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04/21/2009
Video: Fourth hour fallacies
We certainly disagree with much (most?) of Perez's response to Carrie Prejean. But at the same time, Kathie Lee and Hoda, in their criticism of Perez, are also missing many key points:
(Relevant part begins at 4:55 mark)
The missed points? Well, for one: Ms. Prejean misrepresented the reality of the situation. The truth is that we don't all have the choice to marry who we love. As of now that freedom is limited to only a handful of states, with no federal recognition on the table. So on strictly technical grounds, we see a need to address her thoughts regarding "same-sex marriage and opposite marriage."
For another: Ms. Prejean used her personal faith views to speak about civil equality. KLG, as one who herself speaks freely about her faith, may find it justifiable that Ms. Prejean would use such logic to voice disagreement with others' civil freedoms. But those of us who believe in church-state separation, and who are tired of having our rights stifled by one certain faith view, have no choice but to push back against this sort of rationale.
And perhaps most importantly: KLG & Hoda seem to be implying that responding to Ms. Prejean, and calling her discriminatory views into question, is itself innately wrong. This is completely unfair! Gay acceptance should not be a "let's agree to disagree" situation, and a gay person is not "intolerant" simply because they stand up for their piece of the equality pie. Acceptance is also not a matter of being PC vs. non-PC -- it's a matter of embracing the world for its full spectrum, vs. the world of certain folks' condemnatory creation.
So sorry, ladies. While we will join you in criticizing Perez's reaction to Ms. Prejean, we are not going to apologize for standing against the contestant's answer. Her short-sighted views are harmful, not only to gay and lesbian couples who deserve protection, but also to the core principles of American government. If we were to sit back and casually accept these views, who knows (a) how far our unchallenged opposition would roll back our rights, or (b) which group they would next target in their personal faith vs. civil fairness parlor game.
Kathie Lee and Hoda on Miss California [Today Show]
*Oh, and we also take a bit of umbrage with the "I'm sure we'll get ripped to shreds" closing line. Why is it becoming increasingly impossible for personalities to allow for nuance in this gay rights debate?! Just like with Ms. Prejean, one can fairly and accurately criticize KLG & Hoda without "ripping" anyone on a personal level.
Your thoughts
"Just like with Ms. Prejean, one can fairly and accurately criticize KLG & Hoda without "ripping" anyone on a personal level."
Sadly Jeremy you are one of the few people who actual does that. Most people on both side of this issue do take the debate to a personal level and they're the one who get most of the media attention - Perez Hilton vs. Miss California is a prime example.
Posted by: Alonzo | Apr 21, 2009 12:22:42 PM
Agreed, Alonzo. Although I'm convinced (hopeful) that we're moving to a brighter era in this regard.
Posted by: G-A-Y | Apr 21, 2009 12:28:17 PM
That's why we love him Alonzo.
So JH, Palin/Prejean in 2012! They could do swimsuite, ball gowns,choreographed dances, and only need to answer one question at press conferences.
Come on media folks lets get those pictures up.
Posted by: LOrionll | Apr 21, 2009 4:21:37 PM
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