I also believe my home state is cursed by ignorance and poverty and racism, much of it deliberately inculcated to control a vulnerable electorate. And I believe many of the politicians in Louisiana are among the most stomach-churning examples of white trash and venality I have ever known. To me, the fact that large numbers of people find them humorously picaresque is mind numbing, on a level with telling fond tales of one's rapist.
In "Creole Belle," James Lee Burke expresses a deep disillusionment with his home state of Louisiana, which he views as plagued by ignorance, poverty, and racism. He suggests that these issues have been intentionally perpetuated to maintain control over a vulnerable population. Burke's perspective highlights a belief that systemic problems are ingrained in the state's political landscape, affecting the electorate's ability to rise beyond these challenges.
Furthermore, Burke criticizes the politicians of Louisiana, describing many as the epitome of moral decay and corruption. He finds it astonishing that people view these politicians with amusement, comparing it to the irrationality of reminiscing about a traumatic experience. Through his provocative language, Burke underscores a sense of urgency and frustration regarding the political climate and societal conditions in Louisiana.