I've been trying so very, very hard to hold my tongue when it comes to "the Chick-fil-a thing" that the entire social media universe has been up in arms about for weeks now. I've merely resorted to silently expressing my opinion by doing what I do anytime anything majorly political happens: de-friending anyone who says/posts something that offends me. Childish? Sure. Effective? Absolutely.
Now. I'm fairly sure I've read just about every opinion you can possibly have about Chick-fil-a, from "they do so much good for families" to "damn, I loved their food..." to my personal favorite, a meme featuring Captain Picard asking "Why the fuck does a fast food chain get to have an opinion on same sex marriage?". Cheers, Picard. I agree.
I won't give my personal stance, though I'm sure you all smart enough to figure it out. However, I've seen one to many blatantly ignorant posts to be able to resist just this one little blogpost.
Many of my facebook "peers" (and I place the term in quotes because while it refers to those my age, I no longer consider us intellectually or morally equal) have helpfully pointed out that this is America, and by God, isn't the beautiful thing about America the fact that everyone, including a man who has built his fortune on a mountain of waffle fries and spicy poultry on a bun, has the right to an opinion and a right to act accordingly, so long as they remain within the law. Cool, go America. He can parade through every one of this franchises proclaiming the glory of god, and continue to donate the profits he makes on America's addiction to his sandwiches to any anti-gay organization he wants. That is his right. Yes, facebook (ex)friends, you are correct. And no, I don't suppose we should be shocked that a profoundly "Christian" man feels this way. Two points for you.
But.
What so many people I used to hold in fairly high esteem are failing to realize is perhaps the most blatant fallacy of all: The same beautiful country that grants Chick-fil-a the right to deny employment to homosexuals, and to boast to the world verbally and financially that they do not approve of homosexuality also does not recognize homosexual men and women as a legitimate group victimized by discrimination, or even deserving of basic human rights. The same nation's laws that protect Chick-fil-a's rights are blind to many of the struggles homosexual couples and individuals face. Chick-fil-a is entitled to their opinion and is free to act as they do because this form of sexual discrimination isn't even recognized under the law as discrimination. So sure, don't blame Chick-fil-a for voicing their opinion. Blame the nation that allows some individuals to be more equal than others.
Didn't catch that reference? Shame on you.
Look at it this way. If Burger King decided they weren't going to hire anyone of African American descent, and gave millions each year to fund KKK meetings and rallies, the nation would be up in arms with rage. The injustice, the discrimination! Furthermore, even the most racist southern inbreds would have to concede, for our national laws prevent such blatant discrimination.
"But hey, that's not fair!" cries the reverent Christian. "Being black isn't a choice!"
You're right. It's not. But, being religious is.
Imagine Susie Biblethumper walks into Pizza Hut looking for a job. They say, "helllllllll no, we won't hire us any religious freaks here! Get your Jesus-lovin' white ass outta here!" That Pizza Hut and its manager would be leveled within minutes, with the corporate president nailed to a cross in front of its grease stained ashes. Now, even if this rejection only resulted in a mild protest, the laws of our great nation would still protect Susie. Susie chose to be a Christian, but religious discrimination is a legally recognized and forbidden form of discrimination.
So yes. Continue to eat your waffle fries dipped in those brilliant little ketchup contraptions in peace, whether you agree with Chick-fil-a's stance or not. But please, for the love of all things good in the world, stop harping on the fact that everyone has the right to an opinion, when clearly, everyone does not.
