Alex Bruno
In a society growing ever more sensitive to diversity and acceptance, a recent incident at the LA Dodgers stadium struck a dissonant note. The LA Dodgers decided to host and honor the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a well-known drag group renowned for their deliberate mockery of Catholicism.
The group dresses in elaborate, often grotesque parodies of Catholic nuns, provoking both laughs and outrage from onlookers. Their appearance at the Dodgers game, however, attracted not only applause but also a crowd of protestors vehemently opposing the anti-Christian sentiment the group arguably represented.
Friday night saw a flurry of activity at the stadium, although not in the conventional sense. A sizeable gathering thronged the entrance to voice their disapproval of the Dodgers’ decision to entertain the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. A palpable tension filled the air, adding an unusual, almost surreal element to the night’s proceedings.
Interestingly enough, inside the stadium, the scene painted a starkly different picture. Instead of a boisterous crowd eagerly anticipating the controversial spectacle, a video emerged revealing a near-empty stadium. A smattering of cheers, a few scattered boos, and an overwhelming number of vacant seats highlighted the subdued response to the drag group’s presence. There was a noticeable sense of discomfort, a stark contrast to the traditionally exhilarating ambiance of a baseball game.
Savannah Hernandez, a personality associated with Turning Point USA, shared this video on social media, sparking discussions about the incident. According to Hernandez, she confirmed with a member of the Dodgers’ guest services that the Sisters’ appearance on the announcement screen was their only scheduled participation for the evening. The video and her commentary invoked mixed reactions, with some expressing relief that the group did not receive more recognition.
Critics pointed out that the Dodgers’ decision to host the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence during a game set a worrying precedent. Many felt this was a step too far in the ongoing culture war, effectively turning a blind eye to the offensive mockery of Catholicism. Such an action was seen as a direct affront to faithful followers, making them feel unwelcome and alienated.
This sentiment was echoed by Jake Treinen, a National’s pitcher and devout Catholic. He openly expressed his discontent, calling for a boycott of the Dodgers on Twitter. His remarks highlighted the growing divide between those advocating for unrestricted acceptance and those defending religious sentiments.
In a recent interview, Treinen expounded on his call for a boycott. He mentioned feeling a duty to speak out against this offense against his faith, prioritizing his religious beliefs over his standing in the baseball community. His comments reflect a growing sentiment among many religious followers who feel their faith is being disregarded in the pursuit of so-called ‘wokeness’.
He said, “I wasn’t necessarily worried because this is something that I believe is truth… When I die, hopefully in a state of grace and Saint Peter greets me at the gates, he’s not going to ask what your win-loss record was in 2023. He’s just going to ask how did you build the kingdom of heaven.”
The incident raises pressing questions about the fine line between inclusion and offensiveness, casting a spotlight on the ongoing debate surrounding religious sentiments in today’s polarized society. It poses a challenge to institutions like the Dodgers, to navigate this sensitive terrain responsibly while maintaining their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
It’s a tale of two sides – one advocating for unlimited freedom of expression and the other seeking respect for religious sentiments. The incident has set a precedent, and it remains to be seen how the sports world will respond to similar situations in the future.
