‘Duck Dynasty’: Phil Robertson Suspended Indefinitely Following Anti-Gay Remarks

[olive]

http://tv.yahoo.com/news/duck-dynast...003417098.html

only offer an opinion if you're fluent on the subject

“Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson has been placed on indefinite hiatus from the reality program following his controversial remarks in GQ magazine regarding homosexuality.

A+E Networks, parent company of A&E, has released the following statement to Variety:

“We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series Duck Dynasty. His personal views in no way reflect those of A+E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community.”

As noted in a previous Variety article, Robertson discusses in his GQ interview his religious beliefs and about sin, saying, “start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men.” Then, the GQ writer paraphrases Corinthians saying, “don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers — they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”

Robertson added in the interview, “It seems like, to me, a vagina — as a man — would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.”

“Duck Dynasty” has been a ratings juggernaut for A&E, recently drawing around 9 million viewers for its Christmas special. Gurney Prods.-produced program can move on without Phil Robertson attached to the series, as the bearded men at the center of the Robertson clan include Jase, Willie and Uncle Si, among others.

[Macfanforever]

I just heard this on the 11pm news.


I had to sit through 2 hours of Duck Dynasty over my nephews house on Thanksgiving.Its just another retarded reality show.

After seen this show anybody with a camcorder can do a reality show and post it on YT and become a hit.

I should film my walks.

[MoonSister75]

Originally Posted by Macfanforever

I just heard this on the 11pm news.


I had to sit through 2 hours of Duck Dynasty over my nephews house on Thanksgiving.Its just another retarded reality show.

After seen this show anybody with a camcorder can do a reality show and post it on YT and become a hit.

I should film my walks.

You should do that! I'm sure it would make much more interesting, and high quality viewing, than this reality rubbish....what is the world coming to? Duck Dynasty?!?

[Dex]

Ha. Yes, there are many youtube users who have amassed followings based on similarly mundane things!

I am a fan of some youtubers and reality shows, though, so my claim to intellectual superiority is pretty much nil. Duck Dynasty, however, is honestly of no interest to me. It seems like its appeal is based on people who like watching "rednecks" be... well... rednecky. So the reaction to this particular redneck moment seems a little disingenuous.

[MoonSister75]

Originally Posted by Dex

Ha. Yes, there are many youtube users who have amassed followings based on similarly mundane things!

I am a fan of some youtubers and reality shows, though, so my claim to intellectual superiority is pretty much nil. Duck Dynasty, however, is honestly of no interest to me. It seems like its appeal is based on people who like watching "rednecks" be... well... rednecky. So the reaction to this particular redneck moment seems a little disingenuous.

I've also found some great youtubers, and some ok reality stuff . But I take Skip's word on this one - Duck Dynasty sounds a bit crap.

[I'msoAfraid95]

Originally Posted by MoonSister75

I've also found some great youtubers, and some ok reality stuff . But I take Skip's word on this one - Duck Dynasty sounds a bit crap.

I live in a area similar to where the show is filmed. I know several people who could take place of the guy. His kind is the norm here.

I really dislike the show because it gives the world the fuel to say all American southerners are stupid and uneducated. We are actually very smart, both bookwise and common sense wise.

[I'msoAfraid95]

I've read comments on my local NBC station's Facebook page about this. (Oh how I hate living in a place where people can't think without mentioning the bible). His first admendment right to freedom of speech was not violated. Hes not in jail. You can't expect to say something controversial and not have some repercussions, especially if you're in the public's eye.

I think that the show is stupid, and I'm tired of seeing their faces in every store I go into.

Yes, I'm pro gay and pro equal rights for everybody

[Dex]

Originally Posted by I'msoAfraid95

I've read comments on my local NBC station's Facebook page about this. (Oh how I hate living in a place where people can't think without mentioning the bible). His first admendment right to freedom of speech was not violated. Hes not in jail. You can't expect to say something controversial and not have some repercussions, especially if you're in the public's eye.

I had to google Duck Dynasty (eesh!) but even with almost no knowledge of the subject, I love this post. Complete failure to understand speech laws in western nations is one of my biggest pet peeves. I hope you posted this on the facebook page. Some people just need it to be broken down very simply. "Nobody called the cops on him! Calm down!"

ETA: His quote of controversy doesn't actually bother me that much, now that I'm reading it again. He condemns same-sex sex as immoral. But then in the same breath condemns heterosexual promiscuity and a host of other things as sins. This doesn't seem like an anti-gay rant in particular. This is just a man operating on a Victorian sense of right and wrong, and seeming to at least be fairly consistent about it. It may be incredibly stupid, and kind of annoying, but it doesn't strike me as hateful. I'm not sure suspension was entirely fair. My guess is he's been pretty openly stupid and annoying since the network picked the show up.

But for the record, in response to his added comment, a man's anus is so insanely awesome. Seriously. He's missing out!

[TrueFaith77]

You are the ONLY person I have read commentating on this anywhere on the news or on the internet to actually address what was said, and to respond accordingly. Bravo! Now, let's extend that to GLAAD. Its response was totally inappropriate--as I read it, they basically vilified anal sex as "vile" and "stereotypical." While it is true that not all gay people engage in anal sex (specifically involving men's anuses), it does seem odd to me for GLAAD to characterize appreciation for men's anuses to be "vile" and stereotypical--maybe a generalization, but not stereotypical. And of all groups I would expect GLAAD to respond with some sort of support for sexual attraction to men's anuses, for those who have this attraction. In other words, its GLAAD's Gay Elite Puritanism vs. Duck Dynasty's Moral Victorianism. In this fight, I have to support Duck Dynasty. He makes the better argument. (Though not better than Dex's rejoinder hahaha!)

Originally Posted by Dex

I had to google Duck Dynasty (eesh!) but even with almost no knowledge of the subject, I love this post. Complete failure to understand speech laws in western nation is one of my biggest pet peeves. I hope you posted this on the facebook page. Some people just need it to be broken down very simply. "Nobody called the cops on him! Calm down!"

ETA: His quote of controversy doesn't actually bother me that much, now that I'm reading it again. He condemns same-sex sex as immoral. But then in the same breath condemns heterosexual promiscuity and a host of other things as sins. This doesn't seem like an anti-gay rant in particular. This is just a man operating on a Victorian sense of right and wrong, and seeming to at least be fairly consistent about it. It may be incredibly stupid, and kind of annoying, but it doesn't strike me as hateful. I'm not sure suspension was entirely fair. My guess is he's been pretty openly stupid and annoying since the network picked the show up.

But for the record, in response to his added comment, a man's anus is so insanely awesome. Seriously. He's missing out!

[Dex]

Originally Posted by TrueFaith77

You are the ONLY person I have read commentating on this anywhere on the news or on the internet to actually address what was said, and to respond accordingly. Bravo! Now, let's extend that to GLAAD. Its response was totally inappropriate--as I read it, they basically vilified anal sex as "vile" and "stereotypical." While it is true that not all gay people engage in anal sex (specifically involving men's anuses), it does seem odd to me for GLAAD to characterize appreciation for men's anuses to be "vile" and stereotypical--maybe a generalization, but not stereotypical. And of all groups I would expect GLAAD to respond with some sort of support for sexual attraction to men's anuses, for those who have this attraction. In other words, its GLAAD's Gay Elite Puritanism vs. Duck Dynasty's Moral Victorianism. In this fight, I have to support Duck Dynasty. He makes the better argument. (Though not better than Dex's rejoinder hahaha!)

Good to see you.

I think what GLAAD was really objecting to was the reduction of gay men simply to practitioners of anal sex, and how problematic that is. But that's not really what they ended up saying, and their words were pretty abysmal, yes. To have my fondness for anal sex labelled "vile and extreme" from an organisation that is supposed to have my back is bizarre indeed.

I like the idea behind GLAAD, and think an organisation like that has its place, but these days they seem to be consistently misguided. I appreciate they have a tricky role to play which requires a certain finesse, but all I see them doing now is providing fuel for right-wing "political correctness gone mad" rants.

[KarmaContestant]

Duck Dynasty is one of the dumbest things on TV. As bad as Honey Boo Boo. I watched one episode earlier this year, and could only shake my head at their childish antics... It's just another series in what I consider a vile line of shows that glorify (or pay homage to - I'm not sure which one) rednecks, hillbillies, swamp folk and other sterotypical Jerry Springer Show guests. These are popular right now along with those other cable programs about slaughtering large sea creatures and wildlife, mowing down virgin forest, pillaging the bowels of the earth for gold and other environmental abuses in the name of glory and profit. I see all of these as a cultural backlash against the liberal TV of the 90's and early millenium new-age environmentalism.

The pendulum will swing back the other direction, and then back again to this one - it's never ending.

That said, I don't care about his opinion on gays, marriage or sex. They are his own, and he's entitled to them. He has a lot of fans, and he's speaking for them, however foolish it might be.

[I'msoAfraid95]

Originally Posted by KarmaContestant

Duck Dynasty is one of the dumbest things on TV. As bad as Honey Boo Boo. I watched one episode earlier this year, and could only shake my head at their childish antics... It's just another series in what I consider a vile line of shows that glorify (or pay homage to - I'm not sure which one) rednecks, hillbillies, swamp folk and other sterotypical Jerry Springer Show guests. These are popular right now along with those other cable programs about slaughtering large sea creatures and wildlife, mowing down virgin forest, pillaging the bowels of the earth for gold and other environmental abuses in the name of glory and profit. I see all of these as a cultural backlash against the liberal TV of the 90's and early millenium new-age environmentalism.

The pendulum will swing back the other direction, and then back again to this one - it's never ending.

That said, I don't care about his opinion on gays, marriage or sex. They are his own, and he's entitled to them. He has a lot of fans, and he's speaking for them, however foolish it might be.

Honey Boo Boo is worse.

Most people, I figure, watch both shows to get a laugh.

[MoonSister75]

Originally Posted by KarmaContestant

Duck Dynasty is one of the dumbest things on TV. As bad as Honey Boo Boo. I watched one episode earlier this year, and could only shake my head at their childish antics... It's just another series in what I consider a vile line of shows that glorify (or pay homage to - I'm not sure which one) rednecks, hillbillies, swamp folk and other sterotypical Jerry Springer Show guests. These are popular right now along with those other cable programs about slaughtering large sea creatures and wildlife, mowing down virgin forest, pillaging the bowels of the earth for gold and other environmental abuses in the name of glory and profit. I see all of these as a cultural backlash against the liberal TV of the 90's and early millenium new-age environmentalism.

The pendulum will swing back the other direction, and then back again to this one - it's never ending.

That said, I don't care about his opinion on gays, marriage or sex. They are his own, and he's entitled to them. He has a lot of fans, and he's speaking for them, however foolish it might be.

Honey Boo Boo!!

We have one over here where they fly celebrities into the Australian rainforest, where they have to fend for themselves and do ridiculous tasks. In the bush tucker trials, the celebrities have to eat strange creatures, some insects are alive. Its a pretty awful use of the rainforest and the poor animals.

[Johnny Stew]

I'm trying to understand the interpretation of GLAAD's statement as being puritanical and showing a lack of support for those who engage in anal sex. As I read it, the "vile and extreme stereotypes" GLAAD was referencing in Phil Robertson's comments, were his likening of homosexual behavior to bestiality, adultery, and "sin" in general. There was a lot more to his statement than simply displaying his disgust regarding a man's anus, and I believe that's what GLAAD was referring to.

That said, he's not the first so-called Christian to make such sweeping comparisons and use the Bible as a defense. (Somehow they always manage to miss that pesky "judge not" section, among other things.) At this point, they're just making themselves look worse than they're making us look. The people who already feel as they do, will nod their head firmly in agreement -- while the people who don't, will go about their business and not let such statements change their point of view. So, there really is no use in expending a lot of energy over this.

To me, the most offensive thing he said in the GQ article was that, during the Jim Crow Law era, African-Americans were "happy and singing." Adding, "pre-entitlement, pre-welfare.... no one was singing the blues."

[Dex]

Originally Posted by Johnny Stew

I'm trying to understand the interpretation of GLAAD's statement as being puritanical and showing a lack of support for those who engage in anal sex. As I read it, the "vile and extreme stereotypes" GLAAD was referencing in Phil Robertson's comments, were his likening of homosexual behavior to bestiality, adultery, and "sin" in general. There was a lot more to his statement than simply displaying his disgust regarding a man's anus, and I believe that's what GLAAD was referring to.

But bestiality, adultery, and "sin" are not stereotypes. They're concepts and practices. The only think Phil Robertson really said about gay people is that they like man butt. That's genuinely all he said. So I can only assume that's what GLAAD was referring to. He groups it in with adultery and heterosexual promiscuity as things that were once socially unacceptable that now are more accepted. And to be honest, condemning homosexual practices on the same level that you condemn many heterosexual practices is frankly something I find refreshing coming from a conservative religious American. It just seems like a much more measured view than one many religiously-driven homophobes take. I still think he's an idiot with a demonstrable lack of independent thought, and I agree with you he isn't going to change any minds, but GLAAD's response almost felt like it was written before actually reading the comment in question.