Yesterday we noted that former NBA star Tim Hardaway could argue that his aversion to homosexuality is genetically based and that therefore people could not criticize him for it. Certainly the firestorm of negative reactions—which we can correctly call hatred—toward Hardaway proves that opposition to homosexuality is entirely unacceptable among the nation’s power elites.
Yet this does not seem to be true of the population in general. Hardaway could buttress a case for a genetic basis of opposition to homosexuality with the following interesting fact noted (disapprovingly) in Rick Telander’s Chicago Sun-Times column today. Radio host Dan LeBatard, who popped the question that started all the controversy, told of his audience’s reaction to Hardaway’s comment:
Even more stunning to Le Batard was his ensuing Thursday radio show.
”It blew my mind,” he said, ”all the people who called in and agreed with Hardaway.”
So what we see here is a strong reaction among common people supporting Hardaway, while those whose jobs depend on approval of homosexuality are coming out strong against him.
Which seems more natural to you?
Nobody should criticize Hardaway for being a gay hater. Everyone should criticize him for being a gay baiter. Get it repugnicons? Actions are what count.
The fascinating thing about Le Batard is his handling of this given his reputation. He always makes a big deal of being nonjudgmental in his coverage of athletes. I guess we just found out where his nonjudgmentalism ends.