Duck Dynasty

[pshsx1]

I read a post from a former Facebook friend (defriended his ass quick) that explained how Christians are being discriminated against and how liberals are being racist toward white people.

lololololol

[ASTalumna06]

I keep wondering why everyone wasn't yelling "Free speech!" when the whole Paula Deen thing went down. Is Robertson more likeable, and therefore, he should get a pass?

[ThetaPrincess24]

Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from ramifications or ruffled feathers from what you say or how you choose to say it, whether one agrees with what was said or not. This family has a show on A&E. A&E is a private corporation as far as I know. Right, wrong, ridiculous, justified, or whatever, they have the right to air or suspend whatever from their network for whatever reason they like. I really don't look at it anymore than a business decision...and with any business decision there are both positive and negative consequences to the decision.

I say let the market decide. If people want to watch or boycott the show, let the people/viewers decide. If people want to watch or boycott A&E, let the people/viewers decide the fate. It isn't like there aren't other channels out there to watch. A&E will figure out what to do later if it hurts their bottom line and likewise for the Robertson Family.

As for the show itself, I would be shocked if the family does not stick together along the lines of, 'ban one of us and you ban us all" or something like that. The show is so enormously popular despite what was said, that I think other networks would be in line to pick them up should things not work out with A&E. Will it be popular on another network? Again, let the market/viewers decide.

On a different note, it bothers me a bit that this is such big news. No one would give a flip what he said if he wasn't on TV. I'd rather see more newsworthy stories--like the grossly under-reported issues of human trafficking (sex & labor) going on in the U.S., or how the government abuses its power every day and has been for decades, unnecessary excessive force from police, military benefits going down the toilet, etc.--a.k.a. real problems/issues. Or, maybe report on some feel good stories for this time of year of people helping other people/putting others first before themselves.

Just my opinion.

[pshsx1]

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

I keep wondering why everyone wasn't yelling "Free speech!" when the whole Paula Deen thing went down. Is Robertson more likeable, and therefore, he should get a pass?

Also, it's different when a man says it versus when a woman says it.

Paula Deen says something racist, she's a bigot and a bitch.

Duck dude says something, he's a champion of morals and truth.

:|

[candygirl200413]

Originally Posted by ThetaPrincess24

Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from ramifications or ruffled feathers from what you say or how you choose to say it, whether one agrees with what was said or not. This family has a show on A&E. A&E is a private corporation as far as I know. Right, wrong, ridiculous, justified, or whatever, they have the right to air or suspend whatever from their network for whatever reason they like. I really don't look at it anymore than a business decision...and with any business decision there are both positive and negative consequences to the decision.

I say let the market decide. If people want to watch or boycott the show, let the people/viewers decide. If people want to watch or boycott A&E, let the people/viewers decide the fate. It isn't like there aren't other channels out there to watch. A&E will figure out what to do later if it hurts their bottom line and likewise for the Robertson Family.

As for the show itself, I would be shocked if the family does not stick together along the lines of, 'ban one of us and you ban us all" or something like that. The show is so enormously popular despite what was said, that I think other networks would be in line to pick them up should things not work out with A&E. Will it be popular on another network? Again, let the market/viewers decide.

On a different note, it bothers me a bit that this is such big news. No one would give a flip what he said if he wasn't on TV. I'd rather see more newsworthy stories--like the grossly under-reported issues of human trafficking (sex & labor) going on in the U.S., or how the government abuses its power every day and has been for decades, unnecessary excessive force from police, military benefits going down the toilet, etc.--a.k.a. real problems/issues. Or, maybe report on some feel good stories for this time of year of people helping other people/putting others first before themselves.

Just my opinion.

Agree with everything you said to a T!

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

I keep wondering why everyone wasn't yelling "Free speech!" when the whole Paula Deen thing went down. Is Robertson more likeable, and therefore, he should get a pass?

Some of her supporters did try the Freedom of Speech thing just as with Chik-Fil-A. I think the Chik-Fil-A thing is more similar to the Duck Dynasty situation. Paula Deen's supporters said she was being unfairly persecuted and presumed guilty. They also said that some of the things she believes are just part of her upbringing.

Originally Posted by ThetaPrincess24

As for the show itself, I would be shocked if the family does not stick together along the lines of, 'ban one of us and you ban us all" or something like that. The show is so enormously popular despite what was said, that I think other networks would be in line to pick them up should things not work out with A&E. Will it be popular on another network? Again, let the market/viewers decide.

On a different note, it bothers me a bit that this is such big news. No one would give a flip what he said if he wasn't on TV. I'd rather see more newsworthy stories--like the grossly under-reported issues of human trafficking (sex & labor) going on in the U.S., or how the government abuses its power every day and has been for decades, unnecessary excessive force from police, military benefits going down the toilet, etc.--a.k.a. real problems/issues. Or, maybe report on some feel good stories for this time of year of people helping other people/putting others first before themselves.

Just my opinion.

There was talk of the entire family no longer doing the show. We shall see

Of course we are hearing so much about this because of fame just as he was interviewed for GQ because of fame. That goes without saying. But it isn't true that no one would care if it wasn't for fame. Fewer people knowing about something doesn't mean those who do know will not respond. Non-famous people get responded to or punished everyday when they can't keep certain words and actions to themselves.

[ThetaPrincess24]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

But it isn't true that no one would care if it wasn't for fame. Fewer people knowing about something doesn't mean those who do know will not respond. Non-famous people get responded to or punished everyday when they can't keep certain words and actions to themselves.

Point taken, but I still don't find this story being as newsworthy as it has become in light of other issues out there.

[DrPhil]

I understand what you're saying but it is easier for members of the power majority to say a topic has expired and there's more important news. This topic has only been discussed for a few days. If we had a GC thread to rank news stories based on perceived relevance and time that should be spent discussing them, I'm positive opinions would vary and it would spark a good GC debate. For goodness sake, CNN keeps showing me Dennis Rodman's ugly ass making himself into a diplomat. LOL. But they are showing it for a larger issue beyond Rodman's ugly ass. Likewise, there is a larger point being made beyond Duck Dynasty.

[whiteviolet]

I'm of the opinion that this entire controversy is fabricated by A&E. He'll be off the show for an episode or two, they'll have a 'Welcome back Phil' extravaganza, ratings will shoot up...

[ChioLu]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

There was talk of the entire family no longer doing the show. We shall see

One can only hope, Dr. Phil.

The Bible also preaches Love.
Maybe the Duck Dynasty folks forgot about that part.

It is ironic that people use the Bible to uphold prejudice.

[DubaiSis]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

...there is a larger point being made beyond Duck Dynasty.

And I think that larger point is hypocricisy is alive and well. When the right persecutes someone for not saying Merry Christmas it's the right thing to do. When the left persecutes someone for saying black people were better off during Jim Crow, it's merely opinion and should be protected.

But free speech =/= right to have a job even if you're a douchebag. People get fired all the time for saying/doing things that while not illegal are against company policy. And with A&E's primary demographic, they're doing the right thing. Whether some more right-leaning network picks them up is free market. My guess is the show has run its course and this is a good way to go out with a bang.

[DrPhil]

I doubt this was fabricated by A&E. That would be more stupid than the average calculated controversy. Fuck Dynasty's ratings were high enough without this silliness and religious conservatives always had their egos stroked by this show.

I hope Phil doesn't apologize and claim he doesn't really hold those beliefs. Barf.

I also hope they don't do a sensitivity training and claim he has been rehabilitated. Barf.

He needs to stick to his story and let A&E handle it however they choose. Maybe another network will pick it up. Their merchandise have not been abandoned by stores.

[WCsweet<3]

Originally Posted by DubaiSis

But free speech =/= right to have a job even if you're a douchebag. People get fired all the time for saying/doing things that while not illegal are against company policy. And with A&E's primary demographic, they're doing the right thing. Whether some more right-leaning network picks them up is free market. My guess is the show has run its course and this is a good way to go out with a bang.

This is what I've been saying. If I say something inappropriate to a client or or go on the record saying something that goes against my company's principles and business suffers, what would happen? I'd be fired, fined, severely reprimanded, have to issue an apology or any odd mix of those.

[sigmadiva]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Thanks for that good article.

Of course the comments section is funny. I dislike it when people say "she/he who is without sin cast the first stone." I especially dislike that phrase from people who think they are supporting the rights of marginalized people. No, you're not protecting homosexuals with that phrase. You are equating homosexuality with sin and telling people not to judge.

FYI - I think this is what Uncle Phil was referring to, based on what I've read.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Don't you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people-none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (NLT)

1 Timothy 1:8-10
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine ... (ESV)

[DrPhil]

I was referring to the phrase "he who is without sin cast the first stone" that was quoted in the comments section of that article.

As for Phil's literal interpretation of a particular (language) translation of the Bible, and religious doctrine in general, that's another topic.