Posted by Devilsmurf at 64.161.158.2 on July 31, 2001 at 18:51:43:
In Reply to: Some bad, bad news concerning me and GLAAD posted by Kevin on July 31, 2001 at 17:52:15:
Although my opinion isn't special for any particular reason, and it's not exactly surprising that someone on these boards would be getting your back - I do want to extend my apologies that you've been targetted in this way.
I'm a straight, married, guy, and I live in San Francisco, so you can assume that a fair percentage of the folks that I work and socialize with happen to be homosexual. Some of them wear it on their sleeves, or in their earlobes, whilst others keep their sexuality chiefly to themselves. What I find most ironic about the GLAAD attack, is that having spent so much time with gay people, I can say that I've never socialized with another "group" that is so prone to sexual humor, or, as you might say, dick jokes. One of my bosses is gay, and the shit that rolls off of his tongue is enough to make certain supreme court justices blush. And, I also find that most of my gay friends and acquaintances have no trouble making fun of themselves, referring to themselves as "queens" or "butches" or the like - and have no problem with me using the slang myself. It's interesting, you take a show like Will and Grace in which the the gay charcters always dig at one another's gayness, and everyone gets on their knees to give them an emmy. But, let the words come out of a straight mouth...
Some might disagree, but I feel the climate in this country (America - one that is far behind others in terms of tolerance) is slowly but surely becoming more accepting of homosexuality - and, the more accepting we become, the less necessary groups like GLAAD become. So, order to keep busy, they organize what look, feel, and smell like Witch Hunt. It's your turn at the stake, so to speak.
I don't know any gay person that has been offended by your films. On the other hand, I know a few right-wingers who walked out of "Amy." . It really makes me wonder if organizations like GLAAD are accurately representing the best interest of those they claim to represent.
Best of luck, I'll be drafting a letter in your defense, and paying full price on opening weekend.
dlm
p.s. As a writer myself (measurably less succesfful than yourself, of course) I've always gained inspiration from your courage to pick at the scab of political correctness. Would that I had your...um...brass. So, if nothing else, I hope this doesn't make you think twice next time you make yourself laugh at the keyboard, because I think the people that really matter - the fans - get it.