Chick-fil-a Boycott… Anti-Gay, or Pro Freedom Of Speech?
Written by: Chris McNutt
Recent comments made by Chick-fil-a President Dan Cathy on his support for “traditional” marriage has people in an uproar. Additionally, donation records show that he has donated $2million dollars to prominent anti-gay groups, which has people in a further stir. Liberals and self proclaimed “progressives” are out-raged by his views and have claimed that Chick-fil-a is a discriminatory organization that is impeding social progress. Liberal mayors of certain cities like Chicago and Boston have vowed to not let Chick-fil-a expand their operations in their cities. Other gay-rights groups have even planned kissing protests outside of their restaurants. Folks from the right are saying they are being unfairly criticized as hateful and anti-gay, just because they do not agree on the issue of marriage.
This issue has spawned an argument of pro-gay marriage and tolerance versus those who are proponents of free speech and in support of marriage between one man and one woman. What is more important? Social tolerance, or freedom of speech?
As of yesterday, it seems as though there are more people in support of Chick-fil-a than against it. Tens of thousands – if not millions – of people stormed Chick-fil-a stores nation-wide on Wednesday to show their support for the chain over the controversial issue.
Is this Chick-fil-a fiasco really as big of a deal as people are making it out to be? I recently reached out to one of my gay friends to get his perspective on the issue. What he has to say may surprise all of you and, hopefully, change the way you think about the subject:
I believe private companies have the right to donate money to whom they deem fit; the government should not dictate to where or to whom an organization gives its money.
Companies operate in a free market system here in the US, so they are held accountable for their actions by their patrons and or shareholders, not the government. Organizations often donate to causes they feel share their beliefs and donate to organizations that lobby for legislation that will affect the way they operate. To say an organization does not have a say in government policy is poppy cock. So, to me, these people who say that companies need to stay out of government policy don’t know how government works. I believe if an officer of a company holds a certain belief and believes his or her company should be operated a certain way, it is their prerogative, as long as it is not violating the rights of any American Citizen.
It is, however, disheartening that Chic-Fil-a chooses to donate to groups which proliferate hate. This speaks to the mindset of leadership of the company, but if one does not agree with the message that they stand for, then they do not have to patronize Chic-Fil-a. Everyone always has something to say about some company, they can never do anything right. For example, let’s look at Wal-Mart… People may say that they hate Wal-Mart, but those same people are the first in line on black Friday to get a deal for a flat screen. If you don’t believe in what a company stands for, simply don’t shop there.
It’s been no secret that in the past CFA supported the anti-gay movement, but for some reason, now it’s a big deal because of one comment. I do hope in the future that CFA changes it’s practices and becomes more tolerant of those in society, even if it doesn’t mesh with their beliefs. It would not only be good for their PR but for their bottom line. I’m sure you’re wondering if I have been to CFA since this incident and the answer is yes, yes I have. I love their chicken! I may not believe in what they stand for, but damn they make some good chicken.
Here is what comedian John Stewart has to say on the topic:
Category: F.T.P. Blog
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