TV's Greatest Threat to Children?
This past week has seen two more incidents that underscore the unequal standards that are applied to LGBT characters on television. To help us feel less alone here in the United States, we have a story from Texas and a story from London.
In Great Britain, Prime Minister Cameron has commissioned a study (encouraged by some of his more conservative cabinet members) on the impact of adult content on television. The focus is on programming that falls before the “watershed” (9:00 pm, roughly similar to our prime time family hour cutoff). Initial reports indicate that this study will include any displays of affection between LGBT characters as adult content; the specific example is a kiss from a 1994 British series that caused a great sensation when it aired. It’s hard to believe that the British government would use a 17-year-old example to set policy, and impossible to accept the potential double-standard in simple affection. A kiss, after all, is just a kiss. Cameron will not comment until the study is formally published, but the LGBT community in the United Kingdom is paying close attention.
Closer to home (and yet so far away), a Texas Fox affiliate aired a “news” piece about the recent anti-bullying episode of Glee. The anchor referred to the gay couples as “product placement” for the LGBT community and then hosted a ridiculous point-counterpoint between local gay activist Dan Hill and the nefarious Bryan Fischer of the American Family Association. Fischer trotted out all the usual lies and distortions, including outdated statistics and misleading portions of studies, to rail against “corrupting children” with the “gay lifestyle.” Fortunately, Hill was calm and funny as he debunked Fischer at every turn. A highlight:
Look, I don’t care you hard you try to revive 1954, she ain’t comin’ back!
That test pattern looks a bit too out and proud...
While it’s great that such a well-spoken individual was able to represent the LGBT community, the whole premise of the segment was deeply flawed. Why should it even matterthat there are gay characters on the show?
As we’ve emphasized before on this blog, gay rights are human rights. Applying a double-standard to the behavior of a character or a couple based on sexual orientation is not acceptable. Viewers who aren’t interested in the full, rich spectrum of humanity can change the channel. Our lives are not lifestyles, and we will not be relegated to cable specialty channels and after-midnight viewing.
Social Justice For All 
Very well written. Thank you.
Glad you liked it, Jess. The two things happening at once really inspired me.
nothing makes me roll my eyes like the phrase “gay lifestyle.” i loved it when blaine and kurt kissed on glee–i actually giggled. my older daughter said, “it’s about time.” and my little one yelled, “get a room!” i don’t think she knows what that means, exactly, though. when it comes to my girls and tv i’m more concerned about the scenes that show naked teenage children rolling around in bed together. that’s pretty obvious what’s going on and any sex–gay or straight–isn’t appropriate for children to watch…but kissing? who cares. this was a very well put post 🙂
Jenny, I’m so glad you are a parent! I’m glad you liked Robert’s post. I know both Robert and I get quite tired of the double standard regarding displays of affection. I’m glad we have heterosexual allies like you.