Aug 28, 2010  •  In Blogging, Entertainment, Personal

Do You Boycott?

Ever since I started writing more about my religious views on this site, I have gotten more than a few comments and nasty emails stating that they will no longer read my blog because they disagree with my stance on certain issues.

I don’t have much of a problem with readers who choose to unsubscribe — they are certainly free to do as they wish! In addition, my main objective in blogging is to write and share my thoughts with the world. Although my readership is important to me, losing readers here and there will not hurt me financially (it’s not like I make money from this site anyway), nor will it discourage me from blogging.

That being said, what I would like to know from my former readers is: do you choose to boycott every website, business, institution, etc that does not 100% agree with your viewpoints? Because as you can see, my religious and personal views are not the only things I write about on this blog…if anything, they only comprise a small minority of my posts.

Personally, I read TONS of sites that do not always align with my views. I also watch TV shows and movies that advocate and glamorize non-Christian ways of life, and even sometimes openly mock Christianity.

However, I do not boycott these websites, television shows, or movies based on their viewpoints. Do I stay away from media that is strongly anti-Christian or against my core values? Yes. But if the majority of what they say is entertaining and/or even useful, I continue to read, watch, and by doing so — support — them.

Let’s take it a step further.

I remember when the BP oil spill was still making headlines and everyone I knew seemed to be proudly proclaiming that they would boycott all BP gas stations. Then I began to read more than a few accounts of gas station owners — the small business owners who had chosen to work under the BP brand before the whole spectacle began — who implored the public not to picket, vandalize, or boycott their places of business. According to them, the boycott of BP gas stations was hurting the small business owners far worse than BP corporate itself. And while switching to another gas company might be an option, it would cost tens of thousands of dollars to obtain the license, re-brand and re-structure. Nevermind the business that would be lost during the transition!


A vandalized BP sign that took 3 days and $1,500 to clean (source)

A more recent example can be found in Target’s donation to the Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer, who opposes same-sex marriage. The boycott movement began as soon as the new broke, and I believe it is still underway. Nevermind Target’s official statement on the issue (which is that they chose to make the donation based on the candidate’s pro-business stance). Despite the fact that Target does not discriminate against the hiring of gay employees, nor the fact that it has regularly supported gay rights in the past, many in the American public have been quick to protest and boycott the discount retailer.

I did not participate in either of these protests. And now that I think about it, I cannot remember a single instance in my life where I felt the need to boycott a retailer or a place of business based on their, or their employee(s)’s conduct. Even if I disagreed with their practices, I always felt that (1) I would be hurting someone else in the process; and (2) no cause has been THAT important to me.

(The only exception to this rule would be if a business’ sole or primary purpose were against my religious or moral beliefs.)

On the flipside, I do not consciously choose to support and patronize certain businesses because they align with my values either.

Surely I cannot be the only one? Do any of my readers feel this way? Or are you the type to openly protest issues or practices you believe to be wrong by boycotting? If so, do you choose to distance yourself from everything (including websites, television shows, and movies) with which you disagree?

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30 Responses to “Do You Boycott?”

  1. This is why I don't bother telling people I hate their blog. I just quietly go away and unsubscribe (although it doesn't mean that if I don't visit or comment on your blog, I hate you.. I'm just busy).

    I face the exact same problems when I'm blogging — about minimalism, my strong views in general….. and now I'm just too tired to care. I mean, I care… but I don't care enough to get upset and worked up about it. I have too much going on in my life to deal with someone's petty mindset.

    I only boycott places I don't like — hotels that don't treat you properly, brands that don't work time and time again (*cough* Zdata hard drives *cough*), places that rip you off… I mean, this is your personal stance, and there's no need to force it on anyone else, as long as you feel you're doing the right thing and not harming anyone.

  2. Eileen says:

    boycotting…. yeah, I don't get it. Especially for personal blogs. I mean really, are you going to read only blogs of people who share your exact same ideas/values? Isn't that boring?? I find blogs fascinating precisely because they expose me to new perspectives of bloggers with different backgrounds/experiences/opinions/beliefs. I don't always agree with them, and sometimes might actively disagree with them. But it's not like their posts hurt me or my life in any way. If I am continuously annoyed by a blogger's opinions which come out in their posts, then I'll stop reading. But I don't understand leaving nasty comments or writing angry emails about boycotting.

  3. Jimmer says:

    A person you agree with 80% of the time is a FRIEND, not a 20% enemy.

  4. Ashley says:

    In my experience, most people who are upset/threatened enough to boycott things like blogs and movies and TV shows just because they might not agree with 20% (or less!) of the content are insecure in their beliefs. It's hard to threaten someone who really believes in something (as you do). The presence of an intelligent, well-reasoned opinion that is different from what you believe in is scary to some people (I know this because I've been there, and it took me an extraordinarily long time to realize that the fear I was feeling in regards to certain opinions I once held actually meant that I didn't really believe them.)

    Even if I found myself disagreeing with you, I wouldn't stop reading this blog because you're so respectful of other points of view and you take great care to explain yourself clearly. Anyone who thinks your blog is threatening is seriously insecure.

  5. Elyssa @ twentyfivefifty.com says:

    I read a lot of blogs that don't align with my beliefs (such as That Wife) because I either find them funny and outgoing (as in That Wife) or just generally interesting. If I don't like a blog post, I skip over it and hope that the next one is more my style. I have noticed that I need personally to maybe post some more in depth stuff on my own blog b/c I'm a little chicken to since I know my mom reads it. How I would love to dive into some topics.

    As for corporations, the only one that I refuse to shop at is Wal Mart. I do not like their business practices and how they deal with small business. Thus, they do not get my money. I was super excited when we got a Super Target an exit down from LSU so we didn't have to keep shopping at Wal Mart. Ah Louisiana…

  6. Nani says:

    I read everything. That being said I don't boycott someone's blog based on if they are different than I am. It's a blog, people are not going to be the same as you are 100% of the time. We all do things differently. I do love when I do have something in common with a blogger, but it's not required at the end of the day they all have something that I love about the blog because I DID subscribe to it. People who boycott and get offended are not true readers in the first place.

  7. Rhey says:

    I enjoy hearing educated opinions that are different than my own. It helps me to mature my own views. That being said, I have to quietly (without posting rude comments) unsubscribe from blogs, or not watch shows that obviously repeat what has been heard elsewhere with no clear understanding of what is being promoted. For example, during the Obama campaign, the people that called him a Socialist but then could not define Socialism. If you are going to take a stand, know what you are standing for. If you are educated in your views, I will listen, even if I don't agree.

  8. Nadia says:

    I do boycott, or rather I vote with my dollars.

    For me the issue with Target isn't who they supported in the election, but rather the corporate interference in the election process. I hope that this is a successful boycott and it keeps other corporations from buying policy by giving money to candidates in the wake of the recent Supreme Court ruling.

  9. EM says:

    There's no point in "boycotting" hobby bloggers such as yourself. You should definitely publish any nasty emails you get. If they're truly nasty, the authors will be exposed for what they are, and your supportive readers will have a chance to offer a rebuttal to anything inappropriate.

  10. Lillian says:

    I think you tend to villify those commenters who dissent with you (ie, they persecute you, they are attacking you", when your entries clearly state that you can only tolerate one religion, and a very specific denomination at that. You definitely do not strike me as someone tolerant of alternative views or beliefs. Now does this count as a "nasty post'?

  11. Geek in Heels says:

    @EM โ€” Thanks for the suggestion. However, I do not agree with publicly posting these emails as I believe they will only add fuel to the fire. I have found that the worst offenders are usually left best if ignored.

  12. Geek in Heels says:

    @Lillian โ€” If you mean by "tolerate" I agree with one religion, then you are correct. The same goes for my denomination, because that's what I personally believe to the best (but it is still far from perfect) and thus the best fit for me. However, I do not attack other religions or denominations. I may not agree with them, and may voice my disagreements when I find the need, but I do not actively attack. And as someone who seems to be so bent on tolerance, you certainly do not seem so tolerant of my beliefs yourself.

    P.S. โ€” To answer your question, I do not think that was a nasty post โ€” you should see some of the other comments/emails I get! You clearly are opposed to my belief system and you have made that apparent on more than one occasion, so I'm not surprised or hurt…you only seem to comment when you have something negative to say about my religion, so in a way I've come to accept it.

  13. Geek in Heels says:

    @Nadia โ€” Correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that this was a new law that allows corporations to make these donations? Do you think that boycotting Target (or Best Buy, who also made a sizable donation to the same candidate) will help repeal the law? (I'm not being snarky here…I'm genuinely curious.)

  14. Alexa says:

    Hey there… this is probably going to be a very long and non coherent comment, because I really have a lot of things to say, and it will probably mix up a lot of posts.

    First, I've been reading your blog for a long long time, is it 3 or 4 years already? I was here through your wedding planning, actual wedding, first pregnancy, miscarriage, little obsessive time trying to have a new baby, and your second pregnancy… I actually prayed for you (me, an atheist!) when you miscarried, and I was happy to see you happy when your baby girl had a good chance of surviving; and while I've not always supported or shared your points of view, I always thought I really liked your ideas and that even with our differences, if we met in real life we could be friends… all that until today, and Jen… I'm saying this not because I'm being mean and trying to boycott you, but because I'm truly sorry about unfollowing you, and even if you never knew me, I'd like to say goodbye.

    Why am I doing this? Well, I read your blog in Greader and I usually pay no mind to the comments. But when you shared this post today, I got curious and actually browsed trough all your posts about Christianity to read what had happened… and well, I was really saddened by what I saw. I could not believe that you would think homosexuality a sin, just as bad as killing someone… I could not believe you would think that even when someone believes in God, and keeps to His teachings, he is not a full Christian if he does not goes to church like Mrs. Anne Rice.

    I've been an atheist most of my grown life (since I was 16, soon to be 10 years since) and I while I fully support and respect people who are believers, no matter their faith, I just can't join them. Why? Well, because mostly, I don't share a lot of most believers points of view, I'm pro gay rights, pro choice, pro premarital birth control (and that means I'm pro pre marital sex) and I'm a Darwinist.

    I know being pro choice it's a really thought one, many people see it (including myself) as "ending a life" but, while I fully endorse that people should try adoption before abortion (Juno FTW) I also think that people should try abortion before bringing an unwanted child to this world. This one actually pains me deeply, I've worked for long with those child that come from families with low resources, and I mean really low resources… I've seen their faces hollow by being deprived of food, or stained with bruises by being repeatedly beaten by abusive fathers… and I know… deep in my heart… that for as much as I pray for them they will not have a happy life and they will probably have a very unhappy ending… and yes, being in front of them I've hoped they would have been aborted and gone to heaven happy and unknowing, that live the life they are living.

    And I think homosexuality is NOT a disorder… is a way of life and it should be, if not accepted, at least respected. This is another of my personal ones, my best friend is gay, and he's such a wonderful person that I cannot begin to believe that God would think there's something wrong with him. And I KNOW he will be such a wonderful dad, and I fully support that he should adopt a kid once he has a partner and is settled… do I think the kid will be lacking by not having a mom? Not. at .all!! I mean, he will have two wonderful parents that will love him very much, what more a child could ask for?

    And I know you're going to say that many churches have acknowledged that the Genesis is a metaphorical explanation, and that Dinosaurs did happen but it was all the work of God, and I'm happy about this, I applaud that many churches are trying to adapt… the problem is, there is many people who are still pro creationism, or against birth control… and when I go to church they see me as the odd one, and they try to change me because there's something "wrong" with me. But I don't think there's is something wrong with me! I am a preacher, just like most of them! It's just that I preach that we must be more understanding, more open minded and that we most value more the kindness and good nature in people rather than it's sexual orientation… but I never try to change anyone's point of view, I'm just try to get them to see the other side.

    By ending I will like to point out (not in a bad way, just in a reflective way) that a lot of Christians see geekiness wrong… and I'm not talking only about the Westboro Baptist Church, I'm talking about everything… I see you are reading Dead and Gone, if Vampires came out of the coffin tomorrow, were would your church stand? will you join the anti vampire coalition? If you would… then, why are you reading a vampire book?! Yes, I know Vampires are not real, and this is all hypothetical, but I love to hear people talk about this, just as much as I loved that chapter of V when Aliens finally did arrive, and suddenly churches were packed… do we accept Aliens? Are they God child's too?

    Oh, and by the way, I do not fear hell… Since I'm an atheist I do not really believe in heaven or hell, but if I did, I know at least in hell I will find Comic Books, and Anne Rice, and Vampires, and Seth McFarlane! who's another atheist and activist like me… and Kurt from Glee… and Start wars! (lest not forget that George Lucas is a Buddhist and thus believes in rebirth and karma, and cannot go to heaven… actually, he's a "Buddhist Methodist" how does that work? Does he believes in karma AND heaven? is that allowed by Christians?) and now I'm just being mean, I'm sorry. I just want you to question, even a little bit your beliefs and become a better person through it. I want you to go to church this weekend and talk to the really die hard people (there are always some) and try to make them see the other side of the coin, not to change them… but to make them better persons.

    I bid you farewell Jenn, I hope your daughter becomes a beautiful child, I'm sure you and J will be awesome parents! And please, do pray for me, I'd be stupid not to believe that faith moves mountains… but please, do not pray that I convert into what you believe is a good christian… pray for me to help people through my cause, pray that people will better understand each other, pray that we will not keep separating religions into more religions that do not even like each other even if they come from the same root.

    And well, I guess that's it… Lots of love!

    Bye!

    PS. Oh, by the way, a lot of people complains when I do comments like this, because I don't have a blog where they can come and read and rant about my beliefs too… I fully apologize, I'm not committed enough (kudos for you! I really admire people that can keep blogs) however feel free to send me an email if you wish to rant about my comment. ๐Ÿ™‚

  15. Geek in Heels says:

    @Alexa โ€”

    (I will be sending this to you via email as well…but I've decided to repeat it here in the comments because I'm sure others would be curious as to what I have to say.)

    First, thank you for stating your beliefs in a respecting manner.

    My faith is a big part of my life and who I am, and I refuse to compromise โ€” just as you have chosen to do so by stopping to read my blog, and how others have chosen to distance themselves from various other people/sites/businesses for their beliefs.

    Ann Rice:

    As I've stated in my post about her, yes a person can state that they believe in God of the Christian faith and not go to church. And while I believe this is possible, it is also extremely difficult. A Christian belongs to the body of Christ, and the body of Christ is the Church. If you are removed from the body (think of a finger being cut off from the body), how long can you survive on your own?

    Salvation:

    I know that there are many many good people in the world with good morals. I also know that there are many Christians (or at least people who claim to be so) who do not always act Christ-like. However, Jesus tells us that the only way to salvation and eternal life is through Him and this is what I believe.

    Homosexuality:

    Yes I believe homosexuality is a sin, because the Bible states so. Many people might counter that with a statement like, "Well the Bible also says that you shouldn't eat meat on Fridays, you shouldn't wear mixed fabrics, and you shouldn't shave. Do you follow that too?" The difference between these commands (otherwise known as Leviticus laws) and a sin like homosexuality is that homosexuality is called a sin in both the Old and New Testaments. Many of the Old Testament laws/commands were fulfilled, then nullified by Jesus by His sinless life and selfless sacrifice. However, not ALL laws were voided โ€” for example, the Ten Commandments. And homosexuality is one of the laws that was not nullified, as it is mentioned in the New Testament (after Jesus' death and resurrection) as a sin.

    That being said, I do not believe that homosexuality is any worse of a sin than any other sins. I do not believe that all homosexuals will go to hell. And I do believe that some people are predisposed to homosexuality, just as others are predisposed to other types of sins. And because I too, am a sinner, I do not think of myself as a better person, or even a better Christian, than homosexuals.

    Birth Control:

    I believe that God created sex for two reasons: for procreation as well as a means to share an intimate, physically pleasant moment between a husband and wife. There are actually many instances in the Bible where we are encouraged to take sexual pleasure with your spouse! Hence, I am not against birth control…or more specifically, I am not against birth control that prevents conception. I am, however, against birth control that prevents implantation because I personally believe that life begins at conception. That being said, I know that this topic is debatable among even theologians so this is only purely based on my own personal beliefs.

    Geekiness:

    I'm sad that you believe many churches believe geekiness to be wrong. All the churches I've attended have never held this point of view…in fact, one of my old pastors remains a good friend and he is just as geeky as me โ€” we regularly discuss the latest lines in MacBooks, cell phones, etc. There is nothing in the Bible that condemns geekiness, or calls it a sin. The only reason I can think of a reason that geekiness might be wrong if a person holds gadgets, science, technology, etc above God.

    Vampires and Aliens:

    At the moment, I like to think that vampires and aliens are fictional, and I enjoy reading books like the Sookie Stackhouse series as an enjoyable form of fictional entertainment.

    However, there are no mentions of vampires, aliens, werewolves, etc in the Bible. And just because it isn't mentioned doesn't mean that they don't exist. So I honestly don't know. This is one of the many questions I plan to ask God in the afterlife. ๐Ÿ™‚

    I will pray for you, but I cannot pray for everything you have requested. I will pray that I have at least helped you see a different point of view, and that God will speak to your heart. Do I want you (and others) to come to Christianity? Yes, but I will not force you.

  16. stacey says:

    i agree with you… there are very few things i choose to boycott/not participate in… i just don't think it's worth my time/energy on a negative concept when instead i could encourage the support of good things. also, when it comes to business, there is rarely a truly ethical business – they are there to make money and further their own interests, not be warm and fuzzy.

    i don't like to shop at walmart, i prefer target, but walmart is much much closer to my house so two or three times in the last year i've shopped there out of necessity. i don't like to eat fast food and would prefer to support a local restaurant, but sometimes you don't have a choice. i prefer to make good choices when i can, rather than get all hot and bothered when i can't, or when others do.

  17. Jamie says:

    As modern Christians it seems that we have become a people against things; instead of a people excited energized and for the message of the Gospel. Paul didn't go into a town and try to stand against everything that wasn't Christian; he simply shared the message of Jesus as Savior . This message changed the hearts and lives of the people which in turn changed the world. Are we (Christian community) perhaps going about things all wrong?

  18. Geek in Heels says:

    @Jamie โ€” I agree. However, what do you do when non-Christians mock your faith and challenge you to defend it? I try my best not to be "in your face" and stay clear of controversial topics or even issues that are of my own interpretation of the Gospel (unless I am asked), but it is difficult not to state and defend your faith when people mock you for just merely stating that you are Christian (which has happened several times on this blog).

  19. Lillian says:

    I don't think my comment qualifies as spiteful, nasty, or mocking. I regret if you have received nasty emails, however I suppose that if i were to blog about how atheism or agnosticsm rules all, my mailbox might get flooded with nasty, condescending emails too.

    Religion by definition includes a fair amount of faith, and does not follow reason. You said "However, Jesus tells us that the only way to salvation and eternal life is through Him and this is what I believe."Essentially what you are proudly proclaiming is that everyone else is going to hell except tiny percentage of people who believe in your religion.

    What gives anyone the right to invent such rules? Are all Christians going to heaven? what of those who don't believe in your exact denomination? or of those who are staunch christians but commit worldly sins such as gay-bashing? As an ethnic Korean, where do you believe your ancestors are?

    Lest you paint all dissenters as being anti-Christian, I do not have a personal agenda against Christianity, I just feel that it is a faith, and not natural law, and thus is is a point of view which should be respected as much as any other religion should. I have a problem with people hurting people in the name of their beliefs.

    I would respect anyone- Christian or otherwise- who strives to be a better PERSON who creates a better world, and not someone who time and time again drops posts about how non-believers are going to burn for eternity. My post may be direct, but it isn't half as rude as suggesting the above.

  20. Jamie says:

    I agree that we have every right and even an obligation to defend our faith and to state clearly the teachings of Jesus to the world. I guess my question has to do more with the methods we are choosing by which to that. Are we being mocked because we fight against sin for the sake of being right or should we fight against sin by showing the world their is a Savior who wants to redeemd them (which we all need because we all sin). The Gospel is an offensive message in and of itself because it states that their is only one way to heaven and that is through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus. That is offensive, I admit, however, I am afraid that it is not the message our culture is mockng us for. Unfortunately, those of us, like yourself, who share the true message of the gospel receive the scorn and mocking of the world because of the unwise methods of some. Case in point: standing and picketing furnerals of fallen soldiers in the "name of Jesus" is an extrememly unwise method and unproductive at worst. I think you have handled yourself and the defense of your faith very well on this blog. It is those type of responses that I hope the world hears more often.

  21. Geek in Heels says:

    @Lillian โ€” You asked what gives anyone the right to invent such rules. My answer is God. I have faith in the one true almighty God and I respect that you don't โ€” these are OUR choices. I am reminded of a C.S. Lewis quote that says, "There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, in the end, 'Thy will be done'."

    I do not feel the need to explain myself any further. Let's just leave it at that. And I would appreciate it if you will leave the matter alone too, as it only seems that we are getting nowhere and we're both too rooted in our faiths (yes, I see your atheism as a form of faith) to be swayed otherwise.

  22. Geek in Heels says:

    @Jamie โ€” I think that even if we fight against sin with the best of intentions (like in the example you've given, by pointing to Jesus who wants to redeem the world), those whose hearts are hardened will take it the wrong way. Sometimes even saying something like "I will pray for you" can flare up much anger and resentment from non-believers.

    I completely agree with you that the Gospel is an offensive message. Contrary to popular belief, Jesus did not only come to save, but to also divide. He was loving, but He was NOT tolerant of sin. Nor was He ever-peaceful. He lived a perfect life, just as The Father is perfect, and in order to BE perfect one cannot hold ALL things to be right. There is a truth and there is a lie. There is wrong and there is right. Sin exists. Jesus is the only way to salvation and like you said, that is extremely offensive to some people. So I have to disagree with you on that point…that many people (or at least the ones I've come across in my life) refuse to believe that Jesus is the only way and mock Christians for being so narrow-minded.

    At the same time, I wholeheartedly agree with you that many non-Christians mock our religion due to the behavior of the few, like the Westboro Baptist Church. Unfortunately, these cases are usually the ones who get the most press and attention from the public. We can only pray that more Christians will stand up for the truth in a more Christ-like manner.

  23. echan says:

    I don't think that unsubscribing to your feed on GReader is the same as a boycott. I unsubscribed to your blog a while ago, but I continue to stop by and read your blog from time-to-time. A lot of people simply stop subscribing to a blog because it becomes less relevant to them (i.e. sometimes blogs change their focus) or for a host of other reasons. It's like the way people add or don't add people on Twitter. Thus, I don't think that the comparison between your blog and Target is accurate.

    However, just so I know what you stand for, I would like clarification on your stance on homosexuality (you know my position, I view marriage equality as a fundamental civil right). What would you do, if your daughter grew up and told you she was lesbian? What if she wanted to get married to a female life partner? Would you support her decision (and read her Wedding Bee blog?)

  24. Geek in Heels says:

    @echan โ€” I wasn't making the Target comparison between unsubscribing for whatever reason…I was comparing it to unsubscribing because the reader does not agree with the blogger's religious/moral/political beliefs, when the primary focus of the blog is not the blogger's religious/moral/political beliefs.

    As for my daughter being a lesbian, I've been asked this before. If my daughter were a lesbian, I would still love her. I would tell her that it's a sin (just as I would tell her that lying, cheating, etc are sins) and I would pray for her, and I would ask others to pray over her as well. I believe in the power of prayer and I would have faith that God could change her. If that doesn't work out for whatever reason unknown to me (because God has His plans and doesn't always reveal them), what can I do? If she wanted to get married I would attend the wedding (if she wanted me to) but I would not support it in the sense of a Christian marriage. If she wanted me to read her wedding blog I would, but then again I wouldn't read any of my children's blogs (wedding or personal) unless they specifically asked me to because I would respect their privacy.

    I would not disown her or anything like that. I would treat her homosexuality as I would with any other sin…in other words, I would still love her but not approve of her sin. If this leads to a rift that severs my ties with her (which I sincerely hope does not, but it is still possible), then so be it. I do put God before my family, including my children and husband.

    And fyi, I have discussed this with my husband and he agrees with me (including the putting God before everyone else part).

  25. Lillian says:

    I think your dedication to your faith is admirable, and I continue reading your blog as i recognise that you make an effort to share- instead of enforce- your views.

    I was brought up a certain religion, but once I realised that this world needs more action and less preaching, I no longer find it necessary to define my religion. All religion preach the same basic tenets, it is man who adds to the original verses and politicises religion.

    I sincerely hope that such faith results in positivity for the world, and does not escalate to militarism, as it has in mankind's thousands of years of history.

  26. echan says:

    I know that you view "homosexuality is a sin," as a religious belief, but my problem with it, is that in my eyes, people who hold this view are bigots, including you, Jenny. This view forms the foundation of all the laws in our society that discriminate against gays and lesbians (and believe me, they suffer real world impacts, from being denied access to benefits, to the hospital to see their loved ones).

    To put it in perspective, I think Mel Gibson has had a very talented career in film, but his recent statements and actions paint him as a racist and misogynist. While this doesn't detract from his earlier works, it taints my view of Gibson because I associate him with his bigotry. Likewise, a statement such as "homosexuality is a sin" does divide your readership, and many like me, who believe that gay rights are human rights, come away with the feeling that your are a bigot.

  27. Geek in Heels says:

    @echan โ€” I personally think the Mel Gibson comparison was a bit harsh (as I do not see eye-to-eye with him at all) but if you want to call me a bigot, then so be it. I've certainly been called much worse before.

    Also, it depends on which definition of the word you are referring to…according to dictionary.com a bigot is "a person who is utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief, or opinion." So by that definition, yes I'm a bigot, and Jesus was a bigot too.

    If you use the Merriam-Webster definition, a bigot is "a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance" which I wouldn't agree with because of the use of the word "hatred," because we do not hate gays.

  28. anna says:

    If I don't agree, I stop reading. Easy as that. And when I say "don't agree," I don't mean I only read things that I agree with… it's just that if a website or blog continually annoys, bores, or belittles me, I stop reading it. If I don't gain anything from reading it, or if it isn't interesting, or if I find it horribly offensive, what's the point of wasting time on it? That's why I will never understand the "haters" out there who repeatedly leave nasty anonymous comments. Save yourself five minutes of your life and go elsewhere if you don't like it.

    As for boycotting corporations… there are some that I boycott. I boycott Abercrombie & Fitch. Besides being overpriced (I can rip my own t-shirts and jeans, thank you very much), I oppose their marketing strategies (their catalogs? soft corn porn in my book), and their products (shirts that resort a woman's anatomy to a crude joke, thongs for six years olds), and so therefore, I do not shop there. But I don't picket outside of their store fronts, you know? I'm speaking with my money, and I take my money elsewhere.

    The only thing I wanted to add about your blog post is that in the last couple of years I have been convicted to stop reading/watching things that don't agree with my faith. It's the idea I mentioned above– "speaking" with your money. I don't want my children to grow up thinking divorce is A-OK, even if it does happen. So why should I bring home videos that celebrate divorce? And if I don't want my children exposed to divorce, why should I watch those same movies?

  29. blap! says:

    I personally think it's absolutely ridiculous to boycott BP. Yes, what happened was wrong and awful, but do you actually think they WANTED this to happen? IMO, if you didn't boycott them before, you have no "right" to boycott them now. Nothing changed, except they got caught with their pants down.

  30. blap! says:

    @anna – you don't want your children exposed to divorce? have fun trying to shield them from the majority of the population of children who come from divorced parents. IMO, "shielding" your children is wrong – it creates stigma and a taboo sense of wrong. Actually conversing with your children is much more effective.

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