Good As You

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06/09/2005

Those who exploit the term "pro-family" are currently waging a minor campaign against the cable special "Inside TV Land:Tickled Pink," which is airing on the network throughout the month of June. For those who have not had the pleasure of seeing the show, "Tickled Pink" is basically one of those "show a clip, have various personalities comment on the clip" type of programs that are common Viacom staples, thanks to the success of "I Love the [various decade]'s" and "Best Week Ever." The program is totally benign, apolitical, agenda-less programming in which gay and gay-friendly personalities draw upon their own experiences to comment on classic television. A fun, seemingly controversy-free hour of cable television.

Enter the American Family Association, whose media reseracher Ed Vitagliano (pic.) tells Agape Press:

"Even in TV shows that have nothing to do with homosexuality, apparently gays and lesbians have often latched onto any hint of a close relationship or spiritual intimacy between characters of the same sex and have read a homosexual subtext into it, desperate to find something -- anything -- that will give them a sense of normalcy." Or, in other cases, he adds, indications are that homosexuals often view shows about characters with supernatural powers and hidden abilities, such as "Bewitched" and "I Dream of Jeannie," and see characters who must keep secrets or lead hidden lives as somehow paralleling the "closeted" homosexual existence."

You caught us Eddie; gay people long to find fictional characters with whom they can identify. We, like our heterosexual counterparts, want to see a representation of our own struggles and successes play out in our pop-culture. You've got our number, big guy; so what's your assessment?

"I watched the show with a deep sense of sadness. It made me realize all the more how much Christians need to reach out to gays and lesbians, who are often extremely lonely people." Not that homosexuals are to be pitied, he adds, "any more than we are all to be pitied by God." But although many homosexuals may feel they are lacking intimacy and a sense of connection with people of their same sex, the AFA spokesman says, "What they really need is a relationship with Jesus."

How an undying affection for Maude, Rhoda, or Rose Nylund indicates a lack of affection for Jesus is beyond us, but of course the "pro-family" crew know us better than we know ourselves. They attack every aspect of our lives as "sad," "dangerous," and "lonely" as they attempt to eliminate us from the American landscape. When we call them out on these attempts, they call us "militant." It is their cleverly designed plan of attack, and unfortunately it has proven quite successful.

We have grown quite tired of this strategy, especially now that it has crossed into the territory of the "The Golden Girls." Mess with our marriage rights and we get feisty, but mess with our "grand dames of Miami" and one's likely to get slapped. As you guys continue down this path of unapologetic anti-gay hate, attacking any company, network, or media outlet that doesn't buy into this sentiment, the American public is slowly realizing the true nature of your actions.

So call us militant, call us angry, call us evil, call us immoral. Every aspect of our lives are being attacked by you guys, and you best believe we're gonna fight for our right to stay on the Fall schedule.

TV Land's 'Happy Face' On Homosexuality Masks Tragic Lifestyle [Agape Press]

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