You never know when or where a heated political issue will resurface, but when it comes up in unlikely situations it so often seems to bring out the true identity of both sides. Miss America pageants come and go, and who knows besides the viewers how the winners are picked. But I think we can all say why this year’s runner-up Miss California lost, thanks to an exchange that has transcended the event itself and has unintentionally scored a major point on the YES side of the PR battle over Proposition 8.
Watch a clip from this morning’s Today Show:
Let’s see, a bubbly Miss California gives an opinion upon request in a peaceful manner, while the “queen of media” responds with a vile and vitriolic vlog post. Was there ever a more lopsided exchange in terms of PR fallout?
The broader problem that this episode raises is our inability as a nation to have a mature dialogue over issues we disagree with. Whether it’s Proposition 8, illegal immigration, abortion, gun control, or even Janeane Garafalo’s odd tirade on MSNBC last week about the Tea Parties, we see the inability of at least one side to carry on a respectful dialogue. If we cannot be civil with those who we disagree, then the ongoing culture war will only get uglier.
An interesting line in my favorite movie of all time, Braveheart, says “it is exactly the ability to compromise that makes a man noble.” Can we not find middle ground on our most divisive issues? My inner Glenn Beck sometimes wonders if someday we’re due for a Red state/Blue state civil war…
Last 3 posts by Casey
- Score one for the YES side - April 21st, 2009
- Rooting for Failure? - March 3rd, 2009
- Feathering the Failure Nest - February 26th, 2009
Amen.
What an amazing person! She’s a Padres fan too.
I might be unpopular for this opinion but thought it was worth sharing.
I liked her initial response. It was sincere, spontaneous, and truthful. Despite stating an opinion that would offend millions, she didn’t sound malicious, attacking, or judgmental.
On the other hand, I didn’t like her Today Show response. It felt contrived, rehearsed, and message-driven. Almost as if she had realized that she could be the poster child for the Christian movement. I realize this probably comes across as judgmental regarding a rare moment when someone with similar views found an opportunity to express them directly, but I feel the same feeling as when I hear a football player thank Jesus for his touchdown.
I wish she would have turned this into a discussion of the difficulty of holding any opinion other than secular individualism which says, “you can hold any belief, as long as it’s mine”.
Casey, at first Eric and I were bummed when we heard you posted this on Blurt Daily. This topic was specifically cited (by you, I believe) as off-limits for the website. However, after reading your post, I see that you bring up a very good point. Why can’t we have normal, mature discussions without one side ripping their hair out while shouting?
When I was a kid, I used to think that all adults were equal. They were mature, polite people who got along with one another. As I have become an adult myself, I am realizing than many adults are still immature little brats. Imagine all of the progress we could make as a society if people would try to understand each other’s opinions in a civilized manner.
An additional thought:
I wonder if this problem will continue to worsen as the future generation grows up with connection-less communication mediums like texting, blogs, Facebook, and Twitter. It carries the mentality, “I can shout all I want to. If someone shouts back, I can ignore it and pretend that I never heard it.”
Eric, I totally agree. Her TODAY show appearance was a little contrived. It was like she was saying, “I’m the real winner here because I’M the one on the TODAY show and I’ll make lots of money talking to teens about this in the future!”
Great topic though.
Perez Hilton wants no one to offend anyone. But what he really means is that he wanted Miss Calif to answer in accordance with his viewpoint.
I fear a country where we have to pander to everyone’s personal opinion and not share what we stand for. Unfortunately we’re headed there (if we’re not there already).
my verification words are: earth alarming.
Nice! Happy Earth Day!
Dana - Appreciate your comments.
Mark (or anyone else) - thought you might like this. http://tinyurl.com/d6fst8 Its something I wrote on my personal blog.