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It seems all I need to do to create a flood of comments here at Idol Chatter--something that make my editors very happy--is to post my thoughts on either (a) Michael Moore or (b) Kathy Griffin. It's the latter comedian who put me in hot water with some readers, because I went on a minor rant last week about her acceptance speech at the creative Emmys.
But after watching Kathy Griffin on "Larry King Live" this week as well as reading about the advertisement Christian entertainers from Pigeon Forge, Tennessee took out in USA Today, I am forced now to backpedal a little bit on my reaction.
While my post was a momentary frustrated reaction to what I heard without seeing the entire context of the quote--something I saw when I watched the Larry King interview (and lessened the sting of the quote a little)--the Christians working at Miracle Theater took a more drastic stance when they spent almost 100,000 dollars on the USA Today advertisement to show their outrage over Griffin's remarks about what Jesus could do to a little golden statue.
But they aren't stopping there. They are now asking Christians to sign a protest petition. The petition is called "A Million Voices For Christ" and is supposedly in reaction to the positive response Miracle Theater received for the USA Today ad.
Sigh. So now, as I have to do far too often as a Christian covering pop culture, I have to swing back the other way and defend Griffin just a little and chastise some of fellow believers for their overzealous behavior.
I still don't like what Griffin said. I'm not a big believer in having a lot of "sacred cows" that cannot be discussed or made light of, but I still believe what she said was unnecessary and came from motives I don't respect--even as I realize that Griffin, of course, has every right to say it.
But the lesson more conservative Christian watchdogs never seem to learn, however, is that all they are doing with a petition and an advertisement is wasting money, giving Griffin even more publicity (just watch the Larry King interview where she chortled with glee over the ad), and worst of all, acting like a victim whose voice can't be heard any other way than through a publicity stunt.
Maybe they just need to find a blog to vent their frustrations in. It works for me.
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Comments
Joy:
What makes Christians RIGHT? Does that mean everyone who isn't a Christian is wrong?
Yes, people have the right to free speech....thus Kathy G. has that right also. Why was what she said wrong? Just because you didn't like what she said? You're allowed to say that, just as she is allowed to say what she wanted to. No one is forcing you to listen to her or the networks that have allow GD on them. There is an off button on the television and radio.
And you're also right that bibles aren't allowed in PUBLIC schools...it's called separation of church and state, thus NO BIBLES in public schools. Want bibles in school? ....there are plenty of Christian schools and Catholic schools that have them.
No one is trying to shut up the Christians...just remind them they don't get to run the country as they would like to. This isn't a Christian nation (fortunately)as much as some would like to make it one. Different religions are a good thing in the United States, with none being a monopoly. No religion should ever "run" this country.
Posted by: pagansister | September 25, 2007 4:44 PM
If someone's that upset about what Kathy Griffin said, then she's got more influence on people than she possibly realizes.
Instead of reacting so hard to what she said, make it clear you don't approve by ignoring her. Ignore her long enough and she'll fade back into obscurity.
Posted by: Michael Goodfellow | September 25, 2007 8:44 PM
Yes, everyone has the right to voice their opinions. My problem is this writer said "I am forced now to backpedal a little bit on my reaction." I think this writer is writing for the wrong site. This is Beliefnet. Inspiration, spirituality, faith. Why should he backpedal? And yes, I signed the petition.
Posted by: Sandy Shaver | September 29, 2007 12:07 PM
Listen us Christians have or should have had enough of the people saying bad things about God or Jesus Christ. You hardly evey heard Gods name being used, but today the actors say it all of the time. They don't realize that children of all ages hear this filth. I'm in my 50's & can tell you that I sure don't like it. Can any actor or actress say that they are a Christian & be truthful with it? God know what they say on & off TV. I've got to where I try not to watch the movies any more unless I know that the nasty talking is not in it. You men & woman you'd better understand that God is watching ebery move you make. I can't judge, but I do pray for you & your souls. I'm just a sinner that is trying to live for my Lord, how about YOU. Can you be TRUTHFUL.
Posted by: Peggy V. Turner | October 1, 2007 4:06 PM
curious) please let me know what she said
Posted by: geneva samples | October 17, 2007 11:45 AM
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