Just Say Sorry, David Letterman

[Shana A]

Thursday, January 07, 2010
Just Say Sorry, David Letterman
Posted by helen_boyd at 8:56 AM 

http://transgroupblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/just-say-sorry-david-letterman.html

Ox Freeman of the Alabama Gender Alliance just posted the info from GLAAD about the stupid joke that was made on David Letterman about Amanda Simpson, and with it he commented that, "Trans people will not be safe from hate violence until it is safe to be attracted to us, to love us, and to regard us as human."

He's entirely right, of course, and it's nice to have someone else articulate exactly why I do what I do.

Betty and I are both for trans people having more of a sense of humor, but we both agree: this joke is not even a little funny, exactly because this reaction to finding out a woman is trans is the same reaction that causes the heart-breaking violence trans people -- and especially trans women -- face.

[june bug]

HRC is all over this too - http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/01/06/Trans_Activists_HRC_Respond_to_Letterman_Skit/

[tekla]

You'll find the only think that Dave can be smarmier and snarker at than his routine is an apology.  Check out the one he gave to Palin, it was almost another joke unto itself.  Matter of fact I think he got more laughs off of the apology then the original joke.

As the old adage goes, be careful what you wish for, least you actually get it.

[june bug]

I would love to see this lead to her, or another influential transperson be a guest on his show to talk about trans-related issues in a positive light.  That seems more fitting than a forced apology.

Regardless, it's nice to see more organizations involved in taking issue with this.

[tekla]

That's more likely, but I'd rather see her interviewed by someone who is more than a stand up, like Oprah, Rachel, or Barbra, but I'd really love to hear her interviewed by someone really good at doing real political interviews like Charlie Rose or Amy Goodman.

But the best would be if she just does a great job, so that the next time it's no big deal.  As Amanda herself said: It sucks to be first.

[tekla]

letterman is just a self-absorbed sleazy rich man caught up in and addicted to the deceit of his world...

That hardly makes him any different from anyone else who has their own network show.  You might not see it - because faking sincerity is the first job of show biz - but it's always there.

[june bug]

That's more likely, but I'd rather see her interviewed by someone who is more than a stand up, like Oprah, Rachel, or Barbra, but I'd really love to hear her interviewed by someone really good at doing real political interviews like Charlie Rose or Amy Goodman.

But the best would be if she just does a great job, so that the next time it's no big deal.  As Amanda herself said: It sucks to be first.

Agreed on all points.

I have a _very_ bad feeling that she's set up for failure regardless of how well she does... such is politics and being a discriminated minority in a new power roll.  I hope the fates are kind to her, for everyone's sake.

Regardless, it's good to know opportunity is out there for trans-folk.  As new doors open, I'm sure we'll get some positive role models and public figures out there making a good impression. 

... then of course there'll be the bad eggs that'll make us all go :

Should be a fun new decade.

[Brynn]

You know, I really think this was almost tame as far as trans-directed shots go. I'm usually not the type to get all up-in-arms about every little thing, in general. And the thing about comedy... Sooner or later, you're gonna end up the butt of some kind of joke. It's only fair, and to expect otherwise would be a kind of "special treatment" I'm not sure I'd care to have.

Just my two cents, though. It's not like some things don't ever rub me the wrong way, I just try not to let them.

[tekla]

Well if I were to interview her I wouldn't ask about any trans issues at all, I'd ask "If it's OK for us to launch Rayathon missiles into urban areas full of civilians and call their deaths 'unavoidable collateral damage' then what exactly is so wrong about those people flying airplanes into tall buildings in the US."  And, "Does the continued use of these weapons bring peace, or just ever more war?  And please cites a recent specific example in your answer."

I'm sure at that point she'd rather have the Dave jokes.