Sally Kern and Oklahoma’s Bad Rep

Oklahoma has always had an inferiority complex. Texas is bigger and richer. Arkansas has produced a president (and perhaps another, if Hillary Clinton gets to the White House, and if you consider her to be “from” Arkansas). Even Kansas has a claim to fame, though it is usually mentioned when people aren’t there anymore. Sometimes I think the emphasis Oklahoma places on football is a way of showing the rest of the country that we are good at something!

Sadly, Oklahoma is still seen as a backwater. Go to a major metropolis in America and mention the state, and you will evoke images of the Dust Bowl or, thanks to the musical, singin’ cowboys. Oklahoma has several respectably-sized cities, but we still don’t command the kind of respect that a Texas or a Missouri does. Why?

Enter Sally Kern and her big mouth. Kern, the Oklahoma Representative for district 84, made national headlines when a recording was posted on Youtube in which she said gays are worse than terrorists. The national outrage was swift and sharp. When given a chance to respond, Kern affirmed, rather than apologized for, her statements. “I’m not gay-bashing. But according to God’s word that is not the right kind of lifestyle.” (1) In light of how racial comments about Barack Obama were supposedly somehow not racist, (2) it is an interesting psychological study to see how those who are eager to point out the differences in people can justify their prejudices.

There is one thing of which you can be sure. If I, as a straight white dude, had made the statements that Sally Kern and Geraldine Ferraro made, I would be considered homophobic and racist.

Sally hit back, saying “I don’t want my freedom of speech silenced.” (3) Well, of course not. It isn’t really about free speech, is it? There is no gay Gestapo pounding on Sally Kern’s door, ready to arrest her. There is no attempt to wipe her words out of the public record. Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from criticism. If you hold public office, it does not mean freedom from anything that might cost you your job. In the marketplace of ideas, some ideas lose. Many Oklahomans are tired of being a national laughing stock, and are utilizing their own free speech to make sure Sally Kern’s comments are strongly countered. Is that not normal public discourse?

When Oklahoma makes national headlines, it is usually for something bad. If gay bashing isn’t enough, not long ago Tulsa was the scene of a major slavery case. (4) Slavery! Forget moving Oklahoma into the 21st century, we will be doing well to bring her into the 20th century! For those of us who grew up here, this is sad and frustrating. There are many great things in this state. Oklahoma City has really taken off. Tulsa is a charming city with unique sights and entertainment. Our Native American culture is a source of pride. You will be hard pressed to find a state with as much potential, much of which is unfortunately untapped.

Every time we take a step forward, struggling against the current of the status quo, we get knocked back two steps by people like Kern. They come out of the woodwork to remind everybody that Oklahoma is not quite ready for prime time. You can be certain that corporate executives, all of whom have some gay employees, and some of whom are gay themselves, hear Sally Kern’s statements loud and clear. For modern people who do not think homophobia is acceptable, Oklahoma has posted a warning: stay out!

If that is the image Oklahoma is projecting to the nation, I would be happier with the singing cowboys.

© 2008 Bryan Lower

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