Perez, Prejean, Pageantry, and Politics
Written by Mockarena // April 21, 2009 // The Makeover And/Or Miscellaneous // 28 Comments
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A couple of clever and competent readers have sent us messages about the whole Miss California story that is Big News right now. At first, Daisy and I were just going to ignore it because it’s a BEAUTY PAGEANT, for crying out loud, and beauty pageants are completely stupid. But then, I saw this interview Matt Lauer did with Perez Hilton and Miss California – the two people central to this whole issue, and I got myself all interested in it.
So, you can watch the video to get the background story, but long story short – Miss California was brought up to believe that gay marriage is wrong. And Perez Hilton was brought up to believe that he enjoys having relations of a sexual nature with other men. To each his own, right? So the whole Prop 8 thing is kiiiind of a big deal to Perez, and as a judge of this completely antiquated and absurd spectacle, he decided that his question to Miss CA would be about whether states should allow gay marriage.
Miss CA, to her credit, answered honestly. To her DIScredit, she wasn’t very eloquent about it (apparently man/woman marriage is called “opposite marriage” in her neck of the woods). And she offended Perez enough with her personal opinion that he took to his own blog to post an imbecilic rant about what a “dumb bitch” she was. To his credit, he commented that she should have answered that each state should decide for itself, which I happen to agree with. To his DIScredit, he’s an idiot who draws vile captions on the photos of celebrities for a living. To our nation’s DIScredit, there is apparently a market for this. But I digress.
What I love about the video above is that MSNBC showed that Miss California and Obama said the exact same thing about gay marriage. I only wish that Perez would have been asked to comment on that. I liked that Matt sort of cornered him into basically admitting that pageants shouldn’t be about personal integrity or values, and in fact should be all about a contestant’s ability to shmooze and be PC and essentially be barbie politicians. I mean, he basically said as much. He wants someone who makes everyone feel welcome, he said. Screw virtue and morality! We need more people to make us feeeeeeel good.
My personal thought on marriage, is that by definition it is between a man and a woman. And remember, Obama thinks that too, for those of you about to jump down my throat. 
If gay people want to commit to each other and have a ceremony and be given the same rights as couples that married people have, I have no issue with that. But I am NOT ok with redefining marriage. And there’s lots of reasons for that, not the least of which is that I am one of those craaaaazy people who believes that kids do best when they are raised in a traditional mother/father family unit. Are there exceptions? Sure. But not enough to change the definition of marriage.
Many people agree that Miss California lost the crown (which was a stupid thing to covet in the first place) because of her anti gay marriage answer to Perez’s question. Which just proves that pageants have officially become political. It’s not about being true to your convictions – it’s about pandering to your audience. In short, they’re useless and tired.
HATE.
28 Comments on "Perez, Prejean, Pageantry, and Politics"
I was really active in the GLBT community during my college years… and still feel that the GLBT community should have all the same rights as their heterosexual peers.
I do not, however, agree that the ‘definition’ of marriage should change. Marriage is a covenant between the couple and God. And churches should not be forced to preform these ceremonies if it goes again their belief systems. But, I also disagree with the government having any say in marriage AT ALL. Marriage should not be something the state must regulate.
People should get have a ceremony in the church/presence of their friends and family… and then report that this ceremony took place and apply for rights under a civil union at their local clerks office. Basically, I propose that the government only regulate rights under the term civil union… and whether you lable this as a marriage is between you, your partner and your religious institution of choice.
Additionally, state to state, they should have the right to democratically vote on civil unions for homosexual couples, and decide if that’s something their states want to allow (however all states should recognize civil union partner-rights in the case of legal wills/hospital visiting rights/etc. regardless of their state’s stance on the actual unions)… And, if your state doesn’t allow it, and you want to have those rights… move to another state.
Again, states shouldn’t be regualting a covenant between God and his followers (hence the separation of church and state)… The state should only have the right to approve rights to a set of people… with in their own state.
Mock, I must have laughed out loud twice or three times while reading that. Nice writing.
Now, I can’t believe I watched that or am commenting, but I comment on everything so here we go.
Watching that clip fulfilled my ego boost quota for the day. I feel remarkably smarter than I did before partaking. I’m pretty sure I’m smarter than everyone pictured or who spoke in that clip. A low bar to be sure, but some days I watch a few minutes of Springer just to feel better about myself. No need today.
As to Mr. Hilton specifically. Really?!!?? “The worst answer in pageant history.”?!?!?!!!! That statement alone robs this guy of any credibility. He clearly asked the question hoping he’d get a nice endorsement for his little agenda and didn’t get it and now he’s got his “undergarment of choice” in a wad. Too bad.
As to Ms California specifically. SHE WON!!! She’s famous! Probably more famous than the girl that won. There’s a decent chance she’ll be able to go on a little victory tour thanks to this whole flap but still have the flexibility and time to do what she wants in terms of appearances and endorsements. Her committment to herself may have really paid off here.
I’d mention her belief in Jesus, but I don’t want to offend anyone. Are people really offended when someone mentions Jesus? How? I know when I hear my Jewish friends mention their Holy Days I get really offended. I have a Jewish friend who loves to wish me Happy Hanukah every year and I reply with Merry Christmas and we both laugh and get a huge kick out of it. Kind of a solidarity of faith among those who have different views.
This whole thing is amazing and probably belongs firmly in the category of NOT NEWS, but it is funny as hell.
i think they should legalize gay marriage for all except perez hilton he should be doomed to die alone.
OMG he actually complained that she brought her personal politics when it was clearly him who was bringing his politics to the show by asking that dang question……….its guys and girls like him….not just gays but just people who believe we should always be politically correct. And what happens when all the states approve gay marriages. whats going to be the next thing theyre protesting i dont believe it will ever stop they will always feel persecuted by the nation.
Why on earth do people feel the need to whine and complain and get offended?
There is no right not to get offended. So what if she thinks a marriage is between a dude and a chick. It’s not like she’s a lawmaker.
I don’t get offended when people abort their babies.
I think beauty pageants are stupid…. but what I find interesting in all this is that Mr. Hilton freaked out about Miss CA’s answer and yet I bet he voted for Obama who said the same thing. Mr. Hilton seems to think it is ok to get on his website and rant about her answer and call this young woman a bitch. He asked the question, she gave an honest answer. He apparently assumed she would give an answer that leaned in his direction and would have someone else to back his agenda. When his plan back fired, he couldn’t handle it and clearly he held it against her. Loser.
I totally agree with QuiteContrary, but I have a question (not specifically aimed at anyone, just in general). What does the phrase “redefining marriage” mean? I feel like that phrase gets thrown around a lot, and I’ve never been real clear on exactly what it means. Does it have something to do with mandating that churches accept and wed homosexual couples? Because, and correct me if I’m wrong, I don’t think anyone is trying to do that. What is the difference between a civil union and a marriage, in your eyes? Is it just a matter of definition — “marriage” is for heterosexuals and “civil unions” are for homosexuals? Is it a deeper difference? How so?
Fallandmiss,
I personally feel that the biggest part of this controversy is based around the word ‘marriage.’
Because, the most religious groups understand the the union of marriage is a covenant with God and only ordained between a man and a woman… Rarely do you hear anyone getting pissy about homosexual couples have the ability to have partner rights (which would be available with a civil union). Rather, they are up in arms about the term that for generations has culturally meant ‘union of two people’…
So, if we just remove the religous conotation from the rights associated with what is essentially a civil union that you get in a clerks office (that is not a ‘marriage’ if you believe that marriage is a covenant with God… a marriage is something you do in a church).
Basically, remove the term marriage from all unions that the governement hands out post personal/religious ceremony… and suddenly you’ll find far fewer people pissed off about Gay ‘Marriage.’
Being a Catholic, I too believe that marriage is the sacred union between a man and a woman sanctified by God. The Church defines marriage in this way, because in the Bible, it is a mortal sin to have a same sex relationship, and the purpose of marriage is to be able to procreate. Do I believe that people who are homosexual are going to hell, no. I believe they should have the right to have commitment ceremonies recognized by the state as legal. They should be able to be on their partner’s health plan, next of kin, etc., but I don’t consider them “married” since they are not able to have children. I also don’t think that having a child raised in a home of same-sex partners is exactly healthy, either. I believe that children need to have secure, strong, male and female influences in a traditional stable male/female home, like Mock. There’s always exceptions to the rule, and I’m sure I’ve ruffled a few feathers, but that’s the best part of this blog – freedom of speech! (until the government monitors us!)
Punky you bring up the idea of procreation what separates a homosexual marriage from a heterosexual one. What about men and women that are sterile? What about those that choose not to have children? Many straight couples are married, yet choose not to procreate, does that make their marriage invalid? I definitely respect peoples religious point of views, and find it ridiculous that this woman is being attacked for her answer to what someone ASKED her, especially when Perez didn’t attack Obama. I think Perez attacked her and not Obama because she is a woman, and he is a weak man that finds it easier to attack a woman. I just find it funny when people talk about a “sacred union” between a man and a woman, when SO many straight couples have just ruined the concept of marriage with infidelity and divorce rates. Anyways, it was just ridiculous that Perez asked her a political question straight out and didn’t expect to get a political answer in response, or at least not the one he wanted.
I am not especially offended by her answer. She can think what she likes.
I was a little put off by her ineloquence and her inability to see why a more politically correct answer would have better served her in the competition of Miss USA, as well as Miss Universe.
People aren’t mad that she has an oppinion. People are a little disgusted by how she articulated that thought.
Forget Perez Hilton. He’s gay, and upset. He wasn’t the only judge that gave her lower scores based on her answer… Her answer was just not quality. Additionally, Miss North Carolina won several other parts of the competition… And that is the largest part of why she won the title.
However, Perez was right about the fact that she had other, better options for her answer… Such as, ‘I was rasied by a family that taught me that marriage is between a man and a woman, but I am not a law-maker and I think that states should have the opportunity to vote onthe matter and decide for themselves.’
In that answer she would have not only expressed her own upbringing and oppinion, but also expressed a respect for others rights and a clear respect for democracy.
And, that’s just one example.
Furthermore, these competitions are advertised as scholarship programs that give tallented young women the opportunity to succeed… Why not ask her a question that causes her to balance her own beliefs with some compassion and do it with eloquence.
Just a year ago the world laughed in horror as another pageant contestant stumbled through her question… What makes this young womans ineloquence less mock worthy?
I just don’t think any homosexual couples are even ASKING to be recognized by churches. I mean, I respect your decision to be Catholic, but I personally don’t care at all what the Catholic, or any other, church has to say about what the word “marriage” means. We’re talking about the government here, and as such, I think the question is a false debate based on semantics.
It’s totally a battle of semantics… Eliminate the word and eliminate the battle.
It’s just that easy.
‘Marriage’ should not be regualted by government, regardless of who is joining into it. Rights are regualted by government.
I’m all for a clear separation of church and state.
Way to put words in my mouth, Sarah! I never said anything about couples who couldn’t or didn’t want children. I’m telling you and others the definition of marriage I was taught growing up as a Catholic student. We were taught that in Genesis, God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply, which was adopted into the marriage definition by the Church. The Church only recognizes marriage as a union between a man and a woman, regardless of their ability or choice to have children. I also believe this, and refuse to apologize for my beliefs, regardless of how un-PC they may be. I also stated that same sex unions should be recognized as civil unions, and that I believe those partners should be eligible for benefits, etc. I agree with you that many couples make a mockery of marriage by not taking their vows seriously, thinking something better may come along later.
I didn’t mean to put words and your mouth, and didn’t think that you thought that was the only definition of marriage. Only that you said that marriage is for procreation, yet many straight couples choose not to have children or are unable to. I do respect your views and respect that you acknowledge homosexuals deserve to be happy and in relationships, there are many people that won’t even give them that.
I am tired of this f-ing, political correctness s***!! Miss California looked the best, so she should win. F*** that faggot judge. Why in the hell is someone that doesnt like women, judging them? F*** that, and if you agree with him, get the hell off this site, who needs you? Enjoy hell, liberal-scum!!
Yyyyyyyyyeah. I’m not so sure that this site needs people who are as completely wigged out and offensive as you either, gymrat.
Classy chicks on the right, and the dudes who love them, tend to enjoy discussions that don’t sound like total psychotic rants. So if you’re looking for people to shout obscenities at, try the Daily Kos. At least there you’re working with folks who enjoy the same kind of banter you seem to.
Not saying you’re not welcome, of course. Just trying to help you see what this site is about.
If you cant handle it Mockarena, go away!! No one will miss you, trust me!! The real world does not give a damn about Jordan, Perez, and if you agree with them, YOU!! We do not live in a gay, f-ing world. Read the bible and you decide if you even deserve to live among the rest of us.
WHOA CRAZY!
Chill. The. ****. Out.
Gymrat, seriously… You’re ****ing crazy.
Mock may not say it… But, I will. No one wants you here if you’re going to act like a nut bag.
Miss CA lost because she sucks. Pageants aren’t just about beauty and beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Obviously, you think she was attractive… However, she lost more than one event. Not to mention her litt gay-bash-fest.
So, **** you, you right-wing crazy. It’s people like you, that allow people like me, justify their hated of the right-wing.
I was … this close to feeling like liberals and conservatives could be friendly. But, douchebags like you make it hard for all of us.
gymrat – It’s kind of hilarious that YOU are telling ME to go away when you are on MY FREAKING SITE.
It’s wackjobs like you who give conservatives a bad name, particularly when you use the bible and a bunch of hateful words in the same paragraph.
QuiteContrary – we CAN be friendly. Really.
Because clearly we both agree that gymrat is a total freakshow. See? Liberals and conservatives unite!! Washington could totally learn from us.
You’re right Mock. Ug.
Gymrat… mostly, people try and get along in these parts.
Obviously, your momma didn’t love you enough or something… but, don’t take that out on Mock.
It is her site, after all.
Um, gymrat. Hi.
My name is Daisy. My partner’s name is Mockarena. This is our site. We write it, run it, and monitor it daily. Nice to meet you. Likewise, I’m sure.
On this site, we welcome commentary from both conservatives and liberals. While we often agree to disagree, we try to refrain from acting as if we’re experiencing a bad trip from a whole truckload full of anabolic steroids.
If this “real world” you speak of doesn’t want to read what we have to say, then that “real world” can go read another blog. Perhaps a hateful one that would welcome your crappy diction?
Oh, and I’ve read the bible. Several times. Jesus never said the word **** that I can recall. Look into it.
wow gymrat seems to be on a few too many steriods…..
Gymrat – Look, it all boils down to the fact that Perez Hilton shouldn’t have used a beauty pageant to run his political agenda. I believe that in the Bible, Jesus’ first rule was Love one another, as I have loved you. Calling someone a f*ggot is definitely not being brotherly. I’ve already stated my opinion on gay unions, and that said, you should have the right to have sexual relations with another human being, as long as both adults are over 18, and consenting. And QuiteContrary, I think that on this site, most people are here to voice an opinion, and agree to disagree, like Mock said. I think it’s great that we can debate issues here without getting all confrontational. There are exceptions, obviously.
After the hate toward miss Calif, I will now vote no to gay marriage, as I feel that the gay agenda has gone from wanting to live their lives without judgement, to trying to push and shove their idea’s down everyone else’s throat, and are now the fatefull intolerent ones with no respect for others. Why is it gay’s can’t ask for a civil union, instead they want marriage. Hetro’s don’t parade around saying where straight and where proud, most people are modest and keep their live’s to thereself. And what the hell does implants have to do with ones veiws on gay marriage.
Sick of Being P.C.,
You’re right, HETRO’s don’t go around saying ‘WHERE staight?’ and ‘WHERE proud?’
Just to turn things around to a perspective you might understand…
What if someone told you that you could not get married because you didn’t attend the right kind of church?
Because, only Catholic and Lutheran churches could actually ‘marry’ people according to GOD… and you were Baptist. And, Baptists are sinners. So, they don’t deserve rights.
They aren’t looking to have YOU or YOUR CHURCH recognize their marriages… They want rights under a governmental marriage (which IS a civil union and not ACTUALLY a marriage under GOD).
Marriages licenses given at your local justice of the peace are not GOD ordained/regognized. Only a marriage preformed by someone with authority in the eyes of GOD are ordained… Hence, those gays are doing exactly what you suggested. The are asking for civil unions – they are just using the term that our government currently uses to refer to those unions… MARRIAGE.
You aren’t any more eloquent than Miss California…
Apparently the reason the Donald decided not to dethrone Miss California over the semi-nude photos was because the breasts she exposed in those photos were not the same breasts as those she had when she entered the pageant:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1752346/prejean_and_hilton_kiss_and_make_up.html?cat=60
Todd- hilarious!! Thanks for the link!!!
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