But I was intrigued to learn more about the family, in particular Megan and Jael Phelps, two granddaughters of head pastor Fred Phelps.
Shirley Phelps-Roper (Megan's mom) invited us into her home to interview the girls - but in order to do so we had to sit in on a Fred Phelps sermon at the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka. After some deliberation with my Creepcast co-host J.D. we decided to check out what they were all about and hopefully get them to answer some questions regarding RED STATE.
When we first arrived at the church we noticed someone was picketing outside. From a distance we assumed it was the Phelps - but as we drew closer to the church we realized it was a group of Military Vets. We paid them a visit before heading into the church to let them know we support them. The Phelps had placed upside down American flags along the fence line as a counter protest. The Topeka police told the military veterans they had to leave the corner because church services were about to begin. Apparently in Topeka no one can picket church while services are going on. I find that law to be lame - mainly because the Phelps can still protest funerals (from 500 ft away) at any given time. In the Phelps’ defense, the protestors were standing on the corner of their property.
After greeting the Vets we headed to the front door. We rang the doorbell and were greeted by a very polite young man who asked who we were there to see. I said Shirley is expecting us and he led us into the church. As I went in I heard a yell from behind me, "TIM!" Jael had spotted me - she was behind the fence where the Vets had gathered to protest. We were given the sermon for the day and led to our seats. Jeremy and I sat for the next 20 minutes observing the congregation. There were a lot of children in attendance and all were very well-behaved throughout.
One by one we spotted familiar people. Steve Drain, Fred Phelps Jr., Megan, Jael and finally Shirley. Then Fred Phelps wandered in which was followed by a song and a sermon that featured the Spanish Inquisition mixed in with their message. My favorite parts of the sermon were the following; "JAWBONE OF ASS!" and him calling a Spaniard reporter Juan Cortez because he couldn't remember his name - apparently Juan Cortez is a good default name? I laughed. They also called out the media which was funny considering we were in attendance. We aren't exactly the BBC but we are still media nonetheless.
The service had come to a close - Megan and Jael came back to formally introduce themselves. I asked to speak briefly with Shirley to thank her for their time. We made our way to Megan's house up the street from the church to setup for the interview. After rearranging the living room we unpacked everything including our RED STATE posters, and some custom made "picket" signs to hold up during the interview if we disagreed with something.
We started out with some questions regarding the RED STATE screening. The Phelps were there protesting that night and in return I counter-protested them - but not with signs - just with my presence and a camera. The counter-protestors outnumbered the Westboro Baptist Church 3:1 - way to go "fag-enablers!" For one night we won the protest war. It almost felt like a festive atmosphere considering it was just a movie protest and not a funeral protest. The typical "God Hates Fags" and "Obama Anti-Christ" signs lined their side of the street. Megan actually autographed a "God Hates Fred Phelps" sign so I asked her why she would agree to do such a thing? Her reasoning was as follows - if someone sees the name Fred Phelps they immediately think of their message. Since they sign their name @meganphelps they assume people will find them on Twitter to hear their word.
They said the reason they walked out of RED STATE only 15 minutes in was because it was "filthy." When they saw the three teenage kids in the trailer about to partake in an orgy with a much older woman - they bounced. If they would have stuck around they would have seen the orgy never takes place and the kids are kidnapped and taken to a church to be thrown into a basement. They missed out on one of Kevin Smith's better films (in my opinion). In addition to missing out on the film they missed out on a chance to spread their word during the Q&A. Which I'm sure would have been very interesting.
The girls pointed out some details that differ from their family which occurred in the first 15 minutes of the film. Guess that is why the film is only "loosley" based on them. Megain let us know that the group of women at the protest at the very beginning of the film had short hair which is not allowed in the church. She went on to say, they don't live our in the country on a ranch in a compound. Which is true. Most if not all of the family live within a block of the church.
I asked them to promise me they would eventually watch the film. They didn't promise me anything - but said they are very likely to watch it at home so they can fast forward through inappropriate parts. When asked if they had walked out on any other films before they answered with a resounding no! However they did sit through Black Swan in theaters which has a lesbian scene between Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis. Apparently 2+2=5? Something isn't adding up. Our RED STATE discussion ended with them saying they love RED STATE because it will help spread their word and draw more interest to their church. In the words of Kevin Smith "they are great marketing partners."
Before we could get too much further into the interview the family was called downstairs to take part in monthly birthday celebrations. Since there are so many Phelps in the family they tend to celebrate birthdays all at once. As we made our way down the stairs to the basement I had a somewhat surreal moment and thought to myself - I'm in the Phelps house - going to a birthday party. All the edgy humorous questions I had in store for the end of the interview were being somewhat pushed aside by the hospitality they were showing us and how kind the family could be when they weren't holding "God Hates Fags" signs. Plus it is hard to really lay it on thick after someone has offered you birthday cake and lunch. As I sat there listening to the last of the hymns they were singing for the birthday bash - a young Phelps child came to my table smiling and wiped down my table. We spoke with Jael's mom and Shirley before heading back upstairs to finish our interview.
I couldn't help myself but to ask the following question; "I currently don’t have any children - that I know of - but when I do what are the chances I’d eat it? If you were to eat your baby what condiment would you most likely use? I’d go with BBQ sauce but that’s because I'm from Kansas City." Playing off the famous line "You're gonna eat your babies!" said by Fred Phelps during the BBC documentary. They told us without a doubt we will eat our babies. Jeremy insisted this would NEVER happen - but their rebuttal was that we already have. Which is weird because I did have something stuck in my teeth after lunch. They recited scripture for their answer - which yes did have meaning behind it - but all I really wanted to know was which condiment goes well with babies!!! Sigh.
I asked Jael if she was a big Sheppard Fairey fan? He is an artist that owns the clothing company “OBEY” which Jael wears a lot. He was instrumental in the Obama “HOPE” marketing campaign. I know she hates Obama - so I asked if it fair to say she is a fan of Fairey(s)? She knew of Sheppard but was not aware of his involvement in the Obama campaign. They squirmed their way out of it by saying just because they use iPhones, and Apple supports gay rights doesn't mean they support gay rights. Which is a good point regarding iPhones, but it didn't really answer my question. I was impressed however that Megan mentioned she had seen the film "Exit Through the Gift Shop." In which Fairey makes an appearance. Kudos.
Moving on to some more personal questions we asked them about their hobbies. They listed running, soccer, volleyball, basketball and reading to name a few things. We followed up with asking what some of their favorite horror movies were. Megan told us her favorite horror franchise is SAW. Understandable considering each SAW movie is to protray a message that someone has been given everything and a chance to succed at life and most throw it away on indiscretions.
Jael on the other hand isn't a big fan of horror films. But we do share a love for such comedians as Zach Galifianakis and Demetri Martin.
When asked about what kind of music they like to listen to, Megan replied with Mumford and Sons (excellent pick.) Jael lit up when she mentioned Weezer. Her and I exchanged a high five since it was one of the few things would could agree on. My new BFF.
One of the topics we ended on was relationships outside the church. The girls told us they can't date unless they have someone else on the date with them. That doesn't mean a double date - it means someone else from the church has to go with them. Megan didn't rule out getting married and said she doesn't know what the future holds. She did say they would most likely have to be a member of the church for her to even consider it. And since Jeremy and I won't be joining the Westboro Baptist Church it looks like that double date will have to wait ladies. Wink.
CLOSING THOUGHTS:
The bottom line is this - underneath the signs of hate that we see picketing funerals, movie screenings and homosexuals lies a very sweet family. They are a very close knit group and that treated us as close to family as possible. Even though they knew we didn't agree with their message or actions. Shirley never once tried to preach toward us and complimented our RED STATE signs we brought for the interview. When I got home from the interview I checked my twitter account and Shirley said' "I hope you got home safely! =)" since it was snowing when we left Topeka.
I know that sounds weird. I went in with an open mind toward them as people - but not their message. I came out feeling somewhat refreshed during my time there. Which confused me to be honest. Am I crazy? Did I actually enjoy the last 4 hours I spent with the Phelps family? Yes, yes I did enjoy it. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! For the record we have been invited back by Shirley and intend on taking her up on the offer.
When it comes to the next picket will I be on the other side counter-protesting? Sticking up for my gay friends and fallen soldiers? You're damn right I will be. See you May 2nd during the JAY & SILENT BOB GET OLD show at the Midland Theater in Kansas City, MO. Bring your signs - I know the Phelps will.
CHECK OUT RED STATE IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE OCTOBER 19, 2011.
Also be sure to tune in April 3rd for the follow up BBC Documentary on the Westboro Baptist Church titled; "America's Most Hated Family in Crisis" with Louis Theroux.
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