Fallen Dynasty? If one of our leaders made the same comments, what consequences would they face?

2013-12-19T10:48:17-05:00

Duck Dynasty is the most successful reality TV show of all time. Along with $400,000,000/year merchandise sales. It is widely supported by many. However, the backlash over these statements has been brutal and may end the show. What do you think?

http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/19/showbiz/duck-dynasty-suspension/index.html?sr=fb121813duckdynasty930a

Remarks about gays prompt suspension of 'Duck Dynasty' star

Phil Robertson, a star of A&E's "Duck Dynasty," has been suspended indefinitely after slamming gays in a GQ interview.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 19 at 2013 10:52 AM

2013-12-19T10:52:29-05:00

I would hope our leaders would face dire consequences. If a leader spoke against a minority group, or women, but tried to justify it with scripture, would you be ok with excusing it? You can't have two standards based off of personal preference.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 11:50 AM

2013-12-19T11:50:39-05:00

One of our leaders would be rightfully excoriated if he or she said something like this because he or she represents the organization.

This gentleman has his prerogative and so does A&E.

Response by SSG Ronald Limbaugh made Dec 19 at 2013 12:54 PM

2013-12-19T12:54:41-05:00

There is always the fine line between your professional and personal life. Mr. Robertson voiced his personal and religious views in an interview. Although he is famous for his show on A&E, I don't think the station should have suspended him for voicing his personal/religious views. I understand that they felt a need to express that his views did not represent the views of A&E, but I think the suspension is a knee-jerk reaction to attempt to appease the LBGT community. They are afraid of the possibility of these groups and sympathetic groups protesting the show or the company, because one of their biggest stars doesn't agree with the lifestyle of these groups.
From a military standpoint, I think our leaders would definitely receive harsh criticism and reprimand, due to the fact that if they were being interviewed, it would most likely be due to their position within the military. Granted, Robertson's interview was most likely granted because of his starring role in Duck Dynasty, but the show itself is based around that family and their work ethic and beliefs. I don't see how the network could not foresee something like this happening, especially since the family espouses their religious background throughout the show.
A&E needs to get off their high-horse and realize that if they want to keep the show going, they are going to have to deal with every aspect of that family's llife, not just the parts they wish to show on TV.

Response by SPC Christopher Morehouse made Dec 19 at 2013 1:35 PM

2013-12-19T13:35:58-05:00

What’s the point of freedom of speech if we seek to punish all those whose views are different from our own?

How is this different then firing someone because they supported gay marriage?

Response by SFC Josh Watson made Dec 19 at 2013 1:52 PM

2013-12-19T13:52:33-05:00

So let me get this strait, Phil Robertson was asked what HIS OPINION was on what he thought was sinful with homosexuality right? Then he proceeded to give his honest OPINION? Then A&E suspended him from his own show (that by the way, is based off his family's work ethic and values and BELIEF)? Makes no sense to me. Why ask for an opinion if you only want to hear what you accept. The Robertsons make over $400,000,000 a year in product sales and had over 9mil viewers on thier Christmas episode. If you ask me A&E needs the Robertsons more than the Robertsons need A&E. What was A&E before Duck Dynasty anyway? I don't think anything surprising would happen if one of our senior leaders said something similar. I think it would be the same type of knee jerk reaction but on a military style scale.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 2:37 PM

2013-12-19T14:37:56-05:00

It is sad unfortunately that a small group of outsiders would be offended. But some make a living off of it. Leadership should enforce policy as part of their contract to this country. On a civilian level we should not use words or phrases meant to diminish others.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Dec 19 at 2013 5:31 PM

2013-12-19T17:31:13-05:00

I don't think he should be fired. I think if people are offended then don't watch their show and don't buy their stuff.

I dont agree with Jerry Springer so I don't watch his show, doesn't mean he should be fired.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Dec 19 at 2013 8:13 PM

2013-12-19T20:13:33-05:00

As a follower of Christ, I will never deny my God or my beliefs according to the Bible, regardless whether I'm a service member. If asked, I will joyfully share what the Bible says and humbly accept whatever backlash comes from the public. Too easy :)

That means I would tell what the Bible says about sin and not sugarcoat it. I would also add what it says about judging others and being proud and boastful. Any Christian who opens up the Good Book better know better than to behave that way...not because we answer to the military but rather because we answer to the one who gave us life.

Response by SSgt William Sprague made Dec 19 at 2013 11:56 PM

2013-12-19T23:56:55-05:00

This country of ours is going through numerous changes. There are certain groups in our society that have tremendous power because various laws have been passed regarding their status or choice of lifestyle. As Christians, we need to bathe this country in prayer and not be ashamed of the One we follow and place our faith in. I believe this was an unjust decision and would occur again if someone in authority spoke out against homosexuality.

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 20 at 2013 4:17 PM

2013-12-20T16:17:17-05:00

I think it was wrong for him to be "suspended" as they state, because he voiced his 1st amendment rights and his religious beliefs. It is well shown and documented from the show that the family is very religious and have strong beliefs on the matter of their religion. He did nothing wrong as this was done in an open interview and also at a church from a few years back, so it had to be known from then, so why is it being brought up now, sounds a little conspiring to me that someone wanted to create the drama and bring something down in the end.

A&E does have the right to do what they think is right for them, but it is still wrong to do it the way they did.

I may not agree with his opinions, but I support his right to express them in the open.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Dec 21 at 2013 5:39 PM

2013-12-21T17:39:00-05:00

I love it when the media only talks about one portion of an interview and leaves out the other relevant context of the article. Anything for shock and ratings.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2013 11:56 PM

2013-12-24T23:56:16-05:00

I've been purposely staying away from this, but let me throw this out:

The beautiful thing about the United States is that we have the freedom to have our own opinions and views about certain things. We have the 1st amendment and the freedom to try to live our lives as close to "how we want to" as we can within the limits of the law.

In 2013, it is illogical for anyone in our country to think they should have a say-so in how someone else conducts their personal life. Now, of course, we can't have people doing things like exploiting children, or anything like that - but - for the most part - you're free to love whom you like.

Now.

This guy, as I understand it, is a "star" of a "television show?"

Who gives a crap what his views on homosexuality are? Is this the battle the LGBT community should really be focusing on? A "star?"

It seems to me that if they want to really make a wave, they should focus on and worry about what the policy makers in DC are doing to help/hinder their community. Because at the end of the day, it isn't going to be some redneck tv star that signs marriage rights and benefits into law. Regardless of how popular he is or isn't.

Furthermore, he's entitled to that opinion.

To address your question about our senior leadership? The military is now free of "don't ask don't tell." Which means that the LGBT community is welcome in our ranks, whether those seniors like it or not. Furthermore, those same people are Soldiers, just the same as they are. So I fail to see why there would be an issue to begin with. BUT. If a senior military leader made disparaging remarks such as you refer to - that'd be different in that the senior leader is in more of a position to cause issues to the community than a tv star.

Just my two cents.

It's 2013. Why can't we just let people love and worry about ourselves?

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Dec 26 at 2013 9:51 AM

2013-12-26T09:51:15-05:00

My biggest issue with this whole mess as I see it is the fact that he was being interviewed by a magazine about his personal views on the subject of homosexuality which are based on his religious upbringing and beliefs and the LBGT community raised hell about it and got "their way" when A&E suspended him for the show. The problem I have with this is that the majority of the Liberal leaning media and groups are quick to jump on someone for their stated views, beliefs, feelings, etc. when they do not jibe with those liberal groups views, beliefs, feelings, etc. How can you view yourselves as fair, understanding, loving, caring etc. if you do not understand or allow for differing opinions? Now, we in the military are supposed to remain neutral for the most part on stating our beliefs publicly, for we are supposed to be the defender of the rights we hold so dear; therefore if one of our leaders were to make some supposedly insensitive remarks on a subject due to his/her beliefs, feelings, upbringing, etc. then they should feel some sort of "punishment".

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jan 2 at 2014 2:42 AM

2014-01-02T02:42:06-05:00

So Phil is back. Was all this just a big marketing ploy by A&E?

Response by Cpl Benjamin Long made Jan 2 at 2014 2:59 AM

2014-01-02T02:59:20-05:00

Good question SSG, but I would not invest much on an obvious publicity stunt... In the aftermath... record sales and profits... someone arranged this to make money...