Michael Sam, Gay Rights, and the Conservative Right

  

     If you're a football fan, or basically anyone who watches television or reads the news, you are probably aware of the the fact that Michael Sam is set to become to first openly gay NFL player.  This historical first has set the media on fire, especially after ESPN gave substantial air-time to the kiss displayed between Michael Sam and his partner after Sam received notice of his draft status, being picked by the St. Louis Rams in the 7th round.

     Regarding LGBT activism, this is not only a historical event, it is yet another "win", considering the progress of American society in terms of equality.  Seventeen states now recognize gay marriage, and it seems as though the fight for gay-rights has just begun.  Furthermore, most would agree that the NFL is one of the most masculine displays in society, a contest of both physical strength and testosterone.  If that pocket of society can accept homosexuality, who couldn't? Right?  It doesn't take an expert in sociological science to see this as a major victory for the LGBT community to see such a macho sport accept homosexuality with somewhat open arms.

      On the other side of the spectrum, not everyone is entirely happy about these recent events.  Many are taking to social media to express their outrage, some against homosexuality in general, and some argue that the media is making a point to "push" this story and homosexuality as a whole on people.  Since ESPN originally aired the homosexual kiss, not only has the sports network replayed it dozens of times, many other news outlets have picked up the story and continue to cover it.  I have even seen remarks regarding the situation, comparing Michael Sam to Tim Tebow and how Tebow was mocked for his faith while Michael Sam is praised for his homosexuality.

(The debate gets quite heated as you can see)

     Who exactly is right here?  Should the media latch onto this story like it has?  Are those on the religious/conservative right correct in saying that homosexuality shouldn't be glorified?  In my opinion, this story hasn't been handled correctly on either side of the spectrum.

     As for those who are completely against homosexuality and showing the kiss on ESPN, I understand the religious arguments as I grew up in church and even minored in theology in college.  However, we live in a multicultural, diverse society, not a solely Christian society.  It hurts some people to hear that, but it is the truth.  We (and I say "we" because I share a Christian belief system) cannot continue to publicly shame a lifestyle and expect to make our God look better in doing so.  Christians, for far too long have been too exclusive and appearing closed off from a world in which they do not feel comfortable.

     Do not confuse this as me saying that you absolutely have to agree with or endorse such lifestyle choices, but publicly shaming and or condemning those who you do not agree with is nothing but counterproductive.  Where are the protests against adultery?  Why do Christians not get into an uproar when a public figure lies?  Singling out one issue creates what looks to be a hate mob, and that's almost what it has become.

     It is also warranted to say this: We should celebrate the fact that we live in such a diverse society where all opinions are welcome.  This is the backbone of our American society and our own Constitution.  Where would we be if many of us got our own way?  Would you suppress free speech?  Make a law that says you can't show homosexual acts on television?  I would hope not.  A government/society that can suppress any speech or expressions that they do not favor is headed straight for authoritarianism.  Want to know what government looks like when the religious take over?  Check out the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, or modern day Iran. Voltaire once said, "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I will fight to the death for your right to say it."  These words hold true today and apply directly to our own rights of freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Everyone should take those words to heart.

     Allow me to also say that I believe that the media is wearing the story out, especially ESPN.  I've been tweeting about this lately, even before the Michael Sam story, that ESPN has literally become the MTV of sports.  It seems like they are no longer concerned with reporting actual sports scores and standings, only scandals and controversies.  Whether it's Donald Sterling, Michael Sam, Jason Collins, Johnny Manziel, they can't get enough of it and it's driving me crazy.  When I turn on ESPN, I want to see just a few things: Who played, who won, and who got traded, etc.  I don't watch ESPN to hear about LGBT news, race relations, cultural shifts, and so on.

     With that being said, I also disagree with the way some outlets are handling the story, as well as certain executives in the NFL.  We do live in a day where a traditional belief system is one to scoff at, as the common rhetoric is now along the lines of, "It's 2014.  We can no longer hold onto beliefs of the past.  We can't go back to the 50's.  This is the way things are, either you accept this, or be ostracized."  I point this out because there are many who point to social conservatives and label them as "hate groups" or being backwards.  The Dolphins even punished Don Jones, one of their defensive backs for anti-gay tweets by fining him and making him go through "sensitivity-training".  I find it ridiculous that someone can be reprimanded for an honest belief that is aligned with many belief systems.

     I say all of that to say this:  Tolerance works both ways.  I preach to fellow conservatives that you can preserve your values and be tolerant at the same time.  Those on the far left should do the same.  Yes, it is 2014, but there are people who hold their beliefs dearly and it's about time for everyone's opinions, beliefs, and values to be respected, no matter where in the spectrum they fall.



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