Duck and Cover

Posted on December 20, 2013 Updated on February 5, 2014

I am not, nor ever will be, a fan of “Duck Dynasty.”  However, the brouhaha over the suspension of a public figure who made ugly, unthinkable, regrettable  homophobic and racist comments made me long for the days when “A&E” signified ARTS and entertainment, only.   The duck person’s right to free speech was not infringed upon, as he spoke honesty and freely, in the GQ Interview.  As a result, he was suspended from the show (I suspect due to violating terms in his contract with the network).   People face these types of consequences every day, as corporations may create whatever policies they want for their employees.  That is all that occurred, in this case.

Reality TV show “celebrities” opened themselves up for a greater degree of scrutiny when they signed their contracts and agreed to be filmed.  They had the opportunity NOT to participate.   Many who have been interviewed after their shows aired, stated their lives were forever changed and lamented the loss of privacy, relationships and sense of themselves.   Notably, the Osbornes, who were no strangers to the public eye, ultimately regretted opening the doors of their private lives and homes to a television audience.

Unfortunately, the duck person was being touted as a “champion for Christian values,” and the angry mob of his “fans” began calling for boycotts of the network, petitions to be signed and have spewed more hate-filled speech towards A&E and organizations that promote LGBT equality and rights.  This non-controversy will result in more sales for the duck people’s products as their “fans” rush to “support” them, enriching their coffers even more.  Their “fans” will continue to vilify and marginalize people whom they believe are “beneath” them and continue their scorched earth campaign against “others.”   Just as Jesus would do, I’m sure.

“Christians” could follow Pope Francis’ example…but they have already labeled The Pope as “anti-Christian.”  Oops.

The aftermath will be must-see TV, although my sincerest wish is that the duck people, the baby pageants, and the Kardashians are canceled and replaced with educational programming.  Or all shows of that ilk are grouped into a new network entitled “Dumb Me Down.”

Pass.  The.  Popcorn.