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2099net
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Post by 2099net »

milojthatch wrote: I don't know maybe it's all the gay people I have known over the years who like to push their views of the World on everyone else! You know, that is just great that you think it's ok to be gay, but why do you insist on forcing me to see it that way as well? It is a sin. It was a sin a year ago. It was a sin a thousand years ago and it will still be a sin a million years from now. Regardless of how "tolerant" mankind is, that will never change what it is. Fair enough, I recognize that not all gays are promiscuous, but that traditionally is not the face that is being shown in society. And I'm not talking about how the "straight world" shows them to be, I'm talking about how the "gay world" advertises themselves to be.
It's funny. If being homosexual is such a sin, why isn't it specifically mentioned in the Ten Commandments. According to them, its more sinful to lust after a married woman/man than to lust after a same sex partner.

I have a feeling the Gay people you know of happen to be more forceful and promiscuous because that's their personality. The fact that they have "come out" shows their self-belief and to a certain extent lack of inhibition. Let's not forget lots of straight "normal" couples are usually much more sexually expressive in public too than homosexual couples.

I suspect there's just as many Gays, if not more, who live a life or relative anonymity and monogamy.
I grew up in Los Angeles and have spent enough time in the West Hollywood and Hollywood area over the years and have know enough gays to know that the lifestyle is saturated in promiscuous behavior. You are more likely to run into a promiscuous gay man then not. This has been my personal experience growing up in Los Angeles. This is not to excuse the promiscuous behavior of straight people, it's also bad, but fact is, sex is closely tied to the gay lifestyle where as it is not to the straight lifestyle.
However, as a percentage, I doubt Gays are any more promiscuous than straight people - and some straight males have an attitude towards women which totally offensive and much more insulting than what happens between, on the face of it two consenting partners who happen to be both male. Sexual abuse of females and even rape happens in the straight-world you know.
I am not saying that you personally are forcing your views and it is a very general statement, which fair enough isn't always fair. Plus I will admit that the use of the word "indoctrinate" will been seen in different lights depending on your views of the gay lifestyle.

Now that I got all the PC side bars out of the way, no, I don't think it is going too far to say it is an attack on childhood. If I didn't believe that, I never would have written it. But, don't worry, it's not just the gay lifestyle attacking childhood, that list is a rather long one and goes into many things.

Fact is, kids are not allowed to be kids anymore period. And I think that may be a big reason why society is slowly digressing. You are of course free to agree or disagree with me all you want, but the reality of life will speak for themselves.

Gay characters have no place in children's programing, PERIOD! I'm getting sick of how gays can sudden find gay characters in stories all along, more times then not it's really stretching it too. Seriously, just stop, these characters are not, nor have they ever been gay. You can read it seems into what ever you want to. Case in point, it was mentioned that Jafar was gay. If that was really so, he sure did enjoy that kiss from Jasmine a little too much for a gay man. I mean really guys, give it a break!

PC crap like this never helps, but rather shows how some people have more time on their hands then they seem to know what to do with!
So, is it okay for America to buy formats for TV shows from other countries and remake them with an American cast and American sensibilities? Because that's only being done because the networks think a US audience won't be able to identify with a non-US cast/programme/culture.

Is it right that content is changed/created to appeal to one audience, but you seem totally closed to content being created to appeal to a minority of that audience.

If you look at history, even recent history, hatred has not only been introduced, but stoked by segregation of people of different backgrounds. And not only in the third world, but relatively modern Western countries too. Blacks separated from whites in America and South Africa. Roman Catholics separated from Anglicans in Northern Ireland. It was rounding up the Jewish and putting them in Ghettos that was the no-turning back point really for the Nazis in pre-war Germany.

We can stop physical separations, but mental and emotional separations still exist and will take years to disappear. They don't and won't disappear overnight. And that includes mental and emotional only separations, like those between people who are straight and gay.

I'm all for the media showing more gay characters. Guess what? They exist in real-life and they're not going away. By including them on TV and in film, you're making them more acceptable. And when they're acceptable, the hatred goes away. They don't have to be stereotypical, they don't have to be seen to be sexually active. Just a simple line like "my boyfriend" or "my girl friend" or a reply of "he's" or "she's" when inquired about their partner will do it.

As for Disney films, perhaps not. But there's loads of characters who could be gay - Cogsworth? Runt of the Litter? Ryan?

Talking of Ryan, isn't it ironic that the whole message of the High School Musicals is to be who you want to be or be who you know you are; be it a singer, dancer, cook, cello player or whatever, without worrying about being cool or what others will think of you. Surely that's an inspiration for young homosexuals? - and no sex required (not even the brief kissing between Gabrielle and Troy is required for that moral).
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Post by Flanger-Hanger »

Ryan Evans was already "outed" in the stage version of HSM and school productions of him treat him as gay (and why not? In a musical of 1-dimensional high school stereotypes you gotta believe the flamboyant theater boy is gay).

This topic has already been addressed by me on another board so I wont go into such detail here but to put it simply, better a company like Disney teach kids that begin gay is OK than they learn from some kid on the playground that it's wrong. That's why children's books exist on the subject and let's face it, there are kids who are begin raised by gay couples, taught by gay teachers, have family members or friends who are gay etc. like Netty said, we exist and we're not going to go away (hell homosexuality has been spotted in some 1500 different species of animals I don't think evidence exists that it's a "lifestyle choice"). The media has and will continue to adopt gay people into their products like other minorities before as society's values shift. If some religious zealous can't then they can live in countries where begin gay is punishable by death, of which 5 still exist. If Disney joins other companies in this shift than there will be nothing wrong with that. If a gay character adds to the story than Disney should be allowed to use one.

And yes there is extreme irony in loving Disney but hating gays. Any song with Howard Ashman lyrics, any drawing by Andreas Deja, and gay CM who made sure Dumbo was working today etc, have all contributed to your enjoyment of Disney. Even with Florida's ban on gay marriage, Disney still allows commitment ceremonies to happen and gay couples were wed in Disneyland in California.
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Post by goofystitch »

Very eloquent posts, 2099net and Flanger-Hanger. I don't have much to add to what milojthatch wrote, but in regards to this post from kyle:
I agree with everything you just said milo. though it sucks that in todays day and age we are in the minority almost. what sucks even more is that its harder to argue our point without bringning religeon into it. Im a christian, but I realise not everyone is. I wish it was easier to make the same point without sounding like a Bible thumper. other than just stating "its wrong".

I think it all comes down to some believing its a choice, and others like us dissagree. thats the only reason people feel presured into tollerence, placing it in the same category as being racist almost.
It IS hard to argue your point without using your religious beliefs because without them, there is no point for you to argue. Homosexuality happens naturally in nature in many species of animals, so the "unnatrual argument" has been proven false. To state "it's wrong" without using the bible leaves that argument at a dead end because there is nothing else to support it other than your prejudice.

Your choice to believe that homosexuality is a choice is really saying that you choose to be ignorant. You can either listen to the millions of gay people who say its not a choice or you can ignore them and decide that you, a straight person, know better when you actually have no idea what its like. This mentality has been used throughout history to oppress other minorities.

I advise you to research the history of homosexuality in the bible. Did you know that they didn't even have a word for that? So why is that word in your version of the bible? And did you know that the sodomites were most likely offering their daughters? There is a lot of evidence that all of the reasons that "Christians" use to be hateful against homosexuals were added into the bible later. So if it came after the creation of the bible, how is it God's word?

The other thing that I don't get is that Christianity teaches us to love our neighbors and to not judge others. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." And yet historically, Christians have started many wars, including crusades where people were forced to believe in Jesus or they were murdered. That religion has a very bloody past. I have a friend that I've known my whole life who is a Christian. When I came out, she was one of the first to come and congratulate me. She actually follows what Jesus Christ preached and doesn't use her bible as an excuse to feel justified in hurting others and not giving them equal rights.
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Post by Rudy Matt »

man, you guys think I'm to hard on Disney films -- you have no idea the level of anger I have with academia. I am exceptionally, perpetually, constantly infuriated with idea that animation = children's films. I could explode I'm so damned mad by the prejudice in this study.
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Post by PrincePhillipFan »

Don't have much to say, other than Netty, Flangy, and goofystitch, you've all brought up excellent points and put them beautifully. Maybe it's because I've been able to always find the beauty in both sexes (and gotten flack and discrimination from members of both communities too :p), that I think giving the reason of "it's wrong" is just a poor one. I'm not going to try to bring religion, but I just find it hard to understand why so many people find it "wrong." Just because I can find a man just as attractive and maybe even moreso than a woman I should be condemned for it? As long as it's a relationship between two consenting adults with mutual love and attraction for each other, then it should just be celebrated as a happy union. Because you simply can't comprehend it and find a member of your same sex attractive or romantically in love with them, don't codemn them simply because they found a love they want just as much as any other person.
Flanger-Hanger wrote:And yes there is extreme irony in loving Disney but hating gays. Any song with Howard Ashman lyrics, any drawing by Andreas Deja, and gay CM who made sure Dumbo was working today etc, have all contributed to your enjoyment of Disney. Even with Florida's ban on gay marriage, Disney still allows commitment ceremonies to happen and gay couples were wed in Disneyland in California.
Not to mention any attraction designed or supervised by Tony Baxter. :p
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Post by Neal »

milojthatch: Just a couple of questions for you. Noticing that you are another straight, Christian, Disney fan like myself makes we want to find out more about you.

1. What do you think caused your heterosexuality?

2. When and how did you first decide you were a heterosexual?

3. Is it possible your heterosexuality is just a phase you may grow out of?

4. If you’ve never slept with a person of the same sex, how can you be sure you wouldn’t prefer that?

5. To whom have you disclosed your heterosexual tendencies? How did they react?

6. Why do you insist on flaunting your heterosexuality? Can’t you just be what you are and keep it quiet?

7. A disproportionate majority of child molesters are heterosexual men. Do you consider it safe to expose children to heterosexual male teachers, pediatricians, priests, or scoutmasters?

8. With all the societal support for heterosexual marriage, the divorce rate is spiraling. Why are there so few stable relationships among heterosexuals?

Thanks in advance for your candid responses!
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Post by Flanger-Hanger »

PrincePhillipFan wrote:Not to mention any attraction designed or supervised by Tony Baxter. :p
I knew there was something gay about him. :lol: Guess some people shouldn't ride Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain or the Indiana Jones Adventure. You're sure to turn queer on those!

Also many religious groups also support gays (they were certainly at the parade on Sunday, Christians too!) and the only ones who don't seem to be American-Christian Bible-Thumpers who in no way represent all religions or the entire world's view on homosexuality, try hard as they may to make sure they appear that way.
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Post by Kyle »

goofystitch wrote:It IS hard to argue your point without using your religious beliefs because without them, there is no point for you to argue. Homosexuality happens naturally in nature in many species of animals, so the "unnatrual argument" has been proven false.

I wont respond to you point by point, because honestly I'm just not equiped to do that. but I'll touch on what I can.

the whole its unatural thing isn't about weather or not it happens in nature in my opinion. I mean, simease twins/mutants happen too but that's still not considered natural. I wouldn't be able to call it natural unless there was like, a 50 percent chance that any animal could be gay. The reason its unatural is partly due to the fact that they cant procreate. the main function of sex is to make babies, and when you cant do that, you have to ask yourself how natural it really is...

goofystitch wrote:I advise you to research the history of homosexuality in the bible. Did you know that they didn't even have a word for that? So why is that word in your version of the bible? And did you know that the sodomites were most likely offering their daughters? There is a lot of evidence that all of the reasons that "Christians" use to be hateful against homosexuals were added into the bible later. So if it came after the creation of the bible, how is it God's word?
Im aware the Bible had no word for it, but it didn't really need to, it was implied well enough, it was pretty obvious what it was.

As for the whole adding to the bible later thing, I never really know weather or not to believe that stuff or not. I have heard the theories on it, but a part of me feels like its not something God would allow to happen. but regardless, if its in the bible I have to assume its meant to be there.
goofystitch wrote:The other thing that I don't get is that Christianity teaches us to love our neighbors and to not judge others. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." And yet historically, Christians have started many wars, including crusades where people were forced to believe in Jesus or they were murdered. That religion has a very bloody past. I have a friend that I've known my whole life who is a Christian. When I came out, she was one of the first to come and congratulate me. She actually follows what Jesus Christ preached and doesn't use her bible as an excuse to feel justified in hurting others and not giving them equal rights.

Its true, we are not supposed to hate, and I personally don't hate gays, just the sin. But it kinda irks me that its not even seen as a sin anymore.

But Hating people isn't something I have in my vocabulary, its not something I do. I'm not suggesting they be put away or anything, but if its marrage they want, I don't think they should get it. marrage is a privilage, not a right.

The christian crusades should have never have happened, and really I'm not sure those involved in wars were really saved in the first place. But not all christians are equal in that sense, I don't want anyone to feel like I'm forcing my views on anyone, we're supposed to show others the light, that is all. If they don't want to take it, that's between them and God, and not for me/us to judge or hate.

Gays can be perfectly nice people, but it doesnt make it right.
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Post by Flanger-Hanger »

Kyle wrote:Im aware the Bible had no word for it, but it didn't really need to, it was implied well enough, it was pretty obvious what it was.

As for the whole adding to the bible later thing, I never really know weather or not to believe that stuff or not. I have heard the theories on it, but a part of me feels like its not something God would allow to happen. but regardless, if its in the bible I have to assume its meant to be there.
The Bible also encourages having multiple wives and slaves, not to mention fails to condemn begin a lesbian in any way either.

Societies values change, but the Bible doesn't. It's sad when cowardly people hide behind it to justify their own prejudices.
Kyle wrote:Its true, we are not supposed to hate, and I personally don't hate gays, just the sin. But it kinda irks me that its not even seen as a sin anymore.

But Hating people isn't something I have in my vocabulary, its not something I do. I'm not suggesting they be put away or anything, but if its marrage they want, I don't think they should get it. marrage is a privilage, not a right.
But it's your right to chose how other people should live their lives and deny them some 5,000 national rights guaranteed to married couples? It may be a "privilege" to you but not allowing a couple basic abilities like visitation rights in hospitals is terrible. Besides if gay marriage is allowed, who says you have to take part in it? You can live your life as you choose if it happens. Gay couples can't if it doesn't.

But hey, you know better than them, right? It may "irk" you that it's no longer a "sin" but must everyone think the way you do? Other Christians don't so it's obviously it's your own personal prejudice as a result of the way you interpret the religion and not the way everyone who follows it does.
Kyle wrote:The christian crusades should have never have happened, and really I'm not sure those involved in wars were really saved in the first place. But not all christians are equal in that sense, I don't want anyone to feel like I'm forcing my views on anyone, we're supposed to show others the light, that is all. If they don't want to take it, that's between them and God, and not for me/us to judge or hate.

Gays can be perfectly nice people, but it doesnt make it right.
What makes you think your views are "right"? A specific religion as an excuse for anything is a horrible and outdated concept that unfortunately applies to American society. I'm glad I don't live there.

And yes you do come off as forcing your opinions on others. You blatant negativity towards homosexuality, regardless of whether or not you recognize it as not a lifestyle choice, is obvious and sad.
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Post by Arielle »

Sorry, I have to disagree with the fact that gays shouldn't be allowed in children's media.

First of all, "sheltering" children from the gays has more of a chance of causing them to believe it's wrong in the future. I don't think it's taking away a child's innocence to tell them "sometimes men love men and sometimes women love women." You don't have to go deep into it, but letting them know it exists, I believe, isn't hurting anyone.

I just feel bad for the children of gays that can't watch anything on TV or in the movies or a story that represent their own family. I don't want them to feel ashamed of their family.

With all that said, the question remains, Is it time to put a gay character in a children's movie or show? While I want to say yes, deep down I know as a culture we aren't ready.

Does anyone remember the "Postcards from Buster" fiasco? First of all, the show is a spin-off from "Arthur" and Buster visits different families around the United States and children show him their life. There was one episode where Buster went to Vermont and visited a girl. She let him into her house and introduced him to her two moms. It was very brief, something like "these are my moms." Then she went and showed him how to make maple syrup. The episode was about to make maple syrup. Not about gayness. The moms were in the background, yes, but they didn't say anything or mention it again. Parents were OUTRAGED, protested PBS, and turned it into a huge deal. PBS cancelled the show and pulled funding and made a lot of people question PBS. It's now back on the air, but with strict conditions, and that episode has been pulled from the air.

With America growing more accepting to the gay culture, I really do hope to see a gay character in an upcoming movie, but I'd say it will be at least 10-20 years until we do.
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Post by goofystitch »

Kyle wrote:
The reason its unatural is partly due to the fact that they cant procreate.
Then any sexual endeavor that you have ever made that hasn't been in pursuit of producing a baby is "unnatural" and a "sin" by your reasoning.
Im aware the Bible had no word for it, but it didn't really need to, it was implied well enough, it was pretty obvious what it was.
Are you also aware that the Bible is a very political book of the time in which it was written? And that at the time it was common for married men to have boys as sex slaves? This is what is really meant in Leviticus by "Thou shalt not sleep with a man as thou sleeps with a woman." It's not that it condemns the act in general, but just in that situation.
As for the whole adding to the bible later thing, I never really know weather or not to believe that stuff or not. I have heard the theories on it, but a part of me feels like its not something God would allow to happen. but regardless, if its in the bible I have to assume its meant to be there.
Well, your ignorance is your choice. Whether or not you want to believe it, it is true. No copies of the Bible piror to the 1950's contained the word. It's not something that can be refuted because copies of the bible exist before then... without the word. And why do you think there are so many versions of the bible? You, like most Christians, probably use an updated version of the King James translation of the Bible. Also, the history of the bible is that it was passed orally for many years before it was ever put into writing, and we all know how things change when they are passed by mouth. The bible was also hand copied by monks until the existence of the printing press. It's a great source for examples of morality. Most of our laws and moral codes are based around the ten commandments, but much of the bible is ignored because the laws that applied back then don't apply today.
I'm not suggesting they be put away or anything, but if its marrage they want, I don't think they should get it. marrage is a privilage, not a right.
Actually, marriage is a right, according to the United States of America. You have the right to marry and collect tax benefits and legal protection and responsibility towards your partner and their property. If you two later decide to go separate ways, you also have the right to divide your estate and custody of any children that may have been produced through your union. It is a right.

Secondly, marriage was not a religious institution for a very long time. In fact, it was not even a part of religion until 1554. It was a legal agreement between two people and was usually predetermined, meaning it wasn't even about love, but financial and social stability. Christians turned it into a religious ceremony. So you can sit there and make these claims that it is only for religion and only between a man and a woman, but marriage is something that man created. It is in the bible because marriage pre-dates recorded time, but it was originally only there to ensure that a man's children were actually his, meaning the earliest marriage laws only meant that the woman had to remain sexually faithful to the man, but that the man had no obligation to do the same.

So you can protest and vote against marriage equality and use your religion as your reasoning for doing so, but marriage was never meant to be part of your religion. It is a legal right that should be granted to all citizens. The U.S. leaves marriage decisions to the state, where it is currently legal in 6 of the 50 and that number is expected to keep growing, whether you like it or not. Even our neighbors to the North allow same sex marriage throughout Canada and some parts of Mexico allow it as well.

I'm going to sum this up by saying that Jesus Christ came in love and he died for us because he loved us. Love is love, whether it is between a man and a woman, a man and a man, a woman and a woman, or a transgendered individual. Nothing you can say and no amount of rights that you can withhold from the gay community can change that.
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Post by Rudy Matt »

With America growing more accepting to the gay culture, I really do hope to see a gay character in an upcoming movie, but I'd say it will be at least 10-20 years until we do.
Have you SEEN "the Reluctant Dragon", Flower in Bambi, and Prince John in Robin Hood? Not to mention every character animated by Andreas Deja?
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Yea, "The Reluctant Dragon' was actually intended to be gay said Ward Kimball his animator.

I must say my watching and loving Disney films since my childhood has not stopped me from being gay, and it may have even helped it since Disney films are so, so gay. But yes, they should feature a positive gay romance. Notice I said romance, not sex.

THANK YOU everyone who is defending us gays!

Kyle, remember God also said they could have wars, and helped them win wars, in the Bible?

Neal, gay people are not as much of a minority as you think. Not only does the number grow, but there's no way they could find out how many gay people there are actually are in the world, and many people would lie and say they aren't gay or not admit it to themselves or not know it themselves.

It seems there are more gay people on this board than straight ones. You're in the minority here.

Why doesn't the black community just make their own black princess movie? No, Disney's doing the right thing making a black princess film (though I wish they used a black fairy tale, not a German one).

There are many, many gay people who work for Disney. So if they made a gay movie, they'd be representing their own community.

Fact is, animation is not a popular medium, except for children's entertainment. You are in a minority again for thinking it's for adults, as Disney intends, but the majority of the world doesn't know. Disney films need to feature popular things in it's unpopular medium so that it can survive, and be the giant money-maker it is. And so, I know that's what's keeping gay characters out. But Pleakly in Lilo and Stitch is a step, and the Pug in Beverly Hills is a step, and that biker guy in Enchanted is a step. And they will take more steps. As the world does as well.
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Post by Kyle »

How is it a step in the right direction (in some people's mind at least) when their the butt of a joke?

goofystitch wrote: Then any sexual endeavor that you have ever made that hasn't been in pursuit of producing a baby is "unnatural" and a "sin" by your reasoning.
Well, yeah actually, that's not far from it. Not the baby making part of it nesisarily (and you'll note I said "partly" the reason not solely), but we're not supposed to be haveing sex before marrage anyway.
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Disney isn't Gay Enough

Post by Disney Duster »

I never said "in the right direction", and you never answered what I said about how God backed wars to happen in the Bible.

But in anycase, showing gays at all is better than not at all. It is a move forward, in which case I guess it would be a step in the right direction.
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Post by goofystitch »

No wonder I've always loved The Reluctant Dragon! I never really thought of him as gay since it was done in the Walt days, but if Ward Kimball said so, I'll take his word.

I should clarify that I have never heard if Walt was homophobic or not, but the times he lived in certainly were. However, when Tommy Kirk came out in his early 20's, he was relieved of his contract with Disney. He was brought back for one final film, The Monkey's Uncle, but only because The Misadventures of Merlin Jones was so profitable that to not capitalize on a sequel would have been foolish. Perhaps it was no coincidence that this was also the last film Annette Funicello did for Disney. She had served as a beard for Tommy Kirk by going on several publicity dates with him. In addition, the two did several films together after their Disney days, so I am assuming that they were friends and that she was supportive. At any rate, it is unknown if Walt personally wanted Kirk gone, but it is obvious that his going public with his sexuality could have been damaging to the Disney image at the time if he had been kept at the studio.
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Actually Tim told me Walt did not care he was gay, and was going to keep him. So what got him gone? I didn't remember that part, Tim needs to come in and say.
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Post by goofystitch »

Perhaps it was the board of directors? Obviously, American perceptions of homosexuality were much different in the 60's than they are today. So perhaps Walt wanted him to stay, but powers beyond his control thought it would be in the best interest of the company to let him go?
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Disney isn't Gay Enough

Post by Disney Duster »

Maybe. I want Tim to come in here. But if you think about it, if Walt personally didn't approve, but then made a movie with the guy, then something for money but against someone's beliefs may indeed have happened.

Oh, everyone who talks about how the Bible doesn't change with the times, yea, it's supposed to be advice and words that speak to every single generation. As long as human nature stays the same. Just as humans have always been homosexual in nature, known since Greek times at least. God's word hasn't changed and the main, good stuff shouldn't, but people have tried to do things to the Bible over time, including possibly changing the words written in the Bible. Different translations for one thing. The very things you think should change about the Bible may be things people have added or changed and aren't really God's word.

Kyle, I also find it hard to believe certain things could happen to the Bible, but I also question why God allows lots of bad things to happen in this world. PEOPLE do things to the Bible. But God's main word, his message of love, and "do unto others as you would have them do to you", which Jesus said was the most important rule, means the most important, actual word of God is still there, and will be forever. Other than that, I believe God gave us brains, hearts, and feelings to sense what we should do, and even other people, to help other people. Just as God sends people in boats to save someone, not just lifting them out with a miracle, he may have people talk to other people to help them learn what they should do. Like gay people sent to let straight people know what it's like, what they feel God is saying to them, since you base things on you're feelings, too. And I'm telling you I feel God wants me to be happy as he made me, only able to fall in love with other men like me. God wants me to be happy as I am I know it.
Last edited by Disney Duster on Wed Jul 01, 2009 5:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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The_Iceflash
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Post by The_Iceflash »

goofystitch wrote:No wonder I've always loved The Reluctant Dragon! I never really thought of him as gay since it was done in the Walt days, but if Ward Kimball said so, I'll take his word.

I should clarify that I have never heard if Walt was homophobic or not, but the times he lived in certainly were. However, when Tommy Kirk came out in his early 20's, he was relieved of his contract with Disney. He was brought back for one final film, The Monkey's Uncle, but only because The Misadventures of Merlin Jones was so profitable that to not capitalize on a sequel would have been foolish. Perhaps it was no coincidence that this was also the last film Annette Funicello did for Disney. She had served as a beard for Tommy Kirk by going on several publicity dates with him. In addition, the two did several films together after their Disney days, so I am assuming that they were friends and that she was supportive. At any rate, it is unknown if Walt personally wanted Kirk gone, but it is obvious that his going public with his sexuality could have been damaging to the Disney image at the time if he had been kept at the studio.
This is what I heard about the Tommy Kirk situation:

http://www.originalmmc.com/tomkirk.html

This seems credible.
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