.
Discontent in Gay Hollywood
I just read today that there is discontent in ‘gay Hollywood’ over Bruno. I knew it played to stereotypes, but I did not know to what degree.
Stereotypes About Gay Men
I know that I could see the movie and not make assumptions about all gay men. I realized, after the information today, that it is possible that not all viewers will be that way.
How Will You See It?
I hope that those who see this movie will see it as an over-the-top set of gags based on stereotypes and not as an accurate portrayal of gay people. That seems obvious to me, but I guess for people who don’t actually know (that they know) anyone who is gay, it could be problematic.
Do You Know (that you know) Anyone Who Is Gay?
I guess it all comes back to gay people living as openly as circumstances will allow. (There are people for whom coming out would not be safe or wise given their surroundings.)
You Know (and probably love) Someone Who Is Gay
I do believe that the more people realize that everyone knows (and, probably loves) someone who is gay, there will be more and more acceptance and eventually equal rights for all.
Is Bruno Queerface?
That’s the question asked in these videos. Is Bruno too extreme in its stereotypes? Is it ‘Queerface’ (a new word for the English language, similar to Blackface).
Maybe I Was Wrong
I expected it to be funny, in the way that over-the-top Southern movies are funny. But, I understand that it’s all a matter of perception. I know that over-the-top Southern movies play on stereotypes, but they are not an accurate portrayal of everyday life in the South. People who did not grow up here might not experience the humor from the same perspective.
Laughing With or Laughing At?
Some of the people in the videos expressed a concern about whether the audience will be laughing with gay people or at gay people. Now that my attention has been drawn to this point, I can see this concern.
Will Bruno Mean a Slide Backwards for Equality?
That’s another concern that was voiced in the Queerface videos. Is the stereotyping used in the movie simply funny, or will it reinforce prejudices against gay people?
What do you think?
–
UPDATE: July 14, 2009 More about Bruno:
Brüno, Marvin and Me Bruno Iz Hot Or Not?// <
Great job. I like the way you summed up this issue.
What do I think?
Like you said, I think it’s a matter of perception. And also like you, once I became aware of it, I was able to see the concern that some people in the gay community have.
I also think their concerns go beyond just this movie. And it seems to me, the best way to fight ignorance and unjust stereotypes is through information and education.
I’m gay and although this specific controversy is about a gay character in a movie, I see it as something bigger. To me this is about the importance of appreciating and respecting differences in each other.
Sterling,
Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
I like what you said, too.
Sterling, Thanks for the tweet. (http://twitter.com/skekoa)
The comedy of Bruno is brilliant, while it can be shocking you still cannot help but laugh! Bruno balances wincing with embarrassment!