Freedom of Speech and Chik-Fil-a

Freedom of Speech and Chick-Fil-A Jesus David Mireles, Jr. HUM/176 June 9, 2013 Professor G. Caicco Freedom of Speech and Chick-Fil-A Just like we need air to breathe and food to eat, we need Freedom of Speech. It is not only our given right, but something that we are promised from the Constitution to the Bill of Rights. We not only uphold America as our country, but we strive to follow its lead in being able to express who we are and what we think. Our mainstay as citizens of this great country is to represent the red, white, and blue, and to eat American Pie. Glen Beck, announced to the world that “This is not about homosexuality, this is about the First Amendment. It’s a right to speak your mind on a controversial subject and still remain to maintain your livelihood.” (Ross, 2012). Beck was commenting on the recent comment made by Dan Cathy, President of the fast food chain, Chick-Fil-A. Cathy announced to the entire world that “he believes that same-sex marriage should not be allowed in the United States and that we do not know better than God what constitutes a marriage.” (Ross, 2012). Cathy was attacked on this issue by the Mayor of the city of Chicago. The Mayor “vowed to not allow any more Chick-Fil-A’s to be built in the city.” (Ross, 2012). Thus, the issue was raised on “the cultural class affect against companies and the social issues that have happened numerous times throughout United States history.” (Ross, 2012). The issue was that Chick-Fil-A does not have the right to discriminate against their customers regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, and that statements, such as this, may be openly made as long as they are not taken too far by any group or individual. They failed miserably on both counts. The issue of Cathy’s discrimination remark turned the heads of famous people, such as, Ellen Degeneres. The

References: Ross, S. (2012, September 21). Our freedom of speech: The Chick-fil-A controversy. Retrieved from AZUSA Pacific University Student Press: http://www.theclause.org/2012/09/our-freedom-of-speech-the-chick-fil-a-controversy/