Chicago Tribune columnist's blog: Zorn's game of "gotcha"
IFI Media Watch
4/13/2007 3:00:00 PM
By Daniel T. Zanoza
Isn't it wonderful? Chicago Tribune columnist Eric Zorn has suddenly become a staunch defender of traditional marriage. Well, at least in Zorn's Chicago Tribune blog, he seems to be suggesting pro-family organizations, like the Illinois Family Institute, should be outraged regarding a programming stunt on a WTMX Radio (101.9 FM The Mix) show. Of course Zorn is not calling conservatives to the social parapets. And don't be fooled. Zorn quickly included a disclaimer in his short essay which is more consistent with his true beliefs on the institution of marriage.
Zorn is referring to a publicity stunt being conducted by WTMX Radio called, "Two Strangers and a Wedding...Is Love Blind?" --a contest whereby a man and a woman who have never met will tie the knot of matrimony on the air. The madcap attempt to garner cheap publicity was scheduled to end on April 12th. Zorn isn't angry at the radio station; he's perturbed because pro-family organizations have not launched a campaign criticizing the matrimonial high-jinks.
Perhaps the funniest aspect of Zorn's contrived indignation is that if pro-family groups would have came down on WTMX, he would have been one of the first to claim conservatives are intruding on the personal lives of adults. Obviously, Zorn thought he could use this opportunity to bash social conservatives. But, in doing so, Zorn demonstrates a lack of knowledge concerning such issues and throws in a blatant bit of insensitivity as frosting on the cake.
Moreover, Zorn shows his hypocrisy by supporting marriage between individuals of the same sex. Now I ask you, what is more problematic to the institution of marriage ... an arranged legal union between one man and one woman, or homosexual so-called "marriage"? The answer to this question is obvious to any rationally thinking American. But Zorn's agenda had nothing to do with defending marriage as an institution. The Tribune columnist felt he had a "gotcha" moment and it was too tempting for the flaming liberal to pass up. Unfortunately for Zorn, his criticism lacked credibility in many ways.
The radio stunt isn't so much of an assault on marriage -- as Zorn would have you believe -- but an accurate commentary of how cheap the institution of marriage has become in today's culture, thanks in large part to liberal, no-fault divorce laws. Society has lost the ideal of marital permanence. Divorce rates demonstrate that we have lost the moral value of "til death do us part." Instead, if marriage doesn't work, we trade it in on a new one and hope for the best. "Is Love Blind?" participants fully understand that there is a quick and easy way out once they've tied the knot to a stranger, and that the vow of "for better or for worse" has been devalued to a meaningless cliche.
Today people get out of marriage as easily as selling an old car. Quickie marriages and quickie divorces have become a way for millions to put aside vows that, at one time, were sacred. In reality, there is more of an effort today to salvage empty aluminum cans in our culture than there is to salvage troubled marriages. For Zorn to suggest that a radio station is part of the root problem regarding marriage in America today is akin to putting a Band-Aid on a gunshot wound.
Dave Smith, IFI's Executive Director, suggests that some of the music the station plays every day may have more of a negative effect on the institution of marriage than the "Is love blind?" stunt. For example the song "Promiscuous" which includes the lyrics "Promiscuous girl -- You're teasing me -- You know what I want -- And I got what you need." Or how about Christina Aguilera's popular song titled "Genie in a bottle" in which she tells us that "If you wanna be with me, baby, there's a price you pay. I'm a genie in a bottle, you gotta rub me the right way..." These immoral messages certainly don't promote marriage.
 I hardly think that WTMX's music or promotion stunts are major contributors to the crisis traditional marriage faces today. Even though serious-minded people would not endorse WTMX's desperate attempt to bolster its ratings, history does have something to say regarding the subject.
The practice of arranging marriages has gone on for thousands of years. In fact, some cultures still continue the tradition. A vast majority of these unions have been successful since ancient times. I guess WTMX could be considered a modern day "Match Maker" -- as disturbing as that thought may be. Could these arranged "blind" marriages work? Yes, but it would take a level of commitment that recent generations seem to lack. Knowing this, it is not unreasonable to predict the outcome.
There is no question that no-fault divorce laws and a greater cultural tolerance of promiscuous and casual sex (including "shacking up") has weakened the institution of marriage. But I contend if homosexual "marriage" were legalized, the impact this would have on society would be devastating. Indeed, if homosexual "marriage" were to be protected by law in the United States, the institution would quickly fall by the wayside. Don't believe me? Check out what is happening in Scandinavia and Canada.
And I am still waiting for individuals like Zorn to tell us why homosexual "marriage" would not open the door to other corruptions of marriage. Under this mindset, why couldn't three individuals claim the right to marry? Or how about incestual relationships, etc., etc.? But liberals like Zorn are trapped in their flawed thinking which is steeped in moral relativism and driven by situational ethics.
Marriage isn't simply for selfish adults who want special perks and privileges. Governments throughout history have recognized that it was in society's best interest to promote the institution of marriage. Every society needs natural marriage -- as many men as possible each finding a woman, caring for her, and committing himself exclusively to her -- working together to create and raise the next generation. Marriage and family are the bedrock of healthy civilizations.
The bottom line: Marriage is a common good, not a special interest.
Daniel T. Zanoza, 53, is a free lance journalist and political analyst. He has a degree in political science and social work. Zanoza formed RFFM.org nearly fifteen years ago, in an attempt to encourage fair coverage of political and social issues in the mainstream media which are important to pro-family conservatives. Zanoza often works behind the scenes with journalists in a non-confrontational manner to achieve this goal.
Support the work of IFI for your family and community
We must continue, now more than ever, to champion immutable moral principles and take a strong stand for traditional values. IFI will continue to be your voice at the capitol, in the community, in the media, and in the culture.
Bible believing Christians and true Reagan conservatives cannot afford to run the risk of complacency while anti-God, anti-American, and anti-freedom forces work overtime toward the radical socialist agenda.
If you believe in the mission and purpose of Illinois Family Institute, please send your most generous contribution to IFI today. IFI is supported by voluntary donations from individuals like you across the state of Illinois. Donations to IFI are tax-deductible.
Illinois Family Institute
799 W. Roosevelt Road
Building 3, Suite 208
Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137
You may also give online by clicking HERE.
(All gifts to IFI are tax-deductible.)
E-mail this article to a friend | Printer friendly format
|
 |
|
| |
|
