It’s no secret the NY Post ain’t the most gay-friendly paper. In addition to their illustrated send-ups (see above), the Rupert Murdoch owned paper frequently refers to gay folk as “flamboyant” or, most recently, “toe-tappers”.
How can a New York-based paper perpetuate such stereotypes? We live in one of the greatest, gayest cities in the world. Surely there must be some reason behind their backward, archaic attitudes.
In an attempt to get to the bottom of this journalistic mystery, Portfolio‘s media maven Jeff Bercovici did a little digging.
And he doesn’t like what he found.
While most newsrooms pride themselves on a diverse staff, Bercovici says, The Post seems to pride itself on exclusion. If not in theory, than definitely in practice. Of the few gays at the paper, none work in the news room. It’s not because the paper refuses to hire fagalas, but a general air of heterosexism.
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.
The consensus among the Posties I spoke with is that the paper doesn’t discriminate in its hiring. Rather, the paucity of gay employees results from the Post’s stridently anti-P.C. editorial tone and frathouse office atmosphere. “It’s not a culturally welcoming environment,” says the ex-editor. “It’s a locker-room environment — raucous, sexist, quite misogynist.”
Some of it flows from editor in chief Col Allan, whom the ex-editor describes as an equal-opportunity offender: “He makes everyone feel uncomfortable. Any weakness or perceived difference he dumps on. He’s the kind of guy who can make racist and sexist jokes and get away with it.”
Sounds like a real mensch.
Allan and his ilk strive for right-wing, in-your-face content, but can’t maintain status quo with a bunch of queers running around. They may not discriminate, but they’re certainly not keen to regulate. Writes Bercovici:
Of course, for Col Allan and his band of “pirates,” offending right-thinking people is in the mission statement. But to the extent that their ability to keep on offending people without interference from within depends on preserving an environment where gays feel unwanted, they’re guilty of something a whole lot more sinister than journalistic malpractice.
Malpractice? Try abortion.
DavidDust
I have been outraged several times by Sean Delonas’ “gay” political cartoons in the New York Post. As shown above, he usually finds a way to include a sheep in most of his work (you know, ’cause all us fags like fucking sheep). Horrible.
Dawster
can someone please do a political cartoon with Rupert Murdoch in a bomb as a turban… or something similar?/ please??
John C
“an equal-opportunity offender”
Okay, so how many times has he offended Christian fundamentalists in his newspaper?
*crickets*
Jon
People need to lighten up. This country has gone WAY too far with the political correctness. If you don’t like the Post then don’t buy it or subscribe to it. If you work for the Post and don’t want to be offended then get a thicker skin or find another job.
Paul Raposo
I love guys like Jon. He is upset at our indignation with the Post and shows his indignation while berating ours.
He doesn’t like the fact that we think the Post should change and demonstrates his displeasure by telling us to change.
Lastly, he clearly does not see the irony in the fact that his position and that of the Post are the new PC. Speaking out against the Post is the new un-PC.