Is this joke homophobic?

se02orqua5xz9v

I do not consider myself to be in any way homophobic. Several of my closest friends are gay, I've been to gay nightclubs on many occasions. I'm a strong supporter for equal rights between LGBT people and heterosexual people.

However, I am unsure if the following joke - which I found hilarious - is homophobic, and thought maybe asking some gay people their opinion would help (I'd feel a bit embarrassed asking my gay friends, as if my consulting them was obligatory).

Bear in mind, Bill Maher, the comedian and talk show host who said it, is a vocal supporter of same-sex marriage, and regularly as people from the LGBT community on this talk show, Real Time.

The joke is as follows:

"People have to stop saying that Brokeback Mountain didn’t win Best Picture because of a homosexual backlash in Hollywood. Besides, if Brokeback Mountain taught us anything, it’s that there is nothing wrong with coming in number two."

Well?

Dean_f

If I were one of your friends, I wouldn't take offence. They know your history and probably your views and know you aren't actually homophobic.

For me, it's not so much what is said for the most part that can be most offensive, more about the intent behind it. If it was told by someone who I know to be homophobic and is told just as a way to put down, or have a go at, me or other gay people, I probably would be offended.

Even if I don't know someone very well, or them me, and they come out with homophobic sounding jokes, I usually give them the benefit of the doubt and assume there's no malice behind it.

Of course that's not to say that every gay person will or should take the same view. I've seen people get highly offended over seemingly the most innocent of comments.

se02orqua5xz9v

Dean_f wrote: »

If I were one of your friends, I wouldn't take offence. They know your history and probably your views and know you aren't actually homophobic.

For me, it's not so much what is said for the most part that can be most offensive, more about the intent behind it. If it was told by someone who I know to be homophobic and is told just as a way to put down, or have a go at, me or other gay people, I probably would be offended.

Even if I don't know someone very well, or them me, and they come out with homophobic sounding jokes, I usually give them the benefit of the doubt and assume there's no malice behind it.

Of course that's not to say that every gay person will or should take the same view. I've seen people get highly offended over seemingly the most innocent of comments.

Fair enough, but what do you think of this joke specifically?

ninty9er

I think it probably relates more to the relationship between the two, one not being as into it as the other, consistently coming second to other priorities.

Either way, I don't find it homophobic.

Shakti

BBM was nearly seven years ago, I immediately go into sleep mode at it's mention and to be honest the reason that joke is offensive is because it's so bad,

se02orqua5xz9v

Shakti wrote: »

BBM was nearly seven years ago, I immediately go into sleep mode at it's mention and to be honest the reason that joke is offensive is because it's so bad,

He said at the time of Brokeback Mountain's release. I just came across it recently. I disagree with you, I don't think it's a bad joke at all. I think it's a supremely well-crafted piece of wordplay.

Shakti

Eddie Mammoth Flamingo wrote: »

He said at the time of Brokeback Mountain's release. I just came across it recently. I disagree with you, I don't think it's a bad joke at all. I think it's a supremely well-crafted piece of wordplay.

maybe someone found it funny then because it was timely but it's still a crap joke IMO,

supremely well-crafted piece of wordplay

now that was funny, I mean the only people I know who use "number two" in a humorous context are also not allowed sharp objects or access to the cupboard underneath the sink.

se02orqua5xz9v

Shakti wrote: »

maybe someone found it funny then because it was timely but it's still a crap joke IMO,

I mean the only people I know who use "number two" in a humorous context are also not allowed sharp objects or access to the cupboard underneath the sink.

That's your opinion, you're entitled to it. Can you ask, do you have any favourite stand up comedians (not wanting to get into an argument, just wondering...)?

Dean_f

Eddie Mammoth Flamingo wrote: »

Fair enough, but what do you think of this joke specifically?

No I'd struggle to find anything offensive in it. I wouldn't share your enthusiasm for it's quality but each to his own.

Shakti

Eddie Mammoth Flamingo wrote: »

That's your opinion, you're entitled to it. Can you ask, do you have any favourite stand up comedians (not wanting to get into an argument, just wondering...)?

argument, moi? yeah I like Stuart Lee

floggg

Sorry, but why are you asking this? Like is there abú particular reason why you felt it necessary to consult a LGBT forum about a mildly humorous 5 year old joke that is now completely stale?

ongarboy

What next? - a discussion on whether people are offended by the camp sales assistant on "Are You Being Served?" :rolleyes:

wonderfulname

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