Ok, so this whole thing with Miss California USA has really gotten out of hand. To be clear, I do not support her beliefs, BUT we DO live in America where everyone is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs. That being said, she is a perfect example of needing to listen and take a moment to understand the question before you answer it. One of the first things that anyone in a setting with interviews, whether pageants, corporate, etc, learns is to be sure to listen to the entire question. If you think that you misunderstood the question, ASK them to repeat it! Don’t just go off on a tangent and hope that you are getting it right. For this reason, I do not feel that it is accurate to say that she lost because of her beliefs, she simply did not understand and therefore answer the question. If you don’t answer the question, you cannot expect to win.
There are many people that feel that the question was inappropriate for a pageant stage, and I have to respectfully disagree with them. Part of your job as a titleholder, whether on a local, state, national or international level, includes fielding questions from the media and being able to think on your feet. The media can be ruthless and will ask you ANYTHING that they want to and you need to be able to gracefully answer it without embarrassing yourself or anyone else. You are also going to often times find yourself being confronted by members of the public who want to know your opinion on current topics. You need to be able to sound intelligent and informed as much as possible, even more so if it is such a hot topic.
For those that were waiting to attack the family as they were leaving the theater I must state again that we live in AMERICA where everyone has the right to their own beliefs. I understand that you were offended by her statement, but that does not give you or anyone else the right to take away her freedom of speech. I was APPALLED to witness what I did in the theater and actually had to move myself and friends out of harms way when it started to turn physical! You are not helping anyone by picking a fight with someone who’s views are not the same as yours. As we all know, education is key, not violence!!
I hope that everyone is able to let this go, quickly. There is no reason for someone to be torn apart in such a manner over their beliefs. I do feel that anyone who is going to be in the public eye, should be a bit more open minded, especially in California, but that is my opinion and mine alone. If that is not who you are, I do not want or expect anyone to pretend otherwise, but know that you are not necessarily in the right arena then. Kids look up to those that are in the public eye, especially when you have a crown on your head, and you need to be able to be a good role model and I don’t feel that you can do that if you are not able to see things from all viewpoints.
For those of you that are not familiar with the question and Miss California’s answer, here it is.
Perez Hilton asked Miss California USA: “Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalize same-sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit? Why or why not.”
She replied: “Well I think it’s great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. We live in a land that you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. And you know what? In my country, in my family, I think I believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there. But that’s how I was raised, and I think it should be between a man and a woman.”
Great post, people need to understand that she wasn’t being criticized for having her own beliefs, but how she answered it. Miss USA, or any title holder, needs to be articulate and a good role model. You don’t have to compromise your values, but you can have tack.
Hello i agree with some of what you said. I don’t agree with your statement that being in California one should keep an open mind. I for one do not believe in Gay Marriage born and raised in Ca for 31 years. I feel it’s a personal choice to an alternate lifestyle to each its own I cannot and will not believe other wise. I feel she answered the question quite well just as angry as the judge who asked her was about her answer she has a right to answer the way she did. Weather or not you agreed with her answer I think she was quite poised in her answer. That’s JMO
By the way I am from Ca as well.
Well said, Liz. I personally do not agree with Miss California’s beliefs, but she did try to state them in a respectful way, and is entitled to her opinion. While I am deeply saddened that we live in a country that has managed to overcome discrimination of race and gender, but still cannot accept homosexuals, I do not believe it is right to ridicule someone for their beliefs. If we are advocates for accepting everyone, then we must accept those with different opinions than us! We do not have to agree, but ACCEPT, and debate with respect, dignity and kindness. I truly believe that Miss California meant no offense to anyone, and would never treat a homosexual with disrespect or cruelty. Also notice, that she did say she thinks is is great that we are allowed to “choose”. So….my hope is that like many people today, her opinions slowly changing! Being the daughter of a Lutheran minister, I completely understand being brought up in a household that is against gay marriage. I am proud to say that my experiences with gay friends, and my overall worldview (along with the views of my family!) have changed to be more accepting.
At least Miss California was honest with the judges and didn’t hide who she was. Again, I don’t agree with her answer, but what she did took guts, and she was true to herself. She managed to be honest while also trying her best to be kind, she does NOT deserved to be attacked for that!
In the spirit of stating our opinions respectfully, I would like to close with this thought: Whether or not your religious or personal views support gay marriage, remember that homosexuals are fellow human beings. Denying them the right to a civil union prevents them from attaining legal rights and benefits that ever American has the right to, no matter what their sexual orientation!