The Courage to Say Horrible Things  ⚐

"'In the current culture, it takes more courage for someone like Chris Broussard to speak out than for someone like Jason Collins to come out,' says Sprigg, a former pastor. 'The media will hail someone who comes out of the closet as gay, but someone who simply expresses their personal religious views about homosexual conduct is attacked.'"

I'm not quite sure I've ever read something that so clearly lacked recognition of the world that we live in.

Jason Collins did something reasonably courageous. He came out of the closet, while still an active athlete in a major professional sport. It will, unquestionably, make his life more difficult next season. There will be players and coaches who will be uncomfortable with him, players and coaches who will say things on the court, and undoubtedly fans who will say horrific things.

Hell, fans say horrifically offensive things to players who aren't gay. It's going to be a few seasons (and likely when another, higher profile athlete comes out) before it's normal.

I suppose it may take more courage to espouse views that are so far out of the mainstream, views that represent a world view that is 20 years out of date. If I was to espouse misogynistic or racist views, yes, I would be attacked by the media (and most good people). This isn't people fighting for racial or gender equality or the 40 hour work week.

It takes courage to say things that are unpopular. The difference is that you should not expect to be viewed as a martyr for being a horrible person. Speaking out against homosexuality is your right, but you should expect to be attacked (rightfully) for being an idiot.

(Via CNN.)