One Citizen Speaking... |
Posted: 21 Dec 2013 04:52 PM PST Did Phil lie?
While Phil may have spoken in crude terms, let us remember that this is not an ignorant man. He is an inventor, businessman, and educator – possessing a Masters Degree in Education and is qualified as a teacher.
A&E Hypocrisy?
Or a publicity stunt? Why would A&E set up an interview with a magazine that promotes merchandise to “stylish men?” A “yuppie” magazine with a large gay readership? A&E set up the interview and an A&E representative was present during most of the interview. So, knowing the contents of the interview, why did A&E throw Phil Robertson under the bus as jeopardize a multi-million dollar entertainment and merchandising property? Some thoughts come to mind: stupidity, inattention, and incompetence. Then there are the darker motivations that are not unknown in tv-land. Weakening the brand prior to a contract negotiation or creating controversy to create additional awareness and profits. Backfire? Like the forest rangers who set a “controlled burn” and accidently set off a raging wildfire, A&E finds themselves embroiled in the controversy. Whatever A&E’s motivation, there appears to be an unintended consequence; sparking a national debate between the normally silent majority and the shrill voices of the activists shilling for the grievance industry. People who would not normally speak out are standing behind Phil and the idea that a small number of vocal activists should not dominate the conversation when it comes to core beliefs and issues. While freedom of speech and/or religion is not an issue here because those are constitutional prohibitions against government actions, nobody disputes A&E’s contractual right to sanction Phil Robertson or control anything that damages their brand or platform. Nobody disputes the right of A&E to act stupidly or in their own best interests. Nobody disputes the right of Phil Robertson to say anything he wants – in non-A&E media. So why is this a big deal? The activists love the controversy as it provides extensive self-serving face time on major broadcast outlets and interviews in print publications. The media loves the controversy as it translates into larger audiences and higher ratings. And, we are unsure if A&E actually loves the controversy that might ultimately result in significantly larger audience numbers. Bottom line … There is little or no doubt that the concept of Duck Dynasty started as an inside joke to feature white trash and rednecks as a living joke that could be enjoyed by those who want to feel superior to others. Honey Boo Boo in the woods. Unfortunately for A&E, their entertainment venture was perceived by the vast majority of the audience to be an honest portrayal of rural life – complete with family values and life lessons. In fact, the program became a shorthand meme for real America and Americans – the kind of people who weather adversity and thrive, using their native skills to build a productive and satisfying life without all of the tschokes that the media hawks to pump up your self-esteem. It appears that Phil Robertson does not need much to pump up his self-esteem or well-being. He’s got his bible, his woman, his family, his land, and his gun – with a well-stocked natural supermarket outside his front door. He has a business and a purpose to his life. And, whatever you may think of him and his kinfolk – they do not need A&E nor the adulation of adoring fans. To hear most of the Robertson clan, shaving their beards to reduce recognition and having a little more anonymity would make them happy, happy, happy. A&E and their sponsors will do what they can legally do. The Robertson clan will do what they can legally do. And, the audience who loves Duck Dynasty, myself included, hopes that whatever these two parties decide to do, Duck Dynasty will continue on with Phil Robertson as the centerpiece for this entertaining show. As for the national debate that has been started … perhaps this is the best thing that can happen in America. Where traditional values trump the progressive socialist democrats and their coalition of victimhood groups – and people come out to vote. For America and against socialism. And, perhaps the yuppies might just step out into nature once and a while, instead of supporting activists and causes that purport to support nature, while in fact reducing our liberty and freedoms. -- steve  |
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