Spawn of the Devil or New American Love Story?

[Sunstone]

Brokeback Mountain is a film about two Gay American cowboys who fall in love with each other. Do you think this film will have a detrimental or beneficial effect on our society? Will it help to increase tolerance of Gays, and is that a good thing? What do you think?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388795/

 

[Nehustan]

Is it a 'bio-pic' about one of the member of 'the village people'????

I didn't think the concept of America being 'infested with homos' was a new one???​

(Disclaimer: The write of this comment in no way wishes to appear homophobic...just humourous.)​

 

[Buttons*]

Gay propaganda is everywhere, they have TV stations, (logo) movies (Happy, Texas), and such. I dont see why they need to bring cowboys into it. All the cowboys i've ever known would probably skin a gay. (and i hate them for it.) Why add fuel to America's fire? (not mine, im fine with gays)

 

[Nehustan]

Sorry to 'spam' with pictures but I found one that would scare any prisoner of Abu Ghraib....

(P.S. Is it my imagination or is that Ben Stiller bottom right?????)​

 

[Sunstone]

Nehustan, you're having way too much fun with this thread! Could you possibly bring yourself to stay on topic? Do you think Brokeback Mountain bodes good or ill for society?

 

[jamaesi]

Brokeback Mountain is a film about two Gay American cowboys who fall in love with each other.

Do they eat pudding?

 

[Nehustan]

Ok seriously, I don't think hiding from things makes them go away. I do not hold to the idea that 'homosexuality' is biological, nor do I wish to, as if it were it would be a short step to a policy of 'racial hygiene' as we saw in 30's and 40's Europe. I think it has a 'double-bind' foundation, being pyschological, formative childhood role models etc. I think the best way we can approach the non functional phenomena (in a reproductive sense, as loving people is never non functional!!!!) of homosexuality is by understanding each other as individuals and as a society, and causal factors. Just because homosexuality offends people isn't going to make it go away. Empathy with people, understanding, then applying those lessons to how we treat/bring up our children may.

 

[jeffrey]

^Agreed. I have not seen to movie, so I could not judge. If it is put forward in a positive light, I don't see how it could hurt. I believe that alot of hatred directed towards gays is due to lack of understanding. The more people are subjected to that life style, the more people will accept it. This is true with so many things.

 

[Sunstone]

Very interesting post, Nehustan!

Ok seriously, I don't think hiding from things makes them go away. I do not hold to the idea that 'homosexuality' is biological, nor do I wish to, as if it were it would be a short step to a policy of 'racial hygiene' as we saw in 30's and 40's Europe.

I agree that if homosexuality is found by science to be "biological", there will be people who come forth demanding a policy of "racial hygiene" to deal with homosexuals. But I think the same sorts of people will (and already are) demanding a policy of repression of homosexuals on the basis that homosexuality is a choice and homosexuals should not be visiable to become role models.

I suspect that such people will see Brokeback Mountain as a danger to youth. Since the movie portrays its gay characters in a positive and sympathetic light, those people might very well think that the movie is capable of recruiting homosexuals. Do you think they have a point?

I think it has a 'double-bind' foundation, being pyschological, formative childhood role models etc. I think the best way we can approach the non functional phenomena (in a reproductive sense, as loving people is never non functional!!!!) of homosexuality is by understanding each other as individuals and as a society, and causal factors. Just because homosexuality offends people isn't going to make it go away. Empathy with people, understanding, then applying those lessons to how we treat/bring up our children may.

Do you think a movie like Brokeback Mountain can increase the empathy of straights for homosexuals?

 

[Fluffy]

From the trailer, it doesn't look like a particularly amazing movie and if it isn't successful, the most it might do is encourage better films of a similar nature in the future which then might impact on society.

 

[Nehustan]

Do you think a movie like Brokeback Mountain can increase the empathy of straights for homosexuals?

Well I'm sure it isn't going to make anyone Gay. I think it may increase empathy, but I think real contact and conversation would be more likley to.

 

[Jaymes]

I've talked to people who've seen the early screenings, and they say it was wonderful. I can't wait to see it.

 

[Pah]

The gals in my office love it! I should say though thay have not discussed social implications. :icon_smil

 

[Flappycat]

I think it'll mostly be seen as a love story. They're gay, yeah, but that doesn't mean much to most people these days. Most put the topic at the bottom of the list of topics they counted as important voting issues, right there below abortion and the other millions of issues that are several times more important than whether or not gay dudes they will never meet in person are allowed to walk down the aisle. The extremists may talk about gay marriage like it's the downfall of society, but most, conservative or liberal, barely find the subject interesting. What plenty of people do find interesting is a good love story, and it might give homosexuals a little sympathy boost.

 

[standing_alone]

I suspect that such people will see Brokeback Mountain as a danger to youth. Since the movie portrays its gay characters in a positive and sympathetic light, those people might very well think that the movie is capable of recruiting homosexuals. Do you think they have a point?

I don't think they have a point. One doesn't choose their orientation. And it's not like the gay community is thinking up ways to "recruit" people... "Hmmm. Maybe if we make this movie about two cowboys..." The gay community has more important things to concern itself with. Someone is not going to become gay because they seen a movie where gays were portrayed positively. That would be like me seeing a romantic comedy and becoming straight. Not going to happen.

Do you think a movie like Brokeback Mountain can increase the empathy of straights for homosexuals?

Who knows? I doubt the movie will have any effect on the public at large. Those who already accept gays will still accept them and those who hate gays will still hate them. It will take more than a movie to bring understanding and acceptence of the gay community.

 

[standing_on_one_foot]

I thought it was a good movie. It might increase empathy for a few people in the middle, but I figure if a person really hates gays or doesn't but is just to uncomfortable with homosexuality won't go see it in the first place...certainly not spawn of the devil, though, it was a very good movie.

 

[Feathers in Hair]

Do they eat pudding?

Eeep, I think I missed something!

Awhile ago, I wanted to start a thread about the double standard (at least in American society) about seeing lesbians as attractive and gay men as somehow repugnant. (Or at least the media seeing it that way.) I got too tuckered-out by all the gay/ straight posts, though.

Basically, I think that if it's okay to portray two women having such a relationship, that it should be okay for the same to be shown with two men. (And, actually, that it should have been shown a lot earlier.) Normally, I don't care for romance movies, but I plan to see this one. (Even though it apparently has a sad ending. )

 

[Nehustan]

Eeep, I think I missed something!

Awhile ago, I wanted to start a thread about the double standard (at least in American society) about seeing lesbians as attractive and gay men as somehow repugnant. (Or at least the media seeing it that way.) I got too tuckered-out by all the gay/ straight posts, though.

Basically, I think that if it's okay to portray two women having such a relationship, that it should be okay for the same to be shown with two men. (And, actually, that it should have been shown a lot earlier.) Normally, I don't care for romance movies, but I plan to see this one. (Even though it apparently has a sad ending. )

I'm not sure that that is a true representation of American society. If we are talking films I suggest you rent a movie called 'Boys don't cry' starring Hilary Swank, a role which won her the Oscar for Best Actress in 2000....

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0171804/​

 

[St0ne]

It really has no effect on me, I'm not gay and so far in my life I've had very little interaction with gay people so I'm yet to see and benefit or problem with being gay, although I don't think it's natural I have no real problem with it.

 

[Nehustan]

It really has no effect on me, I'm not gay and so far in my life I've had very little interaction with gay people so I'm yet to see and benefit or problem with being gay, although I don't think it's natural I have no real problem with it.

Then you mustn't live in Sydney :sarcastic

hey its not far till February....book a holiday and check out Mardi Gras :areyoucra​