Phil Robertson. Duck Dynasty. I can honestly say I’ve never really watched the show besides an episode or two, or had the desire to. Mr. Robertson is entitled to his first amendment rights, just like anyone else. A&E is entitled to make business decisions however it pleases (as is any company, even if we disagree). I don’t so much have an issue with a celebrity speaking his or her mind on an issue, but those people also know the can of worms they are opening when they make public comments, whether that’s an issue for them or not.
As others have said, I do not agree with his opinion – particularly not the rather vulgar, crude and inflammatory way in which he said it (the writer at GQ is also vulgar and crude in his writing of this article, as another friend pointed out) – but I also feel that celebrities are people who can say what they want to say. I think his comments about homosexuals were horrible, particularly in how he characterized and grouped them with other groups in his quotes. But, they were his comments, and he is responsible for them (and, in a weird way, I respect him for not walking back from his statements, even though I disagree with and find them abhorrent).
People can choose to support a brand, store or show – or, conversely, not support it. For example, I choose to not eat at Chick-Fil-A. I’m sure their chicken is good (I had it once a long time ago, so I doubt this, but anywho…), but I’ve made the choice not to support them, as measly as my support would be. I choose to watch HBO shows. Not everyone will share that support, because perhaps it’s against THEIR values.
There are people who will say Mr. Robertson’s words are not controversial, that he was just stating his opinion. I can understand part of that. However, as we can see, these words were hurtful to a great number of people, and I can also understand that. I consider this recent controversy (it is what it is, sorry for those of you who think it’s not) an opportunity for us to listen to others’ viewpoints, and RESPECTFULLY share our thoughts on the matter if we are compelled. Rhetoric isn’t good for anyone, but a good debate can be.
Here is the link to the article at GQ for context and so readers can reach their own opinions and conclusions: http://www.gq.com/entertainment/television/201401/duck-dynasty-phil-robertson.
The World According to Luke 