The dust has settled a little since Bruno’s balls dropped on Eminem’s face during the MTV Movie Awards recently. Turns out Em’s outrage was just an act and the whole fiasco was planned and scripted. Well, that’s a relief. I’m relieved to know Eminem isn’t really homophobic and disgusted by being that close to a screaming queen. I’m also relieved that the latest caricature created by Sacha Baron Cohen has been launched with such pomp and mastery.
From what I’ve seen and read over the past several months, Bruno is to homosexuality what Borat was to xenophobia. Bruno is an amazingly effeminate Austrian hairdresser whose antics through Middle America are meant to antagonize and mock homophobes who are so uncomfortable by his appearance and affectations.
Now, I know I’m making judgments about a movie I haven’t seen but what concerns me is who is really being mocked the most, the homophobes or the gays? I’m sure Cohen’s heart is in the right place as he does try to shine a spotlight on ignorance in all its forms but I can’t help but squirm at being made a punchline once again. After all, haven’t gays been the punchline – and punching bag – for decades?
Gays have been the punchline
and punching bag for decades.
Maybe this antic at the MTV show was meant to make fun of homophobes but it sure didn’t look that way as Eminem and his entourage stormed off in mock disgust to the cheers of the audience. Message: gays are disgusting. Then the big reveal about it all being a staged gag. Message: gays make great fodder for mockery. Hey guys, it was only a joke. No real homophobia here.
Ironic, then, that it took place in a state that has supported Proposition 8 and squashed same sex marriage. I wonder how hard California’s gays were laughing? I understand using stereotypes to shine a light on bigotry, racism, sexism and so on, but this smacks of mocking gay people at a time and in a place where a real, visceral battle for equality and rights is taking place. And that’s no joke.
Gay people have a great sense of humour. If we didn’t, we probably wouldn’t have survived the spectacular crap we’ve had to endure. I just really don’t appreciate being the punchline in someone’s vague pro-gay comedy sketch. I don’t think the average viewer is that sophisticated.
To wrap up, here’s a quote from the MTV feedback blog from a viewer who “really got the joke”:
“What straight male with any self respect would allow himself to be humuliated and dehumanized by having another man’s genitals slapped across his face at the expense of himself?”
