Who the Duck Cares?

Chiming in on the Phil Robertson Duck Dynasty issue, I have to say I'm a bit confused.




Phil (and his sons, and their wives, and their children) are often heard on the show referencing their Christian beliefs. The last time I checked (and please do correct me if I'm off base here), the majority of Christian denominations (and variations of other organized religions as well, I might add) believe that homosexuality is an abominable sin that will keep you locked out of heaven for all eternity. They think homosexuality is wrong and disgusting. So, why, when Phil Robertson voices these views does he get suspended? I'm pretty sure everyone in his family has similar beliefs about homosexuality, so why not cancel the show altogether?

As long as he isn't actively treating anyone with disrespect, him merely voicing the beliefs of his faith doesn't seem to be cause for ostracism. Though I do disagree with his viewpoint and wish he had a more compassionate view of concepts like 'God' and 'Christianity', I can't fault him for speaking his mind.

Concerning the comments about racism in the south, I don't see what all the hoopla is about there either. He stated that he didn't see the African-Americans that he worked with ever complain or be mistreated. There are a couple of ways this can be true.

 

 

First off, let's just say he were a huge flaming racist bigot. Fine. If that were the case, if there were any (what many of us slightly less racist folks would consider) mistreatment or disrespect taking place, can't you understand that he might not see it as that? For example, those who use corporal punishment when disciplining their children will probably answer the question "Do you mistreat your child?" with a resounding "No" because they honestly believe they are simply treating the child as they are supposed to be treated when they are misbehaving or being disobedient. So, maybe he saw race-motivated mistreatment, but didn't see it as that because that's the way "they" were supposed to be treated anyway.

Another option is that maybe he really did work with people who (though they may have had plenty to complain about that Phil didn't witness with is own eyes) simply did not voice their sufferings while in the presence of Phil because he was White. So, his experience with them may have very well been that they seemed happy, or at least content, with their lot in life.

I don't know that Phil was saying that there was no racism or mistreatment of African-Americans anywhere, he was just stating a fact: He never saw it / interpreted it as that. Call him aloof, call him naïve, but he can be both of those things and his statement still stands as truth.

Imagine if someone asked you, "Have you ever witnessed a German person murder a Jewish person?" My (and most people's) answer to this question would be "No." However, that doesn't mean that we're saying the Holocaust didn't take place because we weren't actually there to witness it. If someone interpreted your answer that way, you'd probably be pretty pissed. I can imagine Phil might feel the same way right now.

I think it's fascinating how people are reacting to these comments and this situation. I'm curious to see how it will all unfold. Will his family rally behind him and quit the show? Will he be reinstated after threats from viewers to stop watching? Would any of the hardcore fans actually stop watching the show?

Time will tell.

Leave comments below. I'd love to hear your thoughts.