Chaz on DWTS

[Corkey]

Originally Posted by Just_G

I am not sure what you mean about it isn't reality, would you mind expanding on that please? I also don't know what it is that you are saying is fake. (Thanks!)

The whole premise of the show is fake to begin with, it's nothing more that a popularity game. The best dancers don't always win, the ones with the most votes does. Stacked, rigged, fake. I'm not judging Chaz, I think he has every right to dance, where ever he damn well pleases with whom ever he damn well pleases. This is what bugs me, he is never going to change any bigots mind, but the show using him as a prop is what I have an issue with.

[Just_G]

Originally Posted by Corkey

The whole premise of the show is fake to begin with, it's nothing more that a popularity game. The best dancers don't always win, the ones with the most votes does. Stacked, rigged, fake. I'm not judging Chaz, I think he has every right to dance, where ever he damn well pleases with whom ever he damn well pleases. This is what bugs me, he is never going to change any bigots mind, but the show using him as a prop is what I have an issue with.

Ah, okay, gotcha....thank you for elaborating!

I remember when Brandy got voted off earlier than expected...hell, most thought she might win the show..people were pissed, which got a lot more people watching...pretty smart on the network's part. I really don't think it is all voter choice...I think it is somewhat rigged in that regard.

The show is nothing more than a ratings machine....all shows are; hence the reason they try to find either controversial figures or young stars that will draw in the pre-teen/teen crowd to watch and boost those ratings. I totally get what you are saying about it not being reality and very fake!

I do however love to watch the dances and to see how the celebs handle themselves under pressure in the studio when learning the dances.

[nowandthen]

I am heart sick, I agree that the backlash about Chaz Bono on DWTS is shameful, There is a big call for support, rightfully so, But where is the out cry for the three Trans-women killed in DC recently, Both media and community support need to step up. Where is the HRC on this or Ellen, yes I know the answer, but I am calling it out, life is life and we all need to be aware that there is a war of difference, especially when difference is radicalized or mark as immigrant?

[Just_G]

I do not live in a cave, I promise! But I have not heard about what is going on in DC. I read the news online every day and have not heard about this. Perhaps starting a thread about it would be a good idea so you can inform everyone on the site about it.

[nowandthen]

Originally Posted by Just_G

I do not live in a cave, I promise! But I have not heard about what is going on in DC. I read the news online every day and have not heard about this. Perhaps starting a thread about it would be a good idea so you can inform everyone on the site about it.

That is my point! who makes news and who does not.... You can google the info

[Write14u]

Contrary to what Fox News' talking head, Dr. Albow, had to say, it really wasn't that hard to explain to kid. The one I explained it to is very accepting anyway, but definitely got that Chaz wanted to make his outside match how he felt inside. Simplified, sure, but isn't that the heart of it?
Heck, *I* am the one who had to make it more complicated, although the one thing he found confusing was that I am a masculine-appearing butch, so I tried to explain this step beyond, so to speak.

[Write14u]

And Corkey, I agree with you on how ratings-driven these type shows are. The more controversial they are, the more ratings they're going to have. People don't actually boycott the show. They want to see what the noise is all about, or they're determined not to let their person (Bristol Palin) be eliminated. Ratings = dollars.
And I fully believe Chaz knows exactly how all this stuff works. He's been around long enough.

[EnderD_503]

Originally Posted by nowandthen

I am heart sick, I agree that the backlash about Chaz Bono on DWTS is shameful, There is a big call for support, rightfully so, But where is the out cry for the three Trans-women killed in DC recently, Both media and community support need to step up. Where is the HRC on this or Ellen, yes I know the answer, but I am calling it out, life is life and we all need to be aware that there is a war of difference, especially when difference is radicalized or mark as immigrant?

Originally Posted by nowandthen

That is my point! who makes news and who does not.... You can google the info

Fucking exactly! This is part of what I was trying to say with my post earlier.

But to add to that, to me talking about Chaz as an "advocate" for trans rights really doesn't give me a good feeling at all. Even when Chrissy Polis was video-taped getting severely beaten in a McDonald's by two women, there was no outcry from people like Ellen or Chaz. When there are countless transwomen and transmen getting harassed on the street in broad daylight, beaten, raped and killed quite literally every day around the world, where are these "advocates" making the public aware of the consequences of transphobia?

I'm sorry but I don't see Chaz as an advocate. At best, he seems to be an advocate for mainstream LGBT rights, ignoring the plight of the more marginalized communities. I don't see going on a TV show as helping to improve the lives of some of the most marginalized people in western society...when those people are reduced to homelessness, forced into sex work, and denied proper housing, healthcare and employment. When in many places there isn't even basic workplace safety or policies against transphobia...or governments that take those policies seriously. When I think about transphobic remarks made by politicians, where are those advocates then? When there was a chance to add gender identity and expression to laws prohibiting discrimination? Where are these "advocates" conveying the ugly realities of transphobia to the mainstream public? Or perhaps transphobia toward a celebrity is the only type worth mentioning?