Surprised you, didn't it? I am 1000% pro gay marriage. I don't even think it should be an issue. Marriage is marriage, whether it's a man and woman, two men, or two women. That's it. Love is love.
But - I am also 1000% anti-bullying.
The former Mike Seaver made huge headlines last month when he appeared on Piers Morgan's show. He said, "Marriage is almost as old as dirt, and it was defined in the Garden between Adam and Eve," he continued. "One man, one woman for life till death do you part. So I would never attempt to try to redefine marriage. And I don't think anyone else should either."
Like I said, I don't agree. But - all he was doing was stating how the issue meshes with his personal religious beliefs. He has been defended by Morgan for honestly stating his beliefs, and has himself said that he doesn't hate gays: “I spoke as honestly as I could, but some people believe my responses were not loving toward those in the gay community. That is not true. I can assuredly say that it’s my life’s mission to love all people.”
And from the Today show: "I love all people," he said. "I hate no one, and you know, when you take a subject and you reduce it to something like a four-second sound bite and a check mark on a ballot, I think that that's inappropriate and insensitive."
Since he made the comments, he has been targeted by many groups and individuals. There is even a Funny or Die video "Child Celebrities Opposing Kirk Cameron" Actually, there are 65 videos targeting him. To me, this is bullying. Actually, here is the Wikipedia definition of bullying (bold text by me):
Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior manifested by the use of force or coercion to affect others, particularly when the behavior is habitual and involves an imbalance of power. It can include verbal harassment, physical assault or coercion and may be directed repeatedly towards particular victims, perhaps on grounds of race, religion, gender, sexuality, or ability.GLAAD has also mounted a campaign against Cameron: GLAAD will be monitoring Cameron’s media bookings and roles with film and television studios to ensure the news and entertainment industry is aware of his outrageous anti-gay views.
This all sounds like bullying to me. And bullying is never okay.
We may not agree with his statements, but Kirk Cameron has the same freedom of speech as the rest of us. Bullying should not be accepted, no matter who is the target.
Good post tonight. I agree wholeheartedly.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Bullying in any form is intolerable. Whether you agree with him or not. I think you remind us of a very important lesson. He wasn't trying to bully anyone by his comment, he just stated his belief. We need to allow all people, celebrity or not, the freedom to speak of their beliefs without the fear of being bullied. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWow!! I never really had an opinion of him because people are entitled to their own beliefs whether I agree with them or not. I didn't realize all the craziness that was going on. I totally agree!
ReplyDeleteWell said. We all have the right to express an opinion. And Mike Seaver, I mean Kirk, at least does so with respect. He doesn't need to apologize for his view, and I don't think he's inciting people to be mean and hateful to one another. The media keeps asking him, all he's doing is answering.
ReplyDeleteGLAAD should wholly support his right to speak, so that they can turn around and ask others to respect their right to speak.
But that's just my 0.02! ;-)
Oh, and I hope to see you at Blogathon in May!
ReplyDelete