Michael Sam's Kiss Causes Dallas Show to Make National News

See, that's the problem with morning shows. You get a bunch of people sitting around a table to focus on one subject. The problem with that dynamic is each person has their point of view and really don't appreciate being put on blast for having said opinion. Sure, certain opinions may not be as popular as others, but don't we all have a right -- and a reason -- to voice them? This question was put on public display yesterday on Dallas' own KTXD-TV 47 (London Broadcasting) and its morning staple "The Broadcast." Yesterday, the quartet (seated from left to right) of Courtney Kerr (if you watch Bravo, that Courtney Kerr), Amy Kushnir (the woman making a dash for some fresh sanity), Suzie Humphreys, and Lisa Pinero, got into a heated conversation about Michael Sam and his much publicized, celebratory kiss on ESPN. Annnnd that's when Amy Kushnir excused herself from the set. You can't wait. I get it. So here it is. We'll talk in a moment... Now before you hit me with your "Yeah, well, that's Texas for ya'" rant, let's talk. It's amazing how people forget the etymology of the winning phrase in talk TV "point of view." You know, talking about something based on how you see it? Think construction. Now, add women, gay dudes, football, and emotion, and that's what this was. Sure, four women talking about sports could create some shenanigans in a stereotypical world. However, add the whole "did that guy just plant a liplock on that dude on that national TV" angle with current sports, and its cause for some interesting TV. To Lisa (a former major-market TV anchor), Michael Sam's kiss was no big deal. To Suzie (an outspoken baby boomer), Michael Sam's kiss became a debate on being PC and still having the ability to speak your mind. To Courtney (a fashionista gone reality show starlet), it was about "racism." (Yeah, I know, but in her defense, Sam does have a white boyfriend, so let it go.) And to Amy, a very dedicated mother of three little ones, this was about "I don't want to see that on TV." Back to "point of view," to the average person, Amy's view was heinous because it is not "tolerant" or "accepting." However, to her mother's group, her view spoke for everyone there. Out of frustration, she walks off the set, creates a national ess-storm, not because of intolerance but because of she just wasn't in the mindframe to care to explain that to her kids. When parents do not have a choice about whether or not they want their children to see this, it is wrong…I don’t call it a moment of celebration…It’s being pushed in faces. I don’t want to see that. I don’t want to see cake in your face, kissing each other. See? Parents. Children. Choice. What Amy said wasn't hateful; it was just defensive -- of her kids. And what's wrong with that? If your children grew up in a home with a mother and a father who kiss, someday, a question is going to come from little Lucy who has a father and a father who do the same. How the parents respond to that question allows them to teach tolerance, acceptance, love ... or bigotry and deviance. Children do not learn hate; they are taught it. (Can I get an 'Amen'?) Opinions are permitted. They are actually welcomed. Look at that great statement from KTXD-TV: On Tuesday, May 13, that topic happened to be Michael Sam’s draft day kiss and the controversy it was generating. The debate between our four hosts that day got unusually heated and ended with one host – Amy Kushnir – leaving the set. Ms. Kushnir’s action was a signal of frustration on her part, as she felt she was unable to express her own views correctly. While KTXD-TV neither supports nor condemns opinions shared by our hosts, we stand behind both “The Broadcast” and Ms. Kushnir. We wholeheartedly stand behind their right to voice their opinions as an integral part of our program. We have clearly ruffled feathers, and in doing so we hope we have advanced the dialogue on this important issue. There again, "point of view." Everyone can view something the same -- it is what it is. However, the point you have about that view could come from anywhere. Expect that, people. Better yet, accept that. However, if that point of your view is hateful or too abrasive, don't be surprised if you are invited to stick that point elsewhere. Now, kiss and make up. Oh wait, sorry.

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Michael Sam's Kiss Causes Dallas Show to Make National News

Shawn Paul Wood

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Shawn Paul Wood