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Tracy Morgan's homophobic rant in Nashville
- Thread starter pantlesspenguin
- Start date
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Bob Maxey
Android Expert
True enough. We must protect unpopular speech or our founding documents mean very little to nothing.
Comics have always been allowed to say unpopular things and express ideas not allowed in other venues. Can you imagine what would happen if the president of some well known corporation expressed his cranky and definately non-pc attitudes about gay people?
Just ignore TM.
But watch TMZ, I'll add.
but i bet you wouldn't have started a thread about it.
pantlesspenguin
Android Enthusiast
In all honesty? No, I probably wouldn't have. But, I still find it disgusting. Is this the same guy that had his own tv show awhile back? If so, I wonder how publicized his words would be if he had said it when his show was on the air.
As I've stated, I just hate violence. Unfortunately, I've seen more violence toward my friends just because of their sexual orientation than I wish to. In the school year of 2004-2005 three of my friends were the victims of "gay bashings." A guy friend got a glass bottle thrown at him from a car as he was walking back to campus. It hit his chin and he has a scar from it. A girl friend was punched in the back of her head by some dude because he saw her talking to his girlfriend while in line at the bar. This girl was 5'2" and maybe about 120 lbs. The guy was a lot bigger, and he PUNCHED HER when her back was turned. One night a group of us were at a karaoke bar. A guy friend went to the bathroom and was attacked by 3 guys. This guy was straight, but the tiniest guy in our group which was most likely why he was targeted. He's one of the sweetest guys I've ever had the pleasure of knowing, and he was taken out of there a bloody mess. That image will never leave me. This all happened in a small-ish Midwestern college town. I spent the rest of my time there scared out of my wits.
I've also had friends who have had varying degrees of acceptance from their parents. I've been VERY fortunate, but one of my exes was disowned when she was 17. When she was 23 she showed up to her brother's wedding (he wanted her there) but her parents humilated her in front of everyone there, instead of keeping that day about family, friends, and love.
So, Tracy's words about his son stung a bit when I read about what he said. It affected me on a personal level, and not just because I happen to be gay.
pantlesspenguin
Android Enthusiast
I am a person, who happens to be gay. It could have very well been me talking to someone's girlfriend at the bar and gotten punched in the head for it. That hurts me on a personal level.
I have a friend who is the son of a politician. If he heard that someone (comedian or not) wanted to kill his father based on his political beliefs, I'm sure he would be very disturbed by it. I would be disturbed by it, as well. It would hurt me on a personal level.
My father is a retired United Methodist pastor from another small, Midwestern town. Toward the end of his time there, he spoke out about his beliefs that the church should be accepting of glbt folk. Of course that was met with some major backlash, and very hateful things were spread about my dad. That was hurtful to me on a personal level.
Do I know Sarah Palin? No. Do I agree with things that she says? No. Do I wish she would be killed because of what she stands for? No.
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Dark Jedi
Guest
But you are taking it personally as you said with the chris titus thing you wouldn't post a thread on it. So really the only difference in the two is the word gay tracy used that got you in the uproar. Now if he would of said if my son grows up and married a white woman I would stab him. You wouldnt have posted this thread.
So beings you are gay and took offense to to a comics gay comments. You felt compelled to voice your dislike for the person. To let everyone know how you feel. Take your personal feeling out of what you are looking at and you will see it as it is a joke that went to far and bombed.
I will make a thread about how mel banc and WB make fun of stutters with porky pig.
Beings I stutter I take offense to it.
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electric monk
Guest
I find it disturbing that certain posters are trying shut down this discussion. I dislike the attempted silencing of another because of their sexuality. I'm straight, and I'd like to discuss this in an atmosphere more open to all viewpoints.
copestag
Android Expert
I havent seen anyone trying to silence anyones viewpoint or shutdown any discussion........... Ive seen several people pointing out hypocrisy........ and the intolerance by gays of free speech
~we dont want special treatment, we just want to be treated better than everyone else~
~we dont want special treatment, we just want to be treated better than everyone else~
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Dark Jedi
Guest
I don't see where anyone is trying to silence anyone because of their sexuality. I hate people who uses their race or sexual preference as a crutch. Oh look at me feel sorry for me. She brought up a good point friend at a bar talking to a girl. Her boyfriend comes back and hits the op girl friend in the head. How is that any different to replace the op friend with a guy and I bet the same thing will happen. You try hitting on another persons man or woman at a bar and there will be an altercation started. I am quite sure her friend was hitting on that woman at the bar. I am quite sure she didn't ask her for the time or where she bought her outfit at. No guy is just going to walk up and hit a woman in the head for no reason. Tell us the whole truth op of what your friend was really doing.
Feel free to discuss whatever you want electric monk.
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electric monk
Guest
Yes, yes. Gay people and their motives are always suspect. I get it, guys.
And its pathetic.
And its pathetic.
Vihzel
Destroying Balls Everyday
I don't tolerate hate speech, whether it's towards blacks, LGBT, whites, asians, religious groups, etc.
And from what I've seen, it doesn't look like fellow comedians believe that Tracy was just joking around and found those "jokes" funny. Chris Rock (self explanatory) doesn't even support his rant.
copestag
Android Expert
and thats where we differ......... although I dont agree with his opinion on the matter......
I support and tolerate his right in every aspect to say it as much as he wants......... if you dont support that right then you should consider a move to a country that doesnt allow freedom of speech
so if we assume that he wasnt joking and he was preaching then because he doesnt agree with your lifestyle choice and he feels youre a deviant he must be silenced? he cannot be tolerated?
I thought toleration was your goal?
this is the hypocrisy of it all......equal rights for all except anyone who disagrees with you right?
freedom of speech doesnt just apply to things we like to hear
I support and tolerate his right in every aspect to say it as much as he wants......... if you dont support that right then you should consider a move to a country that doesnt allow freedom of speech
so if we assume that he wasnt joking and he was preaching then because he doesnt agree with your lifestyle choice and he feels youre a deviant he must be silenced? he cannot be tolerated?
I thought toleration was your goal?
this is the hypocrisy of it all......equal rights for all except anyone who disagrees with you right?
freedom of speech doesnt just apply to things we like to hear
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Dark Jedi
Guest
I have to agree.
Why does the gay community have to remind the world we are gay and proud. They dont want to be placed in a stereotyped group but they place themselves in one by calling themselves a community. I really could care less if your gay or of a different color or even from a different country. Just live your life and not try to live others. I have no problem if you want to live with a person of the same sex. That's your choice not mine to make. It affects me in no way. So don't try to take another's right to voice their dislikes of things. You can't have your cake and eat it too? Maybe I should take to the streets and say I am straight and proud of it lol.
pantlesspenguin
Android Enthusiast
Wow. Just wow. I love these attempts to put words in my mouth.
1. Look at my posts in this thread. I believe I specifically stated that the only part of Morgan's rant I had a problem with was the bit about his son. I said he's entitled to his opinion on everything else.
2. My friend who got punched in the head talked to the girl because they were friends from class. This may shock some of you...but most lesbians are perfectly capable of having friendships with straight women without getting in their pants. My friend was very out and very popular around campus, so pretty much everyone knew who she was, and that she was gay. The dude saw Nikki talking to his girl, and ASSUMED she was hitting on her (funny, just like some of you who didn't even see this take place). The dude was an insecure coward.
3. It's almost humorous how much some people assume about me and my motives. Tracy should have made this part of his actual routine (I still pose that the rant stemmed from actual gay jokes in his routine, and then through egging on by the audience that's when the rant started). It's like you're blinded by the fact that I'm a lesbian so much that you're not reading my words clearly. Please point out any hypocrisy you see. I have my big girl panties on and would be willing to admit it if I saw it.
4. I really don't understand the argument is a personal issue for me. I've already said it was and stated the reasons why. I don't understand what the big deal is. Every topic posted is personal to the poster, isn't it?
1. Look at my posts in this thread. I believe I specifically stated that the only part of Morgan's rant I had a problem with was the bit about his son. I said he's entitled to his opinion on everything else.
2. My friend who got punched in the head talked to the girl because they were friends from class. This may shock some of you...but most lesbians are perfectly capable of having friendships with straight women without getting in their pants. My friend was very out and very popular around campus, so pretty much everyone knew who she was, and that she was gay. The dude saw Nikki talking to his girl, and ASSUMED she was hitting on her (funny, just like some of you who didn't even see this take place). The dude was an insecure coward.
3. It's almost humorous how much some people assume about me and my motives. Tracy should have made this part of his actual routine (I still pose that the rant stemmed from actual gay jokes in his routine, and then through egging on by the audience that's when the rant started). It's like you're blinded by the fact that I'm a lesbian so much that you're not reading my words clearly. Please point out any hypocrisy you see. I have my big girl panties on and would be willing to admit it if I saw it.
4. I really don't understand the argument is a personal issue for me. I've already said it was and stated the reasons why. I don't understand what the big deal is. Every topic posted is personal to the poster, isn't it?
Vihzel
Destroying Balls Everyday
I have never ever said that I don't support the right of free speech (you can check my previous posts if you'd like). I do not tolerate hate speech... as in I do not like it. I'm not saying at all that he should be silenced because he said things that I don't agree with and am hurt by at all. I have said numerous times throughout this thread that I will still watch him on 30 Rock because I find his character funny (added: his character works great with the rest of the cast). I'm not sure how the infers to wanting to silence him.
"Free" speech is all relative. Depending on the situation, there will be consequences of what you say. Free speech is different in households, schools, businesses, army, etc.
Side note: Homosexuality is not a lifestyle choice. I never chose this in 6th grade. There are absolutely no studies that affirm that it is a choice. No straight man has ever proven to "convert" to homosexuality. I'm not sexually attracted to women whatsoever... it's just always been like that since I hit puberty. Don't know why. Sexual preference is a field that's still quite unknown to scientists... like cravings for certain things.
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Dark Jedi
Guest
But you chose women over men or is it men over women as I don't know if you are male or female and can't go by peoples avatar. The point is at a certain point in your life you made that choice. Just like I did and everyone else in this world. No one knows what causes us to pick someone of the same sex or opposite sex but we do choose. I will agree it isn't lifestyle as if that was the case same sex adoptions the kid would then turn out like the parents.
I have no problem with homosexual people and had a few friends that was. They are no different than anyone else in this world. When someone calls me gay. I look at them and say why yes i am a lesbian trapped in a man's body. I feel they should have the same rights as everyone and not discriminated against but what Tracy said has not hurt the gay community. He isn't a world leader, or a preacher, or a leader of the kkk that many follows their every word. How many people walked out and said yeah that tracy hit it on the head. If my son tells me he is gay I will do like Tracy said. Heck no most left thinking damn Tracy went overboard and that bombed bad. Then walked on with their lives.
I have no problem with homosexual people and had a few friends that was. They are no different than anyone else in this world. When someone calls me gay. I look at them and say why yes i am a lesbian trapped in a man's body. I feel they should have the same rights as everyone and not discriminated against but what Tracy said has not hurt the gay community. He isn't a world leader, or a preacher, or a leader of the kkk that many follows their every word. How many people walked out and said yeah that tracy hit it on the head. If my son tells me he is gay I will do like Tracy said. Heck no most left thinking damn Tracy went overboard and that bombed bad. Then walked on with their lives.
Vihzel
Destroying Balls Everyday
The Science Of Sexual Orientation - CBS News
Pretty good article.
Also... I went through a very long struggle with the realization that I was gay. I know my own personal history and there is no way that I wanted to choose to be gay, especially knowing that it wasn't accepted in middle school and wanting to just be accepted by my peers. The American Pediatrics Association and the American Psychological Association both agree that it is not simply a "choice". It's far more complex than that... with further studies required.
Pretty good article.
Also... I went through a very long struggle with the realization that I was gay. I know my own personal history and there is no way that I wanted to choose to be gay, especially knowing that it wasn't accepted in middle school and wanting to just be accepted by my peers. The American Pediatrics Association and the American Psychological Association both agree that it is not simply a "choice". It's far more complex than that... with further studies required.
pantlesspenguin
Android Enthusiast
I don't believe it's a "choice" at all, at least where attraction is concerned. You can choose to act on your attractions (regardless of sexual orientation), but I don't think you can choose who you're attracted to. I think it's more of a realization. When I was around 4 years old I developed a crush on Catherine Bach (the original Daisy Duke). I had no idea what the words "lesbian" or "sex" meant. I just knew I liked watching her. When I was around 11 I had a huge crush on an older schoolmate. Again, the words "lesbian" and "sex" weren't on my radar. I just liked watching her at recess and I'd get the warm fuzzies when she'd smile at me in the hall. When I was 13 I had a crush on another classmate. That was around puberty, and that's when my thoughts kind of crossed over to a more intimate nature. When I was 17, after a string of female crushes throughout high school, that's when I realized "holy shit, I'm gay!" I never CHOSE to be attracted to any of those girls. I DID choose what to do about my crushes...and largely that was nothing.
You're absolutely right that Tracy isn't a world leader or preacher, etc. Most likely after a couple of weeks this will all be forgotten. Judging from the audience, though, and the accounts of them cheering Tracy on, I bet a lot did go out of there thinking he was spot on. As I've said before in this thread, his words just hit me on a personal level because I have experience with violence against people simply because they're gay. It brought back memories of my time on that Midwestern college campus where I was concerned about my own safety whenever I ventured out on the town. Luckily I live in a better place now and haven't felt that in a very long time.
Sometimes when there's a story concerning GLBT issues on the internet, I'll take a peek at the comments. That typically doesn't last long, because I find people echoing the sentiments Tracy brought up and a lot worse. I feel like I'm being judged by people who don't even know me. They're entitled to their opinions, but it doesn't make it hurt less. This is the politics and current events board. The thing with Tracy is a current event, and it did hit me on a personal level. That's why I posted this thread.
Phases
NO LONGER ADMIN
I've been asked to look at this thread. I've done so and am pretty okay with it. There are a couple rough edges but for the most part it's exactly what you'd expect to see in this forum.
Members come in here knowing what they are getting into (or sure should, there's a sticky in here addressing it), Members know what they are inviting when they start a new thread in here and post their opinion on the topic.
Yes, we do still expect a level of respect in here. For the most part this thread is.....tolerable... all things considered. There are a couple "words in mouth" and a couple snippy things that are a bit rude but.. for the most part it's what I expect.
I do ask that staff make a minimum presence as far as debating the topic itself goes, though. I don't want our mods getting sucked into "debates" in here as it starts the thread down the slippery slope of conflict of interest. And, of course, deal with downright mean/hateful posts accordingly. As expected here at AF, that will not be allowed.
Members come in here knowing what they are getting into (or sure should, there's a sticky in here addressing it), Members know what they are inviting when they start a new thread in here and post their opinion on the topic.
Yes, we do still expect a level of respect in here. For the most part this thread is.....tolerable... all things considered. There are a couple "words in mouth" and a couple snippy things that are a bit rude but.. for the most part it's what I expect.
I do ask that staff make a minimum presence as far as debating the topic itself goes, though. I don't want our mods getting sucked into "debates" in here as it starts the thread down the slippery slope of conflict of interest. And, of course, deal with downright mean/hateful posts accordingly. As expected here at AF, that will not be allowed.
I realize that is a gray area. Mods will do their best at staying fair and consistent with enforcing this - and if you're not happy with something don't get too bent out of shape - hopefully you came in here and made your posts with a full understanding of how this forum works. PM me if needed.
I am all for LGBT rights and what not, but it seems like they can't take a joke. If this was part of a comedy routine, keep in mind that every comic I've seen makes racist and sexist jokes from time to time, so why should LGBT people get special treatment.
If he was speaking seriously, I would take issue with it then.
If he was speaking seriously, I would take issue with it then.
Vihzel
Destroying Balls Everyday
Tracy Morgan made another response:
“I guess the reason I am successful is because I am so unfiltered. And sometimes as a result I say really stupid shit. The truth is if I had a gay son, I would love him just as much as if he was straight … I might have to try to love even more because I know of the difficulty that he would have in society. Of all the sicknesses, there is probably none more abusive than homophobia. My heart is committed to giving everyone the same rights that I deserve for myself. I don’t care if you love the same sex as long as you have the ability to love someone. Also, you should have the right no matter who you are to protect and serve our country. I am deeply sorry for the comments I made. What I am most sad about is the comments I made about kids and bullying. I would never want any young person to think that I wasn’t on their side and if any young person thinks they can bully a young gay kid, come see me at 30 Rock. On the corner, I would be happy to meet you. Or Brooklyn if you can’t make it into Manhattan. When all of this set in, I realized how hurtful my words were. Not asking anyone to feel sorry for me or pity me, but I definitely don’t want or need people to defend me. In my heart, I know that the words I used are indefensible. I appreciate the love from my friends and fans, but I was wrong. Period. Now, I just gotta think of some funny shit, not some shit that gets me knocked upside my head."
"I know how bad bullying can hurt. I was bullied when I was a kid. I'm sorry for what I said. I didn't mean it. I never want to use my comedy to hurt anyone. My family knew what it was like to feel different. My brother was disabled and I lost my father to AIDS in 1987. My dad wasn't gay, but I also learned about homophobia then because of how people treated people who were sick with that. Parents should support and love their kids no matter what. Gay people deserve the same right to be happy in this country as everyone else. Our laws should support that."
Hopefully this threads ends on that happy note. I can comfortably watch 30 Rock episodes again.
“I guess the reason I am successful is because I am so unfiltered. And sometimes as a result I say really stupid shit. The truth is if I had a gay son, I would love him just as much as if he was straight … I might have to try to love even more because I know of the difficulty that he would have in society. Of all the sicknesses, there is probably none more abusive than homophobia. My heart is committed to giving everyone the same rights that I deserve for myself. I don’t care if you love the same sex as long as you have the ability to love someone. Also, you should have the right no matter who you are to protect and serve our country. I am deeply sorry for the comments I made. What I am most sad about is the comments I made about kids and bullying. I would never want any young person to think that I wasn’t on their side and if any young person thinks they can bully a young gay kid, come see me at 30 Rock. On the corner, I would be happy to meet you. Or Brooklyn if you can’t make it into Manhattan. When all of this set in, I realized how hurtful my words were. Not asking anyone to feel sorry for me or pity me, but I definitely don’t want or need people to defend me. In my heart, I know that the words I used are indefensible. I appreciate the love from my friends and fans, but I was wrong. Period. Now, I just gotta think of some funny shit, not some shit that gets me knocked upside my head."
"I know how bad bullying can hurt. I was bullied when I was a kid. I'm sorry for what I said. I didn't mean it. I never want to use my comedy to hurt anyone. My family knew what it was like to feel different. My brother was disabled and I lost my father to AIDS in 1987. My dad wasn't gay, but I also learned about homophobia then because of how people treated people who were sick with that. Parents should support and love their kids no matter what. Gay people deserve the same right to be happy in this country as everyone else. Our laws should support that."
Hopefully this threads ends on that happy note. I can comfortably watch 30 Rock episodes again.
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