Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Still Stopping “Work It”

2011-12-15_stop_sign Last Thursday, I wrote here about complaining to the ABC television network that their new sitcom Work It, "belittles and mocks those who do not adhere to society's gender norms," and as a result, should not see the light of day.

My concerns were only based on the short snippets of the show that appeared in the ads ABC has been airing. But from what little I had seen, I thought that it did not bode well transgenders, so I signed the Human Rights Campaign's petition to stop the show.

After reading this on The Huffington Post today, I believe that my concerns were justified. The Huffington Post article was written by Cathy Renna, who saw a complete episode of the show. After reading her article, all I can say is that the show is worse than I imagined and I urge you to sign the petition.

3 comments:

  1. I've seen a short snipped also. Those two do not pass. So on this show I'll take a what and see approach.

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  2. It seems that the HRC, the Huffington Post and Ms. Renna believe in doing whatever is necessary to impose prior restraints and censorship on forms of speech that they may not like. I wonder if they see their use of their right to free speech as a means of curtailing others from having the same rights. I tend to question those who would censure, bring about economic damage, stop reasonable discussion, etc. simply as a means of pushing forward their own agenda.

    I will not sign the HRC petition. Their cover letter is quite heavy handed and carries a message of intolerance that I do not support.

    I am also not sure that I, as a CD, see the scenes and jokes that were referred to in Ms. Renna's piece the same way that she sees them as an LGBT activist. She has a right to her views and all I ask is that she not impose her views on me.

    Bathroom selection is often a dilemna for me when I am dressed. I almost feel more comfortable in a men's room where, if anything the out of place party is me, rather than possibly making a GG feel uncomfortable if I were to use a ladies room. While I like to feel comfortable in whatever setting I am in when I am out dressed I really do not want my presence to make others uncomfortable. The last time I was out, when I came out of the men's room one of the other CDs joked with me and suggested that I use the ladies. I do not think I can impose a universal answer on the 'bathroom' issue but perhaps the promo for the show, while humerous on one level can be viewed as showing that men in dresses do faces these real decisions. Some of the other 'lines' that seemed to offend Ms. Renna can also be seen as having two meanings. I think we are all allowed to do our own thinking and not have the Huff Post or the HRC serve as a mega censor.

    From what I can infer about the show there will be a component that demonstrates how the guys learn about the trials and tribulations that women face and in the process become more sensitive to woman's issues and along the way become more comfortable with their own 'feminine sides'. So much has been learned and advanced through the use of comedy as a medium. Perhaps our cause would be improved by more civilians seeing that a guy in a dress is not to be feared.

    The show is a sit-com. Watch it if you like...don't if you are not amused. I doubt that I will tune in since sit-coms are not what I tend to watch.

    Regards
    Pat

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  3. I can't for the life of me understand why a rehash of Bosom Buddies would be offensive to you, but womanless beauty pageants aren't.

    Furthermore, if it were Focus on the Family protesting the show because of Old Testament prohibitions on crossdressing, you'd be using your soapbox to encourage everyone to watch it.

    Myself, as a firm believer in free speech and expression, I will not sign any stupid petition. If the show is bad, it will fail to lack of ratings.

    I'll be watching, because I didn't throw out my sense of humor along with my tighty-whities.

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