LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
GLAAD Strikes Back Against Jay and Silent Bob |
by Kristen Foery |
Kevin Smith, maker of movies such as Dogma, Clerks, and Mallrats, has crossed paths with conservatives who took issues with his biting takes on Catholicism. Joining the chorus of critics for his next movie, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, include the liberal-yet-equally-humorless Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), who have criticized the "overwhelmingly homophobic" tone of the movie. GLAAD believes that the film "reinforces [gay men] as objects of acceptable ridicule and dehumanization," and criticizes the character Jay's use of the ever-popular phrase "that's so gay" in which gay is equated to something bad or stupid.
Smith, who made the "every main character is a closet bisexual" film Chasing Amy maintains that if anything, he is vocally pro-gay. Be that as it may, he agreed to GLAAD's requests that he (as well as Miramax films) donate to the Matthew Shepard Foundation and include a disclaimer at the end of the movie stating that the gay jokes contained in the film are not acceptable for serious use. (The disclaimer will not mention GLAAD, nor is GLAAD affiliated with the foundation). Smith has not, however, apologized for the content of the film. Smith says that the movie's characters are satires and should only be taken as such. Fans of the recurring characters will note that both Jay and Silent Bob have found themselves in homoerotic situations. Jay even introduces Silent Bob, played by Smith himself, as his "hetero life mate." Another recurring joke in the series is Jay's latent and uncomfortable homosexualityin Dogma it is revealed that he thinks about men "that way." GLAAD's entertainment media director Scott Seomin responds thusly at the idea of the film as a satire on homophobia: "Satire is easily misinterpreted and misunderstood. The impact on a viewer may not be what the filmmaker intended, and not every person who sees this film will have the sophistication to identify it as satire. The audience members who a) think that Jay and Silent Bob are cool, and b) see Jay and Silent Bob making anti-gay jokes, may think that they can be cool too if they are intolerant and cruel toward gay people. This is not OK, and GLAAD has an obligation to speak out against representations that pose a threat to gay and lesbian people." "[Smith] makes films that stimulate dialogue about cultural issues, and we want to ensure that the dialogue about Jay and Silent Bob includes a discussion of the very real impact of anti-gay slurs on real gay people." Seomin further notes, "GLAAD is steadfast in its belief that this film is dangerous." It is a common phenomenon that those who share views of presented media, be they satire or not, find their beliefs affirmed. However, it seems a stretch that homophobes will take to the streets in bloody retribution upon viewing the film, or that a disclaimer alone will change minds. If anything will challenge narrow-minded viewers, it may be the film's further treatment of Jay's sexuality and the things revealed about it in the course of the movie. The filmmaker was extremely cooperative in dealing with GLAAD, but the incident begs the question of the value that satire has upon its audience. Some members of the gay community find GLAAD's actions tantamount to extortion and resent the organization deeming what is or is not offensive. "It's important to note that at no time has GLAAD asked Kevin Smith or Miramax to change the content of, or drop plans to distribute or promote, Jay and Silent Bob. Nor are [they] launching any organized protests." On his website viewaskew.com Kevin Smith states, "Just because there's a threat that the message of tolerance-through-humor falls on some deaf ears, should I not endeavor to reach ANYONE? No can do. Because if even one person is made more tolerant of that-which-isn't-him-or-her by watching a film I've made, then that means more to me than whatever the box office may wind up being, or whatever any protest group hypothesizes about my motivations." Smith draws parallels between the film and the show All In The Family, noting that creator Norman Lear should not be labeled a bigot simply because some of the viewing audience of the show agreed with Archie Bunker's racism. Smith is deeply upset at the way that some in the media have characterized his interaction with GLAAD as far more embittered than it ever was. He particularly resents the idea that the donation was "hush money." Some of GLAAD's current outcries include objections to ABC's Nightline producing a series entitled "A Matter of Choice? Gay Life in America." They're perhaps most notorious for their criticism of Eminem and firing of Chastity Bono after her statement that the television series Ellen was "too gay." Given that many gay people, particularly youth, listen to and enjoy Eminem and will not pay a bit of attention to the ending credits, one can only wonder at the ultimate impact of the film's "gay bashing bad!" message. With the movie being released this week, moviegoer's reactions can only be speculated upon. Kristen Foery can be reached at Kristen@youth-guard.org and will be watching the film only to see Eliza Dushku in a cat suit. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 11, No. 12, August 24, 2001. |