Diane Winston of the USC Media and Religion program asks this about the Carrie Prejean controversy:
"How do more modestly clad Southern Baptists feel about having a piece of Donald Trump arm-candy cast as the spokesperson for their movement?"
And... Does James Dobson feel that her nude photography makes her a less compelling role model for conservative Christian values?
UPDATE.
For Prejean
Reader Sarah responds:
"She is a role model because she has shown courage under fire. Because what we have seen is the attempt to destroy someone who gave an opposing opinion, and we've seen this before. We've seen a young woman who was suddenly thrust into the spotlight all because of her simple answer which happened to be "conservative" and from a Biblical perspective. What we've seen is a double standard. Homosexuals want tolerance but yet, they will not tolerate others like Prejean. So, I think she is a role model because she is someone who has suffered persecution for her Biblical beliefs. That's the bottom line. Whether the photos were right or wrong are really, in many ways, irrelevant."
A believer:
"The way that these two women were attacked by the loose morals of this nation is like something out of the Salem Witch Trials."
Critical of Prejean:
Reverand Claudia:
The question is not whether she spoke up or is a beauty or is a spokesperson or any of that junk. The FACT is she says she is a Christian, yet she not only lied about the fact that she did nude photos, when she was found out, she lied some more.... What will this teach our children? That if you're beautiful, you can lie and it's allright with us? It's not what I want my children to learn."
Alison:
"Do we need someone parading around immodestly as a "role model" for our already vulnerable daughters? I'm not just talking about modesty of dress here (although it's true that Prejean needs to keep her clothes on). I'm talking about modesty of character as well. This means coming clean about whatever lies she's told, and not blaming the media or the photographers for "exploiting her". This is really a teachable moment for us and our daughters, for all of us to be reminded that real beauty is found in integrity of character, not in breast implants or bikinis."
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You're very right, Reverend Claudia. And it could further be asked, do we need someone parading around immodestly as a "role model" for our already vulnerable daughters?
I'm not just talking about modesty of dress here (although it's true that Prejean needs to keep her clothes on). I'm talking about modesty of character as well. This means coming clean about whatever lies she's told, and not blaming the media or the photographers for "exploiting her". This is really a teachable moment for us and our daughters, for all of us to be reminded that real beauty is found in integrity of character, not in breast implants or bikinis.
Sarah, you do not speak for all Christians. Many Christians disagree with you and with Carrie Prejean. Many Christians support gay and lesbian equality, and same-sex marriage, and we do so from a Biblical perspective (as well as an ethical and moral one). Whine all you want, but Christians are neither hated nor persecuted in this country. Intolerance and ignorance are. So if you and Carrie Prejean are going to open your mouths in support of bigotry, be prepared to take the consequences. Homophobia is a sin, no less than racism and misogyny. Yes, we have freedom of speech in this country. But hate speech will always ignite a backlash, and deservedly so.
Sarah said:
"Christians are becoming one of the most hated groups in America, and as homosexuals gain in their agendas and as a liberal D.C. makes more headway into people's homes and lives and as people live very lukewarm American lives, it's becoming harder and harder to be a Biblical Christian. And so Carrie is a role model as someone who didn't back down out of fear, who didn't allow herself to be bullied, but yet, who also didn't act with hate or even anger."
OK.
Wow.
I know that conservative Christians frequently deny the salvation of those of us who are gay and Christian. This is a serious usurpation of God's sole authority and one which should trouble all Christians greatly.
Everytime time I encounter it, tho', it stuns me anew.
Truly, honestly - do you, Sarah and A believer and all the other Christians here who say my marriage is not real, who actually deny my Salvation, insist that only those who share your personal interpretation of the Bible are truly Christians?
That is the only logical conclusion one may draw when you make such statements as "Christians are becoming one of the most hated groups in America".
There is a very large number of Christians in America who do not share your views, do not interpret the Bible as you do and who do not stand opposed to gay marriage. The only "hatred" these Christians are experiencing is from people like you.
Please, an answer from you folks would be very good indeed. Do you truly claim the authority to deny Salvation?
Do you truly claim that all other Christians, whether gay or heterosexual are non-Christian because they support our human rights?
Wow.
When asked what is her 'personal opinion' on gay marriage, she said: 1) she's happy/proud/delighted/thankful to live in a country in which you can choose [actually only in a few states can you choose, but she seems to think that it is a good idea!]; 2) she believes that marriage should be between a man and woman; and 3) that she was raised to believe #2.
#1 sounds reasonably progressive. She's more than conceding that valid ballots, elections, and propositions which are procedurally fair are a good way to decide controversial issues and that we should take pride in living in a country where we have fair processes which inspire confidence and whose results we are willing to abide by even though we may disagree with the substantive outcome. Take a look at Iran and how many people died. Don't agree with me just because I am using a few fancy terms. She's speaking simply and from her heart and seems to have benevolent sentiments. What more do you want? If she talked about procedural fairness as being the best we can do with regards to controversial issues such as gay marriage, she would have been condemned as a pretentious poseur or a "miss know it all."
#2 She was asked for her personal view. What do you want her to say? There is a story about a mischievous child who went to a wise man and asked him whether the bird in his hand is dead or alive. If the wise man said it was alive, the boy would crush it before opening his hand. If the wise man said the bird is dead, the boy would crush it before opening his hand. The wise man told the boy the answer to the question is in his hand. In his hand. Literally and figuratively. The lady is being persecuted for being honest and thinking that she didn't have to outsmart some people who sound kind of evil. Put yourselves in her shoes at her age and given her very difficult family background. I am not sure any one of us who could have been more authentic than her about a different issue which is as controversial as the one she was asked to address. I have nodded my head in agreement when racists and prejudiced people insulted my religion and my own family because I didn't want to hurt their feelings. I can assure you that you would have a very difficult time trying to convince anyone that she should have nodded her head, smiled and given P Hilton a fake answer that would please him but easily alienate more than half of the population in the country no matter how wrong they might be in their belief.
#3 The poor lady felt that she had to compensate for or validate on national TV what seems to have been a dysfunctional family by saying that she had been raised to believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. The critical word is 'raised.' From what has made the news, it seems she may have raised herself as best as she could under the circumstances.
Instead of condemning her we should all be concerned about her because given her family background, age, modeling, and her being drafted as a foot soldier in a nasty fight over a controversial issue, there is a possibility she may end up heading in a direction that will make it harder for her to find a stable happy life which is what I hope and assume everyone wishes for her. Her modest, inoffensive confidence in speaking should not be construed as oppressive bravado that should be matched with "bring her down a notch" cruelty. I have been there and done that. And I can tell you even in a case where someone deserved to be insulted, upon hearing a few years later of that person's death, one will feel ashamed for having had the last word even though no one will deny you deserved to have it. If Ms. Prejean were to die or get hurt badly tomorrow, it will take a brute of a person not to feel some regret for having insulted and unfairly criticized her, especially considering how polite she has been throughout this unpleasant ordeal. Unlike most of her critics, it is she who has had the last word and the last word has always been a kind, Christian one.
So, Christian women aren't allowed to be hot? Blame that idiot Hilton, who posed the inappropriate question and didn't get the PC answer he expected.
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