It's More Than Just Words...

Ron Howard has a new movie coming out called The Dilemma.

Recently there was a big brouhaha regarding a scene in
the trailer in which Vince Vaughn's character talks
about a car being so "gay."

The trailer came out about the same time that there were
many news items about gay youth dying. As a result, the
studio decided to cut the scene from the trailer.
Apparently it was/is up to Ron Howard as to whether or
not the lines stay in the movie at all.

I read today that after much reflection and consultation,
he has decided to keep them in. Among the reasons, it
is an adult movie. While it could be argued that if it
somehow reinforces an adult's view on the topic, it
could trickle down to the youth. After all, where do
youth get their beliefs generally speaking?

However, in addressing some of the issues around the
topic and the film, Ron makes some valid points. I
admire him for the way he looks at the stand he has
taken.

If we are so sensitive as to edit all language that we
find objectionable in the media, it doesn't mean it
will go away, and it doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

Might it be better to paint the pictures that we
paint, and then address them instead of pretending
like they don't exist?

So many times, people want to act as if something is
not an issue, so they want to hush it, ignore it,
try to push it away...but it still lurks. Interestingly,
when things are pushed down and away, it is like a
fertilizer, and instead of killing it off, there is
a good chance it is actually going to be fed.

The more we try to push things down, put them off,
push them away, the more likely we will be to have
to deal with them - on a bigger scale - later.

I would suggest that the language - the words -
are getting in the way of the REAL problem and issue.
The words are often a symptom, and the best thing
we can do is to address the cause. Behind words
are meanings that need to be addressed so that the
words either take on a new meaning, or cease to
be an issue.

Unfortunately, ceasing to use them in a certain
manner alone does not address the cause, and
therefore doesn't resolve the problem. If only
it was that easy. I know few who would say that
was the case, and yet as we draw energy, time,
resources to addressing the words, the problem
continues.

Like many issues we face today, it is difficult to
address them completely in their complexity. I
am only adding my few cents to the mix. If we
could get to a better place by accepting ourselves,
loving ourselves, and learning to communicate
effectively, with a respect for others I suspect
we'd go a long way in getting to the place that
some people try to correct with superficial fixes.

The thing is, though, we have an outward type of
culture that makes it very difficult to go within
and confront ourselves. It is easier to blame
someone else and address their issues, instead of
dealing with our own.

Yes. It sucks. And it also is the best hope we
have to help ourselves, or anyone else. If
something is troubling you, consider taking a
moment to figure out what you are addressing
and, if at all possible, address the cause.
You'll have a much better chance of using your
time, energy, and resources in a beneficial way.