Be Tolerant, Just Not of That Guy

Double standards make me laugh.  Those who beat the drum of acceptance, but fail to accept others when their opinions differ are a huge part of the problem in this country.  Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson gave an interview to GQ magazine and now he has been "indefinitely suspended" from being on the program for remarks he made regarding homosexuality.  The ridiculousness of this whole story is astounding.

I wholeheartedly agree with a comment Phil made in the article.

"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?"

However, that comment is NOT at all being mentioned in all of the vitriol aimed at the patriarch of the Duck Dynasty family.

Why?  Well, because these days, people cherry-pick parts of stories and conversations, in an effort to "stir the pot" of controversy.  Plain and simple, controversy sells--almost as well as sex.  This cherry-picking happens on all sides--liberal, conservative, atheist, religious, you name it.

I feel qualified to comment on this particular topic, because I have a close relative who is openly gay.  His sexual orientation doesn't make me love him any less, nor do I judge him for it.  Just as Robertson said, it's not my place to judge.  Nor is it in my genetic make-up to turn my back on any human in need--whether homosexual or heterosexual.

But now, because this reporter inquired about some topics that he was seeking to get the Duck Commander's opinion on--knowing full well that he would get an earful--A & E, the network that airs "Duck Dynasty," has indefinitely suspended Robertson for his comments.

Do you honestly believe that A & E really didn't know what Phil's opinions were on this particular topic?  I knew, even before GQ magazine published the article.  Anyone who has watched the show can connect the dots for where Phil Robertson's thoughts lie on most subjects, based upon his demeanor and comments made on the program.

What many probably DIDN'T know, was that Phil believes it's not for him to judge, as illustrated in the quote above from the article.  No where in that interview, does Phil say that he wants to "take action against homosexuals."  He merely doesn't agree with the lifestyle.  And when asked about a subject, isn't he entitled to his opinion?

Further, why have we become a society that cannot tolerate opinions?  

If you don't like someone's take on something, you're more than welcome to offer an opposing opinion and have a dialogue about it or even ignore it all together.  But dropping a hammer of punishment for expressing an opinion?  I think it's out of control and incredibly one-sided.

Schools preach about tolerance and acceptance, but yet, we fail to illustrate that the knife needs to cut both ways.  We should be tolerant of EVERYONE who has a differing opinion other than our own, not just those high profile differences, like being gay or lesbian or have a different skin color than our own.  For every acceptance of "pro" there should be a tolerance for a "con."

Perhaps we're all too worried about sexual orientation and skin color, when in reality we should be more concerned with the thickness of our own skin--or lack thereof.  It is NOT for us to judge.  In this day and age, we as a society, are way too sensitive.

I challenge everyone to practice biting their tongue or sitting on their hands for a good five minutes before speaking or typing a retort to something someone says or writes that offends you.  I always ask myself, "What will this accomplish?" prior to responding.  It forces me to think things through before acting.  If I had a nickel for every time I typed something out on Facebook and eventually backspaced and chose not to post a comment, I'd be one rich woman.  

People are going to have opinions.  It's actually a right we have in this country.  Bananas, huh? You are going to have a different opinion from time to time with others.  We are that proverbial melting pot.  So whether you think someone's an asshat for their opinion or you completely agree with them, those differences are what makes this country the best place to live.  Diversity is not one-sided.

You don't have to agree with Phil Robertson, but you should respect his right to speak his opinion.  Whether or not you think it makes him look foolish or smart, it shouldn't matter, as we ALL have the right to our opinions.

In the end, with regard to this particular topic, we're all just helping create more buzz for GQ magazine and the A & E Network, and isn't that what they wanted anyway?  Congratulations, like me, you just became a part of a viral marketing campaign and they're laughing all the way to the bank.  Insert golf clap here.