Group: Members
Posts: 2,597
Joined: 8-December 01
From: Hollywood, CA
Member No.: 438
LOL...I'm embarrassed for him but I'm not offended. You could tell in his voice that he didn't want to finish the sentence but couldn't come up with a better word in time. In the dead pause afterwards I could hear him turning red. Hysterical.
Group: Members
Posts: 2,601
Joined: 26-September 01
From: The Fens, Boston
Member No.: 12
The whole comment, as quoted by Jason Schneider in the Jacksonville (FL) Times-Union:
"Shoulder pads are hard and stiff. Your hands are, are tender and they can move and caress the ball. That's kind of gay, but hey, close."
- Brian Kinchen, ESPNU commentator, calling the Northern Illinois-Iowa game Saturday. He was chastising a receiver for dropping a pass. An uncomfortable silence followed Kinchen's statement before play-by-play man Clay Matvick resumed. (During the silence you can almost hear Kinchen thinking, "Uh-oh.")
QUOTE(George Twins fan @ Oct 30 2006, 07:43 PM)
You just know some uptight gay activist is demanding an apology as I type.
Hey, a little apology wouldn't hurt... I must say I find the "That's so gay" cliché to be quite annoying and, not lose-your-job offensive, but c'mon-you-should-know-better offensive. It's rude, it's intentionally insulting, and it's not something a grownup says on the air or in front of children or homos.
Group: Members
Posts: 179
Joined: 19-May 06
Member No.: 4,414
I often say, "That's so gay." I'm not offended when a straight person uses it. A (straight) friend and I have argued for years over this phrase. He thinks it's homophobic; I understand why guys say it. I think its cool that straight (or so-called straight) guys can use the phrase and know what they mean by it. It's a compliment, really.
This post has been edited by weirdblackdog: Oct 31 2006, 12:30 AM
Group: Members
Posts: 2,601
Joined: 26-September 01
From: The Fens, Boston
Member No.: 12
QUOTE(weirdblackdog @ Oct 31 2006, 12:28 AM)
I understand why guys say it. I think its cool that straight (or so-called straight) guys can use the phrase and know what they mean by it. It's a compliment, really.
Explain, please, "Why guys say it" and "what they mean by it".
Group: Members
Posts: 659
Joined: 28-March 06
From: Atlanta
Member No.: 4,264
In Touching base and being in complete agreement with W-Dag , Gay Community shouldn't be up in arms over "That's kinda gay".
While some would like to think we live in a politically correct fictional world, the reality is that is a fasad Does this make the comment "that's kinda gay" ok? Not at all. However, the guy who made the comment is not evil nor should he be vilianized.
How many of us gay athletes have participated in the football game "Smear the *ueer" in the backyard with our neighborhood friends growing up? How many times have men been referred to as women/girls when they are are deemed as under performing or acting "soft"? How many other instances or references can we think of? From a young age we are products of our environment. We've been instilled with thoughts and ideas that stay with use forever and sometimes are very difficult to de fragment from our thought process.
Is this announcer a Gay basher? I would venture not at all. Most likely all he is guilty of is lacking the intelligence to communicate or express what was transpiring. He reluctantly surrendered to "That is kinda gay".
I am certain he regrets it.
In the last 20 years gays and lesbians have made tremendous progress. I don't see the need to champion our cause over the slip of a comment of from a sports announcer. That is not the War. Our battles and energy need to be focused on issues of substance ( state and federal). Extreme gay and lesbian group that goes off on this type of comment it actually makes more damage than good. It makes gays and lesbians seem out of touch and overly sensitive.
This particular issue should be By Gones
--------------------
[size=5]"[i][b]I might be drunk, but you're ugly and I will be sober in the morning[/b][/i]"[/size] - Winston Churchill
Group: Members
Posts: 458
Joined: 9-September 05
Member No.: 3,605
QUOTE(weirdblackdog @ Oct 31 2006, 05:28 AM)
I often say, "That's so gay." I'm not offended when a straight person uses it. A (straight) friend and I have argued for years over this phrase. He thinks it's homophobic; I understand why guys say it. I think its cool that straight (or so-called straight) guys can use the phrase and know what they mean by it. It's a compliment, really.
being called stupid is a compliment?
--------------------
VISIT MY DAILY BLOG AT AFTERELTON.COM, THE #1 SOURCE FOR GAY POP CULTURE!
Group: Members
Posts: 2,675
Joined: 8-August 02
Member No.: 1,011
There is a huge difference between "that's gay" to mean "that's lame" or "that's not masculine enough," which is a total insult and should be taken by all as such, and this commentator's statements. I don't think it was the crowning achievement in his broadcasting career, certainly, but when you talk about "soft" hands "caressing" a football, quite frankly, that is kind of gay.
Group: Members
Posts: 1,282
Joined: 6-October 05
From: The Land of Lincoln
Member No.: 3,686
I just thought it was amusing, because everyone in the booth knew what he was going to say and the shocked pause afterward shows that there was really no where to go after that.
He knows it was inapproprate, let's move on people shall we?
(For the record, I think using the phrase "that's so gay" is just moronic. The english language contains much better words to describe something distateful. Although in this case, what he said was pretty homoerotic, so this is one of those times that "that's pretty gay" might be warranted).
Group: Members
Posts: 9,399
Joined: 18-October 01
From: Philadelphia
Member No.: 302
What television sports analysis needs is an openly gay commentator in at least one major broadcast booth. It would give more of them to freedom and context to address the issue and even allow players to open up about how they think and feel about homosexuality.
I am not suggesting any kind of "affirmative action" program for sports colorguys. God that one has certainly been a bust for blacks. But I think if they all had a sort of place to go with these things before they go on the air it might help.
Did this guy know any gay people in the profession? Had he ever spoken to anyone gay outside the profession about what they think about sportscasters?
The comment he made would have blown over me personally, but I can see how some would find that it just shows a total lack of knowledge about gay men in general. Only then can you infer generalizations.
Group: Members
Posts: 2,880
Joined: 5-February 02
Member No.: 558
I think nuance is everything. Had he said "that's so gay" in a derogatory way, I could see being upset. But he said it in an innocuous way, and was obviously immediately embarrassed. Let it go......
Group: Members
Posts: 3,148
Joined: 30-December 02
From: Back in West Virginia
Member No.: 1,387
QUOTE(Munson Man @ Oct 31 2006, 05:27 PM)
I think nuance is everything. Had he said "that's so gay" in a derogatory way, I could see being upset. But he said it in an innocuous way, and was obviously immediately embarrassed. Let it go......
how does one use "that's so gay" in a positive way?
it's either playing on sterotypes or used in a negative way such as that's lame or whatever the translation is
Group: Members
Posts: 1,847
Joined: 14-April 03
From: Palm Springs, CA
Member No.: 1,554
I don't see anything humorous in that guy's comment.
And neither does ESPN:
NEW YORK (AP) -- Former NFL receiver Brian Kinchen will not work as an ESPNU commentator this week because of a comment he made during last Saturday's broadcast of the Northern Illinois-Iowa game.
Kinchen was explaining the need for receivers to make catches with their hands because they are "tender" and can "caress" the ball. He then paused and said, "that's kind of gay, but hey ..."
"The comments were inappropriate, and we apologize for them," said ESPN's vice president of public relations Josh Krulewitz.
Kinchen's future with ESPNU is under review, Krulewitz said.
ESPN's decision first was reported in The Des Moines Register.
Kinchen, a former tight end who played at LSU and in the NFL from 1988-00 with Miami, Cleveland and Baltimore, also apologized for his remarks. "They were completely inappropriate and not at all a reflection of who I am or the way I perform my work," Kinchen said in a statement issued by ESPN. "I have learned from my mistake and look forward to continuing my broadcasting career."
Group: Members
Posts: 766
Joined: 14-September 03
From: NYC/Northern NJ
Member No.: 1,814
QUOTE(TheOtherFSU @ Oct 31 2006, 09:03 PM)
I don't see anything humorous in that guy's comment.
And neither does ESPN:
NEW YORK (AP) -- Former NFL receiver Brian Kinchen will not work as an ESPNU commentator this week because of a comment he made during last Saturday's broadcast of the Northern Illinois-Iowa game.
Kinchen was explaining the need for receivers to make catches with their hands because they are "tender" and can "caress" the ball. He then paused and said, "that's kind of gay, but hey ..."
"The comments were inappropriate, and we apologize for them," said ESPN's vice president of public relations Josh Krulewitz.
Kinchen's future with ESPNU is under review, Krulewitz said.
ESPN's decision first was reported in The Des Moines Register.
Kinchen, a former tight end who played at LSU and in the NFL from 1988-00 with Miami, Cleveland and Baltimore, also apologized for his remarks. "They were completely inappropriate and not at all a reflection of who I am or the way I perform my work," Kinchen said in a statement issued by ESPN. "I have learned from my mistake and look forward to continuing my broadcasting career."
I think this is overblown. I can see the apology, since he's a public figure and they want to cover their bases, but I don't think he should have been suspended. Looking at the transcript, I'm not offended. Maybe if I heard that way it was said, I would have a different opinion. I must say, though, it kind of sounds like something that could have come out of my mouth... but then, I can be self deprecating. Hmmmmmm... now that opens up a whole other possible angle.
Group: Members
Posts: 2,597
Joined: 8-December 01
From: Hollywood, CA
Member No.: 438
QUOTE(theodoresdaddy @ Oct 31 2006, 05:43 PM)
how does one use "that's so gay" in a positive way?
I was listening to the new 007 soundtrack compilation recently at work and Shirley Bassey is blaring down the hall. My assistant said, "That is uber gay". I have to admit it was pretty gay but I think she meant it as a compliment.
This post has been edited by Maddog: Oct 31 2006, 09:51 PM
Group: Members
Posts: 179
Joined: 19-May 06
Member No.: 4,414
It's the next level of acceptance. Everyone has watched W&G (blech), QAF (more straight people watched than gay) and QIFSG (blech) on television. Very few people in the US are unfamiliar with gay/queer men. I don't take every little "gay" uttered by a "straight" person as a call to war. When my straight friends and colleagues say that something is so gay, I usually agree. Some things are SO gay. But (caveat), I live in San Francisco. So, I am sure my perspective is probably different than many other folks here.
This discussion is SO gay! [joke]
This post has been edited by weirdblackdog: Oct 31 2006, 10:10 PM
Group: Members
Posts: 6,512
Joined: 28-September 01
From: Toronto, Canada
Member No.: 145
Was this guy suspended because there were complaints, or did the network do this on their own?
Not only does this seem overly severe (a suspension without even a warning, for something which is very mild and not offensive), but it may even send a chilling message that one dare not even mention the "G" word ever.
While we don't want people saying bad things about us, we don't want them to not talk about us, either. We're here, we're queer, and we can be mentioned in polite conversation.
Group: Members
Posts: 1,847
Joined: 14-April 03
From: Palm Springs, CA
Member No.: 1,554
QUOTE(canmark @ Nov 1 2006, 11:40 AM)
While we don't want people saying bad things about us, we don't want them to not talk about us, either.
A TV announcer saying, "That's so gay," is not talking about us. Do you think people like Matthew Shepard or Michael Sandy were happy to hear, "Take that, f****t," as their final words? Was that talking about us too? How charming, and you're right... at least they're talking about us.
Think of the majority of people sitting at home watching the Iowa-Northern Illinois football game. Do you think the majority are enlightened, thoughtful souls who are supportive of gay issues? Or do you think the majority of people listening to that comment in turn made their own anti-gay jokes after hearing that. I'm guessing it is far more of the latter.
Group: Members
Posts: 209
Joined: 24-January 05
From: Avalon NJ and Philadelphia PA
Member No.: 2,874
I'm sorry I laughed out loud, and then played it again. I thought it was hysterically funny.
To quote from one of my best friends, whenever I make one my almost hourly Faux Pas... "Alrighty then"
I could hear my buddies saying that or "my God you are so gay" if I had described catching a football in the same manner. I completely think its unjust for the announcer to be removed. Incredibly stupid, but it's no worse than me describing the pork chop with an au poivre, at a friends restaurant last weekend to a table of 70-80 something women as "Our black pecker pork"
Group: Members
Posts: 3,148
Joined: 30-December 02
From: Back in West Virginia
Member No.: 1,387
QUOTE(UCLAfan @ Nov 1 2006, 09:27 AM)
Yes, here in California, there's something called the "hyphy movement", where being stupid or retarded is lauded.
As for the video, I am not appalled or offended in any way. It's just nice to know that we have someone on our team playing for ESPN's broadcast team.
here's a little blurb I found on hyphy-it's a music/dance style; not quite sure of your reference to it
QUOTE
Hyphy (pronounced HI-fee; IPA: [ˈhaɪfiː]) is a style of music and dance primarily associated with the Oakland Bay Area hip hop culture. It began to emerge in early 2000 as a response from Bay Area rappers against commercial hip hop for not acknowledging the Bay for setting trends in the hip hop industry.[1][2] Although the "hyphy movement" has just recently seen light in mainstream America, it has been a long standing and evolving culture in the Bay Area. Bay Area rapper Keak Da Sneak takes credit for coining the term when, as a young boy, his mother would often tell him he was hyperactive. He would repeat the word "hyper" as "hyphy". To this day he continues to use the word "hyphy" to describe his behavior. [verification needed]
Hyphy is distinguished by gritty, pounding rhythms, and in this sense can be associated with the Oakland Bay Area as crunk music is in the South. Contrary to popular belief, the musical aspect of the movement has very few similarities to crunk music, as it is dictated by more uptempo beats. An individual is said to "get hyphy" when they act or dance in an overstated and ridiculous manner. Many in the Bay Area would describe this as acting "Retarded", "Riding The Yellow Bus/Short Bus", "Stupid" or "Going Dumb". E-40 is seen by many in the Bay Area as the "door opener" to a much bigger movement yet to be exposed to the world in its entirety.
Group: Members
Posts: 659
Joined: 28-March 06
From: Atlanta
Member No.: 4,264
Other FSU,
You are going way overboard to even reference Mathew Sheppard and other gay bashing to this paticular issue. This is similar to how GOP'er have been rallying their base by suggesting soemthing is highly offensive when the reality its harmless.
He used poor judgement. That is it. Nothing more nothing less.
I feel sorry for the guy. Not because he said it. But because he has been suspended and people feel a need to play damage control over non-issues just in case they become issues by overly senstitive people that are looking to play victim.
--------------------
[size=5]"[i][b]I might be drunk, but you're ugly and I will be sober in the morning[/b][/i]"[/size] - Winston Churchill
Group: Members
Posts: 2,597
Joined: 8-December 01
From: Hollywood, CA
Member No.: 438
I wonder if we should send a letter to ESPN on Outsports stationary explaining that we appreciate the gesture and appreciate the apology but please don't can Brian's ass on our account. He made a mistake and missed one game but as gay sports fans and as college football fans, we the undersigned feel that that's plenty and let's move on.
Signed,
Maddog (and whoever else agrees)
I would really hate for Brian to lose his job over this.
This post has been edited by Maddog: Nov 1 2006, 10:29 PM
Group: Members
Posts: 551
Joined: 15-March 06
Member No.: 4,190
I think he's kind of cute and sexy. If he wants to caress balls, it's OK with me. Tell you what. If he wants to make out with me for about an hour, I will write a letter to the network asking him to be reinstated.
This post has been edited by Philliproy: Nov 1 2006, 11:00 PM
"That's kinda gay"
Oct 30 2006, 06:20 PM
But I think if they all had a sort of place to go with these things before they go on the air it might help.
