Posted by Averageboy at averageboi.student.umd.edu on August 01, 2001 at 07:34:37:
In Reply to: Some bad, bad news concerning me and GLAAD posted by Kevin on July 31, 2001 at 17:52:15:
Kevin, I'm a first time poster but a long time fan (being a fellow Jersey native from Piscataway). I'm also gay, and was horrified to read about what GLAAD had to say about you, and that the media is leaping upon any controversy they can find. I haven't read any of these follow up posts, so forgive me if I repeat any points mentioned above...
Having watched all your movies and enjoyed them, I never once was offended by any of the language used by your characters (there's the key word there, people: "Characters"... I've never heard Smith himself launch into any anti-gay diatribes). They speak in slang and vernacular like everyone else, and most of their words would offend anybody... I've always seen your more offensive characters using language as a defense and a shield... a way to build a wall around themselves or project criticism away. Words like "gay" and "fag" are painful to some people's ears, but I've often used them in joking context myself (can feel entire gay culture now turning on me, one of their own). I get your joke Kevin, and have always taken anything Jay says about gays with a grain of salt... always seeing some odd homosexual undercurrent much like that between Superhero and boy sidekick. I have always viewed the character's speeches as reflections upon human foibles, never simply hateful speech... you are way too much in love with your dialogue to not give it many levels of subtle shading.
Of course, now I just sound like I am kissing some ass as well as repeating myself. Well, fuck it. I'm just writing this to say that I am one person who gets the joke and always tries to think about what I hear (not just listening and taking it on a knee-jerk level). I have never once thought you were a homophobe or hateful, and always figured you to be the complete opposite (not gay yourself, just a nice guy in general). I will see JSBSB, I will laugh, and I will get the joke.
Best of luck with this, Kevin... I hope this controversy dies away (maybe someone will release a movie called 'Faggot Killing Catholic Squad O' Death' the same week, and it will draw away attention). Or maybe not. This might just draw more people in. Anyway, I'm tired... need to go to work...