Lady LUX

The above video depicts the controversial debate of gay marriage between the infamous celebrity gossip columnist, Perez Hilton, and Miss California, Carrie Prejan. The verbal lashing first began when Perez, a panel judge, posed a question to Miss California in the final round of the USA Pageant, regarding her thoughts on the issue. She promptly replied, “In my country I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman.” According to the scoring, Miss California was clearly the front runner up until she fielded this query, which many say cost her The Crown.

Publically, Perez continues to berate the issue going as far as calling Prejan vulgar names on national television. On the flipside, Miss California has chosen to remain diplomatic about the verbal slandering, simply stating, “I can only say to him that I will be praying for him. I feel sorry for him, I really do. I think he’s angry. I think he’s hurt. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. He asked me specifically what my opinion was on the subject and I gave him an honest answer.”

Personally, I am taken back by this outbreak of anger and bitterness. What example are we are setting for our youth, in terms of how we handle conflict? Entitlement to one’s own opinion and system of beliefs is one of the many beautiful aspects of being an American. Regardless of which side you stand for, whether you think it is right or wrong is in the eye of the beholder. My hope is that we move into a future where we can create the space for each person to speak their truth, while valuing each person as a human being and eventually living in a place where many “truths” in the world are honored. Truth is subjective to the way you “see” the world and the values you hold. How do you happen to perceive the world?

Tagged in: conflict resolution, gay rights, carrie prejan, miss usa, perez hilton, miss california, gay marriage,