Petition: End Transphobia on The Daily Show and The Colbert Report

[Ande]

I'm a fan of TDS and TCR. A couple of weeks ago I was startled by an offensive deceptive-transsexual joke on TCR. I looked into it and found that there is quite a history of transphobic joke telling on both shows. This is not simply a "change the channel" situation. Because of the cultural importance, influence, and reach of these shows, I think that is it worth the effort to try to convince them to change for the better. Hence this petition I started:
https://www.change.org/petitions/jon-stewart-the-daily-show-and-stephen-colbert-the-colbert-report-reject-transphobia-and-respect-gender-identity
You can get more info on transphobia on TDS and TCR here:
http://noaccommodation.com/2013/11/02/transphobia-why-do-jon-stewart-and-stephen-colbert-get-free-passes/
and here:
http://yourmomentofhate.tumblr.com

If this is something you support, please sign the petition and share far and wide!

[Robin Mack]

Thank you... signed and shared!

[Ms Grace]

While I might expect better from The Daily Show, I would have thought the whole point of The Colbert Report was to lampoon close minded thinking by writing that thinking large whilst showing how ludicrous it is. If you didn't know better you'd think Colbert believed what he is saying and yet it is cutting edge satire. Sometimes a little too cutting edge! I haven't caught the show for a few weeks so don't know the joke your referring to, without the context it's a bit hard to know the intent.

[Robin Mack]

While I might expect better from The Daily Show, I would have thought the whole point of The Colbert Report was to lampoon close minded thinking by writing that thinking large whilst showing how ludicrous it is. If you didn't know better you'd think Colbert believed what he is saying and yet it is cutting edge satire. Sometimes a little too cutting edge! I haven't caught the show for a few weeks so don't know the joke your referring to, without the context it's a bit hard to know the intent.

I thought the same until I followed the links... the "jokes" are well documented, and really would not be tollerated if the LGB communities were the brunt of them. 

*hug*

[Tessa James]

Thanks for the heads up.  I am disappointed by the shows transphobic jokes and have also signed the petition

[Ande]

While I might expect better from The Daily Show, I would have thought the whole point of The Colbert Report was to lampoon close minded thinking by writing that thinking large whilst showing how ludicrous it is. If you didn't know better you'd think Colbert believed what he is saying and yet it is cutting edge satire. Sometimes a little too cutting edge! I haven't caught the show for a few weeks so don't know the joke your referring to, without the context it's a bit hard to know the intent.

I think that was what was most jarring. It's usually clear that Colbert is engaging in satire, but with these transphobic jokes it is not clear at all. I would argue that transgender people, not politicians or pundits or charlatans, are the direct target of these jokes.
The specific joke that I was referring to can be found here:
http://yourmomentofhate.tumblr.com/post/65704443465/starts-at-3-30-stephen-folks-its-just-like

[Ms Grace]

ah yeah, I take your point.

[KabitTarah]

Signed...

and yes, some are satire but most are not. That's true of most jokes against us... a few are funny and (mostly) in good faith but the majority are not. One funny one was something about an animal being trans-squirrel or something crazy like that - regarding the ACA Attack ads... that was probably also a reference to the GOP pulling out transgender specific support from the ACA...or it could have been

[Ande]

120+ Signatures and growing as of tonight. Thanks for signing!

[Shaina]

Thank you so much for making me aware of this! Though I don't catch them often, I'm a fan a both programs. I never would have expected such intolerance from shows marketed around being progressive.

I'm signing now!

[Ms Grace]

Someone should encourage Colbert to give it the "Colbert Bump"...

[hurin19067]

What was the joke?

[LordKAT]

What was the joke?

Read the background. Not much of a joke since it wasn't funny.

[MindyD]

Read the background. Not much of a joke since it wasn't funny.

I remember the episode but for the life of me can't remember the set up.

My personal views on free speech are pretty firm. Either everyone is a target for ridicule and jokes or no one is. I call it the South Park rule.

I did however sign and share the petition.

That said I haven't reached my transphobic limit with either show yet unlike Tosh.o.  One show I remember he did like 3 trans jokes in a single episode and I was done. He can say what he wants, he's a misogynist ass hat so it's no real loss.

[amZo]

I'm a fan of TDS and TCR. A couple of weeks ago I was startled by an offensive deceptive-transsexual joke on TCR. I looked into it and found that there is quite a history of transphobic joke telling on both shows. This is not simply a "change the channel" situation. Because of the cultural importance, influence, and reach of these shows, I think that is it worth the effort to try to convince them to change for the better.

The reason there's quite a history of trans-phobic jokes on both liberal programs is because liberals in general have found them to be quite funny.

Isn't it ironic, the so-called most tolerant among us must be told who to tolerate and not make fun of? If you're truly tolerant and believe in diversity, this shouldn't be necessary.

I agree, these jokes are classless and degrading, but it seems to be coming from the usual suspects, I'm not surprised which is one reason I don't watch these shows... they make numerous classless and degrading jokes about many groups. Funny I guess for some until they're the target of this tripe.

[Tessa James]

Oh for heavens sake.  We hardly need further polarization into liberal or other camps here.  The real world with complex individuals and problems reveal intricate shades of grey that transcend simple labels and blame games.  Art and humor can help us reflect on our own sacred cows too.

The thread is about Transphobia and there is no one class of people that are immune to intolerance and internalized transphobia may be witnessed right here.

Choosing not to watch is a reasonable solution for some while discussion and respectful debate can foster greater understanding too.

[amZo]

Oh for heavens sake.  We hardly need further polarization into liberal or other camps here.  The real world with complex individuals and problems reveal intricate shades of grey that transcend simple labels and blame games.  Art and humor can help us reflect on our own sacred cows too.

The thread is about Transphobia and there is no one class of people that are immune to intolerance and internalized transphobia may be witnessed right here.

Choosing not to watch is a reasonable solution for some while discussion and respectful debate can foster greater understanding too.

I was very respectful, but I'm not looking for an argument or a debate. I just pointed out a few facts.

[Ande]

Today the petition passed 350 signatures, very good but growing more slowly than it had been earlier. I've tapped out my meager contacts, FB friends, and Twitter followers. Any ideas?

[Robin Mack]

I've tapped mine, too...  

What this petition really needs is someone who has a lot of contacts to push it out.  Super-posters are needed, people who are dedicated to the cause with a lot of contacts.

Another thing to remember is that multiple postings on media such as facebook are not just ok, they are essential, because FB doesn't send activity to everyone who is a friend, it's much more selective unless you put money on it.  So try posting again and again, particularly during prime times; you never know who will see it and want to help!

[Ande]

Update: Our numbers have been growing quickly recently, the petition is up to almost 2000 signatures!
http://www.change.org/petitions/jon-stewart-the-daily-show-and-stephen-colbert-the-colbert-report-reject-transphobia-and-respect-gender-identity