Monday, November 1, 2010

Ron Howard Explains Decision to Keep Gay Reference in The Dilemma

A couple weeks ago, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper called out The Dilemma.
He criticized the upcoming Vince Vaughn movie for introducing its trailer with a reference about how electric cars are "gay." Since then, the studio has removed the line from the preview and Vaughn has expressed his opinion on the topic. Read it NOW.
As for the quote itself, director Ron Howard told The Los Angeles Times over the weekend that it will remain in the film.
“I believe in sensitivity but not censorship," he said. "I feel that our film is taking additional heat as an emblem for many movies and TV shows that preceded it that have even more provocative characterizations and language. It is a slight moment in The Dilemma meant to demonstrate an aspect of our lead character’s personality, and we never expected it to represent our intentions or the point of view of the movie or those of us who made it.”
Howard said it was "appropriate" for Universal to axe the line from the trailer, but The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation isn't pleased with the decision not to eliminate it entirely.
"By leaving it in the movie, they are now contributing to the problem," the organization said in a statement. "The conversations started as a result of the community’s response to this slur will help schools, media and parents understand the impact of the word ‘gay’ being used as a pejorative. Hopefully in the future, Universal and Ron Howard will recognize the power of their words and use their films to bring people together rather than drive us apart.”
What side do you take in this debate?

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