Snyder v. Westboro Church

As many of you may know, there is currently a case being heard by the Supreme Court involving the father of a fallen Marine and a Kansas church. The details in a nutshell are that the father, Albert Snyder, is suing the church for protesting before his son's funeral. Their signs included such messages as "God Hates Fags" and "Thank God for Dead Soldiers."

The father is claiming infliction of emotional distress because of the fact that he was not able to peacefully bury his only son. The church is arguing that this speech is protected by the first amendment and that they did not break any laws.

In this whole case, there are many examples of pathetic appeals. I feel there is so much attention being given to this Supreme Court case because of the definite emotions being evoked and expressed, those cited by Aristotle and Cicero: anger, love/hate. There is no wishy-washy emotion in this entire situation.

Obviously the father is appealing to the public and definitely the judicial system by pointing out the fact that he was not able to give his only son a peaceful, quiet and generally uneventful burial. It is common in American culture for funerals to be times for quiet grief and sadness - not a time for boisterous protest. So in appearing in the media crying and bringing up these facts, most Americans will relate with Mr. Snyder. Most individuals have either attended a funeral personally or have been affected by the passing of a friend or relative. So they will know the emotions that are experienced in attending a funeral and grieving a loved one. Also, the sadness is especially heightened because this was Mr. Snyder's only son and most individuals with children (or most children themselves) will relate to the extreme sadness felt by Mr. Snyder. Another portion of the American population will definitely relate to and be affected by this case because of personal ties to the military. In our culture, generally, giving one's life is known as the ultimate sacrifice for one's country. So there is an emotional appeal that this young man did not just die of a drug overdose, car accident, street corner murder, etc. This young man died fighting for his country.

All of these factors in emotions will appeal to a great number of Americans who are completely supporting Mr. Snyder's cause/case.

On the other hand, the Westboro Church is using this case and other protests to stir up extreme anger, whether it is the same anger felt by the church or anger directed against them. They are inciting anger and hate in their signs and the messages contained in them but especially the forums/venues they are using to convey their messages.

This case is a perfect example of appealing to various emotions on either side of the issue. In the end, if the Supreme Court does rule in favor of the Westboro Church, the Supreme Court will be viewed by the thousands (if not millions) of individuals who are in complete support of Mr. Snyder as cold, heartless and completely unemotional. I have a feeling that whatever the Supreme Court's decision is, this will definitely not be the last we hear of this case.

On a side note: A very interesting book I had to read in Undergraduate studies is called, "The Cultural Politics of Emotion" by Sara Ahmed. If I remember it, I'll bring it in to class tonight.

Both pictures used in this blog are from this NY Times article.