Adam Rubenstein, a former opinion editor for the New York Times, recently shared his experiences of being shamed for his food choices at his office. In an essay for the Atlantic, Rubenstein revealed how his co-workers at the Times reacted when he said he loved the spicy chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A.
According to Rubenstein, during an ice-breaking game at an orientation for new hires, he was asked to share his favorite sandwich. When he said the Chick-fil-A spicy chicken sandwich, an HR representative chided him, saying, "We don't do that here. They hate gay people." Rubenstein said his colleagues snapped their fingers in approval, leaving him feeling ashamed.
Chick-fil-A, a popular fast-food chain known for its chicken sandwiches, has faced backlash in the past over comments made by its CEO about gay marriage. The company's foundation has also donated to organizations that oppose same-sex unions. This controversy has led to some people boycotting the restaurant.
Rubenstein also shared his experiences as a conservative working at the Times. He said that the newspaper only published conservative viewpoints that aligned with the liberal line and that conservative op-eds faced a higher bar for publication. Rubenstein stated that his colleagues were worried about publishing the Hunter Biden laptop story because it could harm Joe Biden and the Democrats' electoral prospects.
Nikole Hannah-Jones takes another L. https://t.co/fscYsYnJy3 pic.twitter.com/I83F3mhVi3
— Steve McGuire (@sfmcguire79) February 27, 2024
A spokesperson for the Times stated that the newspaper is committed to publishing diverse views, including those that are unpopular or controversial. However, Rubenstein's account sheds light on the challenges faced by conservatives in a predominantly liberal working environment.
Chick-fil-A has not commented on Rubenstein's experience, but the company has made efforts to distance itself from controversies in recent years. In addition, its revenue has continued to rise, with a record $6.4 billion reported in 2022.
The controversy surrounding Chick-fil-A's stance on LGBT rights is not new. In 2012, CEO Dan Cathy made comments expressing his opposition to gay marriage, sparking widespread backlash and boycotts. While Cathy has since reiterated his personal beliefs, the company has faced ongoing criticism for its donations to organizations that oppose LGBT rights.
In response to the backlash, Chick-fil-A announced in 2019 that it would no longer donate to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes or the Salvation Army, two organizations that have been criticized for their stance on LGBT issues. The company also stated that it would "deepen its giving" to organizations focused on education, homelessness, and hunger.
3/ I am once again confused as to why journalists are comfortable loudly accusing others of lying rather than doing bare-basic reporting. This took me 10 minutes of work.
— Jesse Singal (@jessesingal) February 27, 2024
Despite the controversy surrounding the company, Chick-fil-A continues to be a popular fast-food chain, with record revenue reported each year. Some have criticized the company for caving to pressure and changing its donations, while others see it as a step in the right direction.
Rubenstein's essay highlights the challenges and divisions in both the media and society over controversial issues such as gay rights. The debate surrounding Chick-fil-A is just one example of how personal beliefs and politics can intersect with business and impact the workplace.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Times reiterated the newspaper's commitment to publishing diverse opinions and views. Rubenstein's essay, however, raises questions about the media's role in shaping public discourse and how differences of opinion are handled in the workplace.
Regardless of one's stance on the controversy surrounding Chick-fil-A, Rubenstein's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of open-mindedness and respectful dialogue, particularly in a world where differences of opinion are becoming increasingly polarizing. As for Rubenstein, his time at the New York Times may have come to an end, but his experiences serve as a cautionary tale and a call for greater understanding and tolerance in the workplace.