To Chick-Fil-A or not to Chick-Fil-A?

 

To Chick-Fil-A or not to Chick-Fil-A?  That is the question.  I’ve been sitting on this for a long time, but in lieu of today, August 1, 2012 being Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day, why not?  Some of you may be surprised by my opinion and my stance.  Let me just say “Say on Karsten” that it’s just that, my opinion.  My Grandpa James used to say “Opinions are like butts, everybody got one.” 

As a tried and true southern gentleman, who consumed fried chicken at least two Sundays per month growing up, I can really appreciate some good fried chicken.  Whether it comes from my momma’s kitchen, BoJangle’s, Popeye’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, my own aborted attempts and yes, Chick-Fil-A.  If you have not heard by now, Chick-Fil-A is under attack and boycott for its stand against gay marriage, and the company’s contributing millions of dollars to various organizations that are against gay rights, and Lord only knows what else.  Chick-Fil-A has taken a hit, they’ve been lambasted on the Today Show, Good Morning America and ET. 

What I’m about to say will not be popular, but let me reemphasize that it’s my opinion.  All of us on the planet has the right to believe whatever we choose.  Truett Cathy, CEO of Chick-Fil-A has every right to believe what he believes.  He further has the right to voice his opinions and beliefs however he sees fit, as long as the lives of others are not in jeopardy, and the stability of our nation is not threatened according to the United States Constitution.  Everyone has this right.  He further has the right to support whatever organizations he chooses with his money.  If you’re going to boycott an organization based on the companies that it supports, don’t you think that you should be consistent and examine every business that you fiscally support?  If we were to do this, I’m sure that Chick-Fil-A would not be the only company supporting some organization that does not meet our individual or collective societal approval.  If we were to do this, we might be shocked into nakedness and starvation.  

Another thing to consider;  if Chick-Fil-A does suffer a massive boycott, we’re just taking another jab at our economy that could stand a little boost.  When I go into a Chick-Fil-A, I immediately see a diversity of teenagers and young adults working.  If Chick-Fil-A is boycotted, on some level, the black community would be impacted, because someone’s hours would be cut because the business is not just their.  I worked as a teenager and value any teenager, especially a black youth that is trying to foster independent living skills.  I have never had a bad experience at Chick-Fil-A.  I’m always greeted pleasantly by the employees, thanked for my patronage and am told that it was a pleasure to serve me.  Why would I give that up?  Again, those are my experiences.  Yours may not be like mine. 

I appreciate the cities of Boston and Chicago not welcoming Chick-Fil-A and its ideals into their communities.  Someone has to send a message.  Is it the right message?  Has anyone that calls themselves “churched” or “spiritual” sat down to pray and meditate for the Cathys.  Jesus did tell us to pray for those that spitefully use us.  Chick-Fil-A has spitefully used our dollars to galvanize an anti-gay agenda.  The mandate then, to we who are spiritual is to pray for them.  I do not agree with where Chick-Fil-A stands on gay rights issues.  Chick-Fil-A may not agree with where I stand on medicating children for academic success, and issues that affect the black community.  One thing is clearly evident.  They can make a good chicken “sammich.”  To Chick-Fil-A or not to Chick-Fil-A?  I’ll leave that up to you.  I may just take my admin out for a Chick-Fil-A combo for lunch today.

Peace,

Karsten