Plenty of traffic goes through the basement of the Illini Union for an honest-to-goodness, scrumptious chicken sandwich. But after Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy came out to America against same-sex marriage, a hankering for “mor chikin” doesn’t mean the same.
Twitter and Facebook went into a frenzy when Cathy was quoted by The Biblical Recorder on July 16 saying: “We are very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives.”
There was a strong backlash against Cathy’s statements, such as staged LGBT “kiss-ins” at various Chick-fil-A locations, then a backlash to the backlash when Chick-fil-A supporters held “Support Chick-fil-A” days.
Even corporations, like Starbucks, got involved in the controversy by establishing a “Support Starbucks” day to back gay rights.
Now, this all seems very intense for someone who just wants a chicken sandwich. How is it that one of the nation’s most critical political dialogues is standing on a platform made of chicken patty?
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
Well, for a start, American business isn’t just “business.” From the beginning, America heralded its pioneers, encouraging entrepreneurship and cherishing the rights these owners have to their economic success.
Even Cathy was right in saying to The Biblical Recorder: “We know that (our stance on gay rights) might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles.”
The success stories of American business, even Chick-fil-A’s, have fueled consumerism, and, with that, a spot in the public eye.
More than ever before, a corporation’s conduct in the consumer realm holds great significance.
Which is why Cathy’s remarks have brought on a whirlwind of controversy for the chikin-lovin’ establishment.
It’s one matter to stamp a statement on its products. But when the company actively funds anti-gay causes such as Exodus International and Focus on the Family, it’s telling not only of Chick-fil-A, but of us as consumers.
Even when we’re shopping at a local Bed Bath & Beyond, we’re thinking: What decor or bed sheets will invite the right kind of message about me? And our purchases of a Ford, a Coca-Cola or even a bamboo plant from Walgreens are no exception. They’ve become an investment in our interests and a statement about ourselves.
_Nora is a senior in LAS._
