When to Stop Embracing Nonsense

There will come a point on our road to equality when society at large stops seeing us as the comic fool and starts seeing us as, well, equals. In the long history of Civil Rights for African Americans, Al Jolson's black-face comedy routine was once considered an homage. Today it's straight up racism.

After a wave of marriage equality wins I thought we were at the point, or at least near it, when we no longer serve as the token party guest exchanging novelty and wit for acceptance.
 

Then I read that Here Comes Honey Boo Boo was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award. Honey Boo Boo's buffoonery would have been funny twenty years ago when the mainstream media wouldn't have risked putting it into production. When fame-hungry celebutantes wouldn't have given their gay uncle a shout-out for fear of public opinion, that's when one would have mattered.
 

GLAAD's face of gay

 

Saying “everyone's a little gay” right before gulping down some Go Go Juice means nothing when another catch phrase says you'll "holler for a dollar."
 

It's hard to find a celebrity today who doesn't have a GBFF, or at least claim to. Let's face it, most of them are actors. It's their job to lie. And lying in favor of popular issues like gay marriage and equality is the fastest way to cash in en route to stardom. And when it comes from a chunky little brat from the south the shock is even more profitable.
 

Perhaps that was the motivation behind GLAAD's choice to nominate the show. Whatever the reason, the choice is undeniably contrived.
 

On the brink of judicial hearings that could help solidify our rights, allegedly pro-gay remarks from shows like this – whether intents to pander or genuine – do nothing for our community. Awarding these shows is offensive and demeaning.
 

Most people watching this show watch it because it's a train wreck, not because they identify with the kid. Awarding her as a spokesperson isn't exactly in our best interest when most of her audience reviles her.
 

I like to think we're nearing the point where we don't have to proclaim the “fabulousness” in every media whore or pill popping diva just because our lifestyle doesn't happen to make them sick. Until then I guess we'll have to settle for GLAAD's “I Have a Gay Friend Award for Famous People” until our own community realizes that everyone who isn't repulsed by us doesn't deserve a medal.