Duck Dynasty Controversy

[madeara]

There is controversy surrounding Duck Dynasty and Phil Robertson's recent anti gay remarks.  Do you think suspending Robertson from the show was a good idea?  Please share your thoughts. 

[jmccaskill]

Badly handled by A&E. The man is who he is and what he is and the producers of this show know exactly who he is. He has every right to say anything he wants, and in this case in particular as it was not part of the show. A&E just stepped in it big time with the fan base which is overwhelmingly supporting him. A&E may have just killed the 'duck that lays golden eggs' for them. 'DUCK DYNASTY' is the exclusive licensed product trademark of A&E and its sales have gone to practically zero. That is just the beginning of their woes as the show is so popular that ANY sane network would pick them up in a heartbeat. Yes there are contractual considerations but that would not be overwhelming in light of the shows top ranking nationwide.

[lvstephanie]

I think Phil has every right to say what he believes, and at the same time A&E also has the right to do what they did too. I don't know what A&E's contract actually says, but often there is something like a code of ethics that the people must follow, even while not at work, esp. when it is in the public eye and can affect the network. I think part of the problem is that the average viewer of A&E in general is a little more liberal in terms of sexual orientation, so the network felt that it needed to do something in order to keep those viewers, even if that meant perhaps sacrificing the show's ratings.

I'm more amazed by how shocked everyone seems to be over this... Anyone that has watched the show knows that the Robertson family is very religious (I think they end every show with the family gathered around a dinner table and praying together), and as most Christian denominations condemn the act of homosexuality there was a great possibility that their beliefs would run along those lines. And since this is a reality show, the network also ran the risk that the beliefs held by the family may conflict with the views of the network.

I haven't actually read the entire article, but I did read some snippets that were included in a Huffington Post article on this issue, and one of the things that I noted was that Phil was asked what he considers a sin, and he went on to talk about sexual immorality in general, mentioning homosexuality, but also mentioning bestiality as well as what I perceive to be promiscuity (the quote doesn't mention this exact word, but he said "...sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men." which to me describes promiscuous behavior). People were quick to point out that he compared homosexuality to bestiality, but then failed to point out that he also compared it to promiscuity as well. He was just giving a litany of what he considers to be sins, not that he believes that homosexuals also participate in bestiality (which I think is what some people were trying to insinuate). Moreover, Phil also mentions how we're all sinners, and that it is not our responsibility for deciding who goes to heaven but rather that is God's judgement. He goes on to say that he wouldn't judge or treat a homosexual person any different just because of their lifestyle. This I think dovetails with a Christian axiom: Love the sinner, hate the sin.

[nannycoe1]

Maybe another network will pick the Robertsons up. I will really miss them, but I don't think it will work out with A&E. Maybe they are tired of the show themselves.

[candycane4009]

I think he had the right to say what he said , we all live in the usa and we have the right to say whats on are mind...

[healthfreedom]

Every person has a right to their views on any issue. He did not make a personal attack on anyone. He simply spoke what he firmly believes. The real problem is this country has taken a very deep degenerate turn toward those things that displeases God and pleases man. Our president has led the USA toward making homosexuality a "National" sin. Uganda, on the other hand, has increased the penalty for practicing homosexuality in that country.

[monnee]

They'll say and do anything just to promote their show and brand and make more $$$$$ for them.

[BlackSheepNY]

There is controversy surrounding Duck Dynasty and Phil Robertson's recent anti gay remarks.  Do you think suspending Robertson from the show was a good idea?  Please share your thoughts.

I think A&E's gonna regret their decision.  The First Amendment applies to EVERYONE, whether you LIKE what they have to say or NOT.  What A&E did was cut Phil Robertson out of the show because he had an opinion that THEY didn't agree with.  In essence, A&E stomped all over Phil Robertson's First Amendment Rights.  A&E will be losing a lot of money in the very near future, and they deserve it.

[vickysue]

I totally believe the same as Phil Roberterson. We as Christians have just as much a right to believe the way do as any orther religion and or race. As for the duck dynasty, a lot of the merchandise is owned and sold by A&E. Only the items that have Duck commander are ownd by the Robertsons. So A&E may just be cutting off their nose on this one. As of right now i am not supporting A&E. If they drop the family, i will not be watching them agin. But if another network picks up the show that is the channel i will watch.

[dmahoney]

They knew who he was and what his beliefs were when they started this show, so for them to act surprised now is outrageous.

[mill8277]

I hate the way people try and sensor what others are allowed to say....it's his mouth and he has the right to say whatever  he wants...I don't have to agree or disagree with his remarks...I hate the way the media makes a mountain out of a valley.....

[sigmapi1501]

About what I expected for a thread on here.  Someone incorrectly assuming that the first amendment was violated and lvstephanie contributing a nice post that will go over everyone's head because it contains more than buzz words and talking points.

[texasmom32]

I think it was all planned, some sort of publicity stunt.  EVERYONE is talking about it now.  Bad publicity is still publicity.  While I don't agree with A&E's decision, I believe they have every right to make that decision, it's their station.  Their show.  They can do whatever they want, really.

[smithjcsdfw]

I think in the long run the family will be just fine as I have already seen posts where network folks are scrambling to pick up the show before A&E can come to their senses.  Which I also saw a news report where they were getting so many calls in support of the Duck Dynasty family that it was crashing their phone network.   As for the 1 st Amendament clause.  No where outside of a few radicals has anybody indicated that Mr. Roberson refused anybody or group of bodies the right of speech guaranteed by the constitution.  He just shared his belief and for what it is worth will now deal with the consequences of his words which I am sure will be sounded out loud and clear in every pulpit in the bible belt this weekend.   Now I must close this because I need to get to Walmart before all the good Duck Dynasty gifts are gone.

[moon29]

I think that while it was freedom of speech it really bothers me how much people are supporting him yet when paula dean said something similar everyone wants to rip her head off and stick it on a pike for all to see.  what is the difference between her saying what she said and him saying what he said nothing.  i think that we still have a lot of double standards in this world that need to be fixed.