Of Ducks and Heresy

The A&E network suspended Phil Robertson, the patriarch of “Duck Dynasty” — cable’s top reality show — last week after a GQ interview in which he compared homosexuality to bestiality. He also grouped gay people with “drunks” and “terrorists” and said that African-Americans were perfectly happy before Civil Rights. After crunching the numbers, A&E reversed course and decided to reinstate Phil. Critics decried the decision. GLAAD responded to A&E’s decision to lift Phil Robertson’s “Duck Dynasty” suspension by calling for a meeting between Robertson, African-Americans, and gays.  Many other groups are fuming.

What is overlooked in the commotion is that Robertson is not violating any one's rights. Robertson is not threatening anyone. If he were, there is ample recourse. There is no evidence that Phil has acted in furtherance of his beliefs. He is not calling for action. There is no evidence that Phil has committed any wrong or against African Americans or homosexuals. There is no evidence that Phil has acted in furtherance of his prejudice. Phil did not use his show as a platform to advance his beliefs. He spoke in a church. What Phil is being condemned for are his thoughts and words. It is irony of a high order that the forces of free speech and toleration would pillory a man for speaking his belief and insist that he be silenced. What the issue is about is that Phil holds beliefs that others find offensive. It is the fact that Phil is a heretic. He has violated the cannons of progressive thought and he must be punished lest he lead others astray.

Had Robertson not given that fateful interview and kept silent about his beliefs there would be no controversy. Since they have nothing to do with his TV show, the public would be unaware of them. "Duck Dynasty" has in no way been a platform for Phil to expound on his opinions regarding race and sexuality. If it had, it would have been cancelled a long time ago. Indeed, it would never have gotten on the air.

Critics of A&E declared that "Phil Robertson should look African American and gay people in the eyes and hear about the hurtful impact of praising Jim Crow laws and comparing gay people to terrorists,” the group said. They went on to add that "if dialogue with Phil is not part of next steps then A&E has chosen profits over African American and gay people – especially its employees and viewers." Let's face it, the critics are correct, A&E's decision was about money. A&E is running a business. It decided they would lose more money if they got rid of Phil than if they kept him. Integrity and "principles" have nothing to do with it. Networks, like all businesses, exist to make money. To that end they calculate costs and benefits. A&E feared they would lose a great deal of money if they kept Phil on the show. As it turned out, they stood to lose more money if they got rid of him, even if just for a season or two. So A&E decided to change course and keep him. Naturally, they sought cover by issuing a statement making clear their disagreement with Phil's comments. As if often the case with business and social issues, A&E feigned to act on principal but in actuality, they acted out of self interest. A&E should not be faulted for that. Businesses exist to make money. Little is gained if a business chooses to fall on its sword. Moreover, they were correct. Phil's comments were his own.

It is not Phil's actions that are riling people, it is his words and beliefs.  Phil is a heretic and he must be punished lest his heresy fester and spread. Progressives want Phil excommunicated and exiled from public life, not for anything he has done, but for beliefs he holds and words he has spoken. Progressive Inquisitors will insist that Phil be banned unless Phil repents and serves pertinence. They might still get their way.