Gay group questions 'American Idol' judges

[Rickypt]

^ I didn't see it, but wondering if this report below is accurate.

http://www.foxesonidol.com/cgi-bin/a...820.art&page=1

"Zachary entered the audition room, took Simon’s snort, and had sufficiently informed the judges that he is male and is often confused for a girl (meaning that he is male). Randy immediately asked, “Are you a girl?” Well, no Randy, he just said he wasn’t. This got a good guffaw out of Simon, and Randy joined in with one of his own."

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by skcin

You guys are saying "butt" a lot.

And that kid DID look like a girl. It really seemed like he was trying to look like a girl, so I probably would've asked the same thing. He wore a white boat-neck blouse anf has his hair cut into a BOB, for Chrissake!

Do not forget the high-heeled boots and the jeans that did not look very boy cut!

[Rickypt]

I finally found a pic of Zachary and he indeed looks like a girl. Maybe I've lived in SF too long, but my reaction is "so what" and is that something to make fun of.

Do the judges make fun of contestants based on their race, religion, etc? If so, then I guess it's open season at AI and one more reason I'm glad I don't watch it.

If not, then I question why it's okay to poke fun at someone because they don't fit the traditional mold of gender roles. Because oftentimes underneath that joking lies subtle homophobia and why perpetuate that on a popular national television show. That's what GLAAD appears to be addressing. I agree that they blow things out of proportion at times, but I think they are doing the right thing in this case.

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by Rickypt

I finally found a pic of Zachary and he indeed looks like a girl. Maybe I've lived in SF too long, but my reaction is "so what" and is that something to make fun of.

Do the judges make fun of contestants based on their race, religion, etc? If so, then I guess it's open season at AI and one more reason I'm glad I don't watch it.

If not, then I question why it's okay to poke fun at someone because they don't fit the traditional mold of gender roles. Because oftentimes underneath that joking lies subtle homophobia and why perpetuate that on a popular national television show. That's what GLAAD appears to be addressing. I agree that they blow things out of proportion at times, but I think they are doing the right thing in this case.

They do make fun of people that do not fit the idol "image". For instance, Simon has made fat comments and other statements about peoples' appearance. I don't like it but I think it is part of the show. The criticism is a big part of why people tune in. The comments about this boy did make me uncomfortable, they could have been more appropriate with their criticism. More constructive for sure!

I think it is good that GLAAD opened up a dialog with the show but I don't think they were being homophobic. They were just pointing out where the contestant did not fit the idol mould. I hate that! But it is part of the show.

[Rickypt]

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

They do make fun of people that do not fit the idol "image". For instance, Simon has made fat comments and other statements about peoples' appearance. I don't like it but I think it is part of the show. The criticism is a big part of why people tune in.

Thanks. Definitely not my kind of entertainment.

[DavidMn]

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

If she has a go with Kelly Clarkson, I wanna watch!

Think that internet video would outsell Paris'?

[Wild_Heart03]

Originally Posted by ontheEdgeof17

Well, it's not going to be when GLAAD and other groups whine around. They blow everything out of proportion. "American Idol is homophobic". Bull****. They make fun of everybody, not just the gays.

Amen to that, Curtis. To be honest, when I saw this article I just thought "what are they overreacting to this time?".

[Rickypt]

In this case, I don't think GLAAD overreacted at all. Especially if you go to their site and read specifically what they have said.

Often they do overreact, but sometimes you have to overreact to make a point and effect change.

We are still in an era where it is considered okay to make tacky jokes about gays and transgenders and it's not considered okay to make fun based on race, etc.

In the AI case, Zachary had already stated he is a guy, so what is necessary or funny about a follow-up question asking if he's a girl? Why not just ask if he's a fag?

[ontheEdgeof17]

Isn't it stereotypical to think that this kid is homosexual? To my knowledge, he never said that he was (correct me if I am wrong). Maybe he just likes to wear his mom's clothes.

[jannieC]

As much as I love this show, I have noticed this season that some of the comments have made me uncomfortable. Gay, overweight, whatever comments. It may be because I am genuinely a nice person (seriously, I hate to see someone's feelings hurt) who is a bit overly sensitive to stuff like that. Or, the judges could be a bit meaner this round, not sure. I have never been one to think it's funny to make fun of other people, though. Someone said earlier in this thread that the catiness is most of the appeal of the show, and I disagree. I like the truthful criticism (as the show progressess and they're actually performing) but I don't like the unnecessary criticism (which have nothing to do with the performances).

[Sorceress]

Originally Posted by jannieC

Or, the judges could be a bit meaner this round

I definitely think they are being meaner. On a separate note, I think they are also being a lot funnier and more real. Simon making fun of Randy and Paula's video? I haven't laughed so hard in a long time.

I wasn't entirely comfortable with the way they treated Zachary.
I have a problem with the way the show exploits people who obviously have some sort issues. MOST of the people they are showing at this point of the audition process are delusional at the very least! I feel the worst for people who have some degree of mental retardation.

Zachary's issue seemed to be feeling surprised and hurt when people don't know how to react to him. Too bad Simon and Randy didn't handle themselves better.

[jannieC]

Originally Posted by Sorceress

I definitely think they are being meaner. On a separate note, I think they are also being a lot funnier and more real. Simon making fun of Randy and Paula's video? I haven't laughed so hard in a long time.

Wasn't that hilarious? I loved the way Randy was cracking up- all of them really- it was so real.

[DavidMn]

Originally Posted by Rickypt

Nor do I, but not everyone is as self-assured as we are. When the playing field is equal for gays, then I'll learn to lighten up a bit.

The way I look at that is I just dont give a damn what people think. It's not insecurity, it's just that this is what I am, dont like it? MOVE ALONG, I dont care.

[JazmenFlowers]

Originally Posted by jannieC

As much as I love this show, I have noticed this season that some of the comments have made me uncomfortable. Gay, overweight, whatever comments. It may be because I am genuinely a nice person (seriously, I hate to see someone's feelings hurt) who is a bit overly sensitive to stuff like that. Or, the judges could be a bit meaner this round, not sure. I have never been one to think it's funny to make fun of other people, though. Someone said earlier in this thread that the catiness is most of the appeal of the show, and I disagree. I like the truthful criticism (as the show progressess and they're actually performing) but I don't like the unnecessary criticism (which have nothing to do with the performances).

yeppers

with respect to GLAAD - that's their job, it's what they do - they are like PETA...a good organization, but can sometimes look for something to bithc about

[diamondsnake]

Can someone post a picture of this person? I want to see what all the fuss is about!