Gay Rights Advocates Slam 'The Simpsons' Over 'Homophobic Slur' - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 11-05-2008, 03:42 PM

Gay rights advocates have slammed long-running TV cartoon The Simpsons after one of the show's popular characters made a homophobic comment.

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) have spoken out against the use of the phrase "that's so gay" which was used in a recent Halloween episode that aired last week. The comment was made by Nelson Muntz, voiced by Nancy Cartwright, who bullies the series' character Milhouse Van Houten. GLSEN bosses have demanded that the show's scriptwriters halt any further use of the comment - insisting the negative interpretation of being gay offends homosexuals.

In a statement released to TMZ.com, they say, "Nelson's use of 'that's so gay' in a negative way is not surprising considering that 90 per cent of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth say they hear the term used this way frequently or often at school. Nelson should visit ThinkB4YouSpeak.com where he can send an apologetic e-card to Milhouse. GLSEN would also welcome Nelson's participation in our next PSA so he can make amends by helping to educate young people about why such language is wrong."

Chocoholic · 11-05-2008, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

Nelson should visit ThinkB4YouSpeak.com where he can send an apologetic e-card to Milhouse. GLSEN would also welcome Nelson's participation in our next PSA so he can make amends by helping to educate young people about why such language is wrong."

What about all the other times Nelson has been a bully? It's just a fictional TV character on a cartoon TV show. Give me a break!

I'm a Christian and I have never gotten offended by The Simpsons when they poke fun of Christianity.

TJL · 11-05-2008, 04:55 PM

^ And the Irish. The Simpsons have been bashing them for years.

Chocoholic · 11-05-2008, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJL

^ And the Irish. The Simpsons have been bashing them for years.

And the Italians. I am half Irish and half Italian. They also make fun of the education system quite a bit. I ought to sue for all the mental anguish this show has cuased me!

TJL · 11-05-2008, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChesneyLady

And the Italians. I am half Irish and half Italian. They also make fun of the education system quite a bit. I ought to sue for all the mental anguish this show has cuased me!

Oh yeah, the Italians too. They all talka lika dis!

Get in line GLSEN. The Simpsons have been bashing folks long before you.

friendsfan77 · 11-05-2008, 05:47 PM

While well-intentioned, I agree that GLSEN is overreacting. The Simpsons is hardly an anti-gay show.

11-05-2008, 03:42 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Gay Rights Advocates Slam 'The Simpsons' Over 'Homophobic Slur' Gay rights advocates have slammed long-running TV cartoon The Simpsons after one of the show's popular characters made a homophobic comment. The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) have spoken out against the use of the phrase "that's so gay" which was used in a recent Halloween episode that aired last week. The comment was made by Nelson Muntz, voiced by Nancy Cartwright, who bullies the series' character Milhouse Van Houten. GLSEN bosses have demanded that the show's scriptwriters halt any further use of the comment - insisting the negative interpretation of being gay offends homosexuals. In a statement released to TMZ.com, they say, "Nelson's use of 'that's so gay' in a negative way is not surprising considering that 90 per cent of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth say they hear the term used this way frequently or often at school. Nelson should visit ThinkB4YouSpeak.com where he can send an apologetic e-card to Milhouse. GLSEN would also welcome Nelson's participation in our next PSA so he can make amends by helping to educate young people about why such language is wrong."
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11-05-2008, 04:55 PM	#3
TJL Suburbanite Extrordinaire Forum Star Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: New Jersey - the cradle of civilization Posts: 16,588	^ And the Irish. The Simpsons have been bashing them for years.
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11-05-2008, 05:47 PM	#6
friendsfan77 - Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 02, 2004 Location: Duluth, GA Posts: 3,165	While well-intentioned, I agree that GLSEN is overreacting. The Simpsons is hardly an anti-gay show.