Truth, Justice, and a Chicken Sandwich
I have been following the controversy about the comments made by Truett Cathey with interest.
He, of course, is the founder of ChikFilA, and as such he is a prominent figure in this country. He is known for his strong Christian values, and as a result he does not open his stores on Sunday. He supports the communities in which his stores are located by employing many young people and by giving money to their schools. He also gives many scholarships to deserving high school students who otherwise may not have the opportunity to attend college. All of this is merely background information here, and probably not necessary for most readers.
Mr. Cathey recently spoke out about his personal moral beliefs about the institution of marriage, saying that he supports the traditional Christian belief that marriage is between one man and woman, and therefore he is against gay marriage. This stand has caused a huge controversy that has aroused the ire of both sides of the issue.
My comments here will not be to support or to attack either side of the issue. My concern is over the manner in which both sides have expressed their opinions as those expressions represent a far deeper issue.
As I observed in an earlier blog, many of the world’s problems are the result of our clinging to our sense of ego, emotion, and appetites. In this particular issue, the overwhelming expression of emotion on both sides leaves very little room for a rational discourse on the issues at hand.
I just watched the 1968 film 2001: Space Odyssey, Stanley Kubrick’s film treatment of Arthur C. Clarke’s novel. The novel and the film depict the development of the human race (or evolution to use the hot-button term). The opening of the film depicts two groups of hominids competing for food and water. In one scene they face off against one another over a puddle of water which both groups want. The members of both groups scream at one another, gesturing wildly, rolling in the dirt, and attempting to intimidate the members of the other group. Eventually, one group (as the result of an extraterrestrial object that stimulates their brains through a monolith) develops the ability to use large bones as weapons. That group then attacks members of the other group. What follows is apparently the first example of genocide as the one group is eliminated as inferior.
That scene reminds me of the two groups who are either side of the chicken-sandwich controversy. The possibility of rational discourse in supplanted by the irrational rants. People rely on emotion rather than intellect to express the feelings of each group. Neither side is willing to listen to the opinions of the other side or to give any credence to their stance. Mr. Cathey, of course, has a constitutional right to express his ideas. That fact has been indicated repeatedly. The other side of the issue has the same right. I am reminded of an oft-quoted statement by Voltaire: “I could not disagree more with your opinion, but I would die for your right to express it.”
The issue represents a far more profound problem in the world overall. Whether the issue is one of politics, religion, economics, or social concerns, too often people resort to emotion rather to intellect to express their feelings. Those emotional expressions become increasingly heated, and in some cases lead to violence. Most of the wars (include the present conflicts) are the result of overheated emotions. Both sides are unwilling to listen to the other. Each side believes “In order for me to be right, the other side has to be wrong.” Such absolutes make any resolution of issues impossible. Each group demonizes the other. We see that attitude in the Middle Eastern conflicts. Western attitudes tend to depict Muslims as radical extremists incapable of rationality (“The only way to stop them is to kill them.”). And apparently, some of the Muslim groups have similar feelings. With both sides screaming and gesticulating at one another like hominids over a water hole, no rational conclusion is possible.
The human race is capable of rational, calm discussions of issues. People do have a right to their beliefs, opinions, and feelings. But those rights extend to both sides of any issue. Until we can come to that acceptance, people will continue to feel anger, disrespect, and hatred for others. In our world the weapons may be IED’s or thermonuclear devices instead of sticks or bones. (I saw a bumper sticker that said, “War does not prove who’s right, only who’s left.”) Killing one group may lead to the annihilation of the race.
I want to close with another film reference (Anyone who knows me knows that I refer to movies frequently because they tend to reflect our culture’s opinions and attitudes). In The Empire Strikes Back, when Luke asks Yoda how he will recognize the Dark Side, Yoda tells him, “You will know when your mind is calm, at peace, passive.” He also warns Luke against hatred and anger because they lead to the Dark Side. It seems to me that those are wise words that all of us could take to heart. The Bible says, “A soft voice turneth away wrath.” Perhaps we should speak more quietly to one another, listen to one another, and respect one another. And then we can have a chicken sandwich for lunch without turning it into a moral issue.
I'm afraid you might have misunderstood the reasons why LGBT people and their supporters have a problem with Chick-fil-A. It's not about Cathy's views. He certainly has a right to them, to speak publicly about them, and to give his money where he wants to. Our problem isn't his beliefs about God and marriage, our problem is that he gives part of his profits to groups that work to prevent gays from living the same kinds of lives that everyone else does. Some of the groups he supports provide "conversion therapy," and some exist solely to keep gays from having legal rights concerning taxes, adoptions, custody, and other issues. Furthermore, the incredible outpouring of support CFA has received here in the South in the past couple of weeks continue to erode at the self-esteem of young gay people who are trying to reconcile who they are with families, friends, and communities that keep telling them they're not okay.
ReplyDeleteHe has a right to his opinion and his supporters have a right to eat all the chicken they can. I choose not to spend my money there. Some people see that as persecusion of Christianity. I see it as MY freedom of speech.
Jan, I support gay marriage and equal rights, regardless of gender orientation or any other quality or trait. I do understand your position with regard to how Chick-fil-A spends money supporting anti-gay programs and policies. I have seen the effects of society's prejudices on students and friends who are the victims of those prejudices. I wish that people could see beyond their own narrow views and beliefs to understand the real hurt they do to others in expressing their own attitudes. I support your freedom of speech and expression as you oppose the bigotry of others. My blog was an attempt to ask everybody to be less emotional and more accepting and rational in their responses to others. Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I do appreciate it, and you.
ReplyDeleteAll i have to say is AMEN TO THAT! Could not have said it better myself... but to add to it i would like to add "May the force be with you"
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