Gay Couple Commit Hate Speech … or Free Speech?
October 29, 2008 by Randy
Filed under Activism, Crime, Culture War, Current Affairs, art
Interesting …. (thoughts after the jump)
In hot water for hanging Sarah Palin effigy
A California couple has stirred up a storm of controversy after hanging a mannequin made to look like Sarah Palin by a noose from their front porch. (See video below.)
Chad Michael Morrisette and his partner, Mito Aviles, hung the effigy of the Republican vice presidential nominee at their West Hollywood, Calif., home three weeks ago as a part of a Halloween display. The first to report on this was Wake Up America here.
The mannequin is dressed in a brown wig, glasses and a red business suit. The display also features a likeness of Palin’s running mate, John McCain, surrounded by fake flames (as well as more politically correct decorations such as skeletons and spider webs).
[From In hot water for hanging Sarah Palin effigy | Top of the Ticket | Los Angeles Times]
I refuse to republish the picture of the Palin effigy.
A BUNCH of people are really angry about this from all sides. Even Joe (gay blogger) rants about it. They say that there are people calling in and saying that it is a hate crime and hate speech but the local authorities are saying it is free speech. Morrisette makes the audacious claim that this is “installation art.”
If it is “art” it is awful.
Seriously, the McCain figure in flames almost comes to the level of parade float art but throwing a mannequin with a bad wig, thrift store clothes and sloppy glasses up in a noose … is lazy sensational “art.”
I personally think the men have the right to do what they did. Now, if they are inciting riots and hoping that it inspires violence … then it crosses the line for the authorities to look at.
Another thing, this is just further proof that bigotry isn’t limited to one community or another. I personally think it is an act of bigotry to hang anyone for any reason in effigy. Seeing these men on tv … they don’t look like baffoons and I hope that someday they will see how immature and hateful this is. I am glad to know the Liberal/gay community at large is also upset about this.
Sidenote: I also love the woman at the end of the video embedded in the above article. She fully admits to having a double standard about allowing the Palin effigy to stand while wanting to burn the house down if it had been Obama. It’s weird but it is refreshing to see someone recognize and admit they have a double standard.
Related posts (automatically generated)
Add New Comment
Viewing 10 Comments
Thanks. Your comment is awaiting approval by a moderator.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Add New Comment
Trackbacks
(Trackback URL)