The Super Bowl and free speech
This past Sunday when I watched the Super Bowl I not only wanted to see a great game but also the controversial Focus on the Family ad featuring University of Florida’s Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow and his mother touting a pro-life message. As a pro-choice believer and devoted Florida State University Seminoles fan I couldn’t help but to think upon hearing about this ad that now I have one more reason to dislike Tim Tebow. But once I thought about this and even though I don’t believe in anything Focus on the Family stands, I was glad they had the opportunity to exercise their free speech rights.
My father, who fought for First Amendment rights, taught me how important it is to be able to speak and act freely and tolerate other points of view even if you don’t agree with them. The latter is hard for him when it comes to politics. I believe in this value and I’m thankful we live in a country that makes it possible for everyone to express a point of view.
The ad was well done, funny and conveyed a clear message. The spot was not outlandish and it was nothing like the gross anti-abortion propaganda that was forced upon me in Catholic high school. CBS did the right thing by showing the spot and also pocketed some much needed cash. As for the change in CBS’ policy to air an issue focused ad, maybe it was about time that policy changed.
I have not been transformed into an anti-abortion advocate but I give the organization credit for creating a good PR strategy. I urge the pro-choice movement to produce something as convincing and coherent.
So as people speak out against pornography, which they will, the adult industry will listen and respond and continue to exist despite how much people despise them. After all, it’s a free country.
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