If you clicked through the first link on this week's Sunday Stars you may have read a post on how peer pressure for some plays a role in the content they post on their blogs. It's ironic that it posted this week because my topic for today's post may just be the most controversial post I've written yet.
The other day on Twitter I was intrigued by all the tweets calling for a boycott against Chick-fil-a. Now I must confess that I am a huge fan of the delicious chicken sandwich with the pickle. And the waffle fries? Let's just say it's a good thing that the closest restaurant is 45 minutes away or my Weight Watcher's wouldn't have a chance. So when I saw all the boycott shoutouts I was pretty concerned I was going to have to jump on the bandwagon and say goodbye to my chicken sandwich, waffle fries, and sweet tea.
After a bit more digging I discovered that the boycott comes after the restaurant chains ties to the anti-gay movement were exposed by some activists. Really? This was the cause of the boycott?
I was shocked that people were surprised by this revelation. It is not a secret that Chick-fil-a has very deep roots into a Christian background. Hello, it's closed on Sunday's {even in busy malls and airports}, the kids meals come with church toys, and their music is even inspirational. They don't hide their beliefs for sure, even their corporate purpose found on their website is "to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us." Pretty straight up I would say!
Being a Christian I understand their desire to protect marriages between a male and a female as it was meant to be. In this day and age it takes a lot to stick up for what you believe and in their case they are even risking losing business and money to do so. WOW!
I do see how their beliefs would offend some people. But, I'm curious. Have gay customers received poor service? Has a Chick-fil-a restaurant been accused of gay discrimination? I couldn't find anything on my web search. Kudos to the President for even addressing the issue and explaining that all people are welcome in Chick-fil-a restaurants. Sure, this could be a way to "save face," but until I hear otherwise it worked for me.
The great thing about being in America is that we do have the choice of where we eat and who we support. I completely understand that for some you will choose not to eat at Chick-fil-a. To each his or her own, but for me I'll still be enjoying my chicken sandwich, waffle fries, and sweet tea!
What about you?