Last night at the 2014 Academy Awards, Matthew McConaughey won best actor for his excellent performance in Dallas Buyer’s Club. During his acceptance speech, he thanked God for his success. This morning, Rush Limbaugh pointed out that the audience was less than enthusiastic at McConaughey’s speech, and didn’t applaud when he thanked God. Then, several online magazines called his speech “bizarre” and some social media commenters took to Facebook to say they were offended by the speech. But guess what? Matthew McConaughey has every right to thank God because this is the United States of America, and all citizens are guaranteed the right to freedom of speech.
Furthermore, when someone wins an Oscar, they can say whatever they damn well please. To all the people complaining: when you win an Oscar, you are more than welcome to get up there and talk about all the ways you don’t believe God had anything to do with your success. When you win an Oscar, it’s your moment in the sun, and your belief or non-belief can be freely expressed. Further, you should be able to express your non-belief without fear of ridicule.
Atheists can’t demand freedom of speech for themselves and then expect that others don’t have the same right. McConaughey’s beliefs may not be everyone’s cup of tea; in fact some may think his beliefs may even be misguided; but that does not mean he doesn’t have the right to talk about them during his Academy Awards acceptance speech. Thinking his refraining from discussing his beliefs publically is going to change anything is naïve. Religion has a stronghold on our society, and McConaughey’s expression of his personal beliefs will do nothing to strengthen or weaken that hold.
When someone wins an Oscar, it is the achievement of a lifetime, and it’s a moment above all others when that person is free to reveal who they are in the way they see fit. McConaughey’s beliefs and his expression of them may not be popular, but they are his, and he deserves respect for his win, and for his speech.
There are as many atheists supporting Matthew McConaughey as there are atheists crying foul. Those complaining make everyone else look bad. McConaughey gave a heartfelt speech, so good for him. McConaughey has every right to thank God; and when those do not believe in God win the Oscar, they can get up and thank whoever they’d like as well.
By: Staff Contributor
