FOX 'Fair and Balanced' ? Not when accepting a Gay Anchorman that want's to come out

originally posted by: Gryphon66
a reply to: lambs to lions

Have you ever tried to "get it"?

Imagine for just a minute that you grew up in a world where everyone around you was gay.

Everyone around you, all advertising, TV shows, churches, everything tells you that you should be attracted to your own gender.

But as you grow into those troubled teen-aged years, you find that you're not. You're ... different.

But, you don't want to be. You want to fit in. You don't want to be made fun of. You don't want to disappoint anyone.

What if people find out that you're ... attracted to the OPPOSITE gender? Oh my god that's just ... sick.

You'd do anything just to be normal. You try to be. You try to be attracted to your own gender, date people of your own gender like you're supposed to ... but ... you just can't stop thinking about ... those others.


If you really try that experiment for a minute, honestly, you might find that the whole thing is not quite as simplistic as you thought it was. It's not just about sex ... it's about who you are as a person, who you love, how you identify yourself ...

Or, you can just keep musing about having it shoved down your throat. Might want to check with Dr. Freud on that one.

couldn't you write a more ridiculous post?

what planet would that gay population be on? where would you come from? a test tube?

i'm a long time friend of the BLTG community, (easier for me to remember) good friends, coworkers, employees, employers, fun (yeah caught a ladyboy show in bangkok)

none of them ever wanted a big coming out thingy.
unfortunately, there was a time when "don't ask, don't tell" (way before clinton) was prudent.

anyway, this day and age, only a drama queen would want to do something like a big announcement, on friggin TV.
the gawker is full of it and this is a fox bash thread.

a reply to: lambs to lions

1. You asked why it is necessary to "come out." That implied a base-line ignorance of the experiential difference in this culture between being straight and gay.

2. You didn't specify "in the workplace." I made my thoughts on that pretty clear; it's up to the individual.

But, then again, logically, if your gay co-workers weren't "out" at some level, you wouldn't know, right?

I guess the question is moot then.

Best,

a reply to: tsingtao

Yes, it's an utterly ridiculous example in the same way that it's utterly ridiculous to state that someone who grows up gay in a predominantly straight culture doesn't experience the kind of alienation that requires a significant psychological adjustment i.e. "coming out" that allows them to accept who they are and establish an identity. In the same way that it's ridiculous to reduce a person to what they do sexually rather than who they are. But it is the culture that does this, not gays.

Perhaps at this point, for a entertainment or television personality to "come out publicly" is something of a political statement rather than a purely personal one, and that person can serve as an exemplar or role-model to those who are still struggling with their own identity.

And, as I've said several times, specifically in the case of Shep Smith and generally in the case of anyone in the public eye, to me, it's their business if they "come out." I've never approved of "outing" anyone (unless they''re hypocritically working AGAINST the community at the same time they're living it.)

But it's also a more complicated question than simply "keep it in the bedroom" in a general cultural sense; and I've let myself be pulled into that discussion which is technically off target here.

originally posted by: snarky412

Reports state that last year Shepard Smith went to a company picnic at Ailes’s compound in Garrison, New York., and brought his partner too.

Reports state, sources say, does anyone provide news based on actual evidence anymore? The Gawker article claims sources say, now ATS members are in a uproar over Fox and gay support based on innuendo of what sources say.

If this is acceptable then Obama was born in Kenya, and is a socialist child born out of wedlock, has red eyes and is the antichrist. Just saying.....

a reply to: seeker1963

Can you name a celebrity who has never sold out for money? Prestige and power, fame and money, these things are not gained by honour, and resolute determination, but by playing the game, filling out the form, dancing to the beat that prevails, not by hammering out your own.

Fox is a political organisation as well as a financial one, and attaining position within such a thing requires sacrifice of ones personal dignity and freedom of expression, and always has.

well i definately need a new "gaydar".

i had the hots for sheppard for years....and anderson cooper. thought they were both good looking blokes.

good luck to both of them. hope they both have love and happiness, unfortunately...it will never be with me

Personally, i dont watch FOX anymore it's too much but i couldn't stand Shep after Katrina he makes me sick! And it has nothing to do with his sexuality! There are so many more important things than this! I smell a publicity stunt on Smith's part on this one! He wants something and has pulled this out of his butt!

originally posted by: Gryphon66
a reply to: WarminIndy

From the provided link:

Out magazine has released its annual Power 50 list honoring extraordinary gays and lesbians, and a couple of news personalities who’ve yet to publicly declare they’re gay have made the cut.

So Out Magazine is declaring who is out, whether the person is out or not?

That is as bad as Gawker.

I know many people (clearly, even some gay people) feel a certain anger and frustration over public figures coming out and "making a big deal" of their sexuality.

But I think some understanding and open-mindedness is in order.

We don't know what kind of experiences these people had in their lives. I know that plenty of gay people grew up in a very "hostile" environment. Shep is of the age that his childhood, teen years, and young adulthood may have been VERY difficult - more difficult than any of us know. Plenty of gay people have been bullied all their lives, disowned by parents, confused, mocked, refused service, shamed and embarrassed and generally treated like dirt by their friends, family and most of society.

So, they end up being ashamed of who they are. NOT proud of who they are, but ashamed and full of self-hatred. At some point, they decide enough is enough and decide to publicly claim that, "I am who I am and if you don't like it, that's your problem! I refuse to be ashamed of who I am and hide who I am any longer"! And if they feel the need to ask their employer about it, that doesn't make them a coward! We're all getting along the best we can!

They may not have the confidence to just live their lives and (quietly) say screw everyone else or to come out and take the chance on losing their job. Maybe the best way they can think of to claim their place in this world is to make a public announcement (with permission) and let the chips fall where they may.

I don't expect everyone to understand this, but when you judge people that "come out" as doing so because they're "drama queens", you're probably wrong. It's probably the only way they know to begin the much-needed healing, from a lifetime of emotional wounds. It's the best way to STOP the hiding and shame.

I know about emotional wounds. I know how empowering it is to stand in front of a group of people and say, "I am a victim of childhood sexual molestation and rape and it's NOT my fault. I have nothing to be ashamed of. I didn't do anything wrong. I'm OK and a good person." It's cathartic! I imagine it's similar for a gay person whose been wounded.

For people to judge me as being a "drama queen" just because THEY don't think what I'm saying is important shows a HUGE lack of compassion and empathy, in my opinion.

Just because YOU might behave differently in their shoes, doesn't mean they should behave like you do...

That's my sermon for the day.

originally posted by: bellagirl
well i definately need a new "gaydar".

Yeah, me too. I thought mine was pretty good. But dang, I missed this totally.
Anyways ... Shepard Smith being gay = whatever.
He's still the one guy at FOX that I think is balanced and has common sense.

originally posted by: buster2010

originally posted by: Stormdancer777
a reply to: buster2010
Old people had lives we been around the block and I bet back in the day I could have drank you under the table.

Like being a drunk is something to be proud of. You must of had a sad life if how much booze you could drink is what you brag about.

You never see the humor in anything.

You were making our age group look like a bunch of old fuddy duddies, as if we never enjoyed a party or dozen.

And yes I did have a very difficult life, and was an alcoholic, who has been sober for over thirty years.

originally posted by: projectbane
a reply to: snarky412


Oh great, so now they want to gay up the news.

"So tonight on the ten 'oclock news...terrorists kill 48 in Pakistan roadside bomb..but on the plus side, I haaaavvvvve a baby shower to attend tomoorrrrrooooowww woohooooooo!!!"

This is a fail extrodinare.

CJ

originally posted by: Benevolent Heretic
I know many people (clearly, even some gay people) feel a certain anger and frustration over public figures coming out and "making a big deal" of their sexuality.

But I think some understanding and open-mindedness is in order.

We don't know what kind of experiences these people had in their lives. I know that plenty of gay people grew up in a very "hostile" environment. Shep is of the age that his childhood, teen years, and young adulthood may have been VERY difficult - more difficult than any of us know. Plenty of gay people have been bullied all their lives, disowned by parents, confused, mocked, refused service, shamed and embarrassed and generally treated like dirt by their friends, family and most of society.

So, they end up being ashamed of who they are. NOT proud of who they are, but ashamed and full of self-hatred. At some point, they decide enough is enough and decide to publicly claim that, "I am who I am and if you don't like it, that's your problem! I refuse to be ashamed of who I am and hide who I am any longer"! And if they feel the need to ask their employer about it, that doesn't make them a coward! We're all getting along the best we can!

They may not have the confidence to just live their lives and (quietly) say screw everyone else or to come out and take the chance on losing their job. Maybe the best way they can think of to claim their place in this world is to make a public announcement (with permission) and let the chips fall where they may.

I don't expect everyone to understand this, but when you judge people that "come out" as doing so because they're "drama queens", you're probably wrong. It's probably the only way they know to begin the much-needed healing, from a lifetime of emotional wounds. It's the best way to STOP the hiding and shame.

I know about emotional wounds. I know how empowering it is to stand in front of a group of people and say, "I am a victim of childhood sexual molestation and rape and it's NOT my fault. I have nothing to be ashamed of. I didn't do anything wrong. I'm OK and a good person." It's cathartic! I imagine it's similar for a gay person whose been wounded.

For people to judge me as being a "drama queen" just because THEY don't think what I'm saying is important shows a HUGE lack of compassion and empathy, in my opinion.

Just because YOU might behave differently in their shoes, doesn't mean they should behave like you do...

That's my sermon for the day.

why would i or anyone want to know if some stranger is gay? and why would they want strangers to know they are gay?

ya! do it on tv and you are a drama queen! who gives a rats?

and no, molestation is not the same as being gay.

Whoever wrote the article for Gawker is scum. I'm all for calling FOX on their crap propaganda but to call them on their hatred of Gays via outing a host? No. If Smith is gay, if he wants it discussed publicly then it's up to him to do so, no one else. Even if the story was true, it doesn't look to be grounded in any kind of reality but even if it was, sexuality isn't protected by the Constitution (hopefully that changes soon), FOX can legally put in an open homosexuality clause into contracts if they want to. Morally wrong and anti-liberty but not legally wrong. Signing a contract is a choice.

ETA Even though I think the author of the article is a jerk, topic aside... it is a bit amusing to see FOX, FOXed.

originally posted by: tsingtao
why would i or anyone want to know if some stranger is gay? and why would they want strangers to know they are gay?

It's not about YOU or what YOU want to hear. It's about the person's need or desire to publicly claim that after years of being ashamed, embarrassed, bullied and treated like a second-class citizen, they now accept who they are and refuse to be ashamed any longer. They don't necessarily want strangers to know, they want to publicly claim their position as worthy and lovable as the next guy. It's empowering.

and no, molestation is not the same as being gay.

No kidding! But it's still a lifetime of wounds, embarrassment and shame. And a public acknowledgement of it empowers the person.

Why does he have to "come out"?
Has any other anchors shared their sexual preferences with the viewers? I don't think viewers wanna know these private things. Just do your job. Patty Ann Brown is sexy!!!!! Just thought I would add that.

originally posted by: Fylgje
Why does he have to "come out"?

Read: www.abovetopsecret.com...

a reply to: snarky412

I wouldn't blame Fox at all... they are a "for profit" business, and the execs recognize that a sodomite* news anchor could be bad for business, considering the target audience of the network. The negative focus should be on Smith for selling himself out for a contract.


* I refuse to use the word gay, because gay means happy, or at least it used to... before the word was hijacked by the politically correct godless political element(s) of America, and then redefined to suit their narrative.

originally posted by: OptimusSubprime
a reply to: snarky412

I wouldn't blame Fox at all... they are a "for profit" business, and the execs recognize that a sodomite* news anchor could be bad for business, considering the target audience of the network. The negative focus should be on Smith for selling himself out for a contract.

If you read the thread, you'll see that the story isn't even true. Shep didn't want to come out. It's a story the Gawker made up for sensationalism.

www.salon.com...

a reply to: Benevolent Heretic

Whatever... then why are we talking about it. Who cares if he is or isn't a homo... either way the news he is reporting is fake, and that is what matters.