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Friday, September 05, 2008
TO THE EDITORS,
Re: “A Witch Hunt at Manhunt” (Op-ed by Chris Crain, Aug. 22)
It’s troubling to see columnist Chris Crain’s defense of Manhunt.com and its co-founder, Jonathan Crutchley, regarding his donations to the campaign of Republican presidential candidate John McCain. Troubling not because of the defense of individual freedom—anyone can, of course, support any candidate he or she wishes—but troubling because Crain’s posits that diversity requires accepting all ideological opinions equally. His thesis, that “we should be even more troubled by the arrogant intolerance that says [gay Republican donors] have no place in a community that flies rainbow flags to show pride in its diversity,” is academically false, spiritually bankrupt and ideologically misleading. It attempts to use the language of diversity to justify Crutchley’s unconscionable support of homophobia and anti-gay intolerance.
Cultural diversity is certainly about accepting and celebrating differences in the human tapestry. This does not mean, however, that all ideologies and behaviors are morally acceptable. Certainly we do not celebrate racism, sexism, child molestation or similar behaviors under the rubric of “diversity.” Why should, then, we be taken to task for legitimately boycotting those who fund homophobia? Why should LGBTQ men and women be berated by a gay newspaper for legally boycotting those who support intolerance?
To be clear, I don’t dispute Manhunt’s right to support anti-gay efforts—or its subscribers right to continue to support it if they wish. But for those who find Crutchley’s act socially repugnant, it is right and proper for them to protest with their wallets and their voices. To do so isn’t an attack on diversity; rather, it is a reaction against the intolerance of John McCain, whose politics and policies are clearly opposed to the ideas of gay equality.
Opposing intolerance isn’t attacking diversity; it is a moral imperative. I would hope the New York Blade would recognize that.
Gabriel Shanks [New York City]
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