I love a good culture war. I don’t think we have enough of them; but luckily, especially around election season, all of these great varying
views in our country come to the surface. Case in point: Chick-Fil-A.
The latest culture war has made eating a fried chicken sandwich a political statement. While never being soft spoken on their faith-based approach as a company, Chick-Fil-A President Dan Cathy has created a public outcry from the LGBT community over his statements against gay marriage: the mayors of Boston and Chicago have said that the chain is not welcome, gay rights groups have called for a boycott, and even the Jim Henson Company has pulled Muppet toys from kids’ meals.
In an effort to stop the negative PR, Dan Cathy said at the end of last week, “Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.” Still, all of this talk has put a bad taste in the mouths of many potential customers and made me think about the fine line a company needs to walk between personal beliefs and public actions.
In the day of social media, I’ve seen rumors spread like wildfire. How many times have you seen a “boycott (insert large company or brand here)” picture posted by a friend? My favorites are usually political, and this election season, we’ve seen more than enough posts saying this or that company supports conservative attack ads. Usually, that is true because large companies give political donations.
What the post doesn’t say is that the company also gave money for liberal attack ads, because smart companies give to both sides as a matter of self-interest.
However, when it’s a Chick-Fil-A situation, things are much more clear. To this day I will not eat a spoon of Oberweis ice cream because of the negative ads their president Jim Oberweis ran on immigration. How can you expect the LGBT community to support the family income of a man whose views are contrary to their own? This is what we should love about capitalism, because while I fully respect the right of Chick-Fil-A to express their views, the public has the final say by supporting with their wallets.
Fox & Friends did their traditional spin Monday by asking viewers “Are the Chick-Fil A boycotts un-American?” You know conservatives are scrapping the barrel when they challenge an idea’s patriotism, yet these days that is usually their only defense to everything.
In fairness, I would agree with them that it would be “un-American” to prohibit Chick-fil-A from opening a restaurant in any location. But as usual, Fox is playing to their demographic and trying to soften the hit Chick-fil-A has taken for their stance. Have no doubt, fried chicken sandwiches have now become political.
Chick-fil-A has publicly come down against same-sex marriage, and be sure that those that support them are making dinner plans at a local Chick-fil-A tonight.
If you disagree with Chick-fil-A’s views. then you should boycott them, tell all your friends to boycott them, and share every article you can on what they said. The last big conservative movement (the Tea Party) is named after a bunch of people who actively protested the actions of the English government of their time. Conservatives love a boycott when it suits their agenda. Liberals have every right to do so when the battlelines are this clearly drawn.
Bring on the culture war!
Jose Cruz is the editor of OurTiempo.com worked in the Clinton White House and on three Presidential campaigns. He is the founder of ImmigrationPAC a pro-comprehensive immigration reform Federal Political Action Committee and active political commentator.
About Being Latino Contributors
Im sorry everyone has tjeir opinion and they are entitled to it whether rifgt.or wrong and I love their food and tbey treat their employees good im not gonna stop going there
they shouldn’t ban them or get rid of them because of this -_- it’s like we have to agree or else what is going on with this world? It’s like it has to be a one sided deal or else:|
Going to KFC…… I just think it’s rather ironic that the one New York Chick-Fil-A is located blocks away from Stonewall, the bar that was the catalyst of the gay rights movement in this country
What I don’t understand is why the community still continues to give them free advertisement since all this has happened. Every time the logo is posted on any website, all you’re doing is advertising for them……
Ban? For what? They are entitled to their opinion as long as it doesn’t affect their customer service or hiring discrimination . Besides that? U r going to run into a lot of people who do not agree with this change, you can’t expect people to go against a belief which they believe comes from god . I am straight Latino male, I support gay marriage, but just because someone else does not does not give me reason to try I destroy them. This is truly a non issue
who cares…banning Chick-fil-A because it’s president doesn’t approve of gay marriages…..oh yea lets burn it to the ground….fuck that…CHICK-FIL-A IS DELICIOUS!!
I don’t think anyone is looking to destroy the company, and yes everyone has to follow their own convictions, but when multi-million dollar donations are made to organizations that I personally am not in line with, then it’s my prerogative not to have any of my dollars involved.
I’m sorrry but I haven’t had chick-fil-a in YEARS and now that all this has started I’ve been wanting to go get some.. not for any political reason or anything.. but because I keep hearing “chick-fil-a” and all I want to do is go order a chicken sandwich. And I am vegan.
I love eating there and my brother is gay.. that does not mean i love my brother any less..i like the food and my kids too… i don’t let politics decided where i eat… i support gay marriage too..but to each its own.. GB
As much as I don’t agree with their opinions, the food is great, and the customer service in the Woodbridge mall in NJ is great! If we start a ban, the workers are going to lose their job after hours are going to be cut, not fair to them.
Everyone has their right to believe whatever they want.
The problem i have is when you try to use your belief to infringe on other people’s rights. That’s the problem I have with them.
I love chick-Fil-A, and love to give them free advertising! I have the right to eat chick-fil-a anytime i want ….
Free speech does not always guarantee you are going to hear what you want to hear… I don’t agree with their position but I will respect their freedoms …
Dislike.
When did hating become a family value? #boycottchickfil
@Anthony – Blame that on the media. I never even HEARD of Chick-Fil-A until this.
As a gay male I think that is going to far. If you don’t like what the company’s believe is on homosexuality or marriage just don’t go eat there or support theirs business. But don’t tell them where they can or can’t build a restaurant.
I support Chick-Fil-A BECAUSE the owner supports heterosexual marriage in direct exclusion of homosexual marriage.
Know the facts. They never stated anything against same sex marriage. They affirmed their position on the matter. Seems like freedom of speech is one sided now!!
Fast food makes you fat, regardless of whether or not the owner is a bigot.
I agree Veronica, how can we as citizens stand by our government to infringe on Chick-fil-a’s right to their opinion.
It’s called “tyranny” when the government is oppressive to individuals that have a first amendment right.
I think corporations need to stay out of politics regardless of their stance on issues.
So stupid. Everybone should boycott grandmothers too. I’m going out for a spicy chicken sandwich right now
Being Latino should support all latinos and their beliefs. Don’t post your opinions and expect all of us to fall in line.
@Boris, that I agree with you 100%. Chick-Fil-A has every right to build a restaurant wherever they want. That’s part of a free marketplace. That’s America in that sense. And if you don’t like the view point, then yeah don’t frequent the restaurant. That’s why to this day I still don’t go to Denny’s, because of their treatment of African-Americans as well as the Irish population with an ad campaign.
Everyone, just go back to work and stop playing on fb!