You’ve probably heard by now: the patriarch of Duck Dynasty’s Robertson family, Phil, made some comments about homosexual people and was suspended from the show because of it.
Here’s the original article. Below are the parts including Phil’s statements about homosexual people/behavior.
On immoral behavior in America:
“Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men,” he says. Then he paraphrases Corinthians: “Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers—they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”
On loving people:
“We never, ever judge someone on who’s going to heaven, hell. That’s the Almighty’s job. We just love ’em, give ’em the good news about Jesus—whether they’re homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort ’em out later, you see what I’m saying?”
Now let’s look at what Phil did not say:
1. I hate gay people.
2. Gay people suck.
3. Gay people are sinners.
4. Ew, gay people.
5. Oh yeah. Did I forget to mention that gay people are terrible, horrible, no-good, and very bad?
Despite the fact that Phil did not communicate any of these statements, these are exactly the sentiments that most articles about this issue are conveying. Why? Because if you’re not a gay-rights activist, you’re a gay-hating bigot. Obviously.
You know what? People need to get over that fact that not everyone thinks the same way and has the same opinions.
Especially in the media we’re bombarded with all the things we’re supposed to be tolerant of, with gay marriage/behavior/etc. being one of them. But I think it’s kind of funny how many things the media themselves are not tolerant of:
1. Catholics, Christians, and pretty much any type of religious person
2. People who subscribe to a set of moral standards
3. People who think differently than what society tells you is right
If the media were truly tolerant, a reporter might have said something like “Oh, that’s interesting.” when Phil made him comments. You report it and move on. But that’s not what happened. If A&E were truly tolerant, it wouldn’t even be a possibility in their minds to suspend the head of their most popular show just because he said something they disagree with. But that’s not what happened. If society were truly tolerant, people who don’t believe in gay marriage would not be called bigots and haters. But that’s not what happens.
In a society where we’re constantly told to be tolerant, I find it interesting that A&E responded to this in such an intolerant way. It goes both ways, folks.
What do you think about the matter? Was Phil rude with what he said? Was A&E justified in their decision? Where do you see Duck Dynasty’s future?
A Drop in the Ocean 
This whole thing is kind of a mess honestly. Phil did make some comments which were, one must admit, unfiltered at points. And A&E does have the right to employ whoever they wish provided they deal with the consequences of any broken contracts. But if they’re using this interview and pointing to it as some sort of “hate speech”–that’s just ridiculous. Not to mention Phil talks about the *behavior* as a sin not the person.
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Right. It seems that using this interview as the whole reason behind Phil’s suspension is silly. “Oh you don’t agree with us? You’re so intolerant! Let’s fire you!”. Like really? Tolerance at its finest 😉 Not to mention that it’s a show about his family. You can’t quite fire someone from their family!
Honestly, his words are quite uncensored (as always), but do not at all seem offensive to me. I mean, he didn’t even single out homosexual people: he was talking about a variety of aspects of immorality in America.
I’m very curious to see how this plays out . . .
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A shock that a straight conservative catholic isn’t offended. If heterosexuality and heterosexual acts were included along beastality, alcholism, and terrorism… You do not understand gay people or LGBT persons because you do not know them. You do not try. You fit quite perfectly into your faith and never have to question it from every aspect of who you are, you just lucked out for fitting into the mold.
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Welcome, colormeanew! Nice to see a new face around here. You make a valid point. I’m not offended by people who agree with me. Makes sense if you ask me. However, you make a big assumption by saying I do not try to understand people who are different than me. If you would like to help me understand other people better, I welcome you to do so. Email me at laurasdropintheocean@gmail.com anytime.
The beauty of the Catholic faith is something I know sounds horrible to many people. But the fact is that the Church is taking steps toward being more obviously welcoming to all people. This comes at a cost. Being Christian isn’t easy. Lots of people will try to push you into a mold they think you have to fit. But the awesomeness of being unconditionally loved by a Savior who died for you? Priceless. I’m happy to share more about it if you’re interested.
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