I was planning on not commenting upon this pop-culture story of phony homophobia and gay overreaction, but the angry and rather vicious outcry from Duck Dynasty supporters has changed my mind. First of all, I support anyone’s right to express their God-given religious beliefs. Others, even if they strongly disagree, should have the decency to respect that. But, we are living in an increasingly impolite and ugly world, where we laugh at dangerous stunts on YouTube, trash hapless and drug-addicted celebrities, and revel in the misfortunes of others whom we quickly label as losers. As for the gay community, we (the homosexual majority) have capitulated to their demands and given them a disproportionate amount of power to sway public opinion. Part of this is due to genuine charity towards a historically persecuted minority, yet, it’s also owing to a particular neurosis unique to the homosexual brain.
What heterosexuals fail to understand is that many homosexuals came from an environment in which they felt victimized, abused, and alone. This atmosphere often confirms the gay mind-set, but also creates a physiological longing for security and protective camaraderie. I experienced this sort of “Brown-Shirt” mentality almost upon immediately entering The Castro in San Francisco. At the time, it was the issue of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” I thought it was a political non-issue, especially during the continuing threat of AIDS, but for a time, it rallied the troops and further solidified our base. Currently, the same has been done with same-sex marriage.
Now: What does the Duck Dynasty debacle have to do with all of this? First of all, since the advent of the gay-generated Disco Era, the homosexuality community has increasingly understood it place and authority within the media and entertainment industry. As a former performer myself, I can testify that there are significantly large numbers of gay men in the all sectors of film, television, and music production. As I once was, gay men are drawn to this universe because of its creative nature and because of the inherent fantasy-driven atmosphere and heady superficiality. It’s a place of make-believe where all past wrongs can be magically righted. It’s become a secular religious force of infinite change; the temple is the internet, the flat-screen, and the multi-plex theater. Voices that herald back to the old religions, principally Christianity, are purposely set upon and silenced. For the damaged and confused, it’s their way of exacting revenge and resolving perceived past wrongs: a Faith that was seen as condemning, a disapproving father, a town that rejected me. Homosexuals are still stuck in the past; constantly returning to the moment they were injured. It’s tragic, for they repetitively feel as if sand is being kicked in their face. They see everyone who disagrees as the bully. They have been unable to heal. And, this sorry state is mainly our fault. For, we (Christians) have abandoned them to their fate. We have culturally capitulated, perhaps not in words, but in our actions: failing to reach-out to our gay brothers and sisters - ultimately unwilling to deliver the hope and joy of the Gospel. It’s unfortunate, that the only words of Christ, which prominently rise above the silence, are not more sympathetic and articulate. Because, at their inner core, the gay community also desires for a relationship to the transcendent. They may not understand this instinctual yearning, but, I think, it deserves to be encouraged. This must start with our understanding and accepting of their wounds; to be patient and loving with our gay brothers and sisters who have truly suffered because of our fear and complacency.