I need to vent on this Duck Dynasty "Controversy".

[The Chosen One]

So the big fuss on social media and news outlets is Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty did an interview with GQ where he said some slightly homophobic and anti-homosexual stuff. Well he got suspended indefinitely and now...

The religious right and right have come to his defense extremely hard.

The recurring themes coming from today are:

"They're censoring him. This is fascism. They wont' let him say what he wants."
"This is an attack on our religious freedoms, he has the right to say whatever he wants."
"They're infringing on his freedom of speech. LIBERALS LIBERALS LIBERALS!"
"They're firing him because of his beliefs!!! LIBERALS LIBERALS LIBERALS!"
"HE DIDN'T EVEN SAY IT ON A&E TV OR CAMERAS, HOW CAN THEY DO THIS!! CENSORSHIP!! LIBERALS DESTROYING AMERICA!"
"Liberals are targeting celebrities that have faith"

I want to go ahead and vent about this.

Phil Robertson is employed by A&E (50% owned by ABC-Disney). He is their employee. He is free to say whatever he wants. However there are consequences. His freedom of speech is protected by the government. This is why he isn't being arrested and thrown in jail. That does not however prevent A&E from having their own code of conduct policies in which I'm sure is written in their contract with Robertson.

Larry the Cable Guy does not sound or talk like a redneck hillbilly in real life. It is a faux accent/dialect he uses for entertainment purposes. Whenever Larry is in front of a camera, in the public domain he uses his persona to come out. Phil Robertson because of the fact he's achieved popularity via Duck Dynasty, wherever he goes into the public in front of cameras or a microphone, he carries his character from Duck Dynasty with him. He essentially is Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty when in front of a media outlet. Why? Because nobody cares about Phil Robertson the millionaire who created a duck hunting tool before the TV show. They care about the guy from the TV show. Phil Robertson went to a magazine and said some things. His employer, after receiving outrage, decides to punish him for it.

This is NOT infringing on his freedom of speech. They are not censoring him. I'm almost certain in his contract with A&E, there are written terms that states whenever he goes and uses his likeness from the TV show in public forum like a magazine or Letterman, Leno interview, that he's expected to behave a certain way (and that language includes language too). You know the reason why Phil and his family are not outspoken and speaking out and protesting his suspension? They KNOW that it's in their contracts.

He is NOT fired. Suspended Indefinitely is hollywood/entertainment biz lingo for "We got taken by surprise that this controversy came so quickly that we didn't even know we were going to suspended you, but because there's people complaining we're going to do it until the fire dies down". Remember Dog the Bounty Hunter? He, whom is also an openly devout Christian, got suspended by A&E in 2007 for dropping the n-bomb several times outside of the show, not on TV, on the phone in a personal conversation with his son. What happened after that? He got suspended indefinitely, went on talk shows to apologize and did the damage control. What happened after that? He was brought back on A&E for FIVE SEASONS. FIVE SEASONS. 5 MORE YEARS after that scandal. Not a peep in the media about that either today. Robertson is "suspended" until this scandal hits the backpages and dies out of the headlines.

At the end of the day, Duck Dynasty makes wayyyy too much money for A&E for them to stop. It's hilarious how all of these rednecks on facebook are outraged over this and at A&E. HELLLLOOOO. A&E produces a show dedicated to their common denominator, exploits that denominator/demographic, and you think they're being one-sided? Go to Wal-Mart or Dick's Sporting Goods and look at all the Duck Dynasty merchandise. Coffee mugs, thermos, hats, sweaters, flip flops, fridge magnets, Iphone skin, spatulas all with Duck Dynasty branding. There's too much money for them to fire him over.

We are all entitled to freedom of speech but at the workplace it's a different story. Well wait, you're saying it wasn't even on A&E or on TV so what are you talking about? As I mentioned, celebrities are held to different standards. Their fame comes from constant exposure, and with that, whenever Robertson does a media appearance, he is THAT guy from Duck Dynasty. Your reputation and personality precedes you before you go on any talk show. If this were a regular job, the fact that sexual harassment is so broadly defined at the workplace, Zito and his company could technically get sued if Zito tells new girl "You look pretty" even if it's in a non-sexual/hostile manner. The fact she thinks Zito is creepy is enough for her to complain sexual harassment and likely win. Where is the outrage on Zito's freedom of speech being infringed upon?

If I threaten someone and don't touch them, I could get arrested as well.

People think freedom of speech means say whatever the hell you want and have no consequence. I can't call my boss a cu-t at work or at a bar and NOT expect for there to be consequences or repercussions.

[sturg33]

Sure... but it's a joke he was suspended.

[CK86]

Dumbest fake controversy this month. I especially enjoy the politicians chiming in since apparently they have nothing more important to do with their time.

[Tapate50]

Imus got canned for some off color comments.

I don't like it when people are threatened and bullied like that. As long as he doesn't have to apologiize (which is fake) or isn't fired, I couldn't care less.

Phil doesn't need A&E, but A&E needs him.

[50PoundHead]

Imus got canned for some off color comments.

I don't like it when people are threatened and bullied like that. As long as he doesn't have to apologiize (which is fake) or isn't fired, I couldn't care less.

Phil doesn't need A&E, but A&E needs him.

I think Imus' comments were a lot worse than this. I don't understand the whole "Duck Dynasty" thing, but Robertson, as a citizen, should be afforded the right to say what he wants without fearing retribution. I guess being an employee of a large conglomerate can put a damper on speech rights (and I'm sure there's a clause in his contract that allows this type of behavior on the part of A&E). I don't agree with Robertson here, but it does get really tiring the way people get cowed whenever they utter anything even mildly controversial.

PS--I think Oklahoma Hawk makes some very pertinent points.

[Oklahomahawk]

KL, while I agree with you from a legal standpoint I couldn't disagree more as far as the overall 1st amendment thing goes. The very same people who are the most pissed off about this are the same ones who believe their right to free speech is absolute (and we all know who those folks are don't we?)!!!! They should be able to say anything to anyone at any time with no consequences but they have zero problems with censoring any speech they disagree with. This almost certainly has to be some sort of publicity stunt, unless the show/comments were live, if anyone needs to get suspended it's the producer, director, etc. who didn't realize this would cause problems.

As for the show I really wish they'd censor they whole damn thing, I would turn off the TV before I'd watch 5 minutes of that crap and as far as people sleeping with whomever they please I don't consider that any of my business either so let them bang whomever they please, I tend to agree with CK, I think it's a ploy for the right to get some attention, after all the Megan Kelly's "I'm just a victim because people are mad because I didn't realize Santa and Jesus weren't WASPs" comment. There's nothing the conservatives from TV and Radio love more than playing the victim card.

[Julio3000]

Sure... but it's a joke he was suspended.

I'd expect a ringing endorsement of A&E's right to enforce their contract.

[goldfly]

Sure... but it's a joke he was suspended.

I'd expect a ringing endorsement of A&E's right to enforce their contract.

[sturg33]

I'd expect a ringing endorsement of A&E's right to enforce their contract.

Good thing you got your crew to come "thank you" for that amazing burn…

But I wasn't speaking to the legality of their decision. I'm speaking to the stupidity of it. But "thanks"

[50PoundHead]

So the big fuss on social media and news outlets is Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty did an interview with GQ where he said some slightly homophobic and anti-homosexual stuff. Well he got suspended indefinitely and now...

The religious right and right have come to his defense extremely hard.

The recurring themes coming from today are:

"They're censoring him. This is fascism. They wont' let him say what he wants."
"This is an attack on our religious freedoms, he has the right to say whatever he wants."
"They're infringing on his freedom of speech. LIBERALS LIBERALS LIBERALS!"
"They're firing him because of his beliefs!!! LIBERALS LIBERALS LIBERALS!"
"HE DIDN'T EVEN SAY IT ON A&E TV OR CAMERAS, HOW CAN THEY DO THIS!! CENSORSHIP!! LIBERALS DESTROYING AMERICA!"
"Liberals are targeting celebrities that have faith"

I want to go ahead and vent about this.

Phil Robertson is employed by A&E (50% owned by ABC-Disney). He is their employee. He is free to say whatever he wants. However there are consequences. His freedom of speech is protected by the government. This is why he isn't being arrested and thrown in jail. That does not however prevent A&E from having their own code of conduct policies in which I'm sure is written in their contract with Robertson.

Larry the Cable Guy does not sound or talk like a redneck hillbilly in real life. It is a faux accent/dialect he uses for entertainment purposes. Whenever Larry is in front of a camera, in the public domain he uses his persona to come out. Phil Robertson because of the fact he's achieved popularity via Duck Dynasty, wherever he goes into the public in front of cameras or a microphone, he carries his character from Duck Dynasty with him. He essentially is Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty when in front of a media outlet. Why? Because nobody cares about Phil Robertson the millionaire who created a duck hunting tool before the TV show. They care about the guy from the TV show. Phil Robertson went to a magazine and said some things. His employer, after receiving outrage, decides to punish him for it.

This is NOT infringing on his freedom of speech. They are not censoring him. I'm almost certain in his contract with A&E, there are written terms that states whenever he goes and uses his likeness from the TV show in public forum like a magazine or Letterman, Leno interview, that he's expected to behave a certain way (and that language includes language too). You know the reason why Phil and his family are not outspoken and speaking out and protesting his suspension? They KNOW that it's in their contracts.

He is NOT fired. Suspended Indefinitely is hollywood/entertainment biz lingo for "We got taken by surprise that this controversy came so quickly that we didn't even know we were going to suspended you, but because there's people complaining we're going to do it until the fire dies down". Remember Dog the Bounty Hunter? He, whom is also an openly devout Christian, got suspended by A&E in 2007 for dropping the n-bomb several times outside of the show, not on TV, on the phone in a personal conversation with his son. What happened after that? He got suspended indefinitely, went on talk shows to apologize and did the damage control. What happened after that? He was brought back on A&E for FIVE SEASONS. FIVE SEASONS. 5 MORE YEARS after that scandal. Not a peep in the media about that either today. Robertson is "suspended" until this scandal hits the backpages and dies out of the headlines.

At the end of the day, Duck Dynasty makes wayyyy too much money for A&E for them to stop. It's hilarious how all of these rednecks on facebook are outraged over this and at A&E. HELLLLOOOO. A&E produces a show dedicated to their common denominator, exploits that denominator/demographic, and you think they're being one-sided? Go to Wal-Mart or Dick's Sporting Goods and look at all the Duck Dynasty merchandise. Coffee mugs, thermos, hats, sweaters, flip flops, fridge magnets, Iphone skin, spatulas all with Duck Dynasty branding. There's too much money for them to fire him over.

We are all entitled to freedom of speech but at the workplace it's a different story. Well wait, you're saying it wasn't even on A&E or on TV so what are you talking about? As I mentioned, celebrities are held to different standards. Their fame comes from constant exposure, and with that, whenever Robertson does a media appearance, he is THAT guy from Duck Dynasty. Your reputation and personality precedes you before you go on any talk show. If this were a regular job, the fact that sexual harassment is so broadly defined at the workplace, Zito and his company could technically get sued if Zito tells new girl "You look pretty" even if it's in a non-sexual/hostile manner. The fact she thinks Zito is creepy is enough for her to complain sexual harassment and likely win. Where is the outrage on Zito's freedom of speech being infringed upon?

If I threaten someone and don't touch them, I could get arrested as well.

People think freedom of speech means say whatever the hell you want and have no consequence. I can't call my boss a cu-t at work or at a bar and NOT expect for there to be consequences or repercussions.

You need a better example. zito would never get the bum's rush from the new girl.

[gilesfan]

He has every right to say what he feels. They have every right to suspend him over it.

But, this is more just dumb Americans. The dude is a devout Christian, did people previously think he was a big fan of ***s?

[ChapelHillMatt]

He has every right to say what he feels. They have every right to suspend him over it.

But, this is more just dumb Americans. The dude is a devout Christian, did people previously think he was a big fan of ***s?

This is my issue, they asked his opinion and he gave it. Don't ask someone's opinion if you aren't willing to accept it. Sounds like to me they were baiting him to say something so they could start a witchhunt against him. I don't get Duck Dynasty, I think it's one of the dumbest shows on TV and for the life of me I don't understand it's popularity but as a Christian I'm getting sick and tired of this issue and the response to it. Guess what, we as bible believing Christians disagree with your lifestyle. It's not gonna ever change. It's one of the many sins the Bible speaks out against. If they are as tolerant and open minded as they claim to be then just let us voice our disapproval and move on. Why does it bother them so much that not everyone agrees with them? Why are they so protected?

A&E has a right to do whatever they want but I hope they aren't surprised when they lose a lot of viewers in the process. I also wouldn't be surprised if the family pulled the show from their network. Then who is going to watch A&E?

[zitothebrave]

Ok I'm gonna weigh in cause everyone and their grandmother has. Sadly I think Gilesfan has an almost correct opinion. Haven't said that in a long time.

Here's my take on this.

He's allowed to have whatever opinions he wants and can say whatever he wants. A&E has every right towho suspend him. His fans have every right to be upset at his suspension. GLADD and others have every right to be offended.

Basically this was someone who isn't a celebrity falling into a common trap (for lack of a better word) where instead of saying what you want you just don't issue a comment or you stir the topic away. He didn't and he's paying the price. In the end he will be back on the show and in a year or 2 this won't be an issue.

[AerchAngel]

Ok I'm gonna weigh in cause everyone and their grandmother has. Sadly I think Gilesfan has an almost correct opinion. Haven't said that in a long time.

Here's my take on this.

He's allowed to have whatever opinions he wants and can say whatever he wants. A&E has every right towho suspend him. His fans have every right to be upset at his suspension. GLADD and others have every right to be offended.

Basically this was someone who isn't a celebrity falling into a common trap (for lack of a better word) where instead of saying what you want you just don't issue a comment or you stir the topic away. He didn't and he's paying the price. In the end he will be back on the show and in a year or 2 this won't be an issue.

It will be sooner than that. He is their cash cow. He is getting a lot of people behind him. THANK GOD. GLAAD is getting on my nerves just like the NAACP. Any slight whatsoever put their panties in bunch. Someone needs to put them in their place.

No wonder the world is going to heck in a hand basket. We did not have these issues in the 70's, 80's or 90's.

[The Chosen One]

Ok I'm gonna weigh in cause everyone and their grandmother has. Sadly I think Gilesfan has an almost correct opinion. Haven't said that in a long time.

Here's my take on this.

He's allowed to have whatever opinions he wants and can say whatever he wants. A&E has every right towho suspend him. His fans have every right to be upset at his suspension. GLADD and others have every right to be offended.

Basically this was someone who isn't a celebrity falling into a common trap (for lack of a better word) where instead of saying what you want you just don't issue a comment or you stir the topic away. He didn't and he's paying the price. In the end he will be back on the show and in a year or 2 this won't be an issue.

You essentially summarized my entire first post in this thread.

[BedellBrave]

Ok I'm gonna weigh in cause everyone and their grandmother has. Sadly I think Gilesfan has an almost correct opinion. Haven't said that in a long time.

Here's my take on this.

He's allowed to have whatever opinions he wants and can say whatever he wants. A&E has every right towho suspend him. His fans have every right to be upset at his suspension. GLADD and others have every right to be offended.

Basically this was someone who isn't a celebrity falling into a common trap (for lack of a better word) where instead of saying what you want you just don't issue a comment or you stir the topic away. He didn't and he's paying the price. In the end he will be back on the show and in a year or 2 this won't be an issue.

I'm still not convinced that Robertson wasn't being both true to his convicts and a really smart dude. These guys are rich. They'll get even richer from all this. And according to them, and quite publicly, they haven't liked how A&E has tried to tone down how their faith is presented in the show. Maybe, they are ready to move on and this really got the ball rolling.

Or, and while I tend not to think this, I don't think we rule it out - this is a big publicity stunt on A&E and the Robertson's part, like CK86 suggests.

[AerchAngel]

This is my issue, they asked his opinion and he gave it. Don't ask someone's opinion if you aren't willing to accept it. Sounds like to me they were baiting him to say something so they could start a witchhunt against him. I don't get Duck Dynasty, I think it's one of the dumbest shows on TV and for the life of me I don't understand it's popularity but as a Christian I'm getting sick and tired of this issue and the response to it. Guess what, we as bible believing Christians disagree with your lifestyle. It's not gonna ever change. It's one of the many sins the Bible speaks out against. If they are as tolerant and open minded as they claim to be then just let us voice our disapproval and move on. Why does it bother them so much that not everyone agrees with them? Why are they so protected?

A&E has a right to do whatever they want but I hope they aren't surprised when they lose a lot of viewers in the process. I also wouldn't be surprised if the family pulled the show from their network. Then who is going to watch A&E?

BRAVO !!!!!!! couldn't have said it better myself.

[The Chosen One]

This is my issue, they asked his opinion and he gave it. Don't ask someone's opinion if you aren't willing to accept it. Sounds like to me they were baiting him to say something so they could start a witchhunt against him. I don't get Duck Dynasty, I think it's one of the dumbest shows on TV and for the life of me I don't understand it's popularity but as a Christian I'm getting sick and tired of this issue and the response to it. Guess what, we as bible believing Christians disagree with your lifestyle. It's not gonna ever change. It's one of the many sins the Bible speaks out against. If they are as tolerant and open minded as they claim to be then just let us voice our disapproval and move on. Why does it bother them so much that not everyone agrees with them? Why are they so protected?

A&E has a right to do whatever they want but I hope they aren't surprised when they lose a lot of viewers in the process. I also wouldn't be surprised if the family pulled the show from their network. Then who is going to watch A&E?

People interested in buying delinquent storage units, parking wars, drug addicts get intervention... and whatever. There's always something new.

Reality TV is so cheap they can come up with a stupid idea and people will watch. Just look at Honey Boo Boo.

[BedellBrave]

People interested in buying delinquent storage units, parking wars, drug addicts get intervention... and whatever. There's always something new.

Reality TV is so cheap they can come up with a stupid idea and people will watch. Just look at Honey Boo Boo.

Not in the numbers that are watching Duck Dynasty I suspect.

[gilesfan]

You need a better example. zito would never get the bum's rush from the new girl.

Dont know many women that like men that eat ice cream for breakfast and have no desire to work a real job.