Like most men, a beauty pageant isn't planned TV-watching. It's a program that happens to be on and often becomes background fodder while other things happen about the house.This past Sunday, my attention tuned in briefly to generate surprise at the political questions being hurled at contestants. No question has received more attention than the one asked by celebrity blogger Perez Hilton to Miss California USA Carrie Prejean: "Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalize same-sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit. Why or why not?"Prejean replied: "Well, I think it’s great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. And you know what, in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offence to anybody out there, but that’s how I was raised and that’s how I think it should be - between a man and a woman. Thank you very much."
The disgust on Hilton's face was expected and comical.
For Carrie to have faced adversity on the world's stage isn't surprising. As a Christian, we're promised trials.
2 Corinthians 12:10: "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake:
for when I am weak, then am I strong."
The real question is when we are tested, will we cave and subject to what the world expects and wants or will we stand by our beliefs, principles, and integrities. From her Official Website's Bio: "Carrie lives life to the fullest, and is reminded everyday by the verse Philippians 4:13 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me'."
Reflecting on the question on MSNBC's morning show, she says, "I was ready for my question, and when I heard it from (Perez), I knew at that moment after I'd answered the question, I knew that I was not going to win because of my answer," she said. "Because I had spoken from my heart, for my beliefs and for my God. ... It's not about being politically correct, for me, it's about being Biblically correct."
About Hilton, Prejean says, "I can only say to him that I will be praying for him. I feel sorry for him, I really do. I think he's angry, I think he's hurt."
Former Miss USA Shanna Moakler and now director of the Miss California USA pageant was so angry with Prejean’s answer, she and her business partner refused to greet Prejean after the show. Although every other state pageant director greeted their beauty queen after the live telecast, Moakler did not go backstage nor call Prejean to congratulate her on being first runner-up for Miss USA. Moakler instead sent out this tweet: "I don’t know how you can call a gay man or woman your friend and not want them 2 have the same joys as yourself. In my family we believe in equal rights for all, I am sad and hurt, I agree with Perez 100 [percent]. It's one thing to have an opinion I am very opinionated n have dealt with backlash from it, it's another to alienate people who cared about u."
Geoff Kors, Executive Director of Equality California, says, "It is unfortunate that Miss California, who we note did not win, is so out of touch with the overwhelming majority of people her age that she wants to deny loving, committed couples the rights and dignity that come only with marriage."
She's been called a homophobe, b****, bigot, and likely many other names. Just for having an opinion. The immaturity of some people is underwhelming. Yet, again, these are more evidence of how some have no concept that you can love some one and disagree with their decisions.
For more on my views of gay marriage, read this post.
Carrie, you are rockstar and you have found your hope, love and joy in Jesus Christ. For this, you know the road of life will be filled with those who reject you because they reject Him. I pray for your protection, wisdom, and discernment. Thank you for your witness!
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actually, you fundies should be happy. you got to vote to remove rights from a whole class of citizens because of what you believe and Hilton got to vote against bigotry for what he believes. Works for me. Probably sad to be standing on the wrong side of history though.
ReplyDeleteI know you'll love it that I posted anonymous but how different is that from the support bigot support Prop 8 got.
Ah, Anonymous, and the name calling begins: fundies and bigot. Again, my first issue is with someone having an opinion different than yours. In love, the response should be one of disagreement but why name-call? Why label? Even if someone truly is a bigot or racist - and unless you've spoken at length with that person how would you know - coming out of the gate name-calling is simply childish.
ReplyDeleteFor some people, nothing could make them happier or more at peace then to walk around nude. Yet, there are laws against this behavior and special locations and events exist to accommodate this lifestyle.
Comparing gay marriage to nudists will likely be viewed as absurd but the concept is the same. A nudist could complain their rights are being taken away but they are free to express themselves in a variety of places, just not everywhere.
For homosexuals, civil unions exist as equivalents to marriage. There can be union and the two can live happily ever after, just like the nudist who is free to express without changing laws and without name-calling.
Why does gay marriage bother so many people? Half of all marriages already end in divorce, why not let gay people have a chance to make them work.
ReplyDeleteMr. Garner: Gay marriage doesn't hurt anyone. No-one forces you to marry a man if that contradicts your belief. Why does your particular bible interpretation prevent equality under the law?
ReplyDelete-TV (a heterosexual man)
Great post and I fully agree. The gay/lesbian "community" is by far the most intolerant group of people in America; yet, they DEMAND we tolerate them, so much so, that they harrass prop 8 supporters, and go on hate-filled bashing binges towards Carrie Prejean. I'm getting so sick and tired of these people thinking they can bully everyone else into conforming to their beliefs. They want us to accept and support their lifestyles, even if they have to bully, intimidate, and harrass us in order to get what they want. They call us intolerant and don't see the hypocrisy in their own lives because they tolerate no one other than people who agree with and support them.
ReplyDeleteJohn and TV-California, for me it's no more complex that trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Marriage is defined as between male and female. Unions are between same sexes. Making this issue an equality of rights law is like trying to compare this to all people having the right to vote. Everyone should have that right, regardless of their race, sex, creed, or whatever. Voting is a process of casting a ballot for or against an issue. It has a specific definition. Marriage has a definition, too, and needs no redefining.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, perfectly written.
Society's evolve, some definitions in society need to evolve with the times. If two men or two women are committed to each other, what's the harm in letting them marry?
ReplyDeleteAnd one could say the times are all about doing stuff that makes people happy. Why one anyone want to snuff someone's happiness? Some people's happiness is driving off road...but everyone cannot drive off road all the time. Some people date office workers and have office affairs...but there are harassment rules at most businesses to prevent such from being rampant.
ReplyDeleteTwo examples just to say that it's impossible to make EVERYONE happy and nor should we try. There are square pegs and round holes for a reason. Rarely is it worth shaving the square peg to fit the round hole because what is loss isn't worth what is gained.
It's about finding other methods that are more loving and productive for everyone involved.
She certainly has an opinion. Though a severely uneducated opinion. Sounds like she slept through both science and civil law...
ReplyDeleteSo, Anonymous, millions are uneducated because we have a different opinion? Interesting. What does science (we're talking about gay marriage, not homosexuality) and civil law (which in most states recognizes marriage has husband and wife) have to do with gay marriage?
ReplyDeleteCarrie ~ You are a beautiful person both inside and out. It takes a special person to stand up on that stage and stand-up for your beliefs. Others should follow your example. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteCarlene Balickie
Pennsylvania
Miss California gave her opinion to the question. Her answer doesn't make it right or wrong. She gave an honest answer, and she paid dearly for it. I always taught my kids to be honest. I don't have anything against gay marriage nor do I have any agains 3 people wanted to get married because they are in love. Where would it end. Why can we just stick to the old tradition.
ReplyDeleteCarlene, exactly! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, thanks for sharing. Integrity is something in short supply today. It took integrity to share an honest answer and one that would be controversial. However, this answer wouldn't be so controversial if we as a society stopped allowing so much gray in the world. Some things are "black and white" or "right and wrong" but if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything. Compromise is good some of the time but not all of the time.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Perez Hilton for asking such a timely question.
ReplyDeleteIt speaks volumes about where we are today as a society.
Unfortunately for you and your perverted cause it backfired!
Millions of people more accurately realize today where we are heading with our tolerance of liberalism. It not enough to allow people like you to pursue their happiness, they also insist we join in. Then like an overflowing septic tank the whole yard is eventually contaminated.
Who knows how many young children are asking questions today because of your mistake Perez. They may even start questioning the indoctrinations they are receiving from the public schools and see the truth. Because of you many "same sex" unions will never happen!
It was obvious to America that you were requesting an endorsement of your lifestyle on national TV. Instead you were cleverly defeated by a very wholesome young lady with grace and poise. If only you had known she had such a lethal weapon (the truth) you could have avoided this confrontation.
Well written, Anonymous. It's clear to me this was an agenda and publicity stunt.
ReplyDeleteGood old Red Neck Rick from Jackson, Mississippi blogs away his outdated views of constitutional rights for all Americans. Dude, your KKK attitude is so offensive to this straight American. Bet you would have no problem taking a fire hose to gays and lesbians to "cleanse" them of their wicked ways.
ReplyDeleteHistory will show you are as racist as your relatives that denied equality to black people.
History will show you are so wrong on this subject. Sorry...but times have changed and so should you.
Gays and Lesbians are human beings simply asking for the same rights as we "straights" enjoy. If two people are in love and want to enjoy the same benefits given through marriage....why deny it through your religious justification defining marriage between a man and a woman?
Stop the hating....can't we all just get along for Christ's sake!
Ah, true class, Anonymous. You begin your note with name-calling and pepper it with libelous phrases. Perhaps you're a Democrat as well?
ReplyDeleteI'm always so moved when someone "writes big" and doesn't reveal their name.
I am from Jackson, Mississippi, and I am very proud to have grown up there and call it home, although I live in Maryland now.
Funny thing about history, people always seem to believe it will rake some people and events over the coals and sometimes perspective sheds a different light.
Yes, times have changed. Our society is more concerned about pleasing and beautifying self, feeling happy, and making money. We have little room or concern for God.
My explanation for support of traditional marriage went beyond Biblical. I shared the silliness of trying to force a concept to apply to a minority for the sake of inclusiveness.
I have several friends who are homosexual and they are certainly human beings. I love them but disagree with their choices which isn't unlike disagreeing with a friend's choice in a girlfriend or boyfriend. You can still be friends and love them but disagree with their choice. This is such a foreign concept to our immature, microwaved, and liberal media-fed society.
As for hating, Anonymous, it would seem you wear that label. I stated my beliefs and why I have them. You, however, called me a "red neck" and compared me to the Klu Klux Klan.
All people will never get along as long as sin exists in this world and it will until Jesus returns. We seize to get along when we are intolerant of another's opinion or beliefs.
My favorite thing about those who obsess about gay marriage is that, they in some way love it as much as they hate it.
ReplyDeleteIn the end though, Rick Garner, you have no right to impose your fascism on American life. The rights the constitution offers in spirit applies to all, not to some. Gay marriage will come to pass and it will triumph over ignorance.
"Freedom is merely privilege extended if not enjoyed by one and all."
The downfall of the "American" way of protestant fundamentalism is coming. Less and Less Americans are Christian fanatics.
Your small minded and narcissistic views of the world will fall. Equality and justice will reign over your ignorant and pathetic ramblings, which are no better than the scribble in truck stop stalls.
Interesting take, Anonymous. You're assuming that I love gay marriage because of the discussion going on here. Fascinating. I'm a fascist? Ignorant? Small minded? Narcissistic? Pathetic?
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks for taking the time to issue such wonderful labels!
What I enjoy so much is how more than half of your comment is more "hate-speak" than my traditional marriage support. Yet, again, all you can do is remain in the shadows (my name and Carrie have our names attached to our beliefs) and hurl insults. It's also fascinating how my calm, conservative view is looked upon as fanatical.
It's equally fascinating that those who support gay marriage are more apt to attack others verbally and physically (including storming churches and disrupting services) than to allow others to have a different opinion.
Here we go with the failed argument that purports "I have an opinion" therefore I am "right." Ya, Nazis had an opinion and so did MLK, one was barbaric while the other freed many. The question is the merit of the opinion not merely having one. You can enshroud your bigotry under the cloak of broad shield of the First Amendment, God-Told-Me, and I am holier than thou mantra, but it doesn't change the fact that your stance is a discriminatory one and nor should I have any respect for you because you simply have an opinion.
ReplyDeleteGovernment should provide a broad civil union for any two consenting adults and religion or lack thereof, a.k.a. church, mosque, temple, "My Religion," etc., under its own constitutional protection, should label such union "marriage."
Aria, by your own words you "have an opinion" and you are claiming to be "right." The difference is that your opinion isn't based on over 2000 years of history. I lean towards if it isn't broke, why fix it? In this case, the intent and definition of marriage isn't broke.
ReplyDeleteWhat continually amazes me is how those who support traditional marriage aren't targeting by name for harassment, yet those who support gay marriage continue to show a blatant form of bigotry: http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=511306