Today the folks from Westboro Baptist Church (they call it a church, but I have to say it does not fit my understanding of that word) were protesting at a school in my community. They were spreading their hateful messages (there is a gay student alliance in Clayton) and I decided I wanted to go out and make sure the students there knew that the community supports diversity and does not condone hate. The numbers were overwhelmingly on the side supporting the students! What an incredibly positive vibe!
I took a lot of photos, particularly capturing some of the signs people were holding. There was a wide array of signs — local groups saying they support the rights of students, people sharing generally positive messages of love and my favorite set — signs that spoke to how ludicrous some of the Bible quoting that is done can get (cause Westboro certainly takes a lot of liberty if you ask me).
I will let the signs speak for themselves (as well as the people holding them in so many cases) but I think I need to put my favorite of all the signs first. Afterall, once you see it, you’ll realize that it was meant to be here on the blog! This seemed like it was calling “JPlovesCOTTON” in an ear-piercing scream!
[slideshow]
Robin Rastani (@cownutritionist) says
Amazing how you found that sign amongst them all. Love & cotton… what more does a girl need.
Janice aka JPlovesCOTTON says
I was pretty content!
Cotton Boll Conspiracy says
I’m pretty sure polyester is a sin. If not, it should be.
Odd bunch, those Westboro folks, but a great post.
Bruce Sallan (@BruceSallan) says
EVERY group has its stupid, foolish members. That doesn’t discount the whole…
Janice aka JPlovesCOTTON says
I’ll agree to that… though at this point I’m thinking I’ve not seen the folks within Westboro that I would want to give my time of day to. For me, the whole vibe was one of such positivity…. really made me proud to call the community home.
Sarah says
Now I’m so fired up about this, I feel like I need to comment on the blog too. But first? The “God hates the new facebook timeline” is classic and had me chuckling.
In regards to this group…
In my former life as a TV reporter, I covered them frequently and met Mr. Phelps and interviewed him. I have come to the conclusion that any coverage/attention/?mention furthers their cause/crazy. I go nuts everytime I see a newspaper story on them or they’re featured on the nation news. That is what they WANT. They must be ignored.
I think the patriot riders are the best solution, as are efforts that raise $$ for GLBT causes for every minute they protest.
They involve their small children in promoting their hate. I agree with the “thou dost protest too much” idea. There is something going on.
Finally, (I could go on and on and on) as a professed Christian and holder of a degree in biblical studies, I would love nothing more than to debate theology with these folks (tho I’m sure educated discourse is not something they’re intersted in). It infuriates me to see my faith used falsely in this way.
Ok. On with the rest of my day. Great post, JP.
Janice aka JPlovesCOTTON says
That FB sign seems to strike a chord with several people! Thanks for the comments & compliment.
I agree, giving them attention is exactly what they want. On the other hand, I don’t want, for one second, for people to think he in anyway represents me or my community. I love that the police required a large buffer between them and the school. That way students could avoid it if wanted. I also love that the community showed such support of students on a topic that can be very hard to deal with.
My guess is my brother feels the same. I regularly see him posting about folks warping the Bible in a way that is malicious to us. He’s got a PhD in religion, has written numerous books, is regarded as a scholar and chairs a university department on the topic. I think most of us would like to forget that folks like this warp our religion every time they claim to be Christians. Frighteningly, I have seen people with equally radical & offensive ideas held up to represent other religions even though they are a minority as well. Faith-based communities can do well to remind us all that there are more similarities than differences among people of faith even if they aren’t called by the same labels.
jp
Kelly M. Rivard (@KMRivard) says
I love these signs. Westboro targeted North Central College last year for an anti-hate event we had. I missed because of night classes, but we had an absolutely beautiful march here on campus simply called, “We Love.” (It’s based on my school’s PR and recruitment campaign fondly referred to as “I Posters.”) Westboro’s bark was worse than its bite, and I think love and acceptance rise above the close-minded values of the few.
Thanks for sharing these, Janice! They were a great mid-day laugh. My favorite might have been the Wookiee sign!!!
poppyent says
well done
Janice aka JPlovesCOTTON says
Thank you