http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-big-gay-storm-threatens.html
The Big Gay Storm Threatens
By Eric Steinman
There are big polemic and polarizing issues out there, that demand either advocacy or opposition. Things like tax reform, climate change, and civil rights are some prime examples of divisive topics that will easily send calm and collected individuals on an unyielding diatribe that will, at worst ignite plumes of hatred and resentment, and at best be cause for discomfort and effectively break up what was once a convivial dinner party. Gay marriage happens to be one of those issues.
To come right out and say it, I support gay marriage. Much in the same way I support the right of clouds to move effortlessly through the sky, ice to melt into pools of water, and chocolate to be dark and/or milky brown (for the record I think white chocolate is an abomination against god). In short, I think the right of consenting adults to marry is a veritable no-brainer (regardless of gender or sexual orientation), and can’t imagine wasting my energy trying to think up reasons why this right should be relinquished or even challenged.
I have followed the recent developments on the subject with the passage of Proposition 8 in California, as well as the recent victories of gay rights advocates in both Iowa and Vermont, and am encouraged by the possibility of change through straightforward political action. To characterize my mood about the general movement towards equality, I would have to say it would be something like composed sanguinity. And then along comes a commercial that is so misdirected, manipulative, hateful, and dishonest that all that composed sanguinity that was casually pinned to my lapel becomes a raging pendulous mace ready to smite my enemies.
The National Organization for Marriage (NOM), a conservative religious group in heavy opposition to gay marriage, is running a television advertisement titled the “Gathering Storm” as an effort to rally and recruit an online army of two million gay marriage opponents willing to blather and bellow to anyone listening. Now, I have railed against ads in the past when they have been cynical, dishonest, and manipulative, but this particular advertisement has shaken me out of my passive state of composed sanguinity and moved me towards rabid activism against NOM and in favor of gay marriage anytime and anywhere.
I encourage you to view the ad yourself and make up your own mind (and feel free to use the space below to voice your opinion), but to summarize, the advertisement taps into a particular fear that says, by allowing gay marriage to occur, straight Americans everywhere will have their rights supremely violated. In this advertisement, actors stand in for real Americans as cheesy superimposed clouds and lightning gather in the distance (likely the electrical hellfire that are the nuptial-crazed gay masses) as each actor makes declarations like “My freedom will be taken away” and “Those advocates of gay marriage want to change the way I live.” Now, I empathize with (not respect nor understand) people who are not on board with gay marriage and feel uneasy about the definition of marriage changing to include everyone, and I have no reason to want these people to feel uncomfortable or disenfranchised. However, I have no regard and little patience for political and activist groups that are willing to feed on fear and ignorance in a self-serving effort to impede the rights of others while spreading misinformation and fueling intolerance.
But really–enough of my yakking. After viewing this advertisement and taking into account everything you know, believe, and trust, do you feel a message like this adds anything to the public debate? Is there value here? If there needs to be a voice of dissent regarding gay marriage, shouldn’t it be more constructive, and scrupulous?
More from Eric Steinman (135 articles available)
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
80 comments
add your comment »web günlüğü
Wordpress tema tasarım
Wordpress tema
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
For those intolerant, narrow minded, bigoted people who perpetuate hatred toward Christians (or Gays), keep in mind that you are part of the exact same problem that you are attempting to speak out against. I am a Christian that goes to a Christian church that not only supports the Pride parade here in San Diego, but has two gay pastors. They are spreading the love that Christ stood for. He did not spread lies and attack others. Please educate yourself.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
I find it very sad to be listening to this debate in the year 2009. Why, can anyone tell me, are so many humans so determined to have a "group" to HATE?? It makes me wish there was a country to go to where people can be free to choose to live their own lives, make their own choices, practice their own religions and love who they want to love. Oh, wait...wasn't that supposed to be HERE in the USA? Didn't our ancestors come here to be free to do those exact things?
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
JOIN the GREEN PARTY
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
thanks...you...
Kabin
Konteyner
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Real Christianity is NOT a religion. It is a relationship with Jesus Christ.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Mark W. what decade are you living in? I know several married couples (i.e. man/woman) who have absolutely no intention of EVER having children. Are their marriages any less meaningful? By your estimation, I suppose they are. What about married couples who CAN'T have children? And what about all of the unmarried people who are out there who are popping out kids left and right with various partners? Does that make their relationships more valid than my gay cousin and his partner's 25 year monogamous relationship?
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
I cannot believe that this advertisement was allowed to be aired! If this isn't inciting hatred then I don't know what is! Oh yeah, but it's "christians" so it must be ok!
From the two groups mentioned in this ad (G+L and christians), the only group who are likely to have an negative impact on our lives are the christians.
They are people who plainly state that part of their mission is to convert everyone else to their way of life.
How many gay people make it their business to force (by any means. E.g, fear, hatred, emotional blackmail) all those around them to be like them?
How many gay people do you see having demonstrations because a straight couple are getting married?
How many gay people do you hear screaming outside schools because they disagree with what is being taught inside?
Few if any! Shame the same can't be said for "christians"
Organised religion has no business poking it's nose into peoples lives unless they are invited!
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
I feel that this TV commercial is extremely offensive and hateful. First of all, have these groups ever heard of separation of church and state? It is your right to practice your religion, but it is not your right to impose it on others. Secondly, I feel that when people say "g+l couples shouldn't get married because it's impossible to reproduce" that is an invalid argument. What about the straight couples who have fertility issues, or couples who choose not to have children..should these couples also be denied marriage? Marriage is about LOVE.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
My sister in law is gay, Jerian and her partner have a child. This child is lucky enough to have two loving parents. I'm proud of them and my newphew. They are all very happy. If they choice to get married I will be with them on their special day! I don't want any one telling me who I or can't marry. That is a personal choice. Donna is Newport VA
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: