I know that somebody posted about this yesterday but I wanted to put my 2 pence in. So a little context about me, I’m gay and I live in England. I’m also mixed race (basically I’m the klu klux klan/BNP/neo nazis worst nightmare) I’ve suffered some serious abuse in the past and lost family due to my sexuality, as well as some extreme racist abuse! What I don’t understand is why people are still both homophobic and racist today! And for that matter sexist and any other ist!
My first annoyance about the abuse is homophobia and the whole ‘its a choice’ bollocks! No it isn’t, do you really think somebody would choose to face extreme persecution from most sections of society? Who would willingly choose a ‘lifestyle’ where their own family members refuse to acknowledge them or force them out? It’s not a choice, cause if anything I would not choose to be this way! I can guarantee that most people would not ‘choose’ to be this way!
I also don’t get racism, I’ve had abuse from all sides of the race spectrum. Called ‘******’ by white people and ‘milky way’ by black people! It’;s horrible and it makes you feel like you don’t have any community or people to turn to. It’s one of the worst things in the world to have so many different communities I could be a part of but being shunned by all. Racism comes in all shapes sizes and colours, all races are racist against another. Its the way it is but it really should not be! So what if someone is black, white, brown, yellow, purple, green you shouldn’t judge by skin colour but judge by person! A persons skin colour doesn’t determine who they are, nor does it determine what they are, it is a colour get over it.
I know I’m living in some crazy coca cola advert from the 80’s but it really gets me down and annoys me. I felt I needed to vent after reading the post from yesterday and some of the vile comments that were posted on it. Judge a person for the person; not for their skin colour, sexuality, gender, age or whatever!
41 comments
Maybe I don’t have the same visual range as most people, but color has never meant much to me. Of course, there are annoying people from all walks of life, and the quality of annoying does not pick and choose whom to afflict. It’s all cultural preconceptions, and cultural preconceptions change over time. So what use is there in buying into them? Don’t get me wrong, I love culture and I love learning about them, but the prejudices that rises out of perceived differences make no sense to me.
What do I know, though? I’m a suburban hillbilly. 😛
Simple answer: ignorance. It’s ignorance and close-mindedness that drives someone to an ‘ism’. Those kinds of people can’t see outside of their own little ‘bubble’. Truth is, they hate because they hate themselves, deep down. So they try to make themselves look superior by beating down those whom they consider ‘weak’ and ‘inferior’. It’s not really about you – it’s about them. Also, some people are just plain evil and get their jollies off on torturing people.
Unfortunately I have found that tv is one of the worst for creating extreme cultural preconceptions. The play on stereotypes, most of which could not have been further from the truth. There are only a handful of gay actors/characters who I feel represent the gay community as a whole. Whilst Black actors have made a huge leap forward in terms of stereotyping there is still a problem there. When’s the last time you saw a none camp, overtly effeminate gay character on tv? Or a black character who wasn’t a gang member or who wasn’t overtly angry or loud? But these stereotypes are what create the stimata for people. If there was more masculine gay characters on tv then I believe that would help to destroy the stigmata around the gay community which would mean that those fighting with their sexuality would be more comfortable with it, which would see a decline in those who kill themselves because they feel so disgusted with themselves for totally natural and normal feelings and thoughts
Ignorance is one of the worst things in the world and usually founded on lies and from people who won’t find out about those they feel are inferior. They are scared to find out that their idiotic preconceptions are untrue and would make them feel stupid, which is not allowed!
The entire idea of representation of an entire genre of people is part and parcel of the problem. Stereotypes exist because of generalized representation. The two are the same thing.
It also sells stuff. Advertisers love playing off of stereotypes because it creates niche markets, though it also helps to fragment society further.
I think killing the TV entirely – just blowing the thing up and never returning to it – would do wonders for the goal of cultural co-existence.
I disagree on blowing tv up I think it should be used for good! I.E it’s only allowed to have 1 channel and that 1 channel will only show intellectual and fact based shows and documentaries! As for advertising I am yet to find a beer advert which would show a gay man drinking said beer, or a commercial for mens cologne or shaving do the exact same. The only things I’ve ever seen a gay person used to promote was chocolate and wine! And even then those characters were incredibly camp! It really annoys me and as I said these stereotypes cause serious problems and help to make those fighting with their sexuality to feel they are disgusting and unnatural- thus leading to the many suicides of gay kids
That’s what I mean – niche markets. Who knows, maybe a niche beer will come along some day. It annoys me, too.
But with only 1 channel, who’s to say that advertisers, government, or any other group of people with power and influence can’t subvert that 1 channel and turn it into a propagandizing tool to create splinter divisions within society? Easy enough to do – just regiment what gets put on air to cater to polarized viewpoints. This is largely what the media does today, and the outcome is relatively predictable. One channel would actually be preferable for advertisers because then absolute control over what people watch is easy.
A more moderate solution than blowing up TV’s would be to foster a culture of independent media – deregulate, disabuse corporate ownership and proprietary rights to venues of communication, and let culture spontaneously define itself. Without trying to sell anything to anyone.
My “moderate idea” is probably a pipe-dream, though. I’m still a romantic – I can dream.
Ah but what if all advertisers were banned from the channel? In England we have the BBC which is paid for with a licence and so has no advertising on it.
I dream of the day when a beer ‘comes out’ so to speak. Because apparently me being a beer drinker is completely against my ‘community’ and I should be having a cosmo with the gals! Most people don’t realise my sexuality and when I tell them they refuse to believe me, which I suppose is a good thing, but really bugs me! It’s like I’m not allowed to be gay because I drink beer, watch sports, don’t really follow fashion and don’t mince about the place with an effeminate voice! The stereotypes of people in the media are soul crushing and really cause major problems and hate
I agree about stereotypes on TV. Here in the states there’s a channel called LOGO, I believe. It’s targeted to gays and lesbians. Unfortunately, it’s filled with all of those stereotypes you mention.
Is it just repeats of Will and Grace and Queer eye for the straight guy? Luckily we don’t have anything like that and there are a few good characters and actors which help to disprove the whole all gays are camp thing which is a step in the right direction
This post actually hits home with me in a lot of ways. Although I am not gay, I am apart of the LGBT spectrum because I am transgender. I know how you feel when you mean that certain things about you such as that make people look at you different and they automatically ring in the stereotypes.
I don’t necessarily connect on the same level with you when it comes to the colour of my skin but I know what its like when the name calling starts because I am half Arab and half Canadian. It sucks, it does and I feel for you. This post really shows the stereotypes suck and that they are everywhere. Good post man 🙂
I still prefer the idea of spontaneity and self-defining culture — the top-down model is too easy to abuse. I think people should be who they want to be, and not who they see on the electronic gizmos they keep around the house. Unless those are one in the same.
But I definitely know where you’re coming from. I get ostracized regularly – albeit for different reasons. Popular culture annoys me.
Stereotypes do suck and I’m yet to find somebody who fully embraces them! The name calling hurts but it just makes me realise that people are stupid!
People would prefer to listen what the idiot box tells them about certain people and communities than find out for themselves, they might realise that their deep rooted idiotic hatred is wrong and that would mean they were wrong and most of the people with those hatreds don’t like to be proven wrong!
The whole psychology of TV fascinates me. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about it and reading about it. It’s as if people look at things on TV and assume what they’re looking at is reality, when it’s actually an artificial representation of reality – and people know it is. The contradiction within that singular concept is so contrasted and weird. Like, you watch a news report covering a military bombing campaign of some middle-eastern country, but the reality of it is at once extreme and very distant. Same with watching a fictional movie. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.
You can not take anything you watch on television as none biased, it always is. Whether it is to the companies directors or its sponsors or whether it is to those who make the shows for it. Television constantly contradicts itself, one station could call something an atrocity whilst another praises it. You’ve got to research and look at things from all angles then make your own decision. The reason we have stereotypes, particularly in advertising, is it saves time explain a character/giving them a back story as the stereotype will cut down on any need to deviate from the story that is being told
No, actually, I don’t think they play Will and Grace. I think they play Queer Eye and some of those spin-offs. It’s much, much worse – they show Ru Paul’s Drag Race all the time. And some other drag shows. Um, I think they play mostly “reality” shows with effeminate gay characters. The programming on that channel is terrible. It just reinforces all the stereotypes.
They don’t ply Will and Grace? That’s surprising! I’m not surprised about the reality shows, there are way too many ‘reality’ shows on tv! they are blatantly more scripted than most movies. On that note thanks America for the crappy ‘scripted reality’ shows like the hills, they have infected the tv across the pond as well! That is why you now have to suffer Piers Morgan, it’s revenge!
Also what the heck is Ru Pauls Drag Race? I know who Ru Paul is, sort of, but that’s managed to pass me by, thankfully I think.
Nope, no Will and Grace. I know, it is very surprising! Although, I haven’t really channel surfed in a while, they might have it on now, but I doubt it. They love the reality shows. You’re absolutely right about reality shows. There are way too many and they are so scripted. I don’t know how people watch all that crap. haha, Piers Morgan. He’s our revenge? Actually, I’d rather have a zillion Piers Morgan shows than reality ones. Only slightly less annoying.
Hm, Ru Paul has some kind of drag queen ‘school’ or something. He takes straight guys and women and has his drag queen friends dress them up in drag costumes and ridiculous make up. Then the contestants have to walk down this runway in their outfits and lip-sync to songs like “We Are Family”, whilst being judged by Ru Paul and a couple other ‘slebs’ for how well they look and performed. Basically, that’s it.
It just doesn’t focus on reality at all. We now have the bachelor over here as well, what the hell is that and why did America create it? You can gladly keep Piers Morgan, you seem to have taken Simon Cowell off our hands as well, so thanks for that. If you’re not careful though we will make sure Louis Spence becomes a star over there, that will be our ultimate vengeance!
Thats a tv show? It sounds kind of crappy, and a little bit offensive! It also seems to have no point to it!
No, reality should be in quotation marks. Oh god, I hate the bachelor. We also have the bachelorette. All of them are crap. I hate big brother too. I don’t know why America creates any of the things they do. Ugh, Simon Cowell, you can have him back, thanks. lol I have no idea who Louis Spence is. Do I wanna know?
Yes, it is most definitely a TV show, and it is crappy with no point to it. It’s offensive too, yeah. In fact, I think a lot of the shows on that channel are a bit offensive, and it’s kind of a slap in the face to the LGBT community. I wonder if it’s actually run by gay people. Probably not.
Don’t worry big brother isn’t Americas fault, blame the Dutch damn Dutch! We didn’t create any crappy reality shows, American Idol and X-Factor were not our fault I swear! No its alright you can keep Cowell, fancy taking a few others as well? You do not want to know who or what Louis Spence is, he is all that I hate about gay stereotypes on tv!
It sounds like a horrific station! I’m glad we don’t get it, why do gay people need their own station? I’ve been able to make my own decisions about what I watch for entertainment thanks without crappy stereotypes being rammed down my throat, as well as not being told that as a gay man I should like this crap!
I’m pretty sure you’re referring to my post. I’m glad there’s people that feel the same way as I do. And I’m so sorry you get abused because of it, especially by family. That must be dreadful. You might feel neglected by them but they can’t change you no matter what they do or say to you. It’s who you are so be proud of it. Stay strong.
As for racism, I don’t give a fuck. It’s so stupid. Everyone’s a human being and deserves to be treated like one.
haha, oh, those damn Dutch. American Idol is another one! How could I forget the mother of all reality shows?! No, sorry, Cowell is about all we can handle right now. And you can definitely keep Louis Spence! I couldn’t help myself – I was curious and watched a youtube video of him prancing around like a fairy… in a cat suit… and then a construction worker’s helmet. I can see why you don’t like him. Every. single. stereotype. in. one. man. I’m sure we have our own Louis Spence’s to make up for it, though.
I don’t know why gay people need their own station. I guess because every other station is considered to be “straight”? I’m not sure. It would be fine if they actually had some good programmes. Alas, they do not. You’re right, you shouldn’t have to be told that you should watch and like this station that’s supposed to be directed towards you, and what they think you like. Everyone is different. They’re just keeping with the stereotype and assuming. Rather disappointing and sad. We also have a BET station directed towards black people. Do you have a British version of that?
I’m obsessed with British accents.
Just had to add that xD
@Kalisue I’ve not spoken to my family in years now cause of it, their loss I can not control or choose my sexuality so meh fuck them. The worst of the racism came from family as well, I’m part German and part Kenyan and pretty much both sides used to abuse me and my brother (but in the form of good natured family ribbing!)
@TheGoodGirl please take Louis Spence, you can have him free of charge! Apparently Oprah loves him and gave him a show on her channel so you may be getting him real soon-enjoy! I don’t know why any types of people have a specific station, especially when it’s just filled with stereotypical and down right offensive shows! Yes we have BET it’s as crap and pointless here as I presume it is there
@Kalisue which type of accent? We have a huge variety of accents from different places. Or do you mean the generic posho/Londoner accent? Sort of like Russell Brands
Yes, you’re right, it IS their loss. They’re refusing to accept you because of something you can’t control and they just don’t understand that or maybe they do want to understand. But you seem to have the right attitude about it and I admire that.
And I guess I’m talking about the more Londoner accents. I’m not sure, I just love it!
don’t want to understand**
That’s the worst thing about it though, the fact that I can’t control it but they believe I can. It’s just infuriating, I’ve tried to make contact with them/make peace but the flatly refuse so I tried and the balls in their court do to speak. And the generic accent it is then, I definitely don’t speak like that
it’s pointless to blame TV for human beings shortcomings
* human nature
@truthbetold whilst that is true things like television and movies do not help with things. Stereotypes are some of the most disastrous traits in society and TV upholds them! If the media did away with all the stereotypes then there would be less hatred in the world
I do agree .. but who’s behind the media ?
People in suits and advertisers mainly. People so far removed from the normality it certain groups that they tend to rely on stereotyping
Hopefully one day they’ll realize that. You tried, you did your part. It’s them, not you. So please, don’t blame yourself for their behavior.
I’m not holding my breath for them to realise it, there’s very little chance in that happening. But oh well maybe soon they will realise that they missed out
people .. the problem is human beings
TV, money (those supposedly evil tools) could be used in favor of a less chaotic world .. people could make the choice not to keep polluting their minds with TV gibberish (the news, reality TV), go out and actually interact with those they’re apprehensive of
people could choose to invest their energy in improving this world, if they truly were that concerned with it .. but there are two things called FEAR and EGO, and we’re all slaves to it (to varying degrees)
*with TV nonsense, those groups
I completely agree, people need to take what they see on a screen with a pinch of salt. They should realise what is happening on the screen could not be further from the truth! Also people dong like it when their fears and disproven, that would mean they were wrong and fearful for no reason and most of the people who hold these hatereds don’t enjoy being proven wrong
good point .. all these realisations have fed my disgust for this world
I have less and less interest in staying in a place where people are dying at the hands of hatred, ignorance etc .. I no longer care about my purpose nor about some God “having a plan” for me