Chick Fil A recently had an appreciation day that, as far as I can tell, was a big success. Today protestors are having a "kiss in" in which homosexuals kiss at Chick Fil A. I encourage opponents of Chick Fil A to protest in whatever way they want. Dan Cathy is a large corporate owner who needs to feel things in his pocketbook. Unfortunately, sometimes in their zeal, people step over a line.
I think that anger and zeal need to be properly addressed to the right individuals. For instance, we know that the economy is in such a predicament that a large portion of the population may be trapped working low wage jobs for years to come. We know that for many students coming out of college, jobs aren't opening up, or companies are trying to squeeze workers with high qualifications into low paying slots. In the search for work, people need something to get by, and often food service is a place where work is available.
For people working the mundane routine of fast food service, it may be nice to rely on a company that provides a consistent day off every week. This applies whether a person is a student or a laid off worker looking for something better. For students it's a place to earn money while putting time into their studies. For some it's the only job available. When the difference is deciding between whether to work at Chick Fil A, McDonald's or Wendy's, a person doesn't always have a choice, especially when considering limited mobility.
For instance, the local university has fast food stores within it and around it. Within a half hour's walking distance are a series of fast food stores and other mid level restaurants. Some people only have the experience, and the mobility, to work in places like these. I'd even argue that, the same as a person doesn't often choose to take unemployment aid, they also don't choose to make a life of living in fast food service. It's a result of circumstances.
So when it comes to protesting, zeal must be properly placed. A Biblical Proverb, Proverbs 19:2, says "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way." For protestors of Chick Fil A, the protest must be smart. In the same way that the foibles of conservative draw instant condemnation from the progressive circles, the foibles of progressives will draw instant condemnation from conservatives. What happens is an increasing divide between the two sides, arguing over video clips and talking points.
The gay community needs to be loud and vocal about demanding its equal rights. There's no place in America where a person should be denied visiting rights to a partner in the hospital, or economic benefits when engaging in a healthy relationship, benefits denied to them simply on the basis of orientation. However, wars are won by picking the right battles. Berating a minimum wage employee for a job they might not have much choice in doesn't further a cause, as much as provide smug indulgence for the one berating.
For owners like Cathy, confrontations like these do nothing but earn more sympathy. This patron was a CFO and college lecturer of finance berating a low wage worker at a fast food restaurant. He should have know better, honestly, and it does nothing to affect Cathy or earn sympathy for gay rights. Instead it became a right wing talking point. So again, protest. Please, withhold your money from Chick Fil A, if your conscience tells you to. Whatever you do, though, address your zeal appropriately. Address it toward people like Cathy who wield the money, not the low wage workers that get used like pawns already.