Chaz, Carson, Playboy, and Dancing With the Stars
Who would have thought the show 'Dancing With the Stars' would stir such great controversy that it would make headlines? A few days ago I read an article from the BBC about a new call to boycott the program. Several groups who self-identify as Christians are doing what they can to create a stir because of two contestants who are on the show this season.
One contestant is Chaz Bono, the child of Sonny and Cher, who is transgender. The other is Carson Kressley, of 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy', who is gay. There are some who are outraged over this, going so far as to claim that the show is "completely unacceptable” and that Christians have no excuse as for watching the show. Others claim that this is just another example of the media pushing a “sexual agenda on American Families.”
I believe that everyone is entitled to have an opinion, and that they are entitled to share that opinion with anyone who will listen. Today, many are choosing to make that opinion known about Chaz, Carson, and 'Dancing With the Stars.'
Their opinion is that what this show is doing is ultimately a subtle undermining of the family and further destruction of family values. Therefore, to protest the show is something they consider important. This sort of behavior is nothing new. In the past many have reacted strongly toward the LGBTQ community for any number of reasons. So when Chaz Bono and Carson Kressley were selected for the show it is just another reason to go on the offensive.
What is fascinating to me, however, is that these groups have been silent about this game show until today. They state their concern is to protect family values, which is fine and good. However, in the last few seasons there have been two Playboy Playmates on this show and these groups have said nothing. In fact one group suggested that until now 'Dancing With the Stars' was something that could be a "family show."
I recognize that not everyone shares my viewpoint on pornography, but research has shown its negative effects on men, women, the family, and society. Philip Zimbardo speaks toward this in his talk “The Demise of Guys?” This should cause concern for those who have given their lives to protecting and defending the family. I say this because there are staggering numbers of people engaging in pornography, and if Zimbardo is right, we have a serious problem.
Which then leads me to ask the question, “Why were these groups silent when there were Playboy models on the show?” Was that not a “sexual agenda?” Does this not represent a threat to the family? Would this be “partially” acceptable and not “completely” unacceptable?
If they are truly concerned about the family, then it stands to reason they would attack anything that threatens it, especially something that has proven to be as toxic as porn. But they don’t, they only attack over certain issues. Unfortunately Chaz Bono and Carson Kressley have been forced to bear the brunt of unfair accusations, harsh criticism, and unloving attitudes from these groups. It may do well for these groups to be honest and admit that perhaps they have an agenda too.