“I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to make an ass of yourself.”
-Oscar Wilde
Recently, Phil Robertson of the reality TV show Duck Dynasty was suspended for making comments that many people, myself included, would consider quite silly and ignorant. Although his words were not technically hateful or homophobic, they were certainly ridiculous in my own personal view.
His suspension and possible firing by A&E is not a first amendment issue from a legal perspective. Private companies can and should be free to hire and fire on these grounds in most contexts. This is only a first amendment issue from an ethical perspective.
In my view, it is a welcome opportunity to encourage tolerance of dissenting, or even unpleasant viewpoints, and to encourage good speech in response to what we see as bad speech. This is far preferable and more effective than going around sticking socks in people’s mouths.
Our fellow men are to be heard and to be persuaded, not brow-beaten into conformity. Conversations can be powerful, only if we let them, and only if we show basic human respect and courtesy to the people we are engaging with, regardless of their views.
Recently, video surfaced of Mr. Robertson from three years ago, in which he voiced much more extreme views than what he has expressed now. Since that time, it seems his views have softened considerably, becoming far more tolerant than they once were. Perhaps this is because the people around him have been encouraging him to become more tolerant and accepting than he once was?
Conversation really does work. But it takes time. People, especially older people, can be slow to change long-held views. We should remember that, and show them the same acceptance and kindness that we demand from them in turn.
End of the day update: If it were up to me, Duck Dynasty would do a comeback episode in which a gay free speech advocate would come on and share her views with open-hearted persuasive flair, and then ideally, they would all hug it out. It would probably be a ratings smash. And then I could go back to not caring that this is a TV show that exists. Everybody wins.