Aaron Anson: Are Gays Too Sensitive to Jokes?

[William769]

I was appalled when I read excerpts from Vibe's interview with rapper T.I.: he said that the gay community is too sensitive to jokes made at their expense. T.I. starts with a disclaimer, saying that he's OK with any sexual "preference," but goes on to say, "If you're against , you should also have the right to be against it in peace." Most obnoxious was when T.I. condoned Tracy Morgan's venomous diatribe against gays, which took place earlier this year.

His idea is that anti-gay sentiments are acceptable, and that it's ridiculous for the gay community to backlash against this expression of free speech. It's true that the First Amendment protects all kinds of free speech, including anti-gay speech. But the fact that anti-gay speech is legal does not make it any more acceptable. Free speech can allow free ignorance, unfortunately, and the two often go hand-in-hand.

It's clear from his language that T.I. simply does not relate to gays. If we conclude that gays are overly sensitive to these jokes, then clearly the African-American community is overly sensitive about racism. Imagine the backlash if a public figure made a joke about killing a person because they were black. Would this have any comic value at all, or would it simply be tasteless? How would this be any different from Tracy Morgan's remarks that he would stab his son if he were gay?

Hate-based humor, through its message of inferiority, discourages free thought and free expression. It discourages everyone from living their lives openly and honestly. This problem is particularly pronounced in the black community where, more often than not, gays and lesbians won't come out because they feel that their community will outright reject them. I've seen this personally, time and time again, when black gay acquaintances of mine resist friending me on Facebook, for fear that they'll be associated with my openness.

http://www.americansuperstarmag.com/celebrity-news/aaron-anson-are-gays-too-sensitive-to-jokes

[HillWilliam]

1. Let's poke T.I. with a stick one too many times

and then see how "sensitive" he thinks it feels. "My last nerve" ain't just an expression...

[xchrom]

2. +1 -- would any one write this bullshit if it were about race? nt

[uriel1972]

3. Just a piece of harmless fun,

covers a wide variety of crime. The hurt party is expected to 'get over it' because it was 'just a joke' Over a decade of 'just a joke' nearly drove me to suicide. What some people see as funny never ceases to amaze me.

[HillWilliam]

4. +1000000

This bullshit excuse of "it's a joke" has worn thin. Any time a bigot gets called out for being a bigot and an asshole, they always resort to "it's a joke".

Well, this doesn't feel funny to me. Never did. Never will. I have a brain and had a good upbringing.

If someone has to put someone else down in order to feel a little bit better about himself, he ain't much of a man.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

5. i am glad we have good self-esteem as a community

even if we have been battered for years. i am glad we don't find joking at our expense funny, especially when it comes from outsiders.

[Vanje]

6. Rex and Kix!