Eric Jost is a freelance writer currently based out of Washington, DC. His work ranges from embarrassing first-person narratives to commentaries on queer rights and sex positive culture; with work having appeared in SX (Sydney, Australia), Storyscape, $pread Magazine, and the anthology, Beyond Masculinity: Essays by Queer Men on Gender and Politics. You can check out more of his work at www.eric-jost.com.
Culture_Voyeur
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By Eric Jost
I'm sad to say that this will be this "Culture Voyeur" last column. After a year and a half of playing media watchdog, it's time to move on to new adventures.
Since beginning my column in October 2008, pop culture and the world at large has changed in so many ways. Lady Gaga rose up from nothing to become the new high priestess of pop, challenging preconceived notions of femininity and sexuality. Domestic violence and its consequences played out like a soap opera thanks to Chris Brown. Jersey Shore proved that Americans really do enjoy watching train wrecks.
And, oh yeah, the US elected its first black President.
Pop culture is often seen by academics, journalists, and other "grown-ups" as trivial and somewhat insignificant. What impact does Britney Spears have on society? Who cares if there is LGBTQ representation on Battlestar Galactica? What they fail to realize is that, more than history and politics (which do inform and are a part of culture), pop culture is the most accurate and current reflection of society. This doesn't mean that we're all going to start speaking Na'vi or worshipping Stephenie Meyer; but when a piece of art or a performance resonates so deeply that it's absorbed by the masses, it holds more significance than we can even begin to imagine.
Culture_VoyeurAt long last, the health care reform debate seems to be winding down. Obama, Pelosi, and the Democrats are declaring victory after months of squabbling and the first steps have been taken to implement what Vice President Biden called, “a big [bleep]ing deal.”
The anger felt over health care reform surprised me. I continue to believe that few in the United States legitimately thinks that some people deserve health care and others don’t. And while the issue seems to stem from the so-called “government takeover” of health care, few are complaining about a government-funded public transit system, police force, or postal service.
So why is everyone so angry over health care?
The public debate over health care has been a calculated exercise in misinformation and misdirected anger. As a public health professional, I am the first to admit that the majority of health care is excruciatingly boring. Most of the 2000-page bill just signed by President Obama focuses on physician payments, definitions of health facilities, and funding for epidemiological studies. The “death panels” that Sarah Palin invented last year never existed. Neither did the public funds for abortion. And the LGBTQ provisions? Well, all but one has been thrown out with this new compromise.
Culture_VoyeurLady Gaga and Beyonce’s “Telephone” music video premiered last week, and although it might not be the visual masterpiece that is “Bad Romance,” the campy pulp extravaganza has been viewed by over 20 million people.
A sequel to Gaga’s “Paparazzi” clip, “Telephone” finds Gaga in jail and Beyonce bailing her out before the two go on a Thelma and Louise-inspired mass killing spree. Homage to classic B-movies and Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill franchise (complete with the infamous Pussy Wagon), the video features plenty of crotch shots, wild fashion, and manic dancing.
The day of the video’s release, the world seemed to be spending most of its time figuring out what to make of the ten-minute clip. It was weird and risqué, but nothing too over-the-top compared to Madonna and Britney Spears’ oeuvres. But then CNN aired a completely bogus news story reporting the video to be so offensive that it was banned by MTV. MTV (which currently has no air time dedicated to showing music videos) quickly refuted the claim.
FOX News soon followed CNN, airing its own segment dedicated to discussing whether or not Lady Gaga had gone too far with the “Telephone” video. However, CNN and FOX News aside, the outcry has been limited almost to the point of nonexistence.
Culture_Voyeurby Eric Jost
Right in the middle of women’s history month, a woman made film history! At the 82nd Academy Awards, Kathryn Bigelow won Best Director for her film, The Hurt Locker. She was only the fourth woman to be nominated for the award. The night was also marked by another historic moment when Geoffrey Fletch became the first Black man to win Best Adapted Screenplay for Precious.
The fact that neither of these wins occurred before 2010 is astounding and the Academy should be embarrassed.
Culture_VoyeurAfter producing such quality television like Celebrity Fit Club and Flavor of Love, VH1 announced its latest reality endeavor, Transform Me.
Transform Me is much like any other makeover series -- find a plain Jane, bring in a team of experts to humiliate her, and after a little blood, sweat, and eyeliner, the ugly duckling will turn into a beautiful swan. Transform Me’s gimmick comes in the form of its team of experts: rather than being hip fashionistas or flamboyant gay men, these experts are transgender women.
The transgender trio -- led by VH1 reality alum, Laverne Cox -- promises that rather than focusing solely on outer beauty like all of those other makeover hosts, they will set their sights on “overall transformations.” So instead of picking women who simply suffer from poor fashion sense, contestants will also be generally unpleasant or boring.
Using members of the LGBTQ community as part of a show’s gimmick is nothing new, and can certainly prove exceptionally successful. Queer Eye for the Straight Guy not only brought gay men into the homes of Middle America, but you could argue that without it we would have never seen Project Runway or What Not to Wear (whether that is a good or bad thing is entirely up to you).
My hesitation with producing a show aimed at exploiting transgender women for a primarily heterosexual audience is that we haven’t reached the level of visibility and acceptance for transgender people that we had for gays and lesbians when Queer Eye debuted. By the time Queer Eye premiered in 2003, Ellen had already come out of the closet, Will & Grace was a major hit, and Queer as Folk was breaking sexual boundaries on cable. But despite a few minor transgender characters on Ugly Betty and Nip/Tuck, we haven’t seen the explosion of representations that we did for gays and lesbians in the late 90s and early 2000s. Is a makeover reality series really the best vehicle for moving transgender acceptance and support forward?
On the other hand, despite being crucified by the LGBTQ community, presenting gay men as nonthreatening and loveable via Queer Eye is probably one of the many reasons more and more heterosexuals are now supporting LGBTQ rights. Having a platform to, not stand on your soapbox, but merely be entertaining has a positive effect on a lot of viewers. Even though I as a queer person might be apprehensive about Transform Me, perhaps this is exactly what straight, Middle America needs right now -- a trio of trans women who they can relate to and laugh with.
Transform Me will premiere on VH1 on Monday, April 19.
Culture_VoyeurLast week, everyone's favorite male figure skater, Johnny Weir, lost the gold to fellow American, Evan Lysacek. Weir not only missed out on the gold, but didn't even get a medal -- instead coming in 6th.
Lysacek's win has been heralded as a "reclaiming" of the Winter Olympics, of sorts. Masculinity has again triumphed over effeminacy and a new generation of butch figure skaters is supposedly poised to take the stage. In the aftermath of his win, we've already heard Australian radio hosts mock Weir and the sport, while LGBTQ bloggers decry Weir's loss as homophobia. And in the same manner that CBS sought to keep the Super Bowl tightly in its heteronormative grasp, NBC has attempted to reaffirm the Olympics as the ultimate expression of masculinity and heterosexuality. Unfortunately, many of those stereotypes are perpetuated by the (alleged) LGBTQ competitors themselves.
The Winter Olympics have long been seen as the unofficial "gay games," even before the real Gay Games were established in 1982. Much of this perception was born out of the popularity of male's figure skating and the seemingly high number of out gay men who partook in the sport (the same assumptions are made about the Summer Olympics' male gymnastics). Even if they aren’t gay, skaters’ muscular bodies, flashy costumes, and graceful moves leave many fans guessing.
Culture_VoyeurWhy are the pretty ones always insane?
For most of his career, I’ve been rather apathetic towards John Mayer. I wouldn’t change the radio if his music came on, but I also never went out of my way to find or purchase it. In fact, his greater purpose seemed to be serving as my eye candy (I’m sucker for tattoos) rather than establishing any kind of soulful connection. It was a shallow existence but it’s worked well for us.
And then he went and opened his mouth…
Earlier this month, Playboy published a recent interview with Mr. Mayer. Never one to keep things under wraps (he’s notoriously tweeted and blogged about his many sexual encounters and relationships), Mayer used the pages of Playboy to liken his relationship with Jessica Simpson to a drug addiction and discuss his horrific make-out session with chauvinist blogger, Perez Hilton. While this might not sound too surprising coming from the man who made a name for himself writing a hit song about having sex with Jennifer Love Hewitt, it was Mayer’s brazen use of homophobic and racist epithets that have caused the most controversy and elicited a tearful apology from the singer during one of his performances.
The quotes from the interview that have since become infamous among the progressive blogging communities are those where Mayer described his so-called hood cred as a “n---a pass;” lamented on not being attracted to black women because his penis is “a white supremacist;” and referred to gay men as “f--s.”
Interestingly, the only thing Mayer has apologized for is his use of the n-word. And while that is all well and good, I think his misogynist tendencies, homophobic sentiments, and racist attitudes in bed negate any apology or reconciliation Mayer has offered. Sure, he says he’s sorry for his linguistic choice, but his actions speak louder than words.
Much in the same way female performers are decried for “exploiting” their sexuality and urging young girls to do the same, Mayer should be (and is, to some extent) condemned for propagating sexist and homophobic attitudes. Although his use of the n-word is an egregious offense, I find his unapologetic contempt of women -- especially black women -- to be more disheartening. He seems almost proud of breaking hearts with little regard towards his exes’ feelings. And the fact that he hasn’t been criticized more for writing off sex and/or relationships with black women altogether reflects America’s own internalized racist attitudes.
Racism and homophobia are also apparent in how America has reacted to Mayer’s statements in particular. When Kanye West jumped on stage during Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards, he was persecuted. Granted, West was out of line, but his actions resulted in a self-imposed exile and multiple public apologies. Mayer -- who has, to me, shown a total disregard for those around him -- has only been on the receiving end of a few choice tweets and blog posts (including this one). I haven’t heard of any radio stations boycotting Mayer’s music, or of Mayer cancelling any live shows due to public condemnation. Compared to the crucifixion of Kanye West, the backlash towards Mayer’s interview has been relatively subdued.
Moments like these offer us a chance to reflect on why some issues rile us up more than others. Those of us in the progressive and minority communities find Mayer’s words to be outrageous, but the fact that more people don’t is almost of greater importance. Mayer’s statements and lack of protest underscore how Americans (especially American males) are taught to react when racism, sexism, and homophobia are aired openly and publicly.
Culture_Voyeurby Eric Jost
Believe it or not, but I actually sat down and watched most of the Super Bowl on Sunday (with only intermittent glimpses of the Puppy Bowl). I didn’t intend on tuning into the game, but I wanted to see the controversial anti-choice ad CBS planned to air. And being stuck in a house for three days because of snow causes one to do strange things. In my case, watch a football game.
For the most part, I tuned in half-heartedly. I nearly missed Focus on the Family’s ad altogether it was so quick and reminiscent of an eHarmony commercial (which is especially bizarre since it featured Tim Tebow and his mom). But the ad that caught my and everyone else’s attention was Megan Fox’s Motorola commercial
As many bloggers pointed out immediately following the Super Bowl, the ad can proudly claim the title as being the only Super Bowl commercial featuring gay characters (that aren’t animals). And to call them gay is even a bit of a stretch – even with their pink button-down shirts – since they have clearly have secret heterosexual longings for Megan Fox.
With CBS spending the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl assuring us that it isn’t sexist or homophobic, the Megan Fox ad was like a slap in the face after CBS punched us in the stomach with the anti-choice spot. Despite being revered as the ultimate expression of heteronormative masculinity, does CBS fear some kind of male revolt if positive images of LGBTQ people air during their two-hour testosterone fest? We know that just as many people tune in to the Super Bowl for the commercials as they do for the game, and as a result, this brings in a very diverse audience that cuts across gender, race, class, and sexuality (this game is now officially the most watched show of all time, with 106 million American viewers).
Not to mention that sports fans exhibit the same type of diversity amongst themselves.
CBS, however, seems to think that the audience for the Super Bowl consists only of white, heterosexual males who are also conservative and intolerant. Does this explain why CBS OK’d the Motorola spot but nixed an anti-gay bullying ad from GLSEN? After all, gays are meant to be laughed at, not loved. And seeing as how Focus on the Family at one time sponsored ex-gay programs, the Motorola commercial is in line with the beliefs of CBS’ other television sponsors.
Next year, the Super Bowl moves to FOX which has a mixed history with LGBTQ characters and viewers (and even more of a checked past with women). Not to mention that sister-channel, FOX News, is one of the most conservative networks on cable TV. However, the network that gave us Adam Lambert and Glee might be willing to air a progressive and inclusive ad if the sponsoring organization comes up with the cash.
Culture_VoyeurAs Jaclyn Friedman described over on her own Amplify column, CBS has been at the center of a firestorm recently for agreeing to air an anti-choice commercial during the Super Bowl. Not only is it an anti-choice ad, but it is produced and funded by Focus on the Family, one of the most conservative, sexist, racist, and homophobic groups in the US.
In an effort to counter the ultra-conservative ad, gay dating website, Man Crunch, submitted a commercial of its own promoting its matchmaking services. Not only was it denied, but CBS summarily blasted the company and accused it of lacking the monetary credit to make good on the offer. Obviously, the progressive and queer media have crucified CBS over recent weeks, accusing the network of a conservative bias and blatant sexism and homophobia.
Granted, an ad featuring two men making out isn’t exactly in the same league as a vehement pro-life commercial, but it’s the principle of the thing. Additionally, reports are now coming out that CBS also rejected an anti-bullying ad from the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN).
Frankly, why any nonprofit would choose to waste a year’s worth of funds on a 30-second Super Bowl ad is beyond me, but hey, it’s not my money.
Culture_VoyeurFollowing my encounter last weekend with MTV’s Jersey Shore, I woke up on Sunday surprisingly early and without anything to do for several hours. Reaching for the remote, I began flipping through the channels looking for something to hold my attention while my body struggled to wake up.
Enter Oxygen’s Bad Girls Club.
I cannot even begin to describe what this show is about as I couldn’t quite figure it out. As far as I can tell, the producers stick a dozen or so girls in a house and pump them full of booze night after night, hoping that drama will ensue. I’m not sure if the women are competing for something or simply just enjoying the free ride, but throughout the course of two episodes I saw two separate fistfights among the housemates. I suppose the series is like Jersey Shore but with an all female cast.
What surprised me most was not the show itself but the network it’s on: Oxygen.
In the same vein as Lifetime or WE tv, Oxygen bills itself as a television network for women. But while Lifetime’s programming alternates between empowering movies-of-the-week and soapy melodramas, Oxygen seems to have made a name for itself with over the top shows highlighting women with low self esteem.
Culture_VoyeurIn honor of my birthday, my friends Alice and Sarah decided the most appropriate way to celebrate would be to take in a day long marathon of MTV’s Jersey Shore. Having been a little too involved recently with the teenage melodrama of Degrassi, I had remained oblivious to the latest reality TV craze that swept the nation.
Watching the antics of Snooki and her compatriots, I couldn’t believe that MTV had finally done away with all subtlety and crafted a show so unapologetically sleazy that it makes The Real World look like “MacBeth.” And as someone who has never been to – nor has any desire to go to – the actual Jersey Shore, I can’t help but wonder how the people of New Jersey ever allowed MTV to get away with such an over-the-top generalization.
For weeks, I had been hearing rumblings of this phenomenon through feminist blogs and the Hollywood gossip mill. Everything from housemate Angelina’s declaration that “slut[s] deserve to be abused” to the infamous Snooki gets punched incident; the cast of Jersey Shore seem to have done their very best to play into every stereotype of Jersey-born, Italian Americans that exists – even going so far as calling themselves “guidos” and “guidettes.”
Culture_VoyeurBy Eric Jost
After months of speculation, it was finally revealed this week that Sarah Palin would be joining FOX News as a political commentator. Quickly following the announcement, Palin made her debut on The O’Reilly Factor Tuesday evening.
Palin’s move to the FOX News network is not particularly surprising. Despite her claims that the network is “fair and balanced,” it is the perfect vehicle for her to spout her puritanical views. In fact, if you watch the clip of her on O’Reilly, Bill reminds her that FOX News has higher ratings than any other cable news network (and treats her with the upmost respect, unlike nearly all of his other guests). But like the more progressive audience that tunes into The Daily Show or MSNBC, Palin will simply be preaching to the choir rather than new converts – regardless of audience size.
The fact that Palin has [temporarily?] moved on to broadcasting rather than reenter the political arena is interesting and a shrewd move. Recent polls show that although many Americans find her likeable, very few find her ready or smart enough to lead the country. And since Palin has reiterated her belief that her poor image is due in large part to “gotcha” journalism, serving as a network commentator should give her practice in crafting soundbites and keeping the public’s attention. Whether or not she chooses to run for president, or anything else for that matter, might very well depend on her ability to hold her own alongside FOX News’ more well-established conservative pundits.
Culture_Voyeur Culture_Voyeur Culture_Voyeur Culture_VoyeurAs the film Precious sets up to sweep the awards season, I’ve been brushing up on reviews of the film before deciding if I want to see what promises to be one downer of a film. But amongst the praise being heaped upon the film by critics and audiences alike, I’ve been especially attracted to the rare, negative reviews that have surfaced as the film gains popularity. Unlike typical critiques, these reviewers don’t have a grudge against the acting or script, but rather, the film’s content and star.
Like Crash before it, several critics have attacked the film for being racist and stereotypical – not helping to overcome preconceived notions about African-American women. But an aspect of the criticisms I have found particularly interesting might be something that doesn’t immediately stand out: Precious’ weight (played by Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe). In addition to the accusations of racism, Precious is being lamented for apparently “promoting” obesity in a community already plagued by the epidemic.
I was almost surprised that the character’s weight was a source of concern, but I as I dove further into the essays, reviews, and interviews from the film, Sidibe’s weight came up over and over again. Most journalists have been surprised that the young actress is comfortable with her size, even as she describes her own struggles with weight-loss. But repeatedly, the reporters are in disbelief that anyone could be happy at that size (which is reportedly over 300lbs).
Culture_Voyeur Culture_VoyeurI realized that I told a lie last week.
When I said I only watch four television shows, I realized I left one out. This one is quite possibly the most embarrassing (which is why I probably “forgot” to mention it) and I’m hesitant to admit it, but I am a loyal viewer of America’s Next Top Model.
Yes, I know it’s awful. I know that Tyra Banks just loves hearing herself talk and that’s why the show exists. And I am well aware that the show causes me to make very anti-feminist, judgmental statements about the girls competing; such as, “Her head is too misshapen to be a good model.”
And yes, I have rewatched all of cycles several times over.
For its 13th (yes, 13th) cycle, Tyra decided to revolutionize the modeling industry. Far too long have models been required to be extraordinarily tall, so Tyra decided it was time for a change. The models for cycle 13 were all 5’7” or shorter.
For what has ultimately turned out to be a boring lackluster season, the show has once again provided some interesting anthropological insight into perceptions of beauty among young, American women.
Culture_VoyeurA good friend betrayed me on Sunday. Someone I thought I could trust, but apparently not anymore.
That’s right, I was let down by ABC’s Brothers & Sisters.
How did this happen, you might ask, and why am I taking it so seriously? Well without going into too much detail, one of the characters on the show discovered that she is pregnant.
Now you might still be wondering why this is so devastating. It is because I currently watch four television shows regularly – Brothers & Sisters, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, and Ugly Betty – and every single one of these shows has now contained a storyline that involves one of the adult characters discovering that she “accidentally” got pregnant.
I realize that these are all fictional programs and writers need to reuse storylines for dramatic effect (which is why three of my shows also featured a cancer arc), but I find the rate of intended pregnancy on television (all of which happen to be on ABC) to be appalling, and perhaps, somewhat unrealistic.
Culture_VoyeurSeveral weeks ago, Britney Spears unveiled her latest single, “3;” which, incidentally, became her third number one hit in the US. An unabashed Britney fan, I enjoyed this piece of unapologetic electro-pop in the vein of Kylie Minogue or Lady GaGa.
But upon first hearing the song, I experienced an emotion that I thought had died long ago: Shock. More surprisingly, I seem to be the only one who actually found the song scandalous.
If you haven’t heard the song yet, it can be summed up in one word: threesomes. The song abandons subtlety and spends three minutes and thirty-three seconds praising the sexual pleasure of a ménage a trois. Not so shocking, and in fact rather boring, is the accompanying music video released the day before Halloween.
I guess I shouldn’t be at all surprised by the woman who earlier this year released “If You Seek Amy,” but that single’s meaning was “hidden” within the inane chorus. “3,” however, makes “If You Seek Amy” sound tame by comparison. But what is really shocking to me is not so much the song’s content, but more the lack of controversy “3” has stirred up.
Culture_VoyeurAs this rather dull season of Project Runway winds down, I’ve noticed something about this group of designers: there’s no one I particularly dislike. Don’t get me wrong, I think the remaining males on the show are incredibly untalented when compared to the females (how is Christopher even on the show still?); but no one this season has elicited the kind of reaction that Kenley did for me in season 5, or Vincent in season 3.
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