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10/26/2007
Video: 'The (slightly myopic) View'
::sigh:: We miss Rosie. This from yesterday's "The View":
Alright, so mostly they are just not as informed on the Obama/McClurkin situation. For it's not that he merely that he identifies as an "ex-gay" or that he says it's a "choice" that is causing controversy. It's instead that for the past few years, he has identified as quite the anti-gay. So shame on the gabby gals for not learning more facts before delving into this arena.
But beyond lack of research as to what McClurkin has actually done, there are two matters for discussion that we see in the vid:
(1) Is Whoopi saying she agrees that being gay is a "choice," or merely that she agrees people should be free to their privacy in terms of their personal life.
(2) Is Sherri seriously using words like "struggle" to talk about homosexuality, and likening that particular characteristic to things like promiscuity?
Now, we're going to give Whoopster the benefit of the doubt because (a) she's always been good on gay rights, and (b) there is room to assume that she was agreeing about one's right to keep their private life private, and not that being gay is a "choice." If her mind is that made up about the ability for one to pick and choose their orientation, then we do take issue with that. But from just this one comment, we can't be sure.
As for Sherri Shepherd, however -- what the hell?!?! We don't "struggle," Sherri. And our "manifestations" are not to be likened to things like promiscuity, which is a concept that exists in both orientations. We are human beings, not a set of trauma-induced traits! So how about instead of just accepting whatever anyone tells you in terms of nature vs. nurture, you look at some research, the evidence around you, and proceed to form your own "view" about the gay men and women who populate your world! Casual acceptance of the idea that "ex-gay" and "gay" claims hold equal merit is what that movement relies on.
You, Sherri, would surely view a claim that you are choosing not to "struggle" with heterosexuality with a (rightfully) skeptical eye. You owe it to your gay brothers and sisters to extend the same courtesy.
'The View' on the McCLurkin situation [YouTube]
Your thoughts
"If her mind is that made up about the ability for one to pick and choose their orientation, then we do take issue with that"
As a gay man I have asked myself many times is it a choice - I feel I have always been gay but I do think choice play a minor part in that discovery.
Even if it was in fact a choice - so what? People are allowed to choose their religion and they are protected by our government for that choice why should the choice of picking ones orientation be treated any differently?
Posted by: Alonzo | Oct 26, 2007 2:40:09 PM
Well, personally, I 100% think calling it a "choice" is absurd. Even if the factors are not fully bio-genetic -- an idea I am open to -- the whole idea of it being an active "choice" just doesn't jibe with so much that I know to be true. From the shared gay characteristics that realistically exist to my own personal experience to the fact that so many us lived our gay lives in the face of considerable odds and dangers -- the idea that we have made a conscience decision just seems wrong.
That being said, I do respect that some do think "choice" is a possibility. I just think that if you hold that as a possibility, you have to also be open to the biological underpinnings as well. Because while it is possible that there are many factors at play, there is so much evidence pointing to it being at least partially bio-genetic in root. So that's all I was really saying: I would have a problem if Whoopi's mind was 100% made up that it is undoubtedly a "choice."
Now, that may sound hypocritical for me to demand that the "choice" crowd at least consider the inborn possibility, since I am clearly hostile towards the "choice" idea. But I disagree. After all, there is virtually no debate that heterosexuals were "born that way." No matter how much you oppose gay rights, it is short-sighted to think that homosexuals were molded in shaped in ways so disparate from straights. It would seem to me that there is far more of a burden of proof on the pro-"choice" crowd.
Posted by: G-A-Y | Oct 26, 2007 2:57:36 PM
whoopi has openly expressed, both on The View and in person (she was a keynote speaker here at the university of pennsylvania a few weeks ago) that she believes being gay/straight/bi/asexual is not a choice, and that one is born into a certain homosexuality.
so there you go.
-aj
Posted by: aj | Oct 27, 2007 1:03:36 PM
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