No, I have nothing against Homosexuals. Do I think it is right? No. Do I think it is a sin? Absolutely, but don't we all sin? Do I agree with their lifestyle? No. But, do I have anything against them as people... Well, I haven't met that many, but the ones I have I like. So, what's my point? I had this interesting conversation this afternoon with a friend (whom I haven't seen since High School) at the Gym all about this. My wife calls me a media connoisseur (in a mocking tone), because I am actively interested in the media's effect on our daily lives. Here's my thesis:
The media in it's current state - because it is ever changing - is fixated on portraying the homosexual individual, lifestyle and cultural as being hip and cool. Consider it a fad. It's cool to be a lesbian today. It's associated with such liberal (not the political connotation) terms as "free-spirited", "different" and "chic". Come on! Don't believe me? Would a movie like
Broke Back Mountain have every been made in the 90's? No
, people associated homosexuality with AIDS back then. I guess people forgot about that when Madonna and Brittany kissed. You have 14-year-old freshman talking about how they are gay. It's like they want to be seen as different, they feel insecure, and they see on MTV how cool it is to be gay. They don't know if they are or not. Have they had sex with someone of the opposite sex yet? No. Have they kissed someone of the opposite sex yet? No. Well damn, that must make them gay. I remember when being different was wearing Birkenstocks when no one else did. I guess homosexuality is the next Arizona.
I think it just really bugs me because the parents aren't doing anything about it. Yes, one can make the argument that they may not know... Rightfully said. However, they do have the power to instill the morals and ethics into the child that lead in making the right decision. Birkenstocks may have been a comfortable and wide-spread fad, but homosexuality is much more than just a pair of shoes. We're talking serious issues here... these kids can't just wake up and decided that they are gay.... "Jenny broke up with me, I'll show her, I'm going to date Brian." Oh, or my favorite: "I'm sick of boys, my last (and consequentially first) boyfriend broke my heart, from now on I'm going to wear flannel and date only women."
Conclusion and Clarification: I am not judging. We all have sin, so who am I to say any one's persons sin is greater than mine own? I'm not. I have a friend that's gay, and he's a great guy... really down to earth. What's the point I am trying to make? Simply this. I am not bashing homosexuality, I am bashing the media for making it seem hip. Homosexuality is a big deal, in whatever way you look at it, and the media is stamping it's "uber-holy" (written sarcastically) approval to all things gay. If you are gay, fine... but don't do so just because you saw Broke Back Mountain over the weekend and have nothing better to do. It just scares me. What's next? Will we live to see the day when it's cool to have babies in High School? All it takes is for one celebrity to get pregnant young. Some whole special will air on how, despite she had a baby at 17, she managed to keep her figure, grades and six-digit acting salary all together. She'll name it something trendy like Addison, and all the girls will think it's cool to be the young-mommy that's hip on maternity-wear. Coming to theatres near you, "
Young with Young: The epic tale of one girl's journey through motherhood and her ability to overcome."
So anyways, we had a good time on Sapelo. It was nice and cold, just the way I liked it. We had great weather, great for shooting. I haven't had a chance to process much of the images, but here is one to wet your whistle. I'll post the link to some more when I get them up. Enjoy!