana politician is sparking outrage from the NAACP and others after she referred to a black supporter as ”Buckwheat,” a character from the Little Rascals who embodied negative stereotypes about blacks.

Carla Blanchard Dartez, a Louisiana Democrat who serves in the state legislature, ended a phone conversation with a black campaign supporter by telling the woman, “Talk to you later, Buckwheat.”

Buckwheat, a character from the Little Rascals, symbolizes the stereotypical pop culture representation of blacks in the early 1900’s. The Buckwheat character in the Little Rascals often spoke incorrect English and ate fried chicken and watermelon.

Hazel Boykins, the woman whom Dartez referred to as “Buckwheat,” told the Associated Press she thought the comment was a racial slur.

“I know the meaning of it,” she said. ”It’s just like the N-word.”

Dartez initially received an endorsement from the NAACP. The group has withdrawn its support and decided to endorse the Republican candidate.

Dartez issued a statement apologizing for her remarks.