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marfknox
SFN Die Hard
USA
3739 Posts |
 Posted - 05/01/2006 : 19:09:55
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http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=136822&format=htmlquote:
I don't intend to turn this into some sob story about a defenseless community. Instead I find it interesting that the homosexual community is rather complacent. Activism isn't really activism. Organizations like GLAAD honor television shows like "Queer As Folk" and "The L Word," both of which are little more than soft-core porn with a weak political message. This isn't progress. This isn't a great leap forward. This is nothing more than showy defamation.
If the gay rights movement wishes to keep its head above the water, it needs to not ignore what its goals are. Gay-themed television isn't going to aid the cause if it presents far too often seen stereotypes of homosexuals as promiscuous or unintelligent.
After reading this article I was reminded of an episode of Will and Grace where Will gets all upset about a gay bookstore that had been a hub for the 70's grassroots movement and a safe place for self-discovery for himself as a young man - it was losing its lease. He gets Jack to help him do a fundraising so they can pay the raised rent. However, in the end they fail to raise enough funds indefinitely, and further, they find out that the bookstore will be replaced by a men's gym. They immediately stop caring and give up their plan to save the bookstore.
The message of that episode could be interpreted at least two different ways.
1.) Gay rights has come far enough along that this bookstore as a little haven for young, closeted homosexuals isn't necessary any longer. Now that gays can be out and proud, might as well toss off memories of a darker past and enjoy the mainstream culture that gays are now part of.
2.) Maintream materialistic culture has swallowed the grassroots activism and intellectualism that once dominated the movement. Resistance is futile.
What do other people think of the portrayl of gays and lesbians in pop culture? Should we embrace these icons as signs of progress, or shun them as merely the latest in derogatory stereotypes? And really, where is the gay rights movement when over half of Americans still think they shouldn't be able to get married, and nearly half think they shouldn't have partner benefits or be able to adopt children? Is it really so easy to step out of the closet today? Are there really so few people remaining in denial about their sexual orientation? Have the suicides stopped or merely decreased? What does the average American even know about the plight of homosexuals?
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"Too much certainty and clarity could lead to cruel intolerance" -Karen Armstrong
Check out my art store: http://www.marfknox.etsy.com
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Edited by - marfknox on 05/01/2006 19:10:15
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