The great irony: homophobic conservatives who love RENT

You can appreciate a show for its artistic merits or for its entertainment value and not like the message of it.

I mean, who really thinks that Grease has a good message?

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I wouldn't even go so far as to call it hypocritical. Be happy that these people are expanding their horizons, and obviously aren't SO homophobic that they can't handle a show with homosexuals.

And on another note, are you sure these people are HOMOPHOBIC or are they just CONSERVATIVE, 'cause there's a difference. I mean, I doubt most Libertarians would like you to lump them together...

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Oy, well, I guess we'll just have to pray for them, HA.

:0)

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Hardly surprising. I remember reading Q&A with a prominent person in my hometown paper a few years ago (if you think about it, you'll guess the paper, JRB ). She was listing her favorite books, speakers, etc. Typical right-wing stuff. Rick Warren. James Dobson. Stuff like that. Her favorite TV show? "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."

I think we're to the point where many of these people think it's OK for the gays to be the singing minstrels, make-up applying and hairdressing clowns and entertainers. It's when they actually have to interact with us and think of us as human beings that they have a problem.

It's a step. The theory goes, the more of us people know personally, the less of a reason they'll have to hate. And children will almost always be more accepting than their parents (or, at least, they won't be less accepting).

This is also why I like the "out actor" thread, even though some others find it invasive or pointless. Those who feel secure enough in their careers to come out are worthy of praise.

My sister's as redneck as you can get, and she loves me.

How about the other side? Do all librals love rent?
I don't think so.

Can I ask who the original message is aimed at? I've mentioned that I have conservative views, but i'm certainly not homophobic so I really hope I wasn't one of the people this thread was for!

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Hmm. I think you misunderstand me. I'm not talking about "Queer Eye" specifically being a step forward; I was just using it as an example of a small-town woman who probably would vote for Pat Robertson for president but has no problem watching a show starring five gay men who make constant sexual innuendo throughout the show -- and announcing that proudly in a small-town local newspaper.

It's parallel to the seeming disconnect from people (and EIR, I am not referring to anyone specifically -- I know it's possible to be conservative and gay-friendly) who have espoused homophobic views yet seem to love the gay-friendly Rent. Angel, to them, is probably just as much of a stereotype as Carson or Jai (who now says he's bisexual, BTW). They don't mind seeing the character in a show, even though they'd probably rather not live next door to someone like her. But someday they'll meet an Angel, a Collins or a Carson. That's when they'll really grow.

Remember how skittish advertisers were when Ellen came out? That wasn't that long ago. Now the people who want to boycott gay-themed shows are looked at more as fringe nuts and Ellen has a hit talk-show. Granted, it's one in which you'd never know she was a lesbian. But the fundies have good memories.

I know it feels like we're going in the wrong direction every time the Santorums and the Bushes open their mouths. But I'm optimistic that on a whole, things will get better.

Grease - message - Sandy can become a slut and win Danny, and Danny works hard to better himself, and Sandy still wants a hoodlum . . . Great message. Love the musical, but don't think it leaves the best message in the world out there for young girls.

I know you were kidding, jrb, but as a fan of Grease when I was a young girl I always saw the two changing for EACH OTHER, not just her beoming skanky.

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Grease . . . . It is meant to be fun. And if you look, the message is also that there is more to the person than meets the eye. And, that it is possible for someone as incredibly hot as Lorenzo Lamas to look like a geek (at least in the movie) . . . But, since someone said the message was that Rizzo was a good girl afer all, I could not resist. She is the sterotyptical tough girl who has been hurt one too many times. Doesnot mean she is a good girl . . . Goodbye to Sandra Dee . . . goodbye yellow cotten dress and Keds, hello leather and spiked heels.

Updated On: 8/3/05 at 01:11 AM