Ikea is Gay
January 14th, 2007
Have you seen the Ikea commercial that questions the use of a sofa? It should come in fun colors, and be used for more than just sitting. What seems like a fine commercial takes a sad and almost subliminal turn at the end. As scenes of different people sitting on couches flash by, the voice-over asks "Why can’t couches come in different flavors, just like families?" With that line a family flashes on the screen for about one second, max. If you’re not quick, you almost don’t see it.
Sitting on the floor in front of the couch is a daughter, a golden retriever, and two men. I replayed it for Stacie, and she didn’t see it the first time. One of the men has longer and curly hair, and if you’re not paying attention he looks like a woman. But no, this family that Ikea insists comes in different "flavors" is a gay family.
I think Ikea’s furniture is cheap to begin with, but I will now make a concerted effort to not shop there. I don’t need their values as a corporation shoved at me during a national television commercial. I’m a little late to the party, and see it mentioned here with a picture. If you’re dying to be annoyed just read through some of the comments.
Would any of my liberal Christian friends that belong to liberal political parties, that support gay marriage, like to make a comment about how gay families are just as good as straight families?
“The commercial is political trash. Everyone knows that gay couples can’t afford to buy IKEA furniture. They have to spend all their money on their AIDS meds. Bunch of disease spreading vermin.”
I agree with you, but I just had to point out how utterly disgusted I was at this comment on that page.
the picture speaks volumes. It’s a good thing there is a dog in the family. Otherwise the poor little girl would get no attention at all. Is this a statement on all families of this “flavor?” Could be, but I’m not an expert. Either way, Ikea is now added to the Morrison Boycott list. Gay marriage was already there.
I think gay families are usually strawberry flavored.
Also, I think couches have a right to come in any flavor they choose, including double chocolate fudge, and super gay.
If I have to boycott Ikea, where on earth am I going to buy cheap furniture? Kmart, maybe.
I guess I’m the Liberal Christain that supports gay marriage…I don’t have a problem with it. Period. I could go on but if they aren’t hurting anyone what does it matter. If there is love there why is it bad for a child to grow up with gay parents. I for one would love to see a child grow up in a family of two gay men that love each other than a man and wife that argue and are abusive to one another. But that is just me.
I also suppose you’ll be boycotting hmmm let’s say Disneyland and all Disney products from here on out. We all know Diseny is a hub for gay employment. Oh but I guess cause they don’t shove it down your throat its ok. Better not to see the evil gay people.
It was a blanket invitation for disagreement John.
Don’t turn me into a gay basher though, because I did nothing of the sort. I also think there is a difference between companies that advertise in gay publications in an effort to gain sales from that cross section of society, and companies that say gay marriage is a legitimate value I should should accept it.
If two gay people want to live together and have sex together, I can’t stop that. I think it’s sinful just like an unmarried couple living together and having sex, because that isn’t God’s plan for our lives. I think God designed marriage, as a man and woman, for a very good reason: it works the best. God laid out specific roles for what a husband should do and what a wife should do, and if done correctly, I think that is the best environment for a child to be raised in. Pointing out that some men and women fail at being good parents doesn’t mean God’s plan is broken, just that people are.
There was a comment on that page I linked to that made an interesting point about how bizarre society has become that people would even consider letting two gay men adopt a child. What if they were just two dudes hanging out and lived in the same apartment. They weren’t in love and didn’t have sex, just friends. Should they still be allowed to adopt a child? Or why only two, how about a group of 4 or 5 guys want to adopt a child, is that ok? I think most people would be a little hesitant about that, but the minute those men love each other and have sex, they become great candidates for parents.
“Or don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Don`t be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortioners, will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
There’s a commercial for you. Take your pick.
There are also abusive gay couples.
Is a child in a gay marriage missing out on love? Odds are probably the same as a straight marriage. The problem with it from the Christian perspective is that as parents we are instructed:
“don`t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
Is a child in a gay marriage being instructed in the ways of the Lord? Sure, he or she is going to be taught greatly in the area of tolerance and acceptance, but he or she will also be taught that some parts of the Bible can be ignored by choice because of personal differences with God.
We know what happens to child molestors in jail. Even criminals can spot the injustice. I wonder what happens to those in hell who have kept a child from the Lord?
Disneyland is guilty of NOT judging. They know it is not their place (the Bible and the courts remind them of that). They do not promote going against God. Ikea blatently asked the question, “why can’t we?” That is justification for inclusion on the boycott list. Is that judging on my part? No. I’m not going to picket or make phone calls or send emails. But I can’t support someone who preaches against God.
religion is supposed to be inclusive, not exclusive- It disgusts me that you would infringe on someones happiness enough to say that these people must be judged. First of all who empowered you to tell the rest of the world what is correct and incorrect. Secondly religion is supposed to teach acceptance and forgiveness, there may be more defined practices deep within the Bible, but outwardly religion is seen by many as a sense of security or salvation. You are telling me that because someone has chosen to lead a lifestyle alternative to yours that they should be shunned and unliked by God. Wow religion really goes overboard… Do you think that the bible was meant to teach unity or seperation because all i hear out of your mouthes is that these people arent equal to you just because of choices they have made and will live the rest of their lives in torment as a result. I’ve heard comments about gays being poor, gays going to hell, gay exclusion, etc. etc. etc. And how can you prove any of this? I can tell you that it is impossible, you may be able to take excerpts out of the bible, but then again what proof exists to support the bibles integrity? NONE. Life isnt perfect and i dont think anyone will ever make it perfect. We all have flaws and to read a bunch of ignorant people rag on gays is just hypocritical. I’ve got a wonderful suggestion- Stop focusing on those who dont concern you and work on glorifying your own life, they have chosen this lifestyle out of happiness, accept it or ignore it- You will never end or change it….
I have no idea where you got the impression that you did The Rumor, but I am very sorry that that is how you feel with us. I don’t feel like I am superior to gays or that they should be shunned. I would love a gay person the same as an adulterous pastor, or a lying Sunday school teacher. We all make mistakes, and God forgives us of all of our mistakes. period. No matter what your sin is.
There is an aweful lot of judgement coming from the Rumor in the same breath as tolerance. Which is it. Do you condemn US for OUR beliefs? You also called us hypocritical. Nobody in this room is judging. We simply refuse to support a campaign, commercial or otherwise, which promotes a life other than one desirable to God. We are not of the belief that you can pick and choose your favorite parts of the Bible according to what suits you and then expect God to smile on us.
There are blessings for you, too, Rumor if you want to really know who God is. He is above all the religions that you apply your blanket statements to.
We WANT everyone to experience true happiness, and any comment we make on their lives reflects the fact that we know true happiness comes from God and living in Him, with Him in us.
We know that life is not perfect. I will list all of my own sins for you would like. Our salvation comes in the form of God so loving us that he sent his only son to die for us, that we should not perish, but have eternal life. Sounds pretty cool doesn’t it? Christianity, a relationship with God, is not exclusive OR inclusive. It is an invitation from God to live a life for him and experience what he has to offer. Inclusion or exclusion becomes a choice for all of us, if we want to confess our sins, admit that we don’t know how to do it on our own, and ask Jesus into our heart.
I am a failure.
But God has provided a way to overcome. I choose that way and will gladly share. In fact, we are told by God to share.
If any of us gave the impression of judgement, I’m sorry. That is not our place, nor is it our desire. As mentioned before, we are not perfect.
But we want to be.
We can be.
If we only ask.
As a Christian, I would never suggest that gay families are “just as good as straight families.” But as a Christian, I believe it is my job to love that gay family anyway.
tHe.RuMoR sounds misinformed, there is quite a bit of itegrity in the Bible. Or have you just not bothered to look?
Read The Cause For Christ
I think Ikea’s gay lifestyle suggestion is both pretty hilarious and good for marketing. I don’t really care about Gay marriage issues because there are so many other things to worry about.
Also I simply will not boycott Ikea for the following reasons:
-Those awesome little meatballs (manager’s special)
-Lingonberry Juice
-Cinnamon Buns
-EVERYTHING COMES IN A FLAT BOX, HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE!!!
-The store is fun to walk around and look at the compressed living space layouts (probably done by some gay people)
-Those bizarre carts
I don’t dislike the swedes
-The building is huge
-The colors blue and yellow
Also I disagree with you John… As a former employee I can confidently say *Disneyland is NOT a mecca for gay and they don’t have a Red shirt day!*
I USED TO LOVE IKEA WITH THE COOL SCANDINAVIAN DESIGNS AND LOW PRICES, WONDERFUL DISPLAYS. I WILL NOW NO LONGER SET FOOT INTO THAT STORE UNTIL THEY DITCH THOSE DAY COMMERCIALS. I DON’T CARE IF ONE IS GAY BUT WHY DO THAT HAVE TO BE SO OSTENTATIOUS? I WAS TURNED OFF BY WATCHING A LITTLE GIRL HUDDLING WITH 2 DAY GUYS…WHERE IS HER MOTHER? ANOTHER COMMERCIAL I VIEWED ON TV DURING FAMILY TIME ADVERTISED BEDS. TWO GUYS CUDDLING WITH THEIR HAIRY LEGS HANGING OUT. THIS IS NOT APPROPRIATE VIEWING.
I DON’T BELIEVE IN GAYS WITH THEIR ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION AND ADOPTION EITHER. LEAVE THE KIDS OUT PLEASE.
I DON’T NEED IT IN MY FACE EITHER.
SORRY IKEA…GOODBYE!
I HOPE EVERYONE ELSE WHO FEELS LIKE ME PROTESTS THEM TOO.
I AM NOT A CHRISTIAN FUNDAMENTALISTS EITHER. I DON’T FEEL THEY SHOULD BE IN MY FACE EITHER.
THANKS FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY.
CAPS LOCK SEEMS TO WORK!
i think everyone missed the intent of this commercial
1. “Why can’t couches come in different flavors, just like families?”
ikea is saying nothing about families, it is asking about their couches and promoting they carry a wide variety unlike most stores. it shows a variety of families, one or more of them could be gay, just like in the country their airing the ad in. it is marketing to all so will show profiles of all. it is sad if you have so much hatred in you that you can’t acknowledge that certain human beings and/or families exist, but that is the way it is and ikea is open for them to buy a couch just like the rest of us.
2. the ‘gay’ family
research shows that hate is just as strong as love when it comes to power of emotion and memory. clearly this ad was trying to spark a flash in haters that would quickly jump to conclusions. it works subliminally there, even causing the blogger to rewind to watch again and show others, and write about it.
3. is it ok to shop based on religous preference only?
i myself buy this b-b-q sauce that i love; so one day i was reading the label and caught a jesus fish on the label. so i checked out their website and it had a bit of christian rhetoric on it. would it be ok for me to boycott this business because they are pushing their religous beliefs on me, stamping my purchase with religous iconry? i mean ikea is not stamping pictures of gay couples on the couch you buy.
4. “I don’t need their values as a corporation shoved at me during a national television commercial.”
“and companies that say gay marriage is a legitimate value I should should accept it.”
again their commercial pushes no values, nor does any ikea corporate policy when it comes to religous beliefs or gay marriage, just check their public filings. they of course follow applicable laws that don’t allow discrimination when it comes to employment or store operations, but that is not promotion.