SubscribeSplit reax to GLAAD's controversial award
What to think about the hubbub over GLAAD giving an anti-discrimination award to a TV show ("As the World Turns") that openly discriminates? (Read my hyper-rant HERE.)
I asked some other journos to pipe in. One disagrees with me (AfterElton.com editor Michael Jensen), one agrees (Nelson Branco, TVGuide.ca). First, let's hear from Jensen.
MICHAEL JENSEN (EDITOR, AFTERELTON.COM) — My take has always been that the show should treat all the characters the same way and that includes kissing. But I won't throw the baby out with the bath water when the show is doing so many other things right with Luke and Noah.
Luke and Noah frequently hold hands, put arms around each other, verbally express their affection and commitment to each other, have nearly kissed numerous times, and (they've) shown a level of intimacy that is seen on darn few other programs. There certainly aren't any other soap operas to honor this year. Hell, there are entire primetime network lineups that have no gay characters at all. So I just don't think it's the right thing to horsewhip "ATWT" for not letting Luke and Noah kiss. Again — should they be kissing? Absofrickinglutely, something I say every time I write about the issue. But they are supported by their families, not stereotypically gay (which wouldn't necessarily be a problem either), confident in their sexuality, tough enough to defend themselves and a whole host of other positive attributes.
I truly fear that all this is going to get accomplished is get Nuke dropped and scare off of every other soap from ever doing a gay character. Anyway, just my opinion. (READ MORE)
CLICK HERE to Read Nelson Branco's Reax to the Controversial GLAAD Award!
NELSON BRANCO (THE SUDS REPORT, TVGUIDE.CA) — I concur with Tom O'Neil that bestowing an award to "As the World Turns" for anti-discrimination is sickening. This is a show that blatantly discriminates against their gay couple — in the year 2008 — to appease their homophobic audience when, in actuality, the majority of viewers have fallen in love with Nuke and want more man-on-man action! Instead, "ATWT" further pours salt on our wounds by marrying off their gay character, Noah, to some Iraqi chick so they can avoid any intimate moments between Nuke.
Is that what they think of the sanctity of marriage? What's next? Will they throw their black cast at the back of the bus to appease the racists who watch the show?
P&G's cowardly excuse that they're trying to be sensitive to everyone who watches the show doesn't fly with me. While TV Guide Canada honored its actors Van Hansis (Luke) and Jake Silbermann (Noah) with a 2008 Soap Opera Spirit Award as Outstanding Performance by a Duo, I don't think it's appropriate for GLAAD to reward "ATWT" for this passive-aggressive, and lazy storytelling. It's suspect that ATWT wants all the kudos — and increased ratings — without taking any risk. As a gay man, tuning into "ATWT" on a daily basis is oppressive because it constantly reminds me that the world thinks there is something wrong with being gay — and that's not only insulting, but it's also not fun nor entertaining.
Moreover, "ATWT" doesn't earn points just because they boast a romantic gay storyline. Newsflash: This is neither risky nor groundbreaking — "All My Children's" lesbian lovers, Bianca and Lena, were at one time daytime's most popular couple until the stars departed the soap. I'm shocked that GLAAD is endorsing this storyline, especially after their tireless efforts during the "Grey's Anatomy"-Isaiah Washington scandal. They should be screaming bloody murder; I am.
Read more or Nelson's reax, CLICK HERE
