2008 Woodie Awards
SectionsBear Paw protesters and Fred Phelps stand for ambiguous principle
Jerry Garretson
Issue date: 11/6/07 Section: Opinion
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These aren't exactly the latest breaking stories, but I've had this on my mind for a couple days and I think it's… thought provoking. So, please, forgive me if this is repetitive.
I was talking with friends over the weekend and the Bear Paw f--- rally came up as a topic. We were entirely for it, of course. Freedom of speech rallies are always a good time, ruckuses on campus are even better, obscenities are just keen as hell (damn it) - it was, like, four layers of awesome.
I said to my friends, it sucks the free-speech area is right next to an elementary school. I don't know who was behind whatever decision created this inevitable moral conundrum, but I don't think we should blame the rally-goers for it. But, either way, I'm sure it made for an entertaining afternoon for all.
It was generally agreed f--- was one of most useful words known. Personally, I've memorized every known use, and even created a few - extremely clever - variations of my own. I love the history of the word, too. An ancient curse, taboo for possibly thousands of years, whose origins are obscured in myth and conjecture.
Then we all agreed we despise people who tell us not to say it, because people like that are, in upholding the taboo, making it offensive to themselves. Upset by a word? Go grab some sticks and stones, we'll have a quick demonstration.
Then I ask, have you guys read my latest column? In the school paper. Yes, I've told you about it. Well, no, not a lot of people, I guess, but…
You know what, the actual conversation isn't important. I asked if they'd heard of Fred Phelps - they hadn't - and explained the whole protesting-gays-at-soldiers'-funerals thing. (You know, that old chestnut.) They were as horrified as I was, and literally applauded when I told them what the judgment was against the preacher.
Fine, sure. But there was a lull in the conversation and I thought a bit. And the more I thought, the more I realized I was a hypocrite. Here I was bashing Phelps and applauding the Missouri State group, and why? They were doing the exact same thing.
I was talking with friends over the weekend and the Bear Paw f--- rally came up as a topic. We were entirely for it, of course. Freedom of speech rallies are always a good time, ruckuses on campus are even better, obscenities are just keen as hell (damn it) - it was, like, four layers of awesome.
I said to my friends, it sucks the free-speech area is right next to an elementary school. I don't know who was behind whatever decision created this inevitable moral conundrum, but I don't think we should blame the rally-goers for it. But, either way, I'm sure it made for an entertaining afternoon for all.
It was generally agreed f--- was one of most useful words known. Personally, I've memorized every known use, and even created a few - extremely clever - variations of my own. I love the history of the word, too. An ancient curse, taboo for possibly thousands of years, whose origins are obscured in myth and conjecture.
Then we all agreed we despise people who tell us not to say it, because people like that are, in upholding the taboo, making it offensive to themselves. Upset by a word? Go grab some sticks and stones, we'll have a quick demonstration.
Then I ask, have you guys read my latest column? In the school paper. Yes, I've told you about it. Well, no, not a lot of people, I guess, but…
You know what, the actual conversation isn't important. I asked if they'd heard of Fred Phelps - they hadn't - and explained the whole protesting-gays-at-soldiers'-funerals thing. (You know, that old chestnut.) They were as horrified as I was, and literally applauded when I told them what the judgment was against the preacher.
Fine, sure. But there was a lull in the conversation and I thought a bit. And the more I thought, the more I realized I was a hypocrite. Here I was bashing Phelps and applauding the Missouri State group, and why? They were doing the exact same thing.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 6
JT Eberhard
posted 11/05/07 @ 10:44 PM CST
Here's the difference:
Fred Phelps and company are completely malicious in their protests, though they do have the right to make them. It was never our intention for the kids at Greenwood to see the F-Word. (Continued…)
AFFM
Gayle
posted 11/06/07 @ 8:47 AM CST
I got as far as you comparing the protesters on the Bear Paw to Fred Phelps, and I stopped. Because there is very much a difference, and it is this: Phelps and his family attack people at their weakest moment because they are under the delusion that remembering and mourning the dead is idolatry and therefore breaks the first commandment. (Continued…)
Brandon Davis
posted 11/06/07 @ 11:43 AM CST
Just an addition: You all might want to think about what Phelps is doing. He says that he and his ilk are out to "wake up America" and show us that God is killing our soldiers overseas because of our tolerance of homosexuals. (Continued…)
Kevin Sweet
posted 11/06/07 @ 5:17 PM CST
"Hello, apple."
"Hi, orange."
~Kevin
Aubree Moore
posted 11/07/07 @ 11:38 PM CST
Dude, come on. I'm PART of the Christian Conservative club ((ok, not as psychotic as Phelps, I don't think. Oh, and, er...that's not exactly a real club, s'far as I know. (Continued…)
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