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October 2, 2006
Does Dr. Dobson Think You're Stupid?
No matter which side of the gay marriage issue you stand on (or if you're still standing in the middle) you're better off not watching Focus on the Family's movie "Why Not Gay Marriage" in hopes of gaining perspective. I became curious in seeing what they had to say after reading a news story about the danger the Republican party faces this election year, due to the errosion of their conservative Christian base. In response to this threat, Dr. Dobson and the Southern Baptist Convention are promoting this video in order to mobilize voters.
I am not a huge player in the same-sex marriage issue, I just don't have a dog in that fight, and honestly, a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage now does not insure homosexual couples will never be allowed to legally marry. If you don't agree with me, perhaps you should read the Eighteenth Amendment. I am a huge proponent of common sense and accurate data however, and what I read about their movie flew in the face of common sense.
I hunted the movie down on this website. What strikes me immediately is their introduction to the film:
A video presentation of the most effective arguments in the marriage debate. Focus on the Family defends natural marriage and opposes same-sex marriage whenever and wherever we're invited. Over time, we've learned which arguments have been most persuasive. In this concise and convincing presention, Senior Analyst Glenn Stanton shares what he's learned through many college-campus debates. Master these responses, and you'll be equipped to defend the family with love and compassion.
Notice the presentation is not billed as "factual", "accurate", or "informative", you can be persuasive, effective, convincing and still be completely wrong. Viewers are not invited to evaluate the issue or judge for themselves, only to learn to repeat the responses like mindless robots. Come right in, invites Focus on the Family, but check your brains at the door.
As he introduces his topic, Mr. Stanton continually encourages his audience to "Master these lines", promising them if they do, they will be as well prepared as he is when he goes out to debate. They will be able to "defend the family with compassion, love and intelligence". But as we will see in his presentation, some of his information is inaccurate, incomplete, and an insult to the intelligence of his audience.
The Presentation is broken down into 12 segments, mostly centering around ten questions. I have broken it down into 9 seperate posts, for easier reading. Comments are open throughout, and I welcome your feedback.
How will my same sex marriage hurt your marriage?
Is same sex marriage like interracial marriage?
Where does it stop?
Can't we all just get along by having religious marriage and civil marriage?
What public good does marriage provide?
Is it healthy to subject children to experimental families?
But haven't medical and psychological groups said same sex marriage is fine?
How do we know what kinds of families children need?
Is the same sex family about the needs of children or the wants of adults?
Does gender really matter?
Conclusion
Posted by Anna at October 2, 2006 12:45 AM