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

by Randy on August 26, 2008 · Comments

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 stereotypes, it just may ruin my “used to be gay” creds but … I can’t stand that channel. Not because of the allegations of homosexuals running rampant through the shows but because … ::: deep breath ::: because, home design (fashion in general) is … not my thing.

I didn’t even know there was a show called “House Hunters.” Put the rocks down …

Sure, when I was looking for my home last year, I got into HGTV for a few days. And, if you make me focus, give me money and force me to do it … I can do a pretty darn good job. But, here’s an example of where HGTV falls on my cable list of frequently flipped to channels. Comedy Channel - 66 (Scrubs). Fox News - 28, CNN Headline News - 23, Cartoon Network - 36, TNT - 11, TBS - 12, USA - 39, FX - 70 …

HGTV - ?

But, the question is still valid for an non-HGTV fan to answer because it is an issue of watching shows on the hellivision that don’t hold to a biblical sexual ethic.

I was telling friends a LOOONNNG time ago, when Ellen announced on her sitcom that she was gay, that if they are going to boycott her… they needed to be boycotting Ally McBeal as well. Ally McBeal was very popular and risque at the time. I also think it is up to the individual believer to determine what they will or won’t watch. So, while I think it is an issue of consistency to have the same standard across the “sex on tv” spectrum … others might not.

Personally, I don’t think I could get all riled up over a homosexual couple trying to decide what accent wall to go with their neutral color scheme to accentuate their fabulous new rug. I would flip the channel because that sounds absolutely, but fabulously, boring. Plus, I would hope that I would pray for the people on the show as I watched the Chronicles of Riddick on TNT for the 14th time.

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B.T.Carolus 08/26/2008 12:52 AM 1 point
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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 08/26/2008 01:07 AM 1 point
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There you go with the questions as a response thing. :) Why don't you try to answer them yourself?

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B.T.Carolus 08/26/2008 01:25 AM 1 point
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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 08/26/2008 10:33 AM 1 point
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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 08/26/2008 05:18 PM 1 point
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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 08/26/2008 05:59 PM 1 point
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I don't know. It might be effective in a debate or a teaching setting.

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B.T.Carolus 08/26/2008 06:14 PM 1 point
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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 08/26/2008 12:56 AM 1 point
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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 08/26/2008 01:07 AM 1 point
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They were talking about boycotting ABC because of her.

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Might not want to say. 08/26/2008 10:22 AM 1 point
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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 08/26/2008 11:40 AM 1 point
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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 08/26/2008 11:40 AM 1 point
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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 08/26/2008 11:52 AM 1 point
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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 08/26/2008 11:41 AM 1 point
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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 08/26/2008 11:57 AM 1 point
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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 08/26/2008 03:46 PM 1 point
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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 08/26/2008 05:12 PM 1 point
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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 08/27/2008 11:37 AM 1 point
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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 08/27/2008 11:52 AM 1 point
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The Colbert/Wayne movie is "Without Reservations." Watch it!

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Randy 08/27/2008 12:27 PM 1 point
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::: laugh ::: ok!

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