Penney’s Gay Wager

Have you followed the recent tussle between J. C. Penney and anti-gay groups? It’s pretty interesting. And it’s pretty suggestive of changed attitudes in this country toward gay men and lesbians.

It started earlier this year, after J. C. Penney hired Ellen DeGeneres, an outspoken advocate for gay rights and marriage equality, as its pitch woman. There was no indication then—and there is no reason to believe now—that she was chosen because she’s a lesbian. The company’s current CEO, Ron Johnson, told the Associated Press: “I think Ellen is someone we all trust. She’s loveable, likeable, honest and funny, but at her soul, we trust her.”