"Journalistic integrity" and "Mother Jones" are two phrases that should not be in the same sentence. But alas, the ABC comedy Fresh Off the Boat has lent some gravitas to the infamous lefty rag.
In the episode "Phil's Phaves," Jessica and Louis Huang are upset that one of their son's classmates has posted an online review of their restaurant Cattleman's Ranch that was less than glowing. After asking Phil to take the post down, the Huangs next go to talk to Phil's mom who says that would violate the journalistic integrity they are teaching him from Mother Jones, of all places.
Jessica: Cattleman's Ranch is our livelihood. So you can understand our concern when we found your son's website.
Phil's Mom: Oh, I do understand. I am so sorry about Phillip's review.
Louis: [ Sighs ] Great. So you'll take it down?
Phil's Mom: Oh, no, I can't do that. Phillip's father and I have been teaching him about journalistic integrity from our years working at Mother Jones.
Upholding journalistic integrity is admirable, but pretending it comes from Mother Jones is laughable. I guess that's why this show is a comedy.
This is not the first time Fresh Off the Boat has referenced a liberal news source, but it stands in stark contrast to the time the show hilariously mocked NPR listeners.
