I, for one, am happy to say that it makes me ‘proud.’ I pity those who ‘cringe’ at the program. As a native of Acadiana, growing up in St. Martin Parish, I embrace Cajun culture. So much so that when I’m filling out forms, I check ‘other’ and fill in Cajun under ethnicity.
Even though this isn’t filmed in Acadiana, these people are exactly like Cajuns here. I don’t understand what is so ‘embarrassing.’ These are hard-working people who carry on the traditions of our ancestors, living off of the land. The fishermen are the ones who bring us our seafood we enjoy at restaurants and cookouts at home. The people on the show are so genuine and live so simply and spend their days in nature, I actually admire them.
Yes, the accent is funny and the grammar is incorrect. And you’re laughing at it because you know people that talk like that. Some accents are stronger than others but if you were born and raised in St. Martin parish, I promise you … you have a Cajun accent. Our ability to laugh at ourselves is in the Cajun blood. But to be ashamed of our people, who we are and where we come from is really sad in my opinion.
There is no place in the entire world like here. To be Cajun means to be distinctive from everyone else in the world. There is no one like us. That’s why we need subtitles when we’re on TV and I have yet to see an actor mimic our accent.
Some people worry that the nation will think everyone lives in the swamps. Only ignorant people would think that. That’s like thinking all people in California live in Beverly Hills.
I would encourage anyone to read up on Cajun heritage or visit some tourist attractions in the area. I assume you will then see how we overlook and take advantage of all the culture and history surrounding us. I hope everyone would one day be proud of who they are and where they come from.
Kisha Kana
Lafayette
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