Least that is the saying, but you know, the more I read the news, watch the idiot box news, I wonder, why are we silent? Why do we hide behind our lack of wanting to make waves, or to draw attention? I suppose that in some ways it is self preservation. I mean we don’t want to draw attention to the simple fact, we are gay.
So it was interesting and pleasing to note that GLADD is out there, to sort of help in that area. Reading their list of media transgressors however, kind of made me wonder. Why shouldn’t we also bitch? Now I don’t mean me or the wife, but I mean all of us? Are we so conditioned by the rampant fear of intolerance, that we cower when it comes to standing up for ourselves? Like the religious right have no problem issuing decrees of who to boycott, who to yell at, and I wonder, why aren’t we doing that as well?
It gets me that the media is held under scrutiny for showing naked boobies, but hey, if they gay bash not a problem. Still that is the principle of free speech, but as GLADD points out, it should be balanced. Something the media in the states today most certainly isn’t.
In releasing the list GLAAD’s President Neil G. Giuliano said the organization is putting the media on notice to stop all anti-gay rhetoric that he said has fed a climate of hatred and prejudice against LGBT Americans. (story)
However, I think part of the blame really rests with us. I mean how often have we seen something on air, or in print, and simply ignored it? Isn’t it time we, the people, actually spoke out? I mean how else do we get the message out there, that we are human beings, entitlted to the same rights, same protection as any other person? If we keep hiding in our closets, aren’t we giving them a free shot at us?
I don’t like the media, I find them snobs, liars, and pompous buffoons, but they do have an effect on people’s values, thoughts, and responses. If all mainstream people see is idiots like Rev Phelps, then they are going to be more tempted to buy into the racism, the bigotry than not. Is it up to groups like GLADD to do it for us? Or is it not our own obligation?
Isn’t it time we stood up for ourselves?
If some nameless group does all the bitching, people won’t respond if they can’t put a real face to the issue. Least that is how I see it. So I know for me, its time to start finding where to comment on news articles online, time to hit the mainstream media with reality. To not give in to the fear these religious fanatics attempt to foster and push. I am not evil, nor are my gay friends. So what should be frightened of? The Pope going to come excommunicate me? I ain’t Catholic, so? What can he do?
Did you know that CNN has lots of comment links? As do most online news media outlets? So why not? I mean why not start our own revolution instead of cowering? Maybe, just maybe it can make a difference, and you know. I have a hunch, it will make us feel better too. Least we can look in the mirror and say:
I Have Tried.
