I Think I See a JC Penney Purchase in My Very Near Future
Posted February 10th, 2012 at 6:15 am
In case you hadn’t heard, JC Penney recently hired America’s sweetheart – and everyone’s fave dance partner – Ellen Degeneres to appear in a national advertising campaign.
Although I almost never get to watch her show because it’s on at a time when I am at work, I am a big Ellen fan in general, so just by hiring Ellen, JC Penney might have registered on my retail radar in a way it hasn’t in years.
So yes, I am an Ellen Degeneres fan, like millions of other people.
But see, here’s the thing…apparently, Ellen Degeneres is ….GAY!
(I know! What a shocker, right?)
And because she’s gay, when this group called One Million Moms (which is actually just a front for the American Family Association) found out about her new role with JC Penney, the organization attempted to start a national campaign to get JC Penney to fire her (because, y’know, everyone who appears in national advertising should obviously be pre-vetted by Phyllis Schlafly, Michelle Bachmann or Gladys Kravitz.)
I say “attempted” to start a national campaign because the AFA’s lame call to action hasn’t gone quite the way they planned. In fact, instead of being angry at JC Penney for hiring Ellen, it appears that a wide variety of Americans are now repulsed by AFA’s misguided bigotry. And when I say “wide variety,” I mean it; when you’ve got Bill O’Reilly defending Ellen DeGeneres and the company that hired her, AFA has got to realize they’ve hit a sour note in their efforts to rally their culture army of anti-gay-people-shopper-warriors.
To JC Penney’s credit, the company has not in any way backed away from their new relationship with Ellen as this issue heated up over the last week. In fact, the company has done the exact opposite. They’ve come out with strong statements of confidence in their selection of Ellen as their new brand spokesperson.
And that sort of clear, unwavering statement of the company’s values is so wonderfully rare in mainstream corporate America that it really seems to have resonated with people. I know it has with me. It makes me want to buy something at JC Penney to show my appreciation for the kind of company it apparently is. I want to give this company my business.
Apparently, I am not alone in my sudden inclination to start shopping at JC Penney. According to my pal TGP (AKA: Sweetney), a grassroots-driven JC Penney “shop-in” will now be happening this weekend at JC Penney stores all over the country. She explains the plan thusly:
We’re very proud of JCPenney for standing up to One Million Moms and retaining Ellen Degeneres as its spokesperson. And we’re going to put our money where our mouths are by organizing a “Shop-In” on Sunday, February 12.
Here’s the deal: 1) Go to JCP (or JCP online) on Sunday. 2) Shop. 3) Post a photo of yourself on Twitter/Facebook/Your blog/Whatever shopping at JCP, and add the hashtag #jcpshopin. That’s all there is to it!
Well done, JCPenney!
I hope that lots of people – all kinds of people – show JC Penney a little retail love in the next few days. I myself may not make it into a store this weekend, and I am not much of a “shop in” or “sit in” or “occupy” kind of protester; it’s just not my own style. But I can guarantee you that I will be quietly spending some money with this company in the weeks and months ahead, letting them know that I appreciate and support a company with a clear set of ethics and values, as well as excellent taste in hiring spokespeople to represent their brand.
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How about you? Planning to participate in the JC Penney “shop in” this weekend? Or will you be shopping there more frequently in the future? Or if you are a customer to whom AFA’s “no gay spokespeople” message appeals, I’d love to hear your opinion as well.
WARNING: I welcome vigorous, well-reasoned debate on this issue. We can disagree, and even disagree strongly. But if in my PERSONAL JUDGMENT, any comments in the conversation become rude, mean,threatening, abusive, or off-topic, I will delete them/ not publish them.
Now, let’s do that thing we Americans do so well, and talk about this thing in the comments below.
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I Think I See a JC Penney Purchase in My Very Near Future commented on Feb 10 12 at 11:27 am[...] may have already heard all about this in from Tracey and Katie and Laura and many others, so I’ll spare you the re-hash. The good news is that despite the [...]
Just a few reasons why a straight man doesn’t like seeing people hate on Ellen DeGeneres | The Turbid Spume with Doug French commented on Feb 11 12 at 12:41 amMichelle commented on Feb 10 12 at 11:55 amIn other news, it was A-OK for Planned Parenthood to rally its troops to punish the Susan G. Komen Foundation for failing to deliver some $700,000 into Planned Parenthood’s billion-dollar coffers and thereby break the back of a charity that has worked for 30 years to find a cure for breast cancer. It all depends on if the punishments are “politically correct,” right?
Lo commented on Feb 10 12 at 12:00 pmProud of JC Penney for not backing down to absurd bigotry. Since I live abroad now, I can’t drop by the store but I’m definitely going to buy something online on Sunday and have it shipped to good ol’ mom and dad. Happy to support them!
Katie Allison Granju commented on Feb 10 12 at 12:02 pmMichelle – I’m totally cool with any organization attempting to organize boycotts or letter writing campaigns or whatever – including the American Family Association. My point isnt that they shouldn’t have tried to get JC Penney to fire Ellen, my point is that they sure did fail miserably.
-Katie
Jillian commented on Feb 10 12 at 12:05 pmI haven’t given the JC Penney brand any real consideration until now, but I plan to swing by and take a look this week. If Ellen likes it, I like it. And if the Million Moms dislike it, I like it even more.
Kimbo commented on Feb 10 12 at 12:07 pmMichelle, to respond to your comment – though I’m sure others will.
1) Katie didn’t say whether it was A-OK or not, because we’re talking about a COMPLETELY different story. Maybe she completely agrees with you. (Though for the record I don’t…)
2) JCPenney is a retail store NOT a non-profit organization or charity, they’re a commercial enterprise being asked to fire an employee based on that employees sexual orientation. That’s discrimination. Where does politically correct or not come into it? Would it be ‘politically correct’ to oppose a group calling for Avon to fire Reese Witherspoon because she’s straight? No, it would be common sense.
I’m sorry, I just really don’t see where you’re going with that comment.
Michelle commented on Feb 10 12 at 12:25 pmKatie, thanks for the clarification. Kimbo, my point was that those who support J.C. Penney in the face of the “One Million Moms” boycott attempt are very likely the same ones who were happy to see SGK fall to PP’s organized harassment for losing $700,000 from a breast cancer charity that had legitimate concerns about the organization to which they were granting money. I saw it as hypocrisy, and am grateful that Katie clarified that she wasn’t opposed to OMM organizing a boycott.
And, for the record, while I understand why OMM tried to organize its boycott — JCP has long enjoyed a rep as a family retailer, and this choice speaks volumes as to where JCP is in the culture wars on that matter — I’m not particularly overworked at the idea of Ellen Degeneres as a spokeswoman for JCP. JCP had the right to hire whoever they wanted to front their brand, just as pro-traditional family groups have the right to choose to shop elsewhere because of it.
Opus commented on Feb 10 12 at 12:28 pmI must be living under a rock, but I didn’t realize that Ellen was the new face of JCP. Doesn’t really matter to me one way or the other. All I know is that I went to Penneys a few weeks ago and walked out with a bunch of very cute clothes that fit me and are stylish – two things that usually don’t mesh with my body and taste. I was quite impressed. I’ve always liked Penneys, but have often left disappointed so I’m happy to think that I can shop there again (fingers crossed that I’ll keep finding clothes for me). The fact that Ellen is their face is icing on the cake.
Helga commented on Feb 10 12 at 12:40 pmI love Ellen, however, I can hardly imagine that she buys stuff at JCPenney. This store has never been a favorite of mine, and Ellen is not going to convince me of the opposite. I might run in if Ellen was there. I am glad that the company did not back down and “fire” Ellen. I just have my own opinions of what I like and I hardly pay any attention as to what celebrities endorse. If I like something, it’s because it’s my taste and style and not because it’s spokesperson is famous.
Moi commented on Feb 10 12 at 12:55 pmHelga said:
“If I like something, it’s because it’s my taste and style and not because it’s spokesperson is famous.”
… to which I say, a great big Me Too.
That said, if I happened to need anything in the department-store category right now I’d be more likely to get it at Penney’s than not, Just Because.
I agree that any organization has the right (heck, the duty) to rally its supporters to put their money where their mouths are — heck, I’m still boycotting Ne$tle (dear God, why won’t anybody else make something like a Butterfinger?).
One good thing IMHO about the Komen flap was that it shone a harsher spotlight on how much of their enormous pink-tschotschke-fueled revenue is actually going towards cancer research (and what *kind* of cancer research, too) and how much goes to other stuff. I think that is a good thing, regardless of how anybody feels about PP.
Heather C. commented on Feb 10 12 at 12:59 pmI haven’t been to JCP’s in years. We don’t have cable but when I often watch clips of Ellen on Hulu because she’s fabulous in every way possible. (I also happen to think she and Portia DeRossi are one of the most beautiful couples of all time.) JCP is now on my radar and I’ll be checking them out more.
J commented on Feb 10 12 at 1:24 pmI will be supporting them, I am very impressed~!
Lida commented on Feb 10 12 at 1:50 pmI’m just really disgusted about all anti-gay propaganda (can’t even call it advocacy), and, honestly, really doubted that JCP would stand up for Ellen. I’m glad they did! This, coupled with California upholding gay marriage rights, is the sign of mainstream acceptance of gay marriage and gay men and women. *fingers crossed*
I don’t have a JCP store near me, but will go to them in the future if I find an item I need. For me, it’s about price and style, but if they carry something that I need, I’ll go there vs other retailers.
http://zaikiandco.blogspot.com/
Krystan commented on Feb 10 12 at 2:17 pmI have shopped there occasionally over the years, and will definitely continue to do so. If only the store near me had a decent maternity section! I think it’s funny that I haven’t heard them make a stink to Proctor & Gamble over her being a Cover Girl, or any of the millions of other companies that have paid for promotions/spots on her show. My guess is that if they did, they wouldn’t be able to buy many products at very many stores. Even in my super conservative neck of the woods, everyone thought the Million Moms were out of line and ridiculous, based on comments from news stories. Maybe equality for all isnt an impossibility in this country after all!
Clisby commented on Feb 10 12 at 2:18 pm“How about you? Planning to participate in the JC Penney “shop in” this weekend? Or will you be shopping there more frequently in the future? Or if you are a customer to whom AFA’s “no gay spokespeople” message appeals, I’d love to hear your opinion as well.”
Gee, are those the only options?
How about: I haven’t shopped at J.C. Penneys in at least 20 years. I have no intention of shopping there now. I care nothing about Ellen Degeneres (America’s sweetheart? WTF?) I care nothing about J.C Penneys.
Ginger commented on Feb 10 12 at 2:28 pmI’m planning a trip to JC Penney’s in the next couple of weeks due to their loyalty to Ellen.
Barbara commented on Feb 10 12 at 2:43 pmYeah, I might give JCPenney a shot again now. I stopped shopping there years ago because of their crappy quality at the time. But I appreciate their stance on the “Ellen issue” and would feel good about spending money at their store, provided the quality has improved. Two other points: I generally cannot stand Bill O’Reilly, but was impressed with his articulate and reasoned thoughts about the “witch hunt.” Also, my greatest hope is that by the time my teenage daughters are adults, they are incredulous that sexual orientation was EVER such a huge issue, period. I would love for them to look at this time in our history the same way my generation does at racial segregation and women not having the right to vote.
Katie Allison Granju commented on Feb 10 12 at 3:43 pmClisby – I feel compelled to let you know that you are one of my favorite commenters of all time. ;-)
That is all.
Carry on.
-kag
PS: that’s not snark, by the way. I mean it.
H commented on Feb 10 12 at 3:48 pm@Michelle said:
“JCP has long enjoyed a rep as a family retailer, and this choice speaks volumes as to where JCP is in the culture wars on that matter”What does employing Ellen have to do with being or not being a family retailer? She has a wife, how is that family? She’s one of the most family friendly celebrities out there.
H commented on Feb 10 12 at 3:53 pmthat should say how is that NOT family?
leaving out words changes everything.
Amanda commented on Feb 10 12 at 4:52 pmMichelle – To clarify, Komen did not have “legitimate concerns” about PP. The uproar was because Komen had decided to let anti-choice sentiment overrule its support of breast health for underinsured and uninsured women and then to frame that decision as a policy change across all recipients of Komen funds. It was not a policy change – no other organization that would have been impacted were – and it was a pretext for a political decision that had absolutely nothing to do with the purported goal of Komen. The uproar was in large part that Komen lied.
ClaireR commented on Feb 10 12 at 5:08 pmI am not a fan of JCP merchandise, by and large, however I am really proud of them for standing up to bigotry and hatred. I am going to be a grandmother soon, so will look on their web site on Sunday for something I might just have to have for my soon-to-be-grandbaby.
I love Ellen. Plus I totally enjoy that the word “family” (as in, “family retailer”) is used by the bigots to mean EXCLUDING gay people, yet is used by gay people to mean someone (or some institution) is ACCEPTING. So yeah, Michelle, JCP has been, and continues to be a “family” retailer.
Happy shopping, all!
(Dances off, singing “We Are Fam-i-ly”)
norlavi commented on Feb 10 12 at 6:35 pmIt is just marketing!!! Don’t you see it? JC Penney knew exactly that this controversy could only bring advantanges……..marketing, marketing, somebody else is making money and you are falling for it like lambs. When the rest of the world talks about Americans being naïve, THIS is what we mean: you all -well, we are all- feeding the frenzy that makes a corporation like JC Penny make money. Ask yourselves: where are their goods produced? what kind of employment policy do they have? QUESTION, QUESTION, QUESTION, Do you really need half to the things they sell?
heidi commented on Feb 10 12 at 6:43 pmI did a little shopping at jcp for Christmas. I was impressed with the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. So many places I go these days, staff seem put off by helping me so I often choose to shop on line. I actually had an enjoyable time shopping there. I tend to buy mostly kids clothing which I find lasts pretty well for how fast my kids go through clothes! Standing up for Ellen is another reason for me to shop there.
norlavi commented on Feb 10 12 at 6:45 pmI meant “half of the things they sell”
Rob commented on Feb 10 12 at 6:49 pmIn regard to the Susan Koman debacle I would like to add some tidbits that you won’t see often in the current media uproar. Planned Parenthood is hardly in the business of screening for breast cancer. They provide some education and manual exams with any referred mammograms done elsewhere. Only 19 local Planned Parenthood facilities were receiving grants of $650,000 last year for education and breast exams with any mammography done elsewhere. They painted this funding loss as catastrophic when they may have been more concerned with fallout affecting their other extensive line of business—-mainly the abortions they sell as the nation’s largest abortion provider. At a mean cost of $500, that adds up to approximately $164 million a year in revenue.
Planned Parenthood is currently being investigated for allowing minor girls to be victimized by sexual predators, misusing funding, and failing to comply with parental involvement laws in regard to abortions. These are serious allegations that should be reviewed definitively. Planned Parenthood receives over a million dollars a day from American taxpayers. Should there not be some accountability as to how those funds are spent?
Planned Parenthood aggressively fights any constraints on abortion including laws for notification of parents, informed consent for abortions, and bans on late term abortions where the baby is viable. Recently they have also opposed a bill that would ban abortion for sex selection. These issues need broader public discussion, not a social media blitz for self serving agendas.
Michelle commented on Feb 10 12 at 6:51 pmClairer, had you bothered to think about my comment, as distinguished from emoting over it, you might have noted that I was merely explaining why I thought OMM had organized its boycott: JCP is a longstanding American institution, reaching back to the beginnings of the American economic empire and selling itself as the outfitter of the American family. The only other department-store chain I’m aware of that has that kind of American history behind it is Sears. By choosing Ellen Degeneres as a spokeswoman, OMM was understanding that to be JCP’s expression of its contempt for the traditional family and the traditional definition of marriage, and they reacted in accord with their values.
As for my own opinion, I fully support OMM’s right to organize a boycott in support of their values and my hackles get lifted when they are denounced as “bigots” for exercising their freedom of speech and free association, but I personally think they overreacted and misspent capital on a boycott doomed to failure from the get-go. But thank you for dismissing me as a “bigot” without trying to understand where I was coming from. Such irrational contempt for others, based on preconceived notions but groundless in reality, seems to me to be the very definition of “bigotry.”
Caitlin commented on Feb 10 12 at 8:11 pmI have worked at JCPenney for a year and a half! I have NEVER been so proud to work for this store! :-)
Lissa commented on Feb 10 12 at 9:40 pmMichelle … my thoughts exactly. And I suppose that makes me a bigot too. Oh well. My aim is not please others or be politically correct, but to please my Lord and be Biblically correct.
That said … I do shop at JCP.. Ellen, I find annoying. Her choice to be “married” to and be intimate with another woman, while I consider that to be wrong and sinful, is her choice and part of her private life. As long as her involvement with JCP does not involve her private life, or pushing of the gay agenda to force us all to accept their lifestyle choices as normal and acceptable, I will remain a JCP shopper. My reactions would be the same if the JCP spokesperson was someone caught in another sin – say adultery or fornication (there’s plenty of that in Hollywood!) lying, coveting, dishonoring parents (Miley Cyrus, anyone?)
I do not agree with the agenda of those who vilify gays either. Their sin is no worse than any other, and we are ALL sinners. Like with all other sinners, we need to respond with love and prayer and support in turning away from sin, because we all need that too.
Lori commented on Feb 10 12 at 11:08 pmWhen something like this happens I can’t help but to wonder if it was all manufactured. Perhaps AFA’s protest and JCP subsequent reaction to AFA was all good PR to bring attention to the brand. I wouldn’t be surprised. That said, Ellen is awesome and I like shopping at JCP.
Now, regarding the Susan G. Komen Foundation debacle; you will have to excuse me on this one…I am a bit jaded since my 66 year old MIL is gravely ill with stage IV breast cancer. Someone said, “charity that has worked for 30 years to find a cure for breast cancer. It all depends on if the punishments are “politically correct,” right?” I don’t know about you, but I haven’t seen a cure for breast cancer yet, which is very unfortunate since they have been collecting our money for over 30 years. I just don’t get it. Why are we no closer to a cure after all these years? It would do the medical community and the non profits NO good if there was a cure. They would be out of business. To even see those words written enrage me “charity that has worked for 30 years to find a cure for breast cancer.” Really? We live in a mad mad world.
Meme commented on Feb 10 12 at 11:38 pmThose of you equating JCPenney to the Planned Parenthood/Komen fiasco are conflating two wildly different media issues.
1) Komen announces it is withdrawing funding from an organization (one of the few) which provides breast healthcare to marginalized and impoverished communities that are more vulnerable to cancer because they either lack health insurance or are socially and financially isolated from medical care. This is in direct contradiction to its mission. Komen fails to defend accusations from all sides and succeeds in angering everyone. Planned Parenthood reminds everyone they provide healthcare. Planned Parenthood wins.
2) JCPenney hires openly gay celebrity with a popular show and who is well-liked enough to host the Oscars and be the face of a major make-up company. Bigots complain because they do not like gay people to exist or have jobs, or something. I’m not really clear on that part, or why people even care which millionaire lands what endorsement deal. People who don’t even care about Ellen see chance to act in opposition to bigotry. JCPenney profits just from all the discussion of their company, regardless of people shopping there.
One is a health charity busted acting politically and against its own alleged interests which a much more media-savvy charity capitalizes on, and the other is a massive corporation and a celebrity earning lots of money.
Hope commented on Feb 11 12 at 5:51 am“And I suppose that makes me a bigot too.” — Lissa
Lissa, I am so glad you realize this. So many people don’t seem to realize that being a bigot because your religion teaches you to be one doesn’t mean you somehow aren’t a bigot. It means you are a religious bigot.
(I think you and Michelle might both be a little confused about what “free speech” means, though.)
geri a commented on Feb 11 12 at 7:43 amI have never seen the need to have a celebrity endorsement/spokesperson. I’m guessing it must work, or companies wouldn’t continue to do it, but I’m not going to shop at JCP or any other store because of who their spokesperson/endorser is. I have shopped there for years, and will continue to do so, because I have had good luck with their products. As someone said earlier, I have a hard time believing Ellen shops at JCP, but heck, I don’t know her, maybe she does. I always thought that was the point of having a spokesperson for a product, to say they use the product and like it. I would be much more likely to listen to a friend who told me about a product/store they found and like than some celebrity who is a total stranger to me, and quite likely doing the endorsement for money anyway. Kind of shows how silly we have become when it comes to revering and idolizing celebrity/fame. It is so nothing in the big scope of things, ya know?
Lori commented on Feb 11 12 at 8:56 am@Geri….Exactly…couldn’t have said it better myself.
geri a commented on Feb 11 12 at 9:21 amSelective biblical literalism. Makes me tired. That’s all.
Hope commented on Feb 11 12 at 9:38 amGeri, I agree, that having a celebrity as a spokesperson is not much reason for me to shop with at JC Penny. Ellen DeGeneres seems like a nice person, but I care more about whether the products a company sells are good and whether they are produced in a way I think is ethical. However, JC Penny is sticking by Ellen DeGeneres at some financial risk. I don’t think they are doing it just because they are good people. I think they are doing it because they think it will make them more money than bowing to the Million Moms. But I still want them to be rewarded. I want JC Penny to know that pushing back against discrimination makes good business sense so that other businesses will also see that being tolerant won’t cost them money. Ultimately, I think it will increase tolerance.
geri a commented on Feb 11 12 at 9:40 am@Lori, thanks. and i so agreed with what you wrote about “a charity that has worked for 30 years to find a cure”. I work in a breast clinic, and truth be told, I am not sure there is a “cure” per se, maybe they could research a cancer vaccine, that seems to be the best hope, like polio. But I can’t think of one cancer that has been cured, in that it no longer exists, people no longer get it. If someone can, please share it with me, I will stand corrected. Breast cancer will continue to happen, the best we can do is catch it early, with breast exams, self exams, mammography which is what PP provides (yes, the patient gets the mamm at a facility like the one I work at, but the referrals come from PP and PP pays for them, we do them all the time!). Like many illnesses, we really don’t know why some get it and some don’t, there is no formula. so many of our patients have no family history or other “risk factors”, and yet they still have cancer! Good affordable and/or free screening and treatment, I believe, is our best hope to save lives.
@Hope. Thank you for the comment “so many people don’t realize being a bigot because your religion teaches you to be one doesn’t mean you somehow aren’t a bigot. It means you are a religious bigot.” I am tucking that little gem away.
geri a commented on Feb 11 12 at 10:47 am@Hope-yes, i see your point. i was thrilled to see that JCP didn’t bow to pressure, and as the mother of a gay daughter, I do so hope it shows other businesses they won’t lose business by being tolerant. We don’t lose anything by being tolerant, but oh what we gain! I have a friend whose sister is gay, her mother’s comment when she found out was that she would rather her sister be dead than gay. saddest thing I have ever heard (and as one who lost a child, a part of me just wants to hit that mom with a shovel for being so blind). But of course, that doesn’t help anything either.
Chrissy commented on Feb 11 12 at 11:18 amPenney’s has always been very supportive of gay folks. Even in the seventies, when it was NOT cool, they very openly helped push gays and other minorities into management positions.
Their clothes ARE super cute!!! And I love their kid’s clothes, too. Even more reason to love the store!
Lissa commented on Feb 11 12 at 1:57 pmHope …
“(I think you and Michelle might both be a little confused about what “free speech” means, though.)”Please explain what you mean by this, in relation to what I said.
Also, explain how my faith in God and obedience to His Word makes me a bigot? Perhaps a refresher on what the word “bigot” actually means is in order? Here: http://bit.ly/A9HXrf
Going by that definition would make YOU a bigot … “a person who is utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief, or opinion.” since you are intolerant of my beliefs. Katie asked for the opinions of her readers. I gave mine. There is no need to call names because you disagree with it.
But then, I am intolerant too … of anything that is not Godly. I will not accept ANY sinful behavior as something that is OK to do. So, I am a bigot towards evil. I will gladly claim that.
Note that this does not render any judgment upon the people that commit such behaviors, or intolerance of people, or the claim that people that commit sins are somehow less worthy or should be shunned … because those people includes ALL of us. You, me, every human being to walk upon this earth, except for One.
So, when I say that I believe in God’s Word that gay sex is sinful, that is lumped in with ALL the other sinful behaviors. It is no more hateful to gays when I say gay sex is wrong, than it is hateful to liars when I say lying is wrong, or to thieves when I say stealing is wrong, or to gluttons when I say overeating is wrong, or to an unmarried couple when I say sex outside of marriage is wrong.
Where you get groups like One Million Mothers is from a reaction to the agenda of those who would want every last one of us to go against our beliefs and accept the gay lifestyle as acceptable and normal. It is a push-back against those who would define stating such beliefs as “hate speech” or bullying, and punish us for believing the Word of God. As I said before, I don’t condone some of their actions, but I do understand the motivation.
Lissa commented on Feb 11 12 at 2:00 pmGeri … “Selective biblical literalism. Makes me tired. That’s all.”
Care to explain that one? I suppose you are referring to the laws of the Old Testament and how those are not upheld these days. Which simply means that you have little understanding of what God did for us when He sent His Son to live among us, and die for us.
I do believe in the Bible is the complete and inerrant Word of God. If you don’t, if you think you know better than Him, that’s fine. You can take up that argument with Him when you see Him.
geri a commented on Feb 11 12 at 2:43 pm@Lissa, no I don’t care to explain it, to you or anyone else. Hence the phrase, “that’s all”.
Lissa commented on Feb 11 12 at 2:46 pmMmmk … that pretty much says it all. Sorry if I put you on the spot.
You are in my prayers. :-)
Artemisia commented on Feb 11 12 at 2:53 pmWhen you decide to boycott a company or cut a group like Planned Parenthood loose, you have to understand that people who feel differently may act, too, and there just might be more of them than you and if you depend on them for donations, you might be shooting yourself in the foot. Free speech doesn’t protect you from other individuals’ reactions.
Meanwhile, I’d support Komen if they had diverted Planned Parenthood $$ to fund actual mammograms (manual exams don’t improve the chances of survival, statistically) or better yet, research on metastasis. Only the tiniest percentage of the money Komen raises goes to research. For the cure, my sizeable ass.
Lissa commented on Feb 11 12 at 4:04 pmArtemisia … and counter to popular belief, mammograms aren’t all that helpful in reducing the death rate from breast cancer either. They may actually increase the risk: http://bit.ly/wvj3fN
I’d prefer the effort go towards more research as well, in finding ways to reduce the risk of getting cancer in the first place.
geri a commented on Feb 11 12 at 4:56 pmthermography absolutely does NOT save lives. i cannot tell you how many patients we have seen who have believed the propoganda about it, therefore eschewed having their annual mammograms, and end up at our center with a cancer that has been has been growing for years. mammograms absolutely save lives. i don’t know everything, but this i know, it is what i do, what i work in, what i see in real live people day after day. the kind of link that lissa posted is not only false, it is dangerous. it is meant to scare people and it has cost many women their lives. lissa, you did not put me on the spot with your asking me to explain my previous comment. we will go in a circle, that is all. i don’t see the sense in that. i will pray for you too.
Shelley commented on Feb 11 12 at 5:17 pmI do not think it is possible to read the Bible outside of the context of the the time it was written, hence its approving passages about slavery, for example, and its many contradictions of the basic story. I think you have to read very selectively to take it completely literally. That said, the bit in the Bible I’ve always liked the most is that part about judge not, lest ye be judged.
While we’re talking about words and semantics, I’ve never understood what “the gay agenda” means, any more than I get what the “heterosexual agenda” is. Further, all the gay people I know don’t have a “gay lifestyle,” they have a life, a relatively minor detail of that life is their sexual orientation.
I’m with many other commenters in that I had no idea that Ellen had been hired as Penney’s spokesperson, but I love it that they’re not backing down from their decision.
Hope commented on Feb 11 12 at 5:27 pmLissa, I’m going to follow Geri’s example, because I think she’s on the high road and if I stayed, I’d be on the low road. I pray that God leads you out of your bigotry. I know He can.
Lissa commented on Feb 11 12 at 5:30 pmGeri … did you read the article to which I linked? Did you follow up on the resources upon which it is based? Where is your source that proves thermography does not save lives? Or is yours an automatic response to anything that states that mammograms ain’t all that? I do understand that response – an attack on mammograms seems an attack on women’s healthcare. But what if mammograms actually do more harm than good? What if they are causing more cancer? The research that Dr Mercola presents makes a pretty good case for there being more cancer deaths caused by mammograms than is caught early enough to make a difference in survival.
Thermograms may be better at early detection, they might not. However, they do not pose an additional risk of radiation exposure, nor do they cause tissue damage.They have not been in wide enough use yet to be properly vetted, one way or another. But the entities to whom this technology is a threat – the makers and sellers of traditional mammography equipment – are fighting any research tooth and nail, and even trying to silence those who advocate the use of thermography. To me, that speaks volumes. What if thermograms do turn out to be more effective and without the risks? Would it not be an affront to women’s health to deny us this technology simply because it cuts into the profit margins of the companies that make mammography equipment?
I had a false positive mammogram some years ago. I cannot tell you the anguish that caused me. From there, I began reading and researching and what I found is disturbing indeed. Just about everything done in allopathic medicine* is driven not so much by the motivation to do good for the patient, but instead by the motivation for profit – for the doctor, for the hospitals, for the pharmaceutical companies. Every encounter I have had with the medical industry, either directly or through a close family member, has been one of frustration at best, to devastating physical harm and even death. Right now I am fighting against the dogmatic protocols most doctors follow to obtain effective treatment for a health condition I have. I have had to go completely outside the allopathic medical world and essentially self-treat this condition because very few doctors or other care providers are willing to think outside the box.
This is all off-topic here. But I strongly encourage everyone to read and research these issues in sources outside of that which is sponsored by the medical industry. Dr. Mercola is a good place to start. The allopaths scream bloody murder over what he says, which tells me he is on to the truth.
*Allopathic medicine often refers to “the broad category of medical practice that is sometimes called Western medicine, biomedicine, evidence-based medicine, or modern medicine”. http://bit.ly/xDqNyI
Joyce commented on Feb 11 12 at 5:40 pmok I am going to have to use my JC Penney charge, but for sure will be buying something, I love and support Ellen and dislike small minded people, people should be allowed to be who they are, if you are not hurting anyone else physically then I am good with you whoever you are!!
Pamela commented on Feb 11 12 at 5:44 pmNever really shopped there & I probably won’t start anytime soon. This whole debate doesn’t really matter to me one way or the other. Unless there are sales and incentives for this Sunday sounds like a good way for JCPenny to get some sales & publicity at the shoppers expense.
deborah commented on Feb 11 12 at 5:45 pmOMG Ellen is gay?? Oh no the world is going to end!!! J C Penny is looking to a future of tolerance? Oh no the world is going to end!!!
She is gay, good for her ( I mean not disrespect, I really mean good for her). I love Ellen and watch her show whenever my daughter lets me (she 6 1/2 months). Good for JC Penny for giving a new definition of what a family is. A family is a group of people, related or not by blood, who form a type of bond that is unbreakable.
I did just shop at JC today and I didn’t even know that I was fighting against a boycott. I am glad that I know now. I love the new prices.
Mandy commented on Feb 11 12 at 5:57 pmI love JCPenney , and love Ellen !! I will be picking up some curtains tomorrow .
If I could ask the group one million moms what would happen if on of them had a kid grow up to be gay ?? Hmmm what are the odds that out of one million moms that would happen ??? I would also like to comment to the AFA that if they don’t like gay ppl maybe they should stop having gay children …I could be wrong but most kids are born to straight families . Most gay ppl were indeed someone baby at one point…Just saying..
Robbyn Ackner commented on Feb 11 12 at 5:57 pmIt is amazing to me that there is such hatred and bigotry in our world today. I wonder if they could even imagine how much good could be accomplished if they used all of the energy they are using to spread their hatred and put it towards making our world a better place, where there is love and acceptance, where there are manners and respect and while I am not a religious person, I am spiritual and believe there is something greater than us. However, the God or Jesus that they profess to follow most certainly does not condone hatred, but instead encourages love and embracing…I wonder if they get that. So sad that they are teaching their children to hate…I certainly hope their children will grow up more enlightened than their parents are.
Jenifer commented on Feb 11 12 at 6:03 pmI will definately be shopping online at JCP.com tomorrow!! I love the store and Ellen so I will definately shop there more in the future as well. I think it is truely very sad that some ignorant people tried to get her fired just because she is gay. I mean HELLO she has been a spokesmodel for covergirl for awhile now and I bet those people don’t care about that so why get so angry at JCP for hiring her?? She is obviously a respected and well-loved person in the entertainment industry and she deserves all the support we can give her. I think it is so sad that by 2012 after this country has overcome so much that there are still people out there with so much hate in their hearts. NOBODY should be discriminated against for any reason, especially not for who they love, every single person is capable of loving another so nobody should get mad at them for doing so. I am very proud of JCP for sticking by Ellen, it shows they care and they won’t let a few bullies change their minds. I hope alot of people will go out to JCP or like me go online and show their support of the company and their wonderful new spokesperson!!!
tanya commented on Feb 11 12 at 6:15 pmAll I really want to say is that no one should be judged in this life there is time and place set aside for each person. These “pro-family” groups are just a bunch busy bodies with to much time on thirty hands. You are suppose to love thy nieghbor as you love yourself and without judgement. It shouldn’t matter the color of third skin, religion, or SEXUAL orientation. Love them for the person they are. I find it very sad I hear ppl preach that all the time but then d emonstrate the opposite.
I do not shop pennys very often and I doubt that will change because of all of this. But I am a fan of Ellen. She has a beautiful soul and is a wonderful person..it has nothing to do with if she is gay or not. Ppl should try looking at ppl as ppl and black,white,Asian,gay,straight,christain,Jew whatever….at the end of the day we are the same.
Lissa commented on Feb 11 12 at 7:02 pmHope …you are backing away from a very direct question. Again, speaking volumes but in no way is that any sort of high road. If you believe that it is wrong for someone to follow the Word of God, say so and make your case. That would be the high road.
My beliefs about gay sex can in no way be construed as “bigoted” if you are using the actual definition of the word. Stating that a particular action or behavior is wrong renders no judgement upon the person who commits the action or behavior. It is not hateful in any shape, fashion or form. Why is that so hard to understand? Or do you equate a person’s behavior with their worth, thus believing that everyone else does so as well?
I will not back down from my belief in the Word of God, in which He declares that, among many other behaviors, gay sex is a sin. (Romans 1:18-32) Not only that, but it is also a sin to condone others in sin. On the other hand, I am not demanding that you or anyone hold to the same beliefs at all. That is between you and God – you can argue that He is wrong when you meet Him. I just find it very interesting that you insist on calling me a bigot because of my beliefs, which is the very definition of bigotry.
Bitts commented on Feb 11 12 at 8:30 pmAs a Christian, let me be clear: Lissa & her ilk DO NOT SPEAK FOR US ALL. I am ashamed that the label “Christian” evokes the kind of fundamentalist literalism that makes ANY of God’s children feel judged and condemned, despite promises to “hate the sin, not the sinner.” That attitude makes my skin crawl. Also, I love, tolerate, and celebrate JCP, Ellen, & Portia. God does, too.
jzzy55 commented on Feb 11 12 at 9:04 pmI shopped Penney’s plenty when I had a little boy. Their stuff was practical, durable and neither fashionable nor unfashionable. Which is how I liked to dress my little boy — just kind of plain. I wanted people to see him not his Corporate Logo clothing. BTW if you haven’t been to Penney’s in years, it has uptodate clothing, just not the super-hot trendy or pricey brands. It was a good place to buy his pjs, socks and underwear or a winter coat or sweatpants. Basics. We didn’t have Target in our area until he was about 10 or 11 so I didn’t have that option. Penney’s was my go-to place for basics if the consignment shops didn’t have anything good. Like many other posters, I don’t much care who endorses what and what people say about it. I rarely watch TV and miss a lot of pop culture stuff as a result. Which is fine. I can make choices based on other inputs.
However, I do support gay rights and abhor anti-gay politics. Just mind yer own beeswax if you don’t like it. Don’t want to marry another woman? Than don’t.
geri a commented on Feb 12 12 at 8:32 am@Lissa. I wanted to respond to your question about thermography. (I am sorry this is off topic, katie, I hope you still publish this). I do not have at my fingertips the data I have about it, but it doesn’t really matter, because my biggest source is no, not an “automatic response to anything that says mammograms ain’t all that”. My source is experience, as I stated in the previous share, working in this field for many many years. Seeing the women come in, who relied on thermography, and now have breast cancer. Seeing the actual thermograms, and what they are not showing. I am sorry for your false positive. by that do you mean that the mammogram showed the doctors something they felt needed to be biopsied, and when it was biopsied it ended up being benign? How wonderful for you. The biopsy would be the definite test, of course, and the radiologists I work with tell patients they are suggesting a biopsy because an area looks suspicious, but until the tissue is sampled and run through pathology, they don’t know for sure. Gratefully for many patients, sometimes the suspicious area is not cancer. I am also sorry that you are having a health issue and don’t feel you are getting help from physicians. I am not so cynical about the medical field, again, I guess because I work in it. I see doctors and nurses and others who work very hard for yes, the good of the patient. I am one of those people. I guess one’s perspective and thoughts on things is tied to our experiences. Take good care.
Elizabeth commented on Feb 12 12 at 2:17 pmAmerica’s Sweetheart? A 50ish lesbian? Really? I think that seems like a bit of a generous description. Anyways, I am curious to see how this plays out. I have an aunt who forwards on those OMM emails, some I get the outrage (like racy TV shows), but the Ellen one I didn’t get. It would not encourage or discourage me from shopping there. Actually, no, I think it would slightly discourage me. I dislike the whole idea of using a spokesperson to be all ‘Hey look at us, we are so tolerant!’ But that’s just me and my cranky attitude. The aunt who sent me the email is the epitome of a JCP shopper, so if she’s annoyed enough to shop elsewhere, I wonder how many others would do the same.
SunGirl commented on Feb 14 12 at 8:59 pmDitto BITTS
Frankly, if you classify being gay as a sin, you miss the point. If you believe that God made us all, well, He made gay people too. Maybe He has bigger plans than you realize.
SunGirl commented on Feb 14 12 at 9:10 pmLISSA, worth a read:
Michelle (a different one) commented on Feb 15 12 at 9:53 pmI dont shop at Penney’s, and I’m not a huge Ellen fan. BUT, I think it is absolutely heartening to see a corporation reflect what most (yes, even Christians) accept to be true – that LGBT people are just that – people who are just as entitled to love and work as anyone else. I am both a disciple of Christ and a gay-rights advocate, and while I apparently missed my copy of the “gay agenda” (seriously, is it a brochure? A calendar?), every person was crafted by God, and to deny that is to deny His work. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” So, to those who don’t “hate” those “sinful” gays, but are merely upholding a “traditional” family, pray on whether *you* are pure in heart.
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