If you had any ideas about a more tolerant America, the backlash against Ellen DeGeneres will prove you wrong. When JC Penny decided to hire the star as a representative for their program, some women claimed that they should sack her because she was a lesbian. Interestingly many of those baying for blood were good Christians who value “freedom in America”. It would be shocking if they said the same thing about someone who was black or short or skinny. One Million Moms is a conservative organization which is on record for spouting some of the worst bigotry that we have seen in a very long time. They hate diversity of any sort and believe in one image of America.
How to tackle the bigots
Credit has to go to JC Penney for refusing to be bullied by these bigots. Of course it is guaranteed that they will immediately turn to the victim mode and claim that America is persecuting them. That is what happens with such people. They are happy to interfere in the lives of others as long as no one returns the favor. Ellen DeGeneres has been described as a role model for diversity and there is absolutely no reason why the outlet cannot use her as a model. If the bigots want to stop shopping there then it is their prerogative.
One Million Moms put up a sign on their FaceBook page and condemned the store for “jumping on the pro-gay bandwagon”. The threatened that “the majority of JC Penney shoppers will be offended and choose to no longer shop there.” These people take themselves too seriously and it is about time someone told them that they do not own America and consequently has no right to tell people how to lead their private lives. Ron Johnson from the company also supported the celebrity and her role in promoting the company.
