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[metalslimer]

I disagree with this. It's a sin for hetero people to lust and indulge bodily urges as well. I mean ... We all sin. The issue is the judgmental prick who seems to weigh the sin of homosexuality more so than the sin he himself commits.

Nope, sorry when heterosexuals can get married and their having sex is no longer a sin means that being gay is on a different levels than that. Even if gay people get married them having sex is still a sin which just confirms my argument that people who say homosexuality is a sin are telling kids that something is wrong with them and if they don't hate themselves then they are going to hell.

 

[BertramCooper]

A&E is in a lose-lose situation here. The left is simply going to respond with their own boycott threats. Chick-fil-A all over again. Hopefully without banning people who say they plan to watch A&E, though.

What is there for the left to boycott? A show that they probably weren't watching in the first place?

 

[YoungHav]

I'm still surprised that his statements on race mostly got sweep under the rug.

Doesn't surprise me, Blacks are the bottom of America's totem pole. Duck's Civil Rights comments were worse IMO. But it's more profitable to troll blacks, institutionally and politically, than it is gays.

 

[Revolver]

What a shock. A&E only did this to start with because they were afraid it would hurt their bottom line. Now hopefully some of these outraged folks can take off their "I support Phil" t-shirts and peel the "Pray for Phil" stickers off their F-150s.

His comments on race really seemed to get little attention. My niece said the other day, "Remember when A&E used to show documentaries about bigots in white sheets? Now they have shows starring bigots in camouflage and no one bats an eye."

 

[cartoon_soldier]

Nobody was going to be surprised at the reversal. Should have an even better premiere for next season.

 

[UrokeJoe]

Finally my bet comes in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXE_n2q08Yw

 

[akira28]

I remember when A&E used to...ah fuck it. most of television jumped directly into the shitter post 2000, cable didn't fare any better.

 

[CrankyJay]

What is there for the left to boycott? A show that they probably weren't watching in the first place?

That's why this whole thing was amusing to me.

 

[empty vessel]

I won't be watching anything on A+E as long as Duck Dynasty is on the air. I'd encourage people to write them and say the same.

 

[water_wendi]

What is there for the left to boycott? A show that they probably weren't watching in the first place?

Boycott by doing the following..

I won't be watching anything on A+E as long as Duck Dynasty is on the air.

Just because ive never watched Duck Dynasty doesnt mean i dont watch A&E the channel. i wont be watching it again likely ever it seems now lol

 

[Hours Left]

And so A&E caves in. Disgusting.

Money truly rules all I guess.

 

[soundscream]

Doesn't surprise me, Blacks are the bottom of America's totem pole. Duck's Civil Rights comments were worse IMO. But it's more profitable to troll blacks, institutionally and politically, than it is gays.

At least we're on the pole. Native Americans are like buried beneath the pole.

 

[sc0la]

At least we're on the pole. Native Americans are like buried beneath the pole.

I was going to try and argue against this but then I remembered there is still a football team named the redskins. They would have changed the team name by now if it had been the negros... right?

Oh god I hope I am right

 

[soundscream]

I was going to try and argue against this but then I remembered there is still a football team named the redskins. They would have changed the team name by now if it had been the negros... right?

Oh god I hope I am right

That plus when is the last time you ever saw a group of NA just doing everyday stuff. Aside from going to a reservation, or a casino they are almost completely separated from everything unlike any other culture in this country.

 

[bill0527]

The only thing surprising to me is that A&E reversed course so quickly. As I mentioned way back earlier in the thread, these boycotts and outrage are largely pointless. Whoever says stupid shit, if they can make you money, they'll always turn up again at some point. Dog the Bounty Hunter got 3 months, Mel Gibson will be working again, and is probably working on something now. Alec Baldwin found work at many different places. Paula Dean will be back soon. After you pay your penance until the outrage calms down, you get to come back somewhere, thats why the outrage is pointless in the long run. It isn't sustainable, and once the outrage moves on to the next person that says stupid shit, you can slide back into the entertainment industry somewhere. The only shocking part here is that Phil didn't have to go sit in time-out for very long.

 

[CrankyJay]

I still think Paula Deen will get another show at some point.

 

[bjb]

The only thing surprising to me is that A&E reversed course so quickly. As I mentioned way back earlier in the thread, these boycotts and outrage are largely pointless. Whoever says stupid shit, if they can make you money, they'll always turn up again at some point. Dog the Bounty Hunter got 3 months, Mel Gibson will be working again, and is probably working on something now. Alec Baldwin found work at many different places. Paula Dean will be back soon. After you pay your penance until the outrage calms down, you get to come back somewhere, thats why the outrage is pointless in the long run. It isn't sustainable, and once the outrage moves on to the next person that says stupid shit, you can slide back into the entertainment industry somewhere. The only shocking part here is that Phil didn't have to go sit in time-out for very long.

Yes, people should not be outraged over highly offensive comments.

Ok.

 

[Slayven]

Doesn't surprise me, Blacks are the bottom of America's totem pole. Duck's Civil Rights comments were worse IMO. But it's more profitable to troll blacks, institutionally and politically, than it is gays.

Shit yes. Several people make their carriers out of shitting on black people.

 

[YoungHav]

At least we're on the pole. Native Americans are like buried beneath the pole.

Damn you're right. Fuck, NY's Columbus Day Parade is the equivalent of a state sanctioned KKK Parade. Natives don't have any visible political power.

 

[empty vessel]

If anybody wants to email A+E Networks, they can do so at this email address: aefeedback@aenetworks.com. They also own the Lifetime and History networks.

The worst part of this may be their characterization of Robertson as a beacon of "unity, tolerance and forgiveness."

I still think Paula Deen will get another show at some point.

I'd find that less objectionable, to be honest. Deen was giving honest answers about things she had said and thought in her past in a legal deposition, not on a mission to promote intolerance today.

 

[captive]

A&E is in a lose-lose situation here. The left is simply going to respond with their own boycott threats. Chick-fil-A all over again. Hopefully without banning people who say they plan to watch A&E, though.

lols.

lets not pretend that "the left" ever watched this show.


not surprised in the least. The show makes them lots and lots and lots of money and right wrong or indifferent, networks need money to survive. If the show had shit ratings, it would have been cancelled in a heartbeat.

 

[Revolver]

I still think Paula Deen will get another show at some point.

I hope Paula learned her lesson. Next time quote more bible verses. You can say anything just as long as you use "belief" as a cover.

 

[casabolg]

I hope Paula learned her lesson. Next time quote more bible verses. You can say anything just as long as you use "belief" as a cover.

Random Neogaf cults when

 

[Vilix]

What is there for the left to boycott? A show that they probably weren't watching in the first place?

You'd be surprised. A lot of people who hate shows based on their political or religious view tend to make up a considerable part of the viewing audience so that they have something to rail against.

 

[empty vessel]

One can also write the companies who advertise on A+E.

 

[kwiklot]

It's the ostrich syndrome though I doubt he never saw mistreatment. I don't see why it's hard for some to see why A&E changed course so fast. The show is relevant to their revenue stream and ratings simple as that. Scratch that it's the #1 rated show on A&E so they really need duck dynasty more than the duck commander millionaire clan needs A&E. Plus another season means more potential for stupid stuff to come out of someone's mouth people who didn't watch the show will tune in just to see that. It's not surprising jersey shore was a mega hit ostriches are abound.

 

[DominoKid]

A&E couldnt afford to lose Duck Dynasty. It's just good business to bow down to the Robertson clan.

 

[Dune1975]

I don't know why people think the show is going to lose sponsors, they already know better due to the backlash Cracker Barrel received when they dropped Duck Dynasty merchandise from their stores following this situation last week. The free market has already spoke and stated that dropping them is done at your own peril, if anything they will see even more sponsers now.

 

[someday]

Doesn't surprise me, Blacks are the bottom of America's totem pole. Duck's Civil Rights comments were worse IMO. But it's more profitable to troll blacks, institutionally and politically, than it is gays.

I wonder how many people that watch the show actually read the article. The only two people on my facebook feed who supported this dude were black and religious (a relative and one family friend). I think it was a calculated move by his supporters to downplay the race stuff and play up the religious persecution angle instead. Looks like it worked too.

 

[YoungHav]

I wonder how many people that watch the show actually read the article. The only two people on my facebook feed who supported this dude were black and religious (a relative and one family friend). I think it was a calculated move by his supporters to downplay the race stuff and play up the religious persecution angle instead. Looks like it worked too.

Lmao damn. Black support? That is master level trolling right there. I should check, I bet my fanatic cousins have Duck's back too.

 

[Slayven]

Lmao damn. Black support? That is master level trolling right there. I should check, I bet my fanatic cousins have Duck's back too.

Don Lemon man.

 

[nateeasy]

I going to boycott anyone who boycotts A&E FYI. So take that!

 

[Kitschkraft]

I've never seen an episode of the program, and don't really like any of the numerous "redneck working-class shows" that seem to have taken over A&E/Discovery/History/Travel....still, shit like this really makes me wish we could order channels individually.

 

[t-storm]

And so A&E caves in. Disgusting.

Money truly rules all I guess.

They're loving the attention they and this show is getting. I've never heard of it before this "controversy."

Which brings me to ask, who gives a fuck what this guy says and what his point of view is? His show is called Duck Dynasty for crying out loud.

 

[XANDER CAGE]

What a spineless company.

 

[PhoenixDark]

One can also write the companies who advertise on A+E.

No thanks. Their network, their decision - same view I held when he was suspended. His comments were ridiculous and offensive, he deserved to be suspended, but A&E reserves the right to keep the show going. If this was Duck Fashion or Duck Housewives, I'd imagine their decision would be quite different - A&E profits would be in danger if their star had offended their target audiences.. However that's not the case, and the demographics that result in Duck Dynasty's high ratings aren't going to be impacted by this.

I didn't watch the show before the comments, and won't afterward. And I'm pretty sure that applies to the vast majority of gay and black TV viewers as well.

 

[hipbabboom]

I'm still surprised that his statements on race mostly got sweep under the rug.

I was talking to a White friend of mine on the matter and he didn't know about the Civil Rights comment and didn't really care after I told him. He was raised catholic and he didn't even process the Homosexuality comment and just said that Duck is supported by what the bible said (Most Christians don't actually know what the Bible says about homosexuality; they just quote others the same way atheists quote Christians rather than the bible: it's easier to manipulate a lie than it is the truth). Many White Americans have taken a very apathetic approach to racism in this country so its no surprise that they want to bury the whole racism issue (Black people and all) and the perfect vehicle to do that keeps rolling right along which is "Racism is a black and white issue."

 

[akira28]

I used to watch the channel. Which I will no longer do. Fuck the show. A&E needs to worry about more than the duck hunting demographic unless they want to become the Hunting channel or the Field and Stream channel, or the Nashville Network Sports Channel.

it's not a show for me? Fine. Oh, the channel is not for me at all? Oh..

 

[AlexMogil]

Guess the Walking Dead thread will be really thinned out this next season, huh.

 

[Fantastical]

Guess the Walking Dead thread will be really thinned out this next season, huh.

Are you confusing A&E with AMC?

 

[Dune1975]

I used to watch the channel. Which I will no longer do. Fuck the show. A&E needs to worry about more than the duck hunting demographic unless they want to become the Hunting channel or the Field and Stream channel, or the Nashville Network Sports Channel.

it's not a show for me? Fine. Oh, the channel is not for me at all? Oh..

Honestly, and this question is just not for you but anyone who is stating such things, but what show on AETV is for you then? I only ask because 99% of the stuff they air is the same type of lowbred white trashy demographically focused stuff as DD. I mean all of their hit shows have had "stars" with some mental defect. You had Dogg and his racist tirades. Billy the Exterminator who got caught with drugs living in an hotel room and who skipped town in a stolen RV, and the list goes on. How they still have sponsors at all is baffling to me because what this guy stated as far as the nuts they have on their shows go, is pretty tame.

 

[Gannd]

I used to watch the channel. Which I will no longer do. Fuck the show. A&E needs to worry about more than the duck hunting demographic unless they want to become the Hunting channel or the Field and Stream channel, or the Nashville Network Sports Channel.

it's not a show for me? Fine. Oh, the channel is not for me at all? Oh..

What programs did you watch on A&E and that you'll no longer be watching now?

 

[akira28]

A&E used to have shows about history, art, music, culture. They used to be one of my cable TV mainstays, along with...well TLC, Discovery, History channel. Only since the mid 2000s did they convert to mostly reality TV, and I haven't watched more than a few minutes of it since then.

 

[ryutaro's mama]

Are you confusing A&E with AMC?

LOL.

I think he is.

 

[AwakenedCloud]

I'd find that less objectionable, to be honest. Deen was giving honest answers about things she had said and thought in her past in a legal deposition, not on a mission to promote intolerance today.

Word. I find this dude's remarks much more offensive. Deen at least explained herself and admitted to it, which is more than most people would do.

 

[bill0527]

Yes, people should not be outraged over highly offensive comments.

Ok.

You can be outraged all you want, just so long as you understand your outrage really doesn't mean anything when stacked up against the almighty dollar.

Its real simple. If Duck Dynasty had 3 viewers and nobody cared, A&E would have shitcanned this entire show and sent the Robertsons packing. But its not. Its the highest rated show on cable and has an enormous merchandising empire to go with it. The stars of the show represent the views and lifestyles of a significant number of Americans and there was a massive pushback against advocacy groups and people calling to have Phil Robertson removed from the show. A&E weighed both sides to see what comes out in their favor. Would they make more money keeping Phil around than they would lose from all the boycotts, which may or may not materialize, and would probably only be temporary at best?

I think its a very naive view to hold for people to think their own personal outrage at a celebrity's comments actually holds any meaning to any entertainment executive. Thats why these celebrities that say outrageous things are never permanently exiled if they can still make money for someone.

I say go ahead and speak out if it makes you feel better, but it doesn't really mean anything. I tend to fall on the side of not speaking out against things I find outrageous. I just simply ignore them. The older I get, the more I realize that its a waste of energy. There are only so many hours in a day, in a week, in a month, in a lifetime. I'd rather spend my energy not pissed off at everything I find offensive, and let those that hold views that offend me, sit and stir in their own ignorance. You aren't going to change the ignorant.

 

[AlexMogil]

Are you confusing A&E with AMC?

Yes. Yes I am. And I am not editing that to show the world I am a moron.

 

[empty vessel]

No thanks. Their network, their decision - same view I held when he was suspended.

That's just a long way to say you are ambivalent about whether cable networks promote homophobia and racism.

His comments were ridiculous and offensive, he deserved to be suspended, but A&E reserves the right to keep the show going. If this was Duck Fashion or Duck Housewives, I'd imagine their decision would be quite different - A&E profits would be in danger if their star had offended their target audiences.. However that's not the case, and the demographics that result in Duck Dynasty's high ratings aren't going to be impacted by this.

That's just a long way of saying that racists and homophobes are better organized than anti-racist and civil rights movements (which is true). But if you think A&E's decision to continue giving Phil Robertson a national platform wasn't motivated by an organized political movement on the right, you're crazy. The right is well organized to respond to anti-racism, and that is what happened here. Duck Dynasty was not saved by its fans, it was saved by an organized movement on the right that is pro-racist and anti-gay (the same movement that backed Chick-Fil-A). A&E responded to that political pressure by continuing to promote racism and intolerance.

I didn't watch the show before the comments, and won't afterward. And I'm pretty sure that applies to the vast majority of gay and black TV viewers as well.

That's not the point. The question is whether you believe cable networks should actively promote intolerance. You appear to not care. That's your prerogative, but your ambivalence is not helpful to anti-racism and civil rights movements. Phil Robertson's presence on television and continued ability to influence minds in a manner detrimental to African-Americans and gay people in the future is in part a product of your (and others') ambivalence about a powerful company like A&E giving a national platform for such influence.

 

[bill0527]

That's just a long way to say you are ambivalent about whether cable networks promote homophobia and racism.



That's just a long way of saying that racists and homophobes are better organized than anti-racist and civil rights movements (which is true). But if you think A&E's decision to continue giving Phil Robertson a national platform wasn't motivated by an organized political movement on the right, you're crazy. The right is well organized to respond to anti-racism, and that is what happened here. Duck Dynasty was not saved by its fans, it was saved by an organized movement on the right that is pro-racist and anti-gay (the same movement that backed Chick-Fil-A). A&E responded to that political pressure by continuing to promote racism and intolerance.



That's not the point. The question is whether you believe cable networks should actively promote intolerance. You appear to not care. That's your prerogative, but your ambivalence is not helpful to anti-racism and civil rights movements. Phil Robertson's presence on television and continued ability to influence minds in a manner detrimental to African-Americans and gay people in the future is in part a product of your (and others') ambivalence about a powerful company like A&E giving a national platform for such influence.

I really don't believe the part I bolded

He's not influencing anybody. His audience are people that believe exactly the same things that he believes. Thats why they pushed back in this case.

 

[PhoenixDark]

That's just a long way to say you are ambivalent about whether cable networks promote homophobia and racism.



That's just a long way of saying that racists and homophobes are better organized than anti-racist and civil rights movements (which is true). But if you think A&E's decision to continue giving Phil Robertson a national platform wasn't motivated by an organized political movement on the right, you're crazy. The right is well organized to respond to anti-racism, and that is what happened here. Duck Dynasty was not saved by its fans, it was saved by an organized movement on the right that is pro-racist and anti-gay (the same movement that backed Chick-Fil-A). A&E responded to that political pressure by continuing to promote racism and intolerance.



That's not the point. The question is whether you believe cable networks should actively promote intolerance. You appear to not care. That's your prerogative, but your ambivalence is not helpful to anti-racism and civil rights movements. Phil Robertson's presence on television and continued ability to influence minds in a manner detrimental to African-Americans and gay people in the future is in part a product of your (and others') ambivalence about a powerful company like A&E giving a national platform for such influence.

Phil's "platform" will boil down to discussing duck hunting, or whatever the hell he says on the show. He has not been given carte blanche to say whatever he wants. The idea that his presence on television negatively impacts anyone is ridiculous.

Nor do I believe the anti-racist movement had anything to do with this. He was going to come back regardless, that was pretty clear. Typically when someone is suspended from television for ignorant comments, the network waits until the furor blows over. I don't see this as some validation for what Phil said, or a win for Fox News and other ignorant people, I see it as A&E recognizing this guy makes them a lot of money and can continue to do so, until his contract is up.

Ultimately I don't care. It's your right to call A&E if you want, but it seems pretty clear that the audience who watches the show isn't going anywhere, and the only people complaining don't watch the show. Alec Baldwin got canned for ignorant anti-gay comments because he had a show on a liberal news channel, with a younger/more liberal audience. That's not the case with A&E.