Miss California

I’m probably beating a dead horse by discussing this issue because by now most of you have probably seen this video clip a dozen times. Believe it or not, this instant in the Miss USA pageant last week is a snapshot in our history, for it shows where we stand right now concerning civil rights. Miss California, who ended up with the runner-up title, was asked her stance on same sex marriage by the very outspoken and very out of the closet Perez Hilton. As you can see in the video, Miss California answered that she believed that marriage should be between a man and a woman, but that she thinks it is great that Americans can choose either same sex marriage or “opposite marriage.” Hmm. Miss California told Matt Lauer that she knew the moment she uttered her answer that she was forsaking the crown. She is certain that voicing her conservative opinion is the reason, but she does not regret a word because she “spoke from her heart.” Many say she did not receive the title of Miss USA because she was inarticulate when she spoke; she referred to marriage between a man and woman as opposite marriage (bizarre choice of words) and she said that American citizens can choose- which is not true, with the exception of 4 states.
I am from the school of thought that this day in age we should all be more tolerant of gay marriage, but this incident begs a few questions.
Should Miss California have been punished for answering honestly? In a pageant that is infamous for cliché answers such as “world peace,” shouldn’t she be able to speak her opinion and be respected for her integrity? What does it say about these competitions that grant women scholarships as well as amazing opportunities to travel and volunteer if they are punished for their honest answers?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnbBImSKPY0