In this essay the author discusses the distinction made by television and society of the homosexual and heterosexual community. He begins by telling a story of his friend telling him that he is a homosexual. He then begins to tell the reader how he had never really thought about homosexuality and didn’t know how to respond to his friend. He then begins to discuss how queerness is represented in shows such as Will and Grace and Friends. He states that all references made to queerness in these shows is made in a comedic sense. He also states that the Ellen show is the only show that truly represented homosexuality in a real sense. He stated that the ratings for her show plummeted shortly after she announced her homosexuality. I feel this is because viewers watch television for the comedic and entertainment factors. I don’t think it would make a difference if it was a heterosexual couple the ratings would still plummet. Watching people go through a normal day without many events that are out of the ordinary would make for a boring sitcom.
The author also states that people in society are homophobes if they are not comfortable watching people of the same sex kiss. I feel it is because it is not something that you see everyday. Just because someone is not comfortable watching same sex relations does not make them a homophobe. Rachel Kranz defines homophobia as “the irrational fear of homosexuals and … the hatred for gay men … and the view that they are somehow inferior to heterosexuals” (Kranz 155). The author uses this term many times throughout his essay which, I feel, implies that any person not comfortable with same sex relations exudes a hatred for gay men. This I don’t feel is true. I do feel that people are not comfortable with something that is not considered “normal”; this however, does not make them a homophobe. I have gay friends and I am still uncomfortable when I witness same sex relations, does that make me a homophobe?
The author also talks about how gay bars are another example of homophobia. This is a way for homosexuals to socialize and be comfortable. There is no law that states a homosexual can not enter any bar or club and have a good time. These bars were created for comfort. It is a place where most people in attendance are gay or understanding and supportive of homosexuality. If I were shopping for auto parts I would not go to Kroger because I know they will not carry auto parts. I feel the same is true for homosexuals because they know they are in a place with other homosexuals. Even though homosexuality is more accepted now, it is still not very common. It is also not always clear of a person’s sexuality.
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You do a really good job picking out the flaws in the essay. The author, however, is female, so you might want to be careful about things like that in the future.
One of the issues she raises with respect to homophobia is that it's specifically same-sex interactions people find disconcerting. When you say you find queer kissing uncomfortable, do you also find heterosexual kissing uncomfortable? I don't really like watching any PDAs, gay, straight or otherwise.
I also think you make a really good point in noting that the idea that there "has" to be gay bars is a symptom of homophobia. But then again, don't we have sports bars for people who like sports and biker bars for people who like motorcycles and hip-hop clubs for people who prefer that kind of music? How does a gay bar differ from any space set aside for people with similar interests to gather to meet one another?
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