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The politics of Goya
And a conversation with a Latino friend
I was visiting with a Latina friend the other day. Before you yell at me about social distancing — it was a Zoom meeting.
We chatted about all sorts of things. She’s decided to keep her daughter out of school when it starts up again because a family member has health issues. It’s causing her some stress, but given Texas has seen a recent rise in Covid cases, she’s got to be proactive. I told her about the latest joys and travails of having a puppy. We both laughed.
Then I brought up the Goya controversy. I asked her what she thought.
“Well,” she said. “Don’t get me wrong. I don’t like Trump, personally.”
“I don’t think anyone likes him as a person,” I said. “Even though some people agree with his politics.”
“But, you know, I like to cook. And no one’s getting between me and my food.”
We laughed.
“Besides,” I said. “The guy was a guest in the White House. What are you going to do, be a jerk with the President?”
“That’s right,” said my friend. “I mean, if I was invited to the White House I’m not going to say anything bad. I don’t care about the politics. I’d say something nice, because it’s about respect. I don’t have to like the guy. But I’m…
