Maybe you’ve never heard of Michelle Shocked before today. The folk singer doesn’t exactly carry Madonna status—but she’s getting plenty of attention in the wake of some eyebrow-raising comments at a recent concert.
After pop sensation Madonna used her appearance at the 24th annual GLAAD Media Awards last weekend to bully the Boy Scouts for its “anti-gay” stance, Shocked came out with an anti-gay stance uniquely her own.
But while Madonna is being celebrated for trotting on stage donning a Boy Scouts uniform and smooching gay CNN newsman Anderson Cooper right on the kisser as he won the Vito Russo Award (which is presented to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made “a significant difference in promoting equality”), Shocked is getting shunned for what some are calling homophobic remarks.
Judge this for yourself.
According to the Bay Area Reporter, Shocked told fans at a concert, “When they stop Prop 8 and force priests at gunpoint to marry gays, it will be the downfall of civilization and Jesus will come back,” she said. The paper reports that, “Loud gasps were heard from the audience. Many fans walked out.”
“I believe the Bible is the Word of God,” Shocked continued. At that, more audience gasps were heard, the paper reports, and more fans exited, some shouted pro-gay sentiments as they walked out.
The paper then reports, “With a broad smile, Shocked said, ‘You are going to leave here and tell people, ‘Michelle Shocked said God hates faggots.'”
Shocked never said she hated gays or anyone else. Nevertheless, Shocked has seen concert venues cancel her appearances.
Madonna, on the other hand, can seemingly do no wrong in the gay community, but I personally view Madonna’s comments and actions at the GLAAD Awards as far more offensive than anything Shocked actually said.
According to WENN News Service, “The Material Girl took to the stage in New York to present Cooper with the top honor, and couldn’t help but court controversy with her onstage ensemble—a swipe at the Boy Scouts’ ban on openly gay and transgender leaders.
“Donning the shorts, shirt and hat worn by members of the Boy Scouts of America, the gay icon told the audience, ‘I wanted to be a Boy Scout, but they wouldn’t let me join. I think that’s f***ed up. I can build a fire. I know how to pitch a tent. I have a very good sense of direction. I can rescue kittens from trees. Listen, I wanna do (good) for the community.'”
So where do we go from here? Were Shocked’s comments out of line? Is she stooping to Madonna’s level by using such colorful language about “forcing priests to marry gays at gunpoint”? Or is it justified in light of the gay agenda’s hard push to force its will down the throats of God-fearing Christians?
You decide.
Jennifer LeClaire is news editor at Charisma. She is also the author of several books, including Did the Spirit of God Say That? You can email Jennifer at [email protected] or visit her website here. You can also join Jennifer on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.
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