It makes sense that Matt Whitman would want to get Chelsea Peretti to hang out with him. When Peretti tweeted that she was going to be in Nova Scotia, Whitman offered to be her tour guide for his district. Whatever you think of the councillor, he never gives up an opportunity to be visible.
But Whitman chiding the Chronicle Herald for covering the excitement surrounding Peretti’s visit when he was first in line to beg to be in the presence of a celebrity was a characteristic lack of self-awareness.
Whitman’s offer to be Peretti’s tour guide for Peggy’s Cove was thirsty but on brand. Especially for a politician. Local media tried to arrange an interview, but at least it’s their job to do so.
The rest of you have no excuse.
When Peretti tweeted “CAN ANYONE HELP ME SHIP FROZEN BREASTMILK TO NOVA SCOTIA serious need to asap,” a tweetstorm brewed.
So many people offered to “help.” Some said they’d pick up a parcel of Peretti’s frozen breast milk from FedEx for her. Others offered their own milk or to drive their milk long distances to her.
King Of Donair replied, “We’ve got plenty of donair sauce if that helps.” I’m sure that Peretti thought, “Oh yes, the tangy meat funnel lubricant is the only sustenance other than milk that keeps my child healthy and happy.” For some reason, she did not actually tweet that. I’m sure she meant to. Somehow sadder than King Of Donair’s tweet were the few people that wondered aloud if the Trailer Park Boys had purchased the breastmilk.
It took approximately 10 seconds for this tweet to turn Nova Scotians into parodies of themselves. People in this province like to think of themselves as being warm, welcoming people. The dial got turned up to 11. We got too loud. We were too much.
The attempts to shout out things we’re famous for went from pride to a shameless attempt to try to prove to the cool person that, “We’re cool, too! No, really!”
Peretti also tweeted that she was stressed about her trip to Nova Scotia. It was deleted for what I think are obvious reasons.
Among the saner responses to that tweet was from Lucy DeCoutere. She wrote, “You have nothing to stress about. You are about to be enveloped by the nicest team of humans you have ever met. I know this because they are the nicest team of humans that I’ve ever met too.”
DeCoutere then expressed sympathy for Peretti having to go on a long flight with her baby. This was a humble, understated vote of confidence in the goodness of Nova Scotia. It was followed by some genuine sympathy. It was kind and not thirsty. It’s the kind of reaction that gives Nova Scotia a good reputation.
The next time someone famous expresses interest in coming to this province, keep in mind Lucy DeCoutere’s example of how to interact with them.
If we keep saying things like, “Why? Is Julian making the big switch from rum and cokes to white russians?” in response to someone asking a question about their breast milk, people aren’t going to want to come here.
And then we’ll be stuck with only ourselves.
Voice of the City is a platform for any and all Halifax individuals to share their diverse opinions and writings. The Coast does not necessarily endorse the views of those published. Our editors reserve the right to alter submissions for clarity, length, content and style. Want to appear in this section? Submissions can be sent to voice@thecoast.ca.
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This article appears in May 31 – Jun 6, 2018.
I refuse to feel bad about being a compassionate and welcoming Nova Scotian. That this is even a “news” story baffles me. Come on people. We’re bigger than this petty BS.
Why do you have a photo of yourself in the middle of your article? I assumed you were the city councillor youre mocking until I double-checked the byline. Given that youve written a piece complaining about other Nova Scotians shameless self-promotion, thats rather hilariously hypocritical of you.
But then again, what more would we expect from The Coast?
Ugh, I can’t believe that grown-ass people give a flying fuck about celebrities. How embarrassing!!
Morgan Damsbergs. You are an embarrassment to peoplekind!!!
I Think a lot of people lose sight of the fact that no matter a persons occupation,whether an actress or whatever the case may be,these people are still just people and I am sure they appreciate being treated as such.
I agree with the articles point that if we alienate people who we feel are “different” for any reason may think twice about visiting our humble province,a good example is when Ben Affleck was down to Cape Breton a few years back and simply stopped at a small town gas and convenience store and the owner,showing no respect for his privacy sent his security footage of Mr.Affleck to media outlets which posted this occurance as “news” these people are in the spotlight enough,I am sure the thought of a small town retreat sounds “to good to be true,” let’s not confirm that.
We may take our province and laid back way of life for grant it but in fact we are so very lucky to have the natural beauty,resorces and for most part strong sense of community and willingness to help our fellow man/woman that we are known,I believe that we should embrace visitors and let them share the experience and tranquility that can be felt in our small piece of the earth that is not over run with smog,traffic and all of the stress associated with the insane schedules that is demanded in Hollywood.Lets remember that no matter how much money one may have,there is a type of enrichment that is intangible,in the way of helping our neighbours and the security and peace of mind we have in trust of community that we are fortunate to have.
It’s not really a news story, it’s an opinion “Voice of City” piece. But still, shaming people for comedic tweets responding to a comedian’s comedic tweet is not what I would pick to write about.