Thursday, July 26, 2012

A Farewell to Waffle Fries.

There are a lot of things I love about Chick-fil-A. Their lemonade, for starters, hits the spot in a way that is indescribable, and their chicken nuggets are the perfect amount of crisp and tender, not to mention a healthier (relative, of course) alternative to other fast food nuggets. And don't even get me started on the waffle fries. In fact, until recently, Chick-fil-A was a fast food decision I could feel good about (again, relative, folks) when compared with some of the other options, but no longer. For all the things that I love about Chick-fil-A, there is one overwhelmingly negative thing that I despise about them, and that is their political stance on gay marriage. And for that, I can no longer be a customer.

Sure, we all knew that the chain's owner, Dan Cathy, was a religious man - none of the franchises are allowed to operate on Sunday in order to observe the day of rest and allow for employees to be at home with their families. I love families, so despite the fact that I am almost always jonesing for some Chick-fil-A on Sundays, this was alright by me. It made it that much sweeter on Monday.

But now, Mr. Cathy has come out and straightforwardly denounced gay marriage and therefore stands against equal rights for all, and that is something that I cannot overlook.

There are few things I am more concerned with than that Ava grows up to be a conscientious, tolerant, and kind individual - one who knows that her actions and the beliefs that fuel them are significantly more far-reaching than just herself. If there is nothing else I want for her (other than for her to value her education above all else), it is for her to be someone who considers the rights of others and the betterment of our society. I hope that she never is able to remember a time when gay marriage was not legal, but if she does, that she understands that preventing gay marriage is morally wrong, and denying human beings the right to love whomever they choose is not an option, but a fundamental right.

Sure, it seems silly, that an action as small as boycotting Chick-fil-A is supposed to somehow get here from here to there, but my friend Leigh Ann made an immensely valuable point when voicing her own thoughts about Chick-fil-A's anti-gay stance. Even if my business is just a drop in the proverbial bucket, how else can I teach my daughter that our actions, and thoughts, and - eventually - our votes, can make a difference?

So, from here on out, we're not eating Chick-fil-A. And I'll admit, when I announced this to my husband, his response made me proud. He said, "I knew when I heard about this that you were going to say that."

Good. Then I've made my personal stance on this issue - and the lengths (as short as giving up a monthly waffle fry binge or two) that I'll go to in order to have my voice heard - known.

In other news, I've also never been a bigger fan of the Henson's than I am today:



13 comments:

  1. Good for you and The Muppets (Jim Henson Company)!!

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  2. Thanks for the shout out! A true wishy washy person, I still haven't decided where I stand on the boycott issue. I chatted with a good friend who's gay last night, and he made some very valuable (and admirable) points as well. He doesn't really care what anyone believes, as long as they're not ramming down his throat and trying to force their beliefs on him. If you go to CFA specifically because they support anti-gay organizations (which I have heard some people are actually trying to rally people to do so), that's another thing entirely. But in his words, "If you go there because it's tasty...guilty!" I have to say I loved his "live and let live" attitude.

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  3. So, because you don't agree with the beliefs of Chick-fil-A's CEO, you're going to stop going there? Wow, that's pretty childish.

    I happen to agree with Dan Cathy. If we were friends, would you boycott our friendship also? Please, grow up.

    Target, Amazon, Google and others are for "gay marriage". I'm not going to stop patronizing these companies because they've supported "gay marriage" causes. For my family, we serve the Lord. Patronizing these businesses doesn't mean that I support gay marriage, it just means that I like shopping there!

    I sincerely hope that you're not raising your child to behave as silly as you're acting.

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    1. Anonymous,

      I think your decision to remain anonymous speaks for itself here. I don't believe I'm acting childish for a second. In fact, I think that knowing where your money goes once given to a company (and the resulting types of organizations you end up supporting, though secondhand) is the mark of being a responsible, adult consumer. The fact that you feel decidedly anti-gay marriage and yet continue to shop at businesses that then give money to human rights and equal rights organizations with the purpose of furthering the fight to legalize gay marriage is your choice, but my money won't be going (even secondhand) to any organization that is known to fund anti-gay legislation and perpetuate closed-mindedness and hate.

      My family serves the Lord as well - through tolerance, love, a belief that everyone has the right to love whomever they please, and acceptance. And yes, those are values I happily pass along to my child.

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    2. Anonymous, if you were actively campaigning AGAINST gay marriage, as Dan Cathy does with words and deeds, AND money that goes directly from the mouths of his consumers to the pocketbooks of "gay conversation therapy" organizations, then you would be tough to take for someone of Briana's conviction. She, like me, has many gay friends she loves. To support an organization that is against them would be tantamount to turning her back on them.
      It's not silly at all. It's loyalty and love.

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    3. Actually anonymous, I probably would boycott a friendship with you! I strive to surround myself and my children with those who are open-minded, loving, and tolerant of those who are different. While I respect your right to have an opinion that is different from mine, it doesn't mean that I have to like it (or vice verse) or surround myself with it.

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  4. Wow Mr Anonymous couldn't even leave his name after posting that.
    I want you to know that I whole-heartedly agree with you. I also the mom of a toddler and I would never want her exposed to the hate that CFA is expressing.

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    1. Thank you so much for chiming in. I'm glad to see other parents who are raising their children to be better than the generations before and that will be tolerant, accepting adults.

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  5. Briana,

    You are a beautiful soul who spoke her truth in your space. To attack you here with no knowledge of your belief system or opinions is the childish act, not your post. I will post this with my name attached because personally I am proud to know you!

    :-)
    Traci

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  6. I am always turned OFF when politics and"The LORD" are in the same sentence but that is a different subject. Of Course, Cathy has his freedom of speech and with that freedom of consequences. Keep your head up Briana, this is a ballsy post!

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  7. I wholeheartedly agree with you!! I thought the "religious" stance was enough but to take it further just rubbed me the wrong way!! I just love the Muppets :)

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  8. This is the first time I have stumbled across your blog but I have to commend you for this post! We have loved our share of CFA but I will not support the hatred they spread. I want my kids to grow up in a world free of judgement and hate - and boycotting CFA is one small step toward a better future for our kids.

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