Sunday is a very emotional day for me. I feel guilty if I've skipped church, angry that I can't buy beer before noon, and envious when I have to wait in an endless line for brunch, watching everyone else enjoying their eggs Benedict. Inevitably, I cruise around looking for something else to eat and feel enraged as I drive past Chick-fil-A and notice that as usual, they are closed on "The Lord's Day."
It's no secret that Chick-fil-A proudly touts its Christian values, much to the chagrin of those of us who just want to kick it with a tasty chicken sandwich on a Sunday afternoon.
Recently, the company's president, Dan Cathy, made comments on gay marriage that have sparked a social-media frenzy with thousands vowing to eat less "chikin'" and threatening to boycott the popular chain.
Social media outlets Facebook and Twitter were on fire yesterday, with thousands flocking to the popular sites in response to Cathy sharing his views on gay marriage. In an article for the Baptist Press and on the Ken Coleman Show, a weekly Christian-based radio talk show, Cathy stated that:
"I think we are inviting God's judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say, 'We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage,' and I pray God's mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we have the audacity to define what marriage is about."
Cathy acknowledges that the Chick-fil-A chief's views on marriage may not sit well with everyone but stands behind his beliefs. In the past 24 hours, the fast-food chain's Facebook page has exploded with people chiming in on the issue. Supporters of the franchise left comments like:
"I will eat more Chickin. Thanks for standing for real family values" -- Shaun Merix
"Thank you for standing up for God's Word and not compromising your beliefs for 'the almighty dollar'... Remember Jesus was persecuted too! He will see your company through the turmoil." -- JaVonni Epps
There are also hundred of comments from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community and advocates who expressed their disgust, anger, and disappointment.
Cliff Carpenter, who claims to be a former Chick-fil-A employee posts:
"SCREW U CHIK FIL'A...U know I used to work for you and I'm GAY! ...Biggots."
"My wife and I will take our lesbian money elsewhere. And we are married whether you like it or not," Caroline Kernahan posted.
"Chik Fil' A's Delicious Chicken Sandwiches are Deep Fried in Hate," posts Kyle LeCrone.
Like any controversy, celebrities were champing at the bit to jump onboard. Actor Ed Helms, of The Office and The Hangover fame, tweeted that he will be boycotting the restaurant for its antigay marriage stance, saying, "Chick-fil-A doesn't like gay people? So lame. Hate to think what they do to the gay chickens! Lost a loyal fan."
Despite this becoming a divisive topic, some say that though they disagree with Chick-fil-A 's views, their love for the food is deep enough for them to overlook them and they will continue to eat at the chain.
In the days before Twitter and Facebook, chains like Denny's and Burger King managed to survive after being boycotted for their allegedly racist comments or actions. How will Cathy's comments impact the restaurant? Only time will tell. For now, a simple question remains, will you be eating "mor Chikin'"?
[Update] Chick-fil-A released this statement in response to the backlash surrounding Cathy's comments:
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