Posted by Kluv32 at 198.83.125.41 on August 01, 2001 at 12:27:44:
In Reply to: Some bad, bad news concerning me and GLAAD posted by Kevin on July 31, 2001 at 17:52:15:
Here's a copy of the letter I sent GLAAD.
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As a supporter of GLAAD, I am quite disturbed to hear of the organization's "public and aggressive...condemnation" of the upcoming movie "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" by writer/director Kevin Smith.
In recent times, I can think of no director or writer of film who has done MORE to open dialogue on the subject of homosexuality in the "teen and young adult male" demographic than he. Through the use of humor and satire, these "teen and young adult male" viewers (who GLAAD is quick to stereotype as inherently homophobic) have been forced consider ideas that characters they identify with could be homosexual, or at the very least--have had homosexual thoughts. I have seen many people who refused to discuss (or even think of) homosexuality, become open and accepting after seeing some of his films. I personally know individuals who were able to become more comfortable with their OWN sexuality upon viewing "Chasing Amy".
By singling out Mr. Smith, you have given the media an impression that GLAAD believes he is a "homophobe"--when in fact, he has been one of the "causes" more visible supporters. Few movies have had the commercial and social impact of "Chasing Amy" in recent years. (To say nothing of the fact that there are a number of other films containing Hate-filled humor at the expense of the Gay and Lesbian community, as opposed to Mr. Smith's Satirical Humor which prompts thought, discussion, and above all: Laughter--which comes at the expense of all society, not one group.)
This incident now raises serious questions as to whether myself and many of my colleagues wish to support GLAAD in the future. The image of GLAAD using possible protests as a tool to extort (whether true, or not) a contribution to a cause (no matter how righteous), is not one that sits well with me.
Dissapointed,
Kevin C. Deiboldt
Astoria, NY