Homophobic is a weird word, because it implies some kind of fear-based aversion rather than prejudice. The idea of people being openly gay is very normal for a large part of this country; however, in a number of places, it obviously isn't. For those living in places where being gay is a non-issue, Disney looks out-of-step with reality. IMHO it's Disney's choice to make, but they shouldn't be surprised if they are increasingly criticized for it. I have a couple of gay friends with kids. I can imagine that a normal gay Disney character would be a refreshing thing for the whole family. As StJohn said, not too unlike them finally having a black princess.
They're a money making company, not a "social change" operation. They do things on TV they don't do in movies. And on TV different stuff happens at night than at 4pm. I'm surprised anyone's surprised. I'd just like to see a movie where a dad isn't a dunce. -XC
Well, they might be in it for the money, but what they do has significant social ramifications. Disney is everywhere. The public will make demands. At some point, the bottom line will push them to make a normal gay character. Yeah, they aren't allowed to make mom look like a dunce (unless dad is too), and we guys can't legitimately complain as a group. I'd love to see a world where everyone can be a hero or an idiot, and no one gives a damn. I think a true mark of overcoming prejudice is getting over the hypersensitivities that come with overcoming it. Disney won't start with a ruthless gay villain, but IMO it will be nice when we can get there.They're a money making company, not a "social change" operation.
I'd just like to see a movie where a dad isn't a dunce.
Well, if that's your stance, why doesn't Apple, whose CEO is openly gay (IIRC), have a significant gay advertising presence? I'd argue that Apple is more important than Disney in terms of brand loyalty and identification.... -XC PS - I suspect Disney will still be a brand in 25 years and Apple will be as important as Sony. Different business models. Though Disney will die if Congress gives us back our constitutional copyright protections, but I don't see that happening.
Well, Disney has characters and tells stories, and Apple just has to give us increasingly cool gadgets. I haven't felt that any Apple ads were noticeably either hetero- or homo-sexual. Apple seems kinda 'future androgenous', actually. I actually didn't know Tim Cook was gay. But Apple does have a fairly conservative social stance when it comes to apps. At any rate, both companies just want to make the most people happy and avoid controversy, and I think that largely describes their behavior. Agreed. Disney pretty much owns that portion of our government.
As the gender studies people will tell you: if the sexuality isn't obvious, then it's hetero-normative. Like the race studies people will tell you: if no color is mentioned, then the color is white. So I say to Tim Cook - bring us an openly gay Apple ad. There have been plenty of Apple ads with boys/girls, why not some LGBTU action here? _XC