Ask Surly Amy: Nit Pickin’ About Chicken
Dear Surly Amy,
I am addicted to Chick Fil A. I know, not the worst thing in the world. I go by there at least twice a week. I have always known they were a Christian run business, but never thought much of it. However, after hearing they are donating food to an antigay marriage group,
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/04/chick-fil-a-controversy-shines-light-on-restaurants-christian-dna/?hpt=C2 it suddenly becomes a little more of an issue. So should I continue eating there, or go with the less delicious chicken at other fast food establishments?~Justin
Dear Justin,
Good chicken is good chicken but what they are doing is foul. Or should I say fowl? (Terribly sorry… I will behave now.)
If you are aware that a company is funding something that goes against you what you feel is morally correct then yes, I think that the socially responsible thing is to stop supporting that company. It’s one of the few things we as a consumer society can do to to make a palpable difference. Ultimately, you can’t control how that company chooses to spend its money but you can guarantee that they aren’t using any of your money in the process. Perhaps you can find ways to help let other people know that this establishment is anti gay rights. Start a petition or set up a facebook page to help get the word out. If you can get enough people to stop spending at that particular establishment you might convince them to change their funding policy and then you can go back and eat there. And who knows, in the mean time you might just find yourself a better restaurant to support!
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There’s an odd bit of Christian theology that teaches the faithful that if they are following the will of their god they will suffer trials and tribulations. Were Chick Fil A. to get some grief for their choices they may just see it as a feather in their cap. Tidy way to view the world if you’re a dick.
Tried Chick-Fil-A once when I was down in Georgia in ’09. Wasn’t overly impressed, I’ve had better chicken sandwiches at the local Arby’s. That said, I won’t be going back (which is doubly easy considering I’m in Michigan and there are no Chick-Fil-A’s here).
You could always make your own. I’ve tried this a couple times and it’s pretty close.
There’s always Taco Bell….
Back when I was in grad school, the local Domino’s made a point of donating to Planned Parenthood to show that they were effectively independent as a franchisee.
@Zapski: There’s always Taco Bell….
This raises an interesting point. Has anyone determined that there actually is chicken in a Chick-Fil-A sandwich? I’ve learned not to assume.
When I was in college, around 1983 or so, The Domino’s ‘Parent Company’ was known for donating to Operation Rescue. – Some groups in college did have an organized Boycott for that reason.
The Human Rights Campaign has a list of LGBT friendly companies. — I knew Chick a Fil was Christian because the local franchise always closed on Sunday, but I didn’t know they were Anti-Gay.
>> blasted the restaurant chain for donating free food
>> to a Pennsylvania organization opposed to gay
>> marriage.
>> “While my family and I believe in the Biblical
>> definition of marriage,†the statement continued, >> “we love and respect anyone who disagrees.â€
Hello, I’m an organization of 1, and I’d like you to put
your money where your mouth is, and donate a free
lunch.
Ahem. Any empiricist can determine through direct experimentation that the chicken at KFC is much tastier.
They have dark meat, too, which last I checked Chik Fil A did not.
@davew: Soylent-Fil-A! Now available in Barbecue or Classic Chicken!
My husband has Celiac disease. Chik-fil-a is one of about 5 places he can eat in town. I duly respect people who vote with their wallets, but it isn’t something I can afford to do with my groceries nor something I have the luxury of doing with my dining dollars. Mmmm food privilege. I’m sure that just opens me up to more bi-erasure.
There are 2 related Change.org petitions if you feel like signing on:
http://www.change.org/petitions/support-the-students-stand-up-against-chick-fil-as-anti-gay-agenda
http://www.change.org/petitions/demand_chick-fil-a_pull_sponsorship_from_anti-gay_event
Disclosure: I am a long time skeptic and occasional commenter here, but am also employed by Change.org. I work here because of this sort of thing and the way we can bring attention to it (and, in this case, making the media notice).
@kylev: Thanks for the links! Change.org is a great resource!
@WhatPaleBlueDot: ah, yes. Food privilege. Having a few dietary restrictions, I can empathize… especially having a very low budget.
Our local diner serves a better chicken sandwich and at a lesser price, too. I also like supporting local, independent small businesses.
Maybe I’m an outsider, but it’s odd to me that anyone would care about the ‘beliefs’ of an organization like this. To me it’s down to whether or not they have good food, and what they do with their profits is none of my concern. If they tried to convert me to some belief or another I would certainly take issue, but to me every company out there can probably be found to have financial ties to undesirables, so I’d prefer to judge them solely on their product.
Also, apparently someone has threatened to start sending sammiches to the Change.org offices. I, for one, am looking forward to free lunch.
http://www.chickenfiletsforgays.com/