Hello all,
I thought I'd get the ball rolling by posting our first piece for discussion. Watch the following video and share your thoughts. I've also included some questions for you to consider and respond to.
Do you think that the term "no homo" is really necessary in regards to defending your sexual orientation? If not, why then is it used so often? When responding to this, I ask you to think about our own halls at KCI. I can honestly say that I hear this phrase repeated often. If you do not identify as homosexual, why must you repeat this phrase?
As well, do artists (particularly rappers) try to maintain and uphold a certain image? Would this image be shattered if a singer identified their sexual orientation as homosexual?
Additionally, homophobia is definitely prevelent in our society (as it is in other parts of the world). What do you think accounts for this irrational fear? Is related to ethnicity, culture, religion, personal ideologies and beliefs, values, our upbringing, the media, etc...?
Lastly, do you think that Bryan Safi has gone too far with this video? Will it be offensive to some viewers? Or, do you believe that he has brought humour and sarcasm to a topic that needs to be addressed?
Looking foward to your insights.
That's Gay: No Homo
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ReplyDeleteIn my opinion the term "no homo" is really unnecessary because there is nothing wrong with anyone's sexual orientation. Whether you are straight or not it shouldn't even matter to anyone. I also think that it is used more often by males particularly because they want to have the "tough-guy" figure. Rappers try to maintain and uphold this certain image for their fans and for respect. I think that if they identified their orientation and they were really homosexual then no one would really be a fan. And this would shatter their fame. I think the media is to blame for the fear of homosexuality. On a typical television show you would see homosexuals looked down upon. But the media isn't all to blame, it is also looked down upon in many religions and cultures. Lastly, Bryan Safi hasn't gone too far with this video, and I don't think anyone should feel offended. And he has definitly brought humour and sarcasm to the topic.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Nisant. According to urbandictionary.com "no homo" is "A Phrase used after one inadvertently says something that sounds gay". What does it even mean to say something "gay"? Gay by definition is someone's sexual orientation so this does not make any sense. I think that the media is definitely to blame for this because they are the ones who portray these rappers as being "tough guys". I think they are also to blame for the way the word “gay” is even used. For example, I got a new car and my friend does not like it so he says, “That’s gay! The colour blue is gay!” Like I said, what does that even mean? Everyone says they don't care what a person's sexual orientation is but if they were to see, for example, Kanye West come out to the public that he is in fact gay, half of his fans would be gone. Brian Safi has definitely brought humour to the issue which allows his viewers to actually think about this forever ongoing issue. But I’ve always wondered…with guys, why is it okay for there to be lesbians, but not gay men?
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the two previous posts, but I also think that most of these artists put on a fake act to show their tough image. In order to gain publicity and fans, they try to fit into the ideal male figure but who knows, maybe their sexual orientation differs?
ReplyDeleteAlysha brought a very good point about lesbians seen as being “okay” while gay men are not. Many of you know that Ellen D. defines herself as a lesbian. She still has as many fans and followers as she did before she spoke about her sexual orientation. I believe that there is definitely inequality within the media because if a female artist speaks about her sexual orientation, it is seen to be a normal thing. Whereas if a male artist spoke about him being a homosexual, it would create lots of controversies (not saying that female’s openness does not create controversies but they gradually die out).
I think that in today's society, youth are careless about each other’s sexual orientation. People really don’t care about what slips out of their mouth because they are extremely influenced by such media artists. The ones who use the term “no homo” definitely do not think about what they are saying because it has become a societal norm for men. I really don’t believe that religion, culture, race, and etc. effects the way people think about homosexuality. It’s their ignorance. As countries become more westernized, people do learn about homosexuality but they are not willing to accept the fact that it is prevalent in the society. Religion and culture are always the two main aspects brought into this topic but it always seems that they are not willing to face the truth but rather, use it as a protection shield.
I don’t think that Brian Safi has gone too far because I really think people need to accept the fact that they are hurting other people’s feelings. It’s a humorous video but at the same time, it speaks the truth about different views on homosexuality from the media’s point of view.
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ReplyDeleteI do agree with the previous posts. In our present society, lesbians are presented as bold characters by media but the homosexual people coined as “gays” are portrayed as the weak ones. Even if we look at our hallway in KCI, if a girl and a girl laughs out loud, shares a joke, hugs each others, it is said to be normal; but when the same act is performed by boys, all the people around them think that they are acting gay! People living in Toronto in the 21st century, and still thinking like that does surprise all the guys as they are being portrayed as being gay when they are not. Some people passing by them do pass some comments which results to some controversial discussion. Hence to prevent that from happening, boys at KCI use the term “no homo” to signify that they are not gay at all. I also agree that Brian Safi has indeed been successful to gain our full attention to the ongoing issues faced by people all day long; anywhere, anytime in this so called “modern equal society”.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all the comments that have been posted above. First of all, in today's society (at least in Canada), no one really cares about your sexual orientation and everyone is treated equally. So, as Nisant said, the term "no homo" is unnecessary. Secondly, as Heli said that, religion, race, etc. does not contribute to the way people think about homosexuality. I partially disagree with her since you understand this term after you reach at the age of 15-16. So, you obviously believe on what your religion talks and how YOU have been brought up. So, religion contributes to like 70% of the times to such debates. Thirdly, I had recently heard this term "no homo" in my chemistry class when a guy was shaking hands with another guy. A question was raised in my mind, is he serious about this term or he just used it to create humour? This term can even make us think, that the person who says it, is actually a GAY and may he used this term to cover himself. In my opinion, most of the actors, singers, let's say celebrities, they hide their REAL sexual orientation because still homosexuality is not accepted everywhere. Plus, that's what people might call as a publicity stunt. As Rakesh said, it is seen normally when a girl-girl hugs, but it matters a lot if a boy-boy is seen hugging. People immediately start to gossip about them. One of the reasons for such behaviour can be because, people believe on what they are shown and taught, and when we talk about this, media comes in the play. In the present world, media can influence and alter a heap of information. So, we cannot totally rely on them. Finally, Brian Safi has helped to spread the issues of homosexuality all over the world, and has given a chance to think upon this truly.
ReplyDeleteI don't mean it offensively Prutha, but what about countries around the world where people use hugging and kissing as a greeting gesture? For example, the Arabic people always greet one another with a hug and two kisses on each side, even if they are both males. Why don't they use the term "no homo" after their actions?
ReplyDeleteI disagree with the fact that people learn this term around the age of 15-16. If you see kids in Dixon Grove or the streets, they are constantly using this term also. These kids are influenced by friends and siblings who uses such terms, which results in kids learning and implying it in school.
Much of the population around the world use such gestures in order to greet one another. Why is it only in North America that they constantly use the term "no homo" even if they are not engaging in sexual activities?
Heli, I said that culture matters. So, for Arab countries, that's how they present themselves ! And, may be that's the reason why they don't use "no homo" term. About the age, I'm telling what I know, and out of all the kids I have known, they usually don't know homosexuality. Again, religion comes into play. I know, I'm stuck on this religion factor, but this is what I have seen. Heli, you know how our religion states, and still in our country, if we talk about it openly, people stare at us. So, it's different everywhere.
ReplyDeleteAbout the question you have raised, it's the REAL question to think upon. It's only among boys who use this term. Why isn't it used when girls are up to something similar? We all know that North America is developed, and still trying to be developed of all. Still such inequality is there.
I completely agree to what Prutha stated. It completely depends on the nurture of the people. People (especially guys) feel safer in Middle East Asia and South Asia, as people there talk less openly about homosexuality and no matter how much of hugging occurs among men it is never considered as a homosexual activity. And mainly due to that psychological security people residing there don't use the term "no homo" to clarify their straightness.
ReplyDeleteNow talking about the North American countries, as they are supposed to be the most powerful and developed ones, they do attract a lot of media attention. This clearly creates insecurity among the North American residents to be careful about how they act and portray themselves in front of world. Hence whenever the men hug each other in North America, they use the term “no homo” to show that they are straight and not homosexual. But the question still arises “Are all the people who say “no homo” really straight or some of them are homosexual and try to hide their true identity by using the term “no homo”?”
I agree with Heli, why does religion and culture are always brought up when the term homosexuality is being discussed. Culture, religion and values are all made by the society, us, people. I think if we can create values, culture, religion we also have the power to create change about the stigma create towards homosexuality. I know that it’s hard but it is not impossible. Someone has to stand up.
ReplyDeleteCanada, a multicultural society is a proof that people are becoming more open-minded towards different things. It makes me question when we have so much knowledge and are one of the most developed countries why are we still resisting ourselves to accept the changes occurring in society. Changes are the only thing that remains constant. Of course, I agree that there are challenges in accepting changes but as society becomes more aware of these changes they will start to accept it.
Media and society are the factors that have lead such fears of homosexuality by creating an image in the minds of people on how a male and female should appear and behave in society. For example: Males are not supposed to cry but female are. I believe that these stereotypes have lead males to be less expressive within the society. In terms of expressing males lack more than females. These could be reason that has created fears in the minds of especially males to hide their sexual orientation.
"NO home" a term in my opinion used very widely and this is because men wan't to show that even though they are straight they say this term in order to maintain the image they have. For example if i was to say to guy that i liked his shirt i'd have to say no homo so people don't misinterpret my words, and in my opinion that's why the term is used, people especially men want to maintain there image and don't want any misunderstandings, as far as religion goes many people and my self don't like gay people or hate them its just that the way there portrayed in the media, changes a person's point of view. Me being a Muslim i know for a fact that it is not allowed in Islam or Islamic countries. In Iran a petition was out saying " Kill a gay for Allah." As far as i Know in Islam there is nothing stating that gays should be killed it is only stated that is should not be practiced and it is forbiden. In Saudia arabia if a person was to come out as gay they would be killed. This is because what media has taught us not Religion nor culture. I think media has a big role to play and most of belive that what media shows us is true because media tells all the gossip and this might also be true. What rappers don't understand is that people are killing themselves because of their sexuality and the rappers just want the fans that give them the money. Brian Safi shows us that many men use this term and say it because they want to keep there manly image and all, he does this by bringing humor in to it.
ReplyDeleteEveryone keeps saying the media is at fault for how we treat people who are homosexual but I disagree. The media is something that is constructed, it isn't natural. We are the ones who decide what we see on television. if society didn't say homosexulaity was "wrong" then the media wouldn't. Producers want to make a show that is relatable for their audience, hence why on most television shows you have the standard mother, father, and three kids. Media is simply a refelction of our society, it doesn't make up our society.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of why culture and religion are always brought up in these types of discussions, it's because people often use that as their excuse for why they don't like homosexuality. Using Jawa's example of "kill a gay for Allah", you have people like that who hijack religion and manipulate it to their own gains. When people are doing that, the vast majority begin to believe it. People use religion and culture to mask their own ignorance.
You question why in such a mulitcultural, developed nation such as Canada prejudice still exists, but it exists everywhere. All kinds of prejudices exists in Canada, racism, sexism, all kinds. Why does a women still get paid less than a man? You can't just assume that because Canada is westernized that these things don't go on beause they do. Every country has their issues and unfortunatly the acceptance of homosexulaity is one of ours. It's up to us to change they way people view things, and the only way that can happen is through education. Once people realize that someone else's sexuality has nothing to do with them, than maybe we can finally overcome this problem.
So this whole "no homo" thing I am definitely not satisfied with. "No homo" Homo being the short term for homosexual clearly states that the person saying this is against homosexuality. I don't think this is fair, we all have our opinion and thoughts but we are living in such a diverse society where homosexuality does occur. We can't ignore it and we should definitely not be rude. How would you like it if I gathered people around and I started saying "no Indian" "Yo that’s so Indian of you?" "Why are you being such an Indian?" (Using the word Indian as if it’s a bad thing to be one, just like people use the word gay or homo) I think we need to grow up and be mature about this subject. It happens and guess what; it’s going to continue to happen. I think Brian Safi has brought humor and sarcasm to this topic by making this video. It does address the issue and he is pretty clear about what his main message is. I agree with Ashleigh on the part about media. We can’t say it’s the medias’ fault for teaching us or telling us what not to do. We need to be smarter than that and change ourselves. Obviously the older generation won’t change, because they grew up with their ideas and morals for 50 years or more. But we as the next generation can change and learn about it instead of making fun of it and hurting someone else’s feelings. We should be using religion and culture as an escape in saying its wrong. No culture or religion takes about killing or hurting anyone. Then why are homosexuals killed all around the world? Why is it that in some places they are stoned to death? This just isn’t right, there is no justice being served. Is that what religion tells us to kill people just because they do not think like the majority of us? Do we do that with disabled people? Just because they can’t walk or talk properly do we kill them? No, then why do we do this to homosexuals? Do they not have feelings?
ReplyDeleteNo one says that religion is the ONLY factor responsible for this whole issue. But yes, religion DOES contribute to this non-acceptance thing. It's obvious that everyone will be against the decision of killing an individual for such a thing. Even I would be against it because no law says to kill a homosexual person. As Gurpreet said, you can't change older generation or people's mind to believe and accept things about homosexuality. So this is what I wanted to say that, surroundings and family values do matter. I agree with Ashleigh on the fact that this "no homo" problem is everywhere and not only in North America. If we take a developed nation as Canada, differences and inequality between men and women still exists. Remember, we had read that essay on "51% Minority"? Yes, the inequalities pointed out in that essay are true.
ReplyDeleteI think every country is working on this issue, and I believe that they are trying their best to accept homosexuality. With the younger and up-coming generation, acceptance of homosexuality will increase. It's just that people should try to change their perception towards it.
Nisant, please remove your profile pictures ASAP. It is not appropriate!!!
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, the term "No homo" is unnecessary to be used to defend people’s their own sexual orientation, because people have their own rights to express their genders. As well in current society, even if people are homosexual, they are respected and they are not discriminated from anyone else. As Nisant said, the term “No homo” is more likely to be used by male students, because by saying the term, they want to prove themselves as a “real-men” to other students. Also, the reason why the young students use too much of this phrase is because of the stereotypes of homosexual people; such as certain actions, the ways the wear and talk. Rappers try to maintain and uphold certain images because if they identify themselves as a homosexual, they might lose their fans. As for me, I don’t think that Bryan Safi has gone too far, he did not mention any of discriminating words, instead he brought humor and sarcasm to make audiences funny with that topic
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