At first glance, I'm kind of offended by this. The two stars of the series "Two and a Half Men" are getting married to start the series' final season. OK, sounds cool.
Except they didn't have a realization and fall in love with each other.
They're straight and getting married so the Ashton Kucher character will have an easier time adopting.
My first thought on this is that it's an insult to the concept of same-sex marriage. I think they're almost going to have to have some kind of twist for it not to be. But hey, I don't watch sit-coms anyway.
https://tv.yahoo.com/news/inside-controversial-tw … 00496.html
@doankyl-- In response to your questions:
* I don't seek to force my ideals on anyone. Conversely, I don't want others to force their ideals on me by enacting laws that don't give me and others equal rights. If they're offended by that, it's their problem to overcome.
* Yes and No, that's what the Catholic Church and other faiths have done for years and still are doing. The Church monetarily contributes to political candidates that toe the Church's line and contributes significant sums to oppose ballot issues that seek LGBT equality. In the fight over the repeal of DOMA, the Church was strident in its favor of keeping the law place. Unlike the Catholic Church I'm not out to force my ideals on any one person or group.
*"oppress the oppressor?"? No. Take a step back and think, there's no comparison. The asymmetrical relationship the Church had with the populace is not what it once was, but it's still a very powerful and formidable institution. The comparison of LGBT community fighting for equality is hardly tantamount to oppression. If the Church does not want to marry gay couples that's fine with me. I just don't want the Church dictating my rights when it comes to civil matters. I'm not going to have anyone burned at the stake if they won't kneel and suck my dick!**
*"To What End?" To when you and I and everyone else has equal rights. Period.
In terms of what people find offensive is subjective. Some people might find Pride Parades offensive (though the San Diego Pride Parade this year seemed to feature more groups supporting sheltered animals than floats of GoGo Boy---Pugs for Pride!), or RuPaul offensive, but they don't have to watch and it's an entertainment that certainly not shoved down their throats. I'm sure the same people that are offended by the former two would find Brokeback Mountain just as objectionable. No matter what form you present your case, there are people that just won't like you. Again, that's their problem.
In terms of diplomacy, it works. Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, in a public "coming out" letter today cited MLK as an inspiration. A CEO, of one of the most wealthiest corporations, is coming out publicly and championing gay rights--that's pretty damn amazing! Cook's letter might be considered soft diplomacy, but his ability to speak freely is the result of people getting up in the faces of those who hold power and demand equal rights.
Here's a partial piece of Tim Cook's letter in Business Week published today:
Throughout my professional life, I’ve tried to maintain a basic level of privacy. I come from humble roots, and I don’t seek to draw attention to myself. Apple is already one of the most closely watched companies in the world, and I like keeping the focus on our products and the incredible things our customers achieve with them.
At the same time, I believe deeply in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, who said: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ ” I often challenge myself with that question, and I’ve come to realize that my desire for personal privacy has been holding me back from doing something more important. That’s what has led me to today.
For years, I’ve been open with many people about my sexual orientation. Plenty of colleagues at Apple know I’m gay, and it doesn’t seem to make a difference in the way they treat me. Of course, I’ve had the good fortune to work at a company that loves creativity and innovation and knows it can only flourish when you embrace people’s differences. Not everyone is so lucky.
While I have never denied my sexuality, I haven’t publicly acknowledged it either, until now. So let me be clear: I’m proud to be gay, and I consider being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me.
Being gay has given me a deeper understanding of what it means to be in the minority and provided a window into the challenges that people in other minority groups deal with every day. It’s made me more empathetic, which has led to a richer life. It’s been tough and uncomfortable at times, but it has given me the confidence to be myself, to follow my own path, and to rise above adversity and bigotry. It’s also given me the skin of a rhinoceros, which comes in handy when you’re the CEO of Apple.
....
Link to full piece here: http://www.businessweek.com/printer/articles/2333 … -speaks-up
**...though it would be an awesome power to have!
I don't need my head for a hat on it.
Nor my finger for a ring on it.
Regardless... "fake marriage" premises have been used in movies and TV shows for years. Do I think it's a good move by "Two and 1/2"? No, I think it's a pandering ploy to increase rates for a dying show. It's just the latest of "flavor of the month" attempts to bolster a series that is dying a slow death. I'm not offended at their doing this from a political or social issue point of view. I'm offended that they are serving up the same tripe that has been used on numerous occasions as an "original idea".
what the catholic church did for thousands of years? Youre going to oppress the oppressor? To what end? I'm not saying just lay down and take it. But there are right ways to do things and their are wrong ways. Most Americans that see homosexuals as a disgusting devient group of people who will do anything to satisfy their "sinful" behavior. What do they base that on? Pride parades that showcase fetishes and hedonistic behaviour, TV shows like "Ru Paul's drag race" and anything else we can't seem to keep to ourselves even when it really isn't anyone else's business.
Why not show them that we are just like them? Find common ground to agree on and bring more people to our side diplomatically? Broke back mountain (though I hated the movie) was a great attempt at that.
Think to MLK I have a dream speech. He told people to stand up for what is right but don't pick fights, or be loud and boisterous etc.
This is of course my opinion and worth little in value but try considering what would happen if we were to change our in their face tactics
I do think you're right that some in our community may come off as too strident. But for the most part the people "offended" by that just want us to remain invisible. Where did that get us for several thousand years?
@doankyl--"If we want to be taken seriously then we need to accept that our equality doesn't have to be agreed with by every individual as long as its allowed" But the point is, it's not allowed. Equality, such as marriage equality, is out of reach for many in the LGBT community, and codified bigotry exists all over the country. Sorry, but I'm not muzzling 'cause the sensitivities of others may be hurt. I plan to continue to be a major pain and "shove it down the throats" until there is equality for all. I don't care if people don't accept me, but I won't stand for those same people to create laws to marginalize the LGBT community and erect barriers to equality. It's not acceptable.
Whatever rights and freedoms you enjoy today are the result of a lot of people working hard and not worrying about the feelings of those who don't accept us. If voicing equality makes people uncomfortable and "turns so many people against us", then I'm going to assume those same people, without someone lighting a fire under their collective ass, would never make the effort to giving rights to others that they enjoy. Like RJ stated, what societies give they can take it away. Being silent is the last thing anyone should do.
@RJ--Love RR--he's brilliant.
On another note
I personally think we are our own worst enemies when it comes to equall rights. To many leaders of the "lgbt" are so worried about their rights that they are shoving it down the throats of everyone else. And that is what turns so many people against us. They feel they are being forced to agree or else. If we want to be taken seriously then we need to accept that our equality doesn't have to be agreed with by every individual as long as its allowed