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It is with great sadness that I read this article about the comments made by Newport Beach Councilman Scott Peotter following the recent historic decision made by the Supreme Court extending marriage equality to same-gender Americans.
According to the article, Councilman Peotter says “he's not homophobic but favors a traditional view of marriage.” I cannot make any judgment about Councilman Peotter’s character, as I do not personally know him. But I want to point something out to people who have either said or heard this comment or comments similar to it. Anyone who says and believes such a thing is either deliberately lying or, quite possibly, not aware of his or her own prejudice.
The history of this country provides us with a rich tapestry of historic examples of inequality and bias. At a time in this country, the government did not recognize women’s right to vote. I’m certain that back in the late 1800’s, there was certainly more than one man who uttered the opinion, “I’m not sexist, but I support the traditional system of voting.”
Look also at the early-to-mid 20th century and the issues that black Americans faced in terms of civil rights. I’m certain that more than one white person in the country stated, “I’m not a racist, but I just don’t want to share a fountain or a bathroom with those people.”
Simply phrasing that one is not prejudice before making a statement supporting inequality does not exempt you from being prejudice. No matter how nicely you make the argument or choose your phrasing, inequality is inequality and bigotry is bigotry.
According to the article, Councilman Peotter says “he's not homophobic but favors a traditional view of marriage.” I cannot make any judgment about Councilman Peotter’s character, as I do not personally know him. But I want to point something out to people who have either said or heard this comment or comments similar to it. Anyone who says and believes such a thing is either deliberately lying or, quite possibly, not aware of his or her own prejudice.
The history of this country provides us with a rich tapestry of historic examples of inequality and bias. At a time in this country, the government did not recognize women’s right to vote. I’m certain that back in the late 1800’s, there was certainly more than one man who uttered the opinion, “I’m not sexist, but I support the traditional system of voting.”
Look also at the early-to-mid 20th century and the issues that black Americans faced in terms of civil rights. I’m certain that more than one white person in the country stated, “I’m not a racist, but I just don’t want to share a fountain or a bathroom with those people.”
Simply phrasing that one is not prejudice before making a statement supporting inequality does not exempt you from being prejudice. No matter how nicely you make the argument or choose your phrasing, inequality is inequality and bigotry is bigotry.
