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[daveo42]

This started showing up on my facebook page.. It looks like the defense force is out.

But this isn't the issue. He has every right to speak what he wants, and he has, but that doesn't meant here won't be consequences to what he said. The problem is that A&E is a business, and his views will alienate a portion of A&E's audience. It would be like me going into my workplace and persecute a coworker because he lives a lifestyle I don't believe in. Should I be reprimanded? hell yeah I should. This is what is going on with Phil. A&E can put out a statement that we don't support the views expressed in this program, but people will still relate his views with A&E and may stop watching all programming on that channel.

I got an invite to this group this morning...I know people who joined this group...

 

[Enzom21]

I think your unfounded hate against someone who hasn't laid a finger on you makes you not belong.

So he has to physically assault me for me not to like him?
I never said I hated him, I simply don't want him to have a platform to spew his hatred.

He can join the rest of the bigots and racist when they have their little rallies but the whole country shouldn't have to be subjected to it.

 

[Kingbrave]

So basically, his harmless opinions make him not belong? That's insane. There was a group of people back in the 30s and 40s who believed differently than the ruler of Germany.

Putting down a whole group of people is harmless?

 

[Zen_Arcade]

So basically, his harmless opinions make him not belong? That's insane. There was a group of people back in the 30s and 40s who believed differently than the ruler of Germany.

Racist and homophobic opinions are not harmless, especially when you're have a platform to speak about them on.

 

[Blader]

Since probably around the year 2000.

If there should be consequences for people's views, even if they aren't the norm, are filled with hate, and ignorance, why don't we just go ahead and make a law against it.

There are laws against hate speech.

 

[Shig]

“For the sake of the Gospel, it was worth it,” Phil tells me. “All you have to do is look at any society where there is no Jesus. I’ll give you four: Nazis, no Jesus. Look at their record. Uh, Shintos? They started this thing in Pearl Harbor. Any Jesus among them? None. Communists? None. Islamists? Zero. That’s eighty years of ideologies that have popped up where no Jesus was allowed among those four groups. Just look at the records as far as murder goes among those four groups.”

Somebody should really tell him about the Inquisition.

 

[BertramCooper]

Al Gore's Thermostat is a lame new variation of Bulbo.

Just don't pay attention to him.

 

[WanderingWind]

I think your misguided hate against someone who hasn't laid a finger on you makes you not belong.

You're basically saying "IF YOU DON'T AGREE WITH ME... ME, ME, ME... YOU DON'T BELONG!"

No, he's saying exactly that hate speech, sexist speech and homophobic speech have no place in this year 2013. There is no excuse for acting that way, doubly so if you're a public figure with millions of followers.

Being against hate is in no way akin to disparaging entire swaths of people because of their orientation or skin color. This is not new, not surprising and not shocking news. It also shouldn't be news that if actions have consequences.

Al Gore's Thermostat is a lame new variation of Bulbo.

Just don't pay attention to him.

I thought that, but hey.

 

[KHarvey16]

So basically, his harmless opinions make him not belong? That's insane. There was a group of people back in the 30s and 40s who believed differently than the ruler of Germany.

His opinion is not harmless. His employer relies on the advertising revenue his show brings in, and these opinions clearly affect that.

 

[jmdajr]

Hey they fucker is still free is he not? His rights didn't get taken away.

 

[KingGondo]

So basically, his harmless opinions make him not belong? That's insane.

His opinions aren't harmless.

The more that people are able to compare homosexuality to bestiality and state that black people were happier when they were more oppressed, the safer it becomes in our country to hold and express those same opinions. And ignorant, bigoted opinions have real-life consequences.

Opinions like his are a big reason same-sex marriage isn't legal in most of the country, and why black people are still second-class citizens today.

 

[PhoenixDark]

People don't understand the first amendment. He has the right to say whatever he wants, but that doesn't restrict his employer from severing ties if he says something offensive or ignorant. If just about any person in this thread was at work popping off about black people being better off in segregated times or gay people needing to try some vagina, you'd have HR in your ass within seconds. Obviously this guy wasn't "at work" when he made the comment, but as a public figure for A&E, what he says publicly reflects on them.

Personally I wouldn't have fired him, but I understand why he was fired. What brand wants to be associated with ignorance? I'd argue the show wouldn't lose viewers if he stayed, nor would advertisers leave given the show's popularity. Therefore I'd ride out the storm and make him go everywhere with a damn publicist.

 

[SillyEskimo]

On our way to happiness!

Which one is you?

 

[Mercury Fred]

I love seeing the things that get "conservatives" worked up. "How dare an entertainer who equates gay people to people who practice bestiality be reprimanded for a statement like that"??

lol

 

[Rafa=FedKilla]

See, this is why Duck Dynasty has writers. Or did the shows writers do this interview too?

 

[Rockandrollclown]

Personally I wouldn't have fired him, but I understand why he was fired. What brand wants to be associated with ignorance? I'd argue the show wouldn't lose viewers if he stayed, nor would advertisers leave given the show's popularity. Therefore I'd ride out the storm and make him go everywhere with a damn publicist.

I would say Duck Dynasty is a show associated with ignorance. I mean the entire premise of the show is pretty much laughing at these stupid rednecks. I do agree with the latter part, but I wouldn't just attribute it to the show's popularity, but more what the show is. Its a show about stupid rednecks doing goofy shit and meeting together in prayer at the end of every episode. I would say dropping Phil is more likely to be harmful to ratings than keeping him, unless the show gets more popular due to this controversy.

 

[BBboy20]

Just to nip this in the bud, this factoid isn't indicative of some tragic societal decay. It's because of slimshadyesque "no wait, really, he didn't just say what I think he did did he?" that this show and its ilk are as popular as they are.

Is that's the reason why it's the most popular thing in America? What exactly does this show stand out of every other reality TV show that would question any sane person's faith in humanity?

 

[TheClimaxan]

I love seeing the things that get "conservatives" worked up. "How dare an entertainer who equates gay people to people who practice bestiality be reprimanded for a statement like that"??

lol

Same. I've taken great joy in my facebook feed this morning watching people try to defend a defenseless position.

This is going to be Chick-fi-la situation though. Those who agree with him are going to galvanize around the show and use it as some sort flag for free speech. Bleh.

 

[bjb]

Funny, I don't see you on there. Speak for yourself.

You know, guys, he was just talking about his own personal experience. The people calling him racist are pretty bigoted themselves. You don't personally know the man. Calling him a redneck is just as much as a slur as any other word if used in the wrong context. Seriously.

juniors defending racism, news at 11

 

[PhoenixDawn]

Good to see A&E do something about it, even if it involves their most popular show. Also, god damn at some of the comments on the fan page on Facebook.

Everyone has the right to their own opinion so shut the f*** up

Edit: Another gem.

 

[Al Gore's Thermostat]

juniors defending racism, news at 11

It seems like you need to reread the definition of the word. He didn't say anything hateful nor derogatory. Nothing in preference of his race over another.


Guys, chances are you don't even watch this show. It's just something else to be offended over. Deal with it and move on.

 

[KHarvey16]

It seems like you need to reread the definition of the word. He didn't say anything hateful nor derogatory. Nothing in preference of his race over another.


Guys, chances are you don't even watch this show. It's just something else to be offended over. Deal with it and move on.

This is a thread full of people dealing with it.

 

[Trey]

Then it truly isn't freedom of speech.

If what we are heading towards is a retaliatory society, then one of the basic tenants this country was founded on will be lost.

No.

 

[kinggroin]

No back and forth between people with basic understanding of the right (to freedom of speech).

I'm not talking about those people.

Just clarifying WHY there is a back and forth in the first place (in a round about way). It just needed to be spelled out is my point.

Without the crucial detail of, "our government won't do anything to you" there is no real distinction between our Freedom of Speech and "theirs"

 

[andymcc]

Same. I've taken great joy in my facebook feed this morning watching people try to defend a defenseless position.

one girl was like "my grandpa hated gays and was kind of racist-- but he was still a great man!"

and i was so tempted to say, "no he wasn't."

 

[Kai Dracon]

Defending bigoted viewpoints with a sort of false equivalency reminds me of:

"Men are afraid of women because they don't want to be laughed at. Women are afraid of men because they don't want to be killed."

People cry about racism or homophobia not being "tolerated". But generally it would go:

"Bigots are offended at being told they have bad character for expressing their beliefs. The targets of bigotry are afraid of being assaulted, locked up, or even killed because of the beliefs bigots spread."

 

[Mercury Fred]

one girl was like "my grandpa hated gays and was kind of racist-- but he was still a great man!"

and i was so tempted to say, "no he wasn't."

Why settle for being tempted when you can just go ahead with it?

 

[A Human Becoming]

I stay friends with this guy just for posts like this.
A&E has the right to fire someone for controversial statements. The decision is entirely to them.

 

[kinggroin]

I don't get how his 1st or 2nd amendment right was stifled any. He can still express his viewpoints.

 

[Mercury Fred]

It seems like you need to reread the definition of the word. He didn't say anything hateful nor derogatory. Nothing in preference of his race over another.

lol

Right, his statements weren't hateful toward gay people at all. What a gem of a guy. Just like his fans.

 

[mckmas8808]

A woman I know defended this guy today, pointing out that homosexuality is a sin in the bible.

Fuckin' hell. This kind of bigotry drives me nuts.

Well it "IS" a sin in the Bible. That's a fact. Doesn't mean what he said is proper or respectful.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

I don't get how his 1st or 2nd amendment right was stifled any. He can still express his viewpoints.

In fairness, that guy provably thinks the first and second amendments come from the bible.

 

[mackattk]

I stay friends with this guy just for posts like this.
A&E has the right to fire someone for controversial statements. The decision is entirely to them.

Posts like these make me so sad that the mods won't allow a stupid things said on facebook thread (with names crossed out, of course).

There is so much wrong with that post that I don't even know where to begin.

 

[kris.]

I stay friends with this guy just for posts like this.
A&E has the right to fire someone for controversial statements. The decision is entirely to them.

i
what
....wha

their official petition to bring phil back on change.org claims that his 2nd amendment right is infringed as well
how does that even work

 

[andymcc]

Why settle for being tempted when you can just go ahead with it?

family friend and i'd get shit for doing it for days

 

[CarpeDeezNutz]

I didn't even know about the "black people being happier before _____" until I saw this thread on gaf. The people defending this dude are only playing up how "his quote on gays was taken out of context" angle.

 

[kaching]

I mean, this guy is obviously an asshole - the kind of person I just don't associate with, but if he didn't say it on his show but in some candid interview and it has nothing to do with his television show, why is he getting fired for it? I fucking hate his beliefs and I hate his show, but they're his and we're supposed to have a freedom of belief and of speech and we're kind of losing that...

...to people on our own side?

Freedom of any kind is always a double-edged sword. His freedom of speech as it was already seems to have taken him quite far in life, certainly didn't hold him back. I don't hold the kind of beliefs this guy does but nobody's been banging on my door to feature my life on tv and make it the hottest show in the nation. Let's not conflate freedom with privilege here.

 

[Blader]

Somebody should really tell him about the Inquisition.

Or the Crusades. Or any of the other countless wars, murders, etc. over the last 2,000 years that have invoked Christianity.

 

[LinktoDrink]

Well I know it's gonna get me hate here but I'm gonna say it anyways. He didn't do anything wrong. He said what he believes in in a magazine article. It has nothing to do with the show. If people are offended by his words, they can tune out on their own. He shouldn't lose his job for it. That is freedom of speech. The bullies at GLAAD have made people afraid to say what they believe in.

Furthermore, he never said anything about gay marriage as far as I know. He was saying things half in jest, that being gay isn't logical to him because a vagina looks so much better than a man's butthole. He also said that he would never disrespect someone for being different than him and it's not his place to judge them. Not quite the "hate speech" people are trying to spin it into.

People on my facebook have said that freedom of speech doesn't mean freedom of consequences of said speech. Well actually it does, but why should there be consequences for merely saying this? Did he say that gays should use separate water fountains? Did he say gays shouldn't have the same rights? No, he didn't.

 

[Trey]

Well I know it's gonna get me hate here but I'm gonna say it anyways. He didn't do anything wrong. He said what he believes in in a magazine article. It has nothing to do with the show. If people are offended by his words, they can tune out on their own. He shouldn't lose his job for it. That is freedom of speech. The bullies at GLAAD have made people afraid to say what they believe in.

He did a thing that made his bosses say, "yeah, we don't want to associate with viewpoints such as these," which is also their right.

Rights for everyone!

 

[BertramCooper]

Furthermore, he never said anything about gay marriage as far as I know. He was saying things half in jest, that being gay isn't logical to him because a vagina looks so much better than a man's butthole. He also said that he would never disrespect someone for being different than him and it's not his place to judge them. Not quite the "hate speech" people are trying to spin it into.

The gist of his argument was that he won't discriminate against gay people because he'll wait for God to condemn them all to Hell.

Doesn't sound like much jest to me.

 

[besada]

But it's funny because the demographic agree with him. It's a show about silly typical Southern white rednecks, who we all know agree with everything he said. Why would they fire him just to make people who DON'T watch the show happy?

Wow, prejudiced much? Duck Dynasty has a huge viewership, many of whom a) aren't rednecks and b) aren't racist dick bags.

 

[Wolfgunblood Garopa]

Well I know it's gonna get me hate here but I'm gonna say it anyways. He didn't do anything wrong. He said what he believes in in a magazine article. It has nothing to do with the show. If people are offended by his words, they can tune out on their own. He shouldn't lose his job for it. That is freedom of speech.

Not even remotely.

Is there something wrong with how this is taught in school? How is this one such a common problem? It seems like a pretty easy concept to teach and learn.

 

[KHarvey16]

If people are offended by his words, they can tune out on their own. He shouldn't lose his job for it.

How the fuck do you think TV works?

 

[Camwi]

I stay friends with this guy just for posts like this.
A&E has the right to fire someone for controversial statements. The decision is entirely to them.

I guess you're lucky to find amusement from comments like that. That kinda shit just makes me sad.

 

[LinktoDrink]

The gist of his argument was that he won't discriminate against gay people because he'll wait for God to condemn them all to Hell.

Doesn't sound like much jest to me.

And that's his beliefs. I'm saying it's half in jest because he brought up vaginas and assholes. Here's the actual quote he spoke.

"It seems like, to me, a vagina -- as a man -- would be more desirable than a man's anus. That's just me. I'm just thinking: There's more there! She's got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I'm saying? But hey, sin: It's not logical, my man. It's just not logical."

I'm sure you can read that and hear that he's probably laughing as he says it, he's making jokes.

 

[Blader]

Furthermore, he never said anything about gay marriage as far as I know. He was saying things half in jest, that being gay isn't logical to him because a vagina looks so much better than a man's butthole. He also said that he would never disrespect someone for being different than him and it's not his place to judge them. Not quite the "hate speech" people are trying to spin it into.

He wasn't fired for saying he doesn't see the appeal in fucking a man, he was fired for his remarks about blacks and this whole thing:

“Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men,” he says. Then he paraphrases Corinthians: “Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers—they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”

And of course this gem:

For the sake of the Gospel, it was worth it,” Phil tells me. “All you have to do is look at any society where there is no Jesus. I’ll give you four: Nazis, no Jesus. Look at their record. Uh, Shintos? They started this thing in Pearl Harbor. Any Jesus among them? None. Communists? None. Islamists? Zero. That’s eighty years of ideologies that have popped up where no Jesus was allowed among those four groups. Just look at the records as far as murder goes among those four groups.”

Like, what part of that do you not construe as hate speech? Which part of equating homosexuality to bestiality and lumping in gays with criminals and drunks is "half in jest" to you?

 

[LinktoDrink]

How the fuck do you think TV works?

Ratings, my dude, ratings. His show got them the highest ratings a cable documentary show has ever gotten them, and they would only go up from here if they didn't fire him.

 

[Laconic]

Then it truly isn't freedom of speech.

If what we are heading towards is a retaliatory society, then one of the basic tenants this country was founded on will be lost.

...

You mean like that whole "3/5 of a person" clause in the Constitution?

Seriously people, stop. You have the right to open your mouth and prove that mother nature reversed the in and out sphincters on your person. And everyone else has the right to call you a bigoted, racist arsehole for it. They even have the right to not associate with you anymore. This includes employers.

 

[BertramCooper]

And that's his beliefs. I'm saying it's half in jest because he brought up vaginas and assholes. Here's the actual quote he spoke.

"It seems like, to me, a vagina -- as a man -- would be more desirable than a man's anus. That's just me. I'm just thinking: There's more there! She's got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I'm saying? But hey, sin: It's not logical, my man. It's just not logical."

I'm sure you can read that and hear that he's probably laughing as he says it, he's making jokes.

So you're saying I should ridicule him for being a fucking idiot instead of ridiculing him for being a bigot?