From this academic encyclopedia:
The name "Tonton Macoute" (literally translates as "Uncle Gunnysack") originated from Haitian Creole mythology. It was the name of a bogeyman who on Christmas Eve snatches bad children from their beds and makes them disappear forever. "Tonton Noël" (Father Christmas, equivalent to that of Santa Claus in western nations) visits the good children and rewards them for their behavior.
Because the [Haitian National Security Volunteers] used intimidation and threats, as well as physically attacking and "disappearing" people, they were referred to as "Tonton Macoutes".
I'm sure won't get that bad.
After all, its not like the Right is now ruled entirely by reckless demagogues whose power, money and ratings all depend on regularly whipping armed mobs of ignorant, volatile idiots into head stomping frenzies.
6 comments:
I'm fairly sure the Germans have a similer christmas-story.
The Christmas Krampus is a horned beast that drags naughty children off to hell. Santa will stock those children's stockings with coal to stoke the eternal flames of torment. But if you're a good little boy or girl you get toys.
Ain't mythology fun?
Another take on "the Good German".
Papa Doc Boehner...fits.
Nice one. All he needs now is a little pair of horns. ^_^
The beauty of it is that I've always had problems remembering his actual name, but now I will always remember Tan Tan Macoute. Goody.
Hey, Mr. Tangerine Man.
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