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The Quandary of “Gays” on HGTV - Ask It Basket

Started by Randy · 10 months ago

SilverSurfersWave asks:
*While watching “House Hunters” on HGTV, do you change the channel when the couple turns out to be gay? Do you turn the channel if the couple is living out of wedlock?
I have a confession to make. For some, who rely heavily on stereotyp ... Continue reading »

34 comments

  • B.T.Carolus

    10 months ago

    Does a gay couple = sex on tv? I mean, I don't watch Gossip Girl or the OC or any of those annoying CW shows, for what I hope are obvious reasons. But I watch Bravo all the time (I'm a sucker for Project Runway, and Top Chef, and anything that may possibly have Ted Allen in it [which includes FoodNetwork]), and they obviously have tons of gay themes/characters (are reality tv show people called characters?). So should I feel guilty for watching Bravo when I don't watch the OC?

    Also, I think HGTV is deadly dull too. It's my 76 year old grandma's favorite channel. This should tell us something.
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  • Randy

    10 months ago

    There you go with the questions as a response thing. :) Why don't you try to answer them yourself?
    reply
  • B.T.Carolus

    10 months ago

    Have you ever heard of the Socratic method? :)

    Obviously my answer is no: gay couple does not = sex on tv.
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  • Randy

    10 months ago

    Yes I have. :) And if Socrates were here I would say, "Socrates, could you just say that watching a gay couple pick out carpet samples is not the same as gay sex on tv?"

    :)
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  • B.T.Carolus

    10 months ago

    Actually, I tend to agree with the citizens of Athens, Socrates' annoying way of always asking questions and never explaining what he really thinks definitely made Alcibiades (and all his friends) turn out so rotten. So maybe I shouldn't be following his precepts.
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  • Randy

    10 months ago

    I don't know. It might be effective in a debate or a teaching setting.
    reply
  • B.T.Carolus

    10 months ago

    Well, Socrates was famous for winning debates. And teachers use a modified version in class all the time. But Socrates himself never actually argued for something specific. He would use an argument for something if it would win one debate, and against it if it would win another. So you could never figure out what he really thought was right.
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  • B.T.Carolus

    10 months ago

    Also, is choosing not to watch a specific program *boycotting* or is it simply practicing wise media discernment? It seems like this should not be some dramatic statement, it should just be something we do if we realize that a program is going to have a bad effect on us. Besides, nobody will know if you are or are not watching something, because those statistics are only from the people with the Nielsen boxes.
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  • Randy

    10 months ago

    They were talking about boycotting ABC because of her.
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  • Might not want to say.

    10 months ago

    Okay I can't help but confess in this little conversation that I watch Ellen's talk show on occasions. I pray for her regularly as well. She may very well be the most influential lesbian in the world. Why? She is 'normal' (for the most part). She comes across most of the time as non-militant and normal, therefore helping the idea that this lifestyle is normal and okay. I may be absolutely crazy, but I can't wait until she has a change in her life! It may very well come at the end of her now 'marraige' to Portia. I guess my point is, HGTV, Ellen, or any other shows with gay couples or characters on them personally just give me another opportunity to pray. I am guarded and feel this may not be for everyone. But again, who is praying for her? We need to pray more and stop boycotting. Don't know how much of this relates, but it struck a chord. Have a great day!
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  • Randy

    10 months ago

    Thanks MNWTS. Great observations and comments.

    I completely agree with you on the less boycotts more prayer theme even though I am for both boycotts and prayer. :)

    Thanks again for adding your thoughts.
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  • hal_p

    10 months ago

    I've always liked the cliche, "Garbage in, garbage out." But, as you note, Randy, each believer needs to be aware of what their weaknesses are as some things are temptations for one but not temptations for another. Likewise we should be aware of what is a temptation for our brothers and sisters and not lead them there.

    But I think the Jacob principle applies to all the programing that features violence, promiscuity, and the sin of homosexuality, whether through blatant sex or through "Hey, see their normal in every other way" methods. I'm talking about how Jacob bred spotted animals by keeping before them the streaked and spotted branches. So they bred what they saw. That Biblical story often makes me wonder how it applies to us and what media we watch.

    "The Chronicles of Riddick" is one of my favorite sci/fi stories too, btw.
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  • Randy

    10 months ago

    Totally agree on the not leading others to temptation. The Jacob story is a great metaphor too.

    I liked Riddick a lot better than the first movie that I can't remember the name of. Lots of great symbolism ... and cgi :).
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  • Nick

    10 months ago

    WHAT?! TCM isn't on your list of cable TV channels? How do you exist without old movies? Randy, you have let me down beyond measure. You didn't watch "Spellbound" with Gregory Peck and Ingrid Bergman last night? I'm speechless.
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  • Randy

    10 months ago

    I didn't know Texas Chainsaw Massacre had it's own cable channel. And why would it show sappy old black and white films on it?

    ::: laugh ::: you know I am just pickin' right? The only old films I have watched all the way through are from the comedy genre. Laurel and Hardy, Abbott and Costello and some of the Bob Hope movies.
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  • Nick

    10 months ago

    Randy, you're missing a lot.

    I 'm tempted to prepare a short list of "must-see" movies.
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  • B.T.Carolus

    10 months ago

    Nick, have you ever seen "It Happened One Night?" I just fell in love with it. The dialogue is SOO brilliant. Not quite to Casablanca's level...but close.
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  • Nick

    10 months ago

    Yes, many times. Claudette Colbert is a favorite of mine. Did you see the one where she is writer and she meets a soldier played by John Wayne who she believes is perfect for the role of her hero when the book is turned into a movie. The title escapes me, but you'll love it.
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  • Nick

    10 months ago

    The Colbert/Wayne movie is "Without Reservations." Watch it!
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  • Randy

    10 months ago

    ::: laugh ::: ok!
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  • B.T.Carolus

    10 months ago

    I will definitely watch it...right after my last final.
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  • Randy

    10 months ago

    Do it. That would be interesting. But also put why you put those movies on the list :).
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  • Janey

    10 months ago

    I'll confess this....I've absolutely loved Ellen on her sitcom and I absolutely love her talk show as well.

    What I've decided to do...in my first year I didn't watch much tv. I made a boundary with myself to only watch christian based programs if I were to entertain myself on tv. I needed to desperatly to change and I knew that I wouldn't do that if I continued to watch programs like the L-word. Mind you, I've worked with and have becomes friends with one person who's an actress on the L-word. She wanted to send me a video clip of a recent scene she did on the show and I told her, "with all do respect I really don't want to visualize you as your character on the show or visualize you in the outfit that you just described to me. And I've made the choice not to watch that show. I respect you as a person and enjoy working with you but I honestly would much rather you not send me that video clip."

    And so many shows I will not watch simply because it's of no benefit to me but I also have the thoughts that a person's tolerance level is different. And mine well, there was a time I stopped watching Will&Grace but continued watching Ellen's talk show. Personally, I found that she was really respectful on her show.

    And these are my reasons behind why I'd watch some shows and not others. But I wouldn't stop watching a show simply because there are gay scenes because if I were to judge everything equally there is so much sex on tv that I'd have to boycott more then just the shows that have gay scenes in them.
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  • Might not want to say.

    10 months ago

    I've actually used Ellen as a sermon illustration. As Christians we can be funny, great, giving, work for great causes, love and love and love, support others, and lead by example....all things I believe Ellen does well. However, as with Ellen (and other people and characters) at times we have one BIG issues that puts a gulf between us and the Christ-like behavior God wants from us. Often Satan uses just one BIG ISSUE (of course will smaller, lingering sins) to prevent us from being God's best. I think that is why I pray so much for Ellen and Portia and all my gay acquaintances....I want God's best for them.
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  • Randy

    10 months ago

    Yeah, everyone has their own BIG ISSUE (sin nature) and falls short of operating to the full potential of who God created them to be. Thank God for the atonement of Christ!

    Have you thought about discussing/including stars who don't identify as gay or Christian for the same type of teaching? Do you share about your own big issue?

    My questions aren't asked with any agenda. They are genuine open questions.
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  • Might not want to say.

    10 months ago

    Oh, absolutely, however in a lot of my preaching and teaching, it is by necessity at times to use those who are gay-identified. I live and serve as pastor in a very hostile environment toward homosexuals. The goal, many times but of course not all, is to show that homosexuality is as 'normal' as any other sin. Many in the community that I serve watch or have friends who are gay identified. It is only natural to teach based on what is in their life. And yes, I share at times about my own issues, but must be very careful in doing so...I'd lose my job. That is also why I write these entries under a pseudo name, and a very long one at that. We are acquainted via our blogging and the Exodus Conference and I am no stranger to homosexuality, the agenda, and questions that even started this conversation. Thanks for the challenge however. It is important that I use other 'sin examples' in my preaching and teach.
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  • Randy

    10 months ago

    Cool, makes total sense. I didn't mean it to be a challenge though. I wasn't trying to assume anything but just asking since I am always interested to see how Pastor's communicate to their congregations concerning homosexuality in a modern context.

    And whether it's your real name or a pseudonym, I am very glad you are adding your thoughts :).
    reply
  • Sick of hiding my name :)

    10 months ago

    Oh, I didn't take your comments as a 'bad' challenge. You made me have to stop an think, 'Am I over using illustrations of gay-identified individuals or situations simply because I am passionate about it?" That was a good challenge for me to think about. I welcome that. Thank you.
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  • Randy

    10 months ago

    That's cool :). If you don't want to hide your name you could always use an alias..
    reply
  • Me.

    10 months ago

    Na, that would be too simple. he he. While I'm here...I just thought that I would express how happy I am that I am living in the 'north' of our grand country. Forget the sackcloth and ashes my friends....you need a fish suit!
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  • Randy

    10 months ago

    ::: one eyebrow arched :::

    Oh you're funny. ::: smile :::
    reply
  • Nick

    10 months ago

    Compulsive list-maker that I am, if I were to put together a top ten list of people I'd most like to have dinner with, Ellen would be about number six or seven. She'd be a great conversationalist.
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  • Randy

    10 months ago

    I would love to have dinner with her too. She is very likeable and I agree, a great conversationalist.
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  • amy lee

    6 months ago

    I'm a big fan of HGVT mainly b/c of my work of home building and remolding. I guess I like see a mess turn out to be a master piece. A little time, creativity, and a small amount of money can really transform. I will say that when I come across a show that highlights a gay couple, I turn the channel. I change channels not b/c I'm judging them but that I feel if I continue to watch, I'm agreeing. More so I just don't have a good witness to watch. Would I turn the channel with a hetero couple not married, I hope I would.
    reply

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