We live in a new era, readers. The once-ubiquitous inquiry “But is it art” has been replaced by “But is it homophobic?”
Earlier this month we sampled some Sarah Silverman clips in which she takes some jabs at the gays. We had a huge homo laugh, but others weren’t even chuckling. Does sucking dick you can’t have a sense of humor? Apparently.
Next magazine editor Justin Ocean told us he and his staff are getting flack for their recent Larry Craig-inspired cover. Yeah, we’re getting tired of Craig punchlines, but we appreciate Ocean’s intent: a far better use of “toe-tapper” than Page Six, that’s for sure. Still, some people didn’t get it and accused Ocean of perpetuating homophobic stereotypes.
Meanwhile, the kids over at Room 8, a New York politics blog, are taking aim at Time Out New York for asking this question:
Some West Village residents are angry that Community Board 2 approved last Saturday’s leather street fest without asking the neighbors first. Does the executive committee’s decision reveal an unfair bias?
a. Yes. The chair is openly gay, and this is clear favoritism.
b. No. Only a Village idiot would think something is awry.
Room 8 calls this blatant homophobia”. Um, really, because we see no hate or even fear. It’s an unimaginative question – period.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Yeah, we’ve raised an uproar here and there, but we’re also willing to look at things in context. Silverman’s jokes are so over-the-top, only an idiot could think she’s serious. Page Six may pretend like they’re not taking jabs, but their history proves otherwise. There’s a thin-line when it comes to homophobia, but sometimes what may seem hateful’s really just dumb.
Dawster
I’m confused. mainly because i live in a society with other people around me, some are like me and some are different. whereas i would love to walk around in public, masturbating and eating pizza, it’s not only rude to others, i can’t really afford the carbs.
those different from me want something different, a nice quiet life without too much interference with their day-to-day life. If i lived in ANY neighborhood where ANY street fest was to be present… i would want to be asked, or at least consulted. to not do so is a bit rude and arrogant. people getting upset over a street fest is hardly homophobic. they have a right to get upset and to be protective… it’s their HOME.
Sarah Silverman is over-the-top, i think tragically so, but certainly not homophobic.
as for NEXT’s cover… it’s kinda hot.
WWH
Dawster: his name is Frank and he’s a bartender at X/ES here in NYC. He was voted best bartender at city gay bars last year and this is his second time on the cover. He pours a generous Makers on the rocks, that’s for sure.
ggreen
Homophobic and sorta homophobic jokes, comments and observations are always hysterically funny until they are about you personally, then it’s a different story.
lovah14
People need to lighten up and realize that its all in good humor. If it crosses a line for you turn off the tv or put down the magazine. I dont go around protesting NRA conferences because you have to learn people have their own agendas. Granted you might not agree with it, but it’s a free country and hell I wanna laugh.
hisurfer
OK guys, never trust any article that quotes vague sources or that are written in the passive voice. “Some residents are angry,” “Some people didn’t get it,” “Some people accused Ocean of … ” – none of these statements carry any weight. They certainly aren’t hard hitting enough to draw any conclusions from them.
After all, some people think the tiny men in their televisions are talking to them. Without context these could be the same “some people” as the above “some people.”
Paul Raposo
Isn’t NEXT a gay publication? Can a gay mag really be homophobic, or anti-gay?
As far as funny, humour is subjective and considering how LGBTQ’s have been the butt of countless jokes and continue to be so today, I can understand if people get their backs up at something they perceive as anti-gay.
I personally get a bit stiff when a straight comedian starts going into a gay bit. If the jokes are actually funny and include gay people as part of the joke, rather than the punch line, it doesn’t bother me–Kathy Griffin, Brent Butt, Chris Rock, or Jimmy Carr for example.
But the comedian who kept using the phrase, “that’s so gay,” a few years ago during his stand up routine, got heckled by me. What’s sad is he did a lousy job of defending himself and resorted to, “Shut up!” He had nothing funny to say and seemed to believe calling everything gay and swearing was humour.
As far as that cover, Craig has stated he’s not gay, so I really don’t understand why people keep aligning his stall antics with homosexuality.
Gregg
The best humor offends at least some people.
malach.hamovess
in order to be affective, anti-gay humor must offend at least one other group besides gays: jews, republicans, sexual predators, ad execs,.
fast_hugs
Sarah Silverman takes equal potshots at all minorities, including her own.
Plus, she’s funny.
Gays should be more offended by the humor of Ant and Bruce Vilanch than the actually FUNNY work that Silverman thinks up.
Mr. B
God. Has nobody ever heard of irony?
I think Sarah Silverman’s routine is kind of trite at this point, as she seems to be something of a one-trick pony. But seriously, why are folks being so literal? Someone aptly mentioned in the last go-around regarding Silverman that Stephen Colbert is always joking about how gays are a threat and all the righteous liberals, but Silverman throws out a slur and she’s a horrible person. If Colbert hadn’t come in on Jon Stewart’s coattails so everyone knew what he was all about, would people be bothered by him too?
Dawster
Thanks WWH! i will definitely have to make a note of that next time i’m in town.
thatguyfromboston
All humor is rooted in pain. it’s part of the way we come to terms with the tragic, hurtful and brutal world we live in. Embrace humor as a gift.
RyRy
I might gain flack, but isn’t humor always deprecating? What Time Out New York asked was just a stupid question, so why is it considered insensitive? Some gay guys, or maybe a lot (just not me), like leather functions. Why is simply pointing this out considered homophobic? And not just homophobic, but blatant?
Maybe the far right has really just a segment of our population just astoundingly pissed; not the kind of pissed off that goes away after sixty minutes, but a loathesome kind of pissy.
daniel11211
GO NEXT MAGAZINE
JUSTIN AND BENJI ARE HOT!!
Brandon85
As noted, there is often a connection between humor and bad experiences, in fact a thin line. And while humor can be the result of overcoming, the opposite sequence can happen as well – first, you’re laughing at something, then you’re annoyed by it, and finally, disdainful of it.
The Ghost of Quinton Crisp
How do you make an old queen scream twice?
First, you fuck him in the ass. Then you wipe your dick on his drapes.
Think that’s funny? Maybe. Unless they’re vintage fiberglass drapes. Who’s laughing now, studmuffin?