Caricatures of homosexuality in legally blonde...

I was suprised that there was not more backlash from the gay community for the overt stereotypes in this show. While I did not find it offensive, I assumed people would see this as a set back to the progression of homosexual characters viewed as equal on the stage, yet I haven't heard of any people being upset about this.

Do you think its because the theatre world has come far enough in showing homosexuality as equal (for instance shows like rent, the color purple, spring awakening) that when it's paradied in such a way, people don't take offense?

Or am I wrong and just am missing something?

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Dude, it's LEGALLY BLONDE - are you an activist?

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While I am usually the first to stand up when homophobia or "sketches of homophobia" pop up in the media, I don't think that's the case here. Jerry Mitchell would never allow his lifestyle to be treated without respect. Its a campy show and we aren't above camp. I think its a funny song/scene. The whole show is has a VERY gay slant to it anyways. I mean that much pink? Only a gay could have lead that!

woah okay there, i was not saying i found it offensive. I did not. And I'm glad others didn't. I was just suprised. But that's not bad. I guess what I was getting at is what factors into whether people think something is funny or offensive? I would say it has to do with the intention but sometimes intention isn't the only thing (I.E. when people say "that's so gay" and then claim they didn't intend it to be offensive, people still get offended by that) or maybe it's who said it etc. I just wanted to know what you guys thought.

and prs, I'm taking writing class with the study topic of "heteronormativity in popular culture" and have been struggling a bit on my 10 page research paper due monday. But before anyone accuses me of plagerism or anything ridiculous like that i was just looking for a) inspiration b) by asking these questions it's helpful for me to get my thoughts out c)before using anything anyone says i would PM you for permission and ask how you woud like to be sited (i.e. an anonymous user on broadwayworld.com etc) and d) i think these are topics that people here may be interested so this isn't just about personal interest.

thanks.

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sorry?

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There was an article (or a post on this board, I can't recall) back around the time the show opened that talked about how some of the older people involved with the show thought the song was hilarious, while some of the younger people had issues with it.

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I'm not particularly familiar with Legally Blonde. The MTV version couldn't even keep my interest for free - which is sad.
But my concern is that the show apparently speaks to many young people, so I would think that a stereotypical/cariature wouldn't be particularly benefitial in this type of show. The Producers is a very adult show, and therefore I would think that this might be a bit more appropriate in a show that is equally offensive to just about everyone.

For the record, I pretty much disliked everything about The Producers and found it pretty offensive in general. However, that type humor fits in with the rest of the show.

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I agree on Spring Awakening --- I think that this could be very actor based decision though. I had a chance to see Matt Doyle as Hanschen a couple of months ago, and I didn't find it AS offensive or funny. I thought it was just right.

I also think once an audience is used to seeing a scene for laughs that they will continue to laugh even if it is played a bit differently. And in the case of Spring Awakening, people are so ready for the "dirty" parts that they will often react to perfectly innocent lines by laughing because they interpret it differently.

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I found this article which i think is quite pertinant.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/17/theater/17ishe.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=anti-gay%20slurs&st=cse&oref=slogin

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I don't know, I was pretty offended by it, but really, there are so many more examples of blatant homophobia in mainstream media that this wasn't exactly my top priority to worry about, plus I already hated the show so it's not like it really changed my perception on it.

I will say that I was put off a bit that the gay scene in Spring Awakening was played for laughs.

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You may be suprised to knoiw that there are more straight men in LEGALLY BLONDE than gay, but that is beside the point.
It's a comedy and therefore can get away with a lot.

Matt Risch, who plays one of the gay characters, told me a story about when he was collectingr for BCEFA after the show one night, and a young man aboiut 14 came up to him and asked Matt if he was gay in real life. When Matt said yes, young guy said, "that is so cool" and shook his hand.


Without hesitation Matt said, "yes I am"

Updated On: 5/6/09 at 05:44 PM