Wednesday, July 09, 2008
The Radio Hall of Fame Should Not Reward Intolerance and Lies, Says TWO
NEW YORK -- TruthWinsOut.org (TWO) launched a campaign today to keep Focus on the Family founder James Dobson out of the Radio Hall of Fame. The Museum of Broadcast Communications nominated the anti-gay leader even though Dobson has been accused of distorting research and smearing gay and lesbian people for political gain. For example, Dobson told The Daily Oklahoman on Oct. 23, 2004, "Homosexuals are not monogamous. They want to destroy the institution of marriage. It will destroy marriage. It will destroy the Earth."
"It is outrageous and insulting that James Dobson would be nominated for the Radio Hall of Fame," said Truth Wins Out Executive Director Wayne Besen. "We believe that character counts and nominees should have careers based on honesty and integrity -- not discrimination, distorting research and outright lying."
"Incredibly, the Museum of Broadcast Communications has also nominated Dr." Laura Schlessinger to its Radio Hall of Fame and Rush Limbaugh was inducted in 1993. The pattern is clear."
To fight back against this offensive decision, TWO strongly urges fair-minded people to take three actions. First, sign TWO's formal request to have James Dobson removed from consideration. Second, contact Museum of Broadcast Communications CEO Bruce DuMont directly, brucedumont@museum.tv, to express your displeasure. Third, as an option, vote for nominees other than James Dobson or Laura Schlessinger (the general public may vote, and the other nominees are Bob Costas and Howard Stern). It is urgent to act now, as voting comes to a close on July 15.
In the past two years, at least seven researchers have accused Dobson of manipulating or cherry picking their results to back his anti-gay teachings. Letters and videos documenting the concerns of these respected professors can be viewed at TruthWinsOut.org.
Dobson also profits from intolerance. He founded a ministry, Love Won Out, that promises to "cure" homosexuals -- even though the so-called "ex-gay" leader of Love Won Out, John Paulk, was photographed in a gay bar. Dobson also continues to promote dishonest psychological theories about gay people that are rejected by every respected medical and mental health association in America, including the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association.
Truth Wins Out is a non-profit organization that counters right wing propaganda, exposes the “ex-gay” myth and educates America about gay life. For more information, visit www.TruthWinsOut.org.
To Contribute to the efforts of Truth Wins Out CLICK HERE.
42 Comments:
Concerning the subject of "ex-gay" that was referenced in this post, there's something that confuses me about some homosexual activist claims. It appears the assertions are:
1. An individual is a homosexual because he knows he is. The assertion is the proof.
2. There are no external causes; a homosexual simply knows he has always been that way.
3. If someone decides he is not, in fact, a homosexual, he is incorrect and is only deceiving himself.
Now, if it is possible for someone to be mistaken about their sexual orientation, how is it possible that only those who are insisting that they are not gay that can be mistaken? If it is not possible for someone to be mistaken about their sexual orientation, how is it possible to deny the testimony of someone who was a homosexual, but now is not, that it is possible for sexual orientation to change?
posted by , at
7/09/2008 1:09 PM
While I agree that Dobson and Schlessinger are odious and I would not vote for them, if they make the hall of fame it will solely recognize that they have "made it" in broadcasting. It is unfortunate that they have done it on our backs, but it doesn't mean that because I disagree with them, they shouldn't be in the hall of fame.
posted by , at
7/09/2008 1:13 PM
Hey Fred,
Re-read your post and substitute "heterosexual" for "homosexual."
Patty
posted by , at
7/09/2008 1:18 PM
Dobson shouold be recognized as a matter of record of our society - whether or not he is in accord with our opinions. Many people have made the Hall of Fame who do not represent the voice of the population but leaving them out would also not represent the voice of the population. How would our voices sound if they did not have the contrast of such people as dobson??? Pretty empty by the descendents of our history if they did not know the struggles.
posted by , at
7/09/2008 1:24 PM
Fred, just read Wayne's books. I doubt if you'd want to spring for them, so get them at the library or ask for an inter-library loan.
posted by , at
7/09/2008 2:40 PM
I guess this is kinda like when Time Magazine had Hitler as Man of the Year in 1939.
posted by , at
7/09/2008 2:54 PM
Dobson is a disgrace to his profession and faith as he chooses to disregard evidenced-based research and promotes "treatments" without merit, supported only by personal bias (I would lose my license, and rightly so, if I practiced in my field in the same manner Dobson does his.).
That being sad, he has been a broadcasting phenomenon. Our protesting that only brings attention to the man and provides him with fodder for money raising as he becomes a "victim" of godless homosexual.
TWO, please ignore this "honor" and let it disappear into oblivion where it belongs! May it be coals of burning fire upon his head.
posted by KJ, at
7/09/2008 5:03 PM
Fred-- you missed the point, which is personal integrity, not sexual orientation.
For example, for myself, it makes no difference to me if you are gay or straight. You can be a monkey or a fredsexual, if you want to. It is just not a factor that is important to me-- I am far more interested in the content of one's character-- though it seems to be very important to some straight people and people-who-wanna-be-straight-but-they-are-not.
It's the latter people we are concerned with here. They are the problem. "I'm not gay but my attractions are" is not a statement of integrity or honesty. It would be the equivalent of you saying "I'm not straight but my attractions are."
It is a statement that is intended to deceive by reducing being gay to what one does, rather than who one is. At best, that is true only for those intending to deceive-- either themselves or someone else. It would be a lie for me and nearly every gay person I know.
It's not at all what you do, but who you are, and it is no choice-- gay, straight, bi, or Fred.
I could have sex with women (totally uninterested, but just to make a point) every day for the rest of my life (and be very unhappy, if sated), and never touch my husband again (of course, he'd kill me), BUT IT WOULD NOT MAKE ME STRAIGHT.
Even if i told you I was.
All of which brings us right down to your original 3 numbered criteria. As someone already commented, switch hetero with homo and you have your answer.
posted by , at
7/09/2008 7:11 PM
Ben - I don't think Fred was advocating either way. He was just making a point - and a good one. You just don't want to hear that it is incorrect logic for a homosexual to be taken at his word for being so and an ex gay to not be taken at their word. When you think about it, he has a point. Who is to say what sexuality a person is??? You? Me??? Or maybe the person who is talking about themself.
posted by , at
7/09/2008 7:43 PM
I would not compare Dobson's Hall of Fame status to Hitler's Man of the Year status. First, Dobson has not taken part in the mass killing of people. Secondly, he can share his status with several other media personalities that are just as questionable and he is not being chosen as one man among many to be the only most influtential man of the year. And finally, Time Magazine was in line with many Americans at the time during 1939 in which many people were unaware of Adolf Hitler's plans, actions, and beliefs. Do your history research and see what the opinions of Americans were before making such a statement. Polls showed high disapproval among Americans for entering into the European War as it was known then. Hitler had taken a skyrocketing inflation, low employment country and was turning that around. Kind of makes you wonder about the next leader of the United States??? Make your choice wisely.
posted by , at
7/09/2008 7:49 PM
@Fred:
Like the usual homophobic idiot, you're either pretending to be absurdly clueless or you really are living under a rock, because you're conveniently neglecting the two biggest parts of the equation:
1. All three Abrahamic religions and thus much of Western society actively preaches that homosexuality is sick and evil, despite all rational and scientific evidence to the contrary. They have been doing so for hundreds of years. This homophobia is deeply ingrained in our culture.
There is immense social pressure, discouragement, hostility toward gays - and there is overwhelming encouragement toward heterosexuality.
There are no Christian conversion camps trying to make straight kids gay, no parents threatening to disown their kids for being straight, no religions teaching that heterosexuality is a sin, no straight people feeling ashamed or committing suicide because of their sexual orientation.
Yet jerks like you pretend not to be aware of these painfully obvious facts, as if the world is neutral and both options are equally open.
2.) There is absolutely no evidence that ex-gay therapy works, and plenty that suggests it is harmful including reports of increased mental distress and suicide.
We don't take ex-gays' word for it that they changed because the assumption they make, that homosexuality is abnormal or evil, is flawed to begin with; because the ideas they advocate, that gay people are inherently disturbed and can never be happy, or that homosexuailty stems from gender disorders, are lies; because the definitions they use are nonsensical (they think if they stop having gay sex it makes them straight, even though they still feel same-sex attraction); because they are unable or unwilling to provide follow-up studies, and they ignore all the accounts of people who left the program;
And most of all, because they allow the Christian Right to use them as poster children for their crusade against gay equality.
So spare us your faked innocence and ignorance and get your head ou of your ass.
posted by , at
7/09/2008 7:53 PM
Understanding the presence of Hitler as Man of the Year should be proof enough to any idiot with a pee brain why it is important to not remove history from history and let it stand untainted and as is. Many Americans and some European Royalty supported Hitler. It is a testimony to our growth and understanding where we were once and where we are today. Removing Dobson from history would remove a whole segment of civiland relgious rights movements from history. We need to show from where we came to where we will be as a country and social segment. Wayne's desire to remove or re-write history is just as propaganda filled as any hate group. Same coin - different side.
posted by , at
7/09/2008 7:55 PM
Anon at 7:53
Obviously you are angry and rightly so. Still, it doesn't make the argument any less illogical.
I guess you live by the adage Once gay. always gay?
I know many heterosexuals who have become gay. Why can't it be the other way around? You're ad hominin attacks show your inability to argue and your passion for just wanting to have things your way. sorry - but most intelligent people disagree using logic not emotionally filled attacks on other people.
posted by , at
7/09/2008 8:03 PM
And pray tell (no pun intended), how do you know that these "heterosexuals who became gay" were heterosexual to begin with? Are you not aware that people who are afraid of the fact that they are gay pretend to be straight, some right until the grave? Please advise. I am not hostile, but I am definitely interested in your answer.
posted by , at
7/09/2008 9:28 PM
The fact is, Hall of Fame honors in sports and in other facets of life are more than just a mass following. It is about integrity and comporting oneself with dignity.
James Dobson is a disgrace to his profession because he built his audience through lies. He should not be honored because his poor character is inconsistent with what one should possess to be in the Hall of Fame.
posted by Wayne Besen, at
7/09/2008 11:09 PM
Actually, it was a legitimate question concerning the logic used by some homosexual activists. But the Anonymous who posted at 7:53 PM has some serious problems. I never even brought up religion, and I never called homosexuality "sick" or "evil."
That person said something interesting though - that "rational and scientific evidence" has shown that homosexuality is not "sick" or "evil." I do wonder how "scientific evidence" could demonstrate that something was or wasn't "sick" or "evil."
I would also point out to that person that I know several people who are no longer in homosexual relationships (and haven't been for many years and in a couple of cases decades) who never went through "ex-gay" therapy and who don't consider homosexuality abnormal or evil. That's just a fact.
I will say that the idea that sexual orientation is immutable and beyond choice is obviously and provably wrong. There just happens to be an ongoing mass experiment on human sexuality that is occurring right now - albeit unintentionally - called the American prison system. The findings so far reveal that a large number of inmates are exclusively oriented to men inside prison. A large percentage of those men are exclusively oriented to women outside prison. Ergo, sexual orientation is malleable in a great many cases.
posted by , at
7/09/2008 11:37 PM
Fred--that's called being bisexual. It's a known phenomenon.
For anonymous--the point is not, as I said, a question of sexuality, but a question of integrity.
for example, Alan chambers trumpets loud and long that it is possible to change from homo to hetero. He then tells how he has to sturggle every day to remain as heterosexual- -or if you prefer, chambersexual-- as he is. He is clearly not heterosexual, even iwth a wife and kiddies. He's a man who has to struggle every day. that's when he is being honest, not when he says change is possible.
Or, here's another example. The jones and yarmouth study on exgay could only find 100 people to participate in their study-- 100 out of the tens of thousands that Exodus has claimed to convert. not a good return rate.
Of those 100, only 15 had manages to change from homo to hetero--so they said-- and one of those later recanted. Also not a very good rate of return with people who are highly motivated to change.
Of the 14 left, all had experienced a change that the authors described as "ambiguous" and "complicated". For me as a gay man, my sexuality is very unambigous and very uncomplicated. For my many straight friends-- as far as I know-- their heterosexuality is also unambiguous and uncomplicated.
There have been numerous cases of people claiming they were 'cured' and later announcing that they were not. Try googling Noe Gutierrez, peterson toscano, and daniel Gonzalez in this context, just to name a few.
I don't question that some people can change from homo to hetero or vice versa. In a world where carpenters can be resurrected, anything is possible. And i have no quarrel with it.
What I have a quarrel with is people who claim to have changed when they have not, and who seek their validation for their motives by insisting that not only must I change, too, but my refusal to change is somehow a character defect in ME, and must result in using the coercivce power of the state to deny me equality before the law.
posted by , at
7/10/2008 12:05 AM
Then you've got a lot more people to complain about Wayne because most people have failed in the area of integrity at some point.
Ah yes, and baseball players still aren't gambling.... right!
posted by , at
7/10/2008 12:07 AM
well, it's true some people do pretend to be straight. did you notice the word some? and yes, people do change. some stop drinking, some stop having affairs, some stop exercising, some start running who never liked exercise before ...etc..
But NO WAY a person cn't stop being gay!! That's just ain't right. Yes, sarcasm intended.
Seems like those on both sides of the fence are guilty of the same thing - insisting that others live according to your idea and not their own.
posted by , at
7/10/2008 12:10 AM
"The findings so far reveal that a large number of inmates are exclusively oriented to men inside prison. A large percentage of those men are exclusively oriented to women outside prison. Ergo, sexual orientation is malleable in a great many cases."
What an absurd conclusion. Men in prison are raped or have no other options. When I can't find a date, I use my hand. Does that make me hand-sexual?
Come on Fred, use your brain. If I were serving 20 in an all women's prison, I might eventually have sex with a woman for the sensation of human contact. That would not make me straight. You "logic" is really messed up.
posted by Wayne Besen, at
7/10/2008 1:35 AM
Note : Straight Pride homophobic reggae parade planned in Brooklyn, NY, in late August. Will be interesting to see gay community reaction.
posted by , at
7/10/2008 5:30 AM
Fred, Anonymous or could that be Theo perhaps. Let the ex-gay ministries prove that you can convert a heterosexual to homosexual and then we'll have a better argument. Where is the evidence for that? Millions of people hide deeply in their closets, assume a straight exterior, date women, marry and have children, but later in life, often cheat with males. They would be called bisexuals as someone else pointed out. Where is the proof Fred, point us to where we can find the scientific evidence that a heterosexual can be converted to a gay orientation?
Do you really believe that any of us would "choose" a gay orientation given the prejudice, bigotry and discrimination that we have to endure every day of our lives and the denial of our full civil rights? Your argument loses all credibility. Anyone in the closet can claim he or she is straight, even engage in sex with the opposite gender, but it doesn't make you straight...I should know, I've done it in my younger years.
posted by , at
7/10/2008 6:22 AM
Wayne, you need to re read the reports on prison sex. And yep - if you use your hand then you are a handsexual.
Starting to sound pretty stupid that a person can't be ex gay - now isn't it. Some people prefer to masturbate than to be with others.
posted by , at
7/10/2008 9:37 AM
You can stop being gay the way Michael Jackson has stopped being black!
posted by , at
7/10/2008 9:46 AM
I want to commend Wayne for allowing these deluded homophobic fools to post here. I'm afraid my Irish/Italian temper would compel me to delete all of them, which is why I will never have a blog ;)
I doubt if the 'other side' would be so generous with their soapbox.
If anyone is lacking integrity here, it isnt Wayne, as some of you have accused him of.
posted by , at
7/10/2008 9:53 AM
Well, it seems we can always depend on Robert, whoever he is, to post some conspiratorial nonsense. Thanks Robert, whoever you are!
posted by , at
7/10/2008 10:08 AM
Oh wow! Anyone who suggests anything different than what a gay person is saying is immediately labeled a homophobe. Even if that person supports gay rights and marriage. Sounds kind of like some gay people have been brain washed. Oh wait - anything they say is completely accurate. Not to be questioned or disagreed with lest we are labled homophobes.
Talk about a growth opportunity.
posted by , at
7/10/2008 10:31 AM
There is a difference between "failing at integrtiy" at some point-- we're none of us perfect-- and living a lie and insisting over time that something is true when it is not.
posted by , at
7/10/2008 10:47 AM
Watch videos. Dobson is truth challenged to say the least. Anyone who defends him is an amoral apologist who places dogma over truth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NHdSVknB5Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPuTQAoO7qo
posted by Wayne Besen, at
7/10/2008 12:08 PM
I am not defending his "truth". I am defending the evaluation of his influence - he influenced many people in this country. For that, he goes into the Hall of Fame. His remark upon history and society in this country should be recorded. How can any civil rights movement be understood unless the opposition to it is exposed as well?
posted by , at
7/10/2008 12:17 PM
Oh, so influence is all that matters? Should a drug kingpin be let into the Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame because he built a mulit-million dollar empire and had enormous influence?
Under your amoral logic he would.
posted by Wayne Besen, at
7/10/2008 1:51 PM
No a drug king pin should not be allowed into Chamber of Commerce. Controlled substances - the possesion, use, and transportation of them is illegal. Try another one?
However, they are notorious and are mentioned in the record of history. As much as I don't like drug dealers and feel that drug addiction is a scourge and epidemic across America, it is nonetheless, a matter of recording for the benefit of future generations to know our experience.
posted by , at
7/10/2008 2:26 PM
Let us not forget the Opium Wars???
posted by , at
7/10/2008 2:26 PM
You Wayne, of all people, should know why we documented WWII Germany, the invasion of, the defeat of, the Holocaust. It was the opinion of those that we record the destruction and cost so that generations later people could NOT DENY that it happened.
posted by , at
7/10/2008 2:42 PM
"You Wayne, of all people, should know why we documented WWII Germany."
Why should I know of all people? I't 38 years old. I wasn't there.
posted by Wayne Besen, at
7/10/2008 2:46 PM
Then you should read more. How do you think your grandparents would feel about your last statement? Pretty amazed at your ignorance, I would say.
It is important to record the horrors of history because it makes a remark on our triumphs over such horrors as a generation and society that is reaching for our greater humanity.
posted by , at
7/10/2008 4:10 PM
The Nationalist Socialist German Worker's Party (Nazi Party) organized, among other reasons, for the "elimination of socially undesirable peoples" - including homosexuals.
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/GERnazi.htm
I would think someone like yourself Wayne, would be familiar with this period of history and why it is important to know history and record it as it is.
posted by , at
7/10/2008 4:29 PM
Theo...BLAH BLAH BLAH!!! The usual condescension, so predictable. How charitable and christian of you. I guess ex-gay therapy didn't work for you! Didn't pray it away enough, keep on trying but keep your eyes off the men in the process! We know what you are! When you become desperate, insecure or when something bad happens to you, you get religion! So transparent of christo-fascists!
posted by , at
7/11/2008 12:54 PM
Not really Robert. Sounds like you are chanting the same old tune - that when somneone calls you on poor bahvior you yell, religious fascist, right winger or etc...
Just calling it as I see it. Wayne is doing exactly what Hitler and his croonies did - trying to eliminate history. Uh huh.
Yep - same coin - different side.
Sorry - it's not about being a christian because I can't stand dobson's mentality or theology, personally. But that does not mean that I will do what the Nazi's have done, what Dobson has try to do , and now what Wayne and his croonies are trying to do.
Stand up - for crying out loud and do the right thing -even when it is damn difficult.
posted by , at
7/12/2008 12:04 PM
Anonymous, you said..."Oh wow! Anyone who suggests anything different than what a gay person is saying is immediately labeled a homophobe. Even if that person supports gay rights and marriage. Sounds kind of like some gay people have been brain washed. Oh wait - anything they say is completely accurate. Not to be questioned or disagreed with lest we are labled homophobes."
Not sure if you or Theo are the same person but I take it you support marriage equality by that statement? Theo on the other hand doesn't. So, so what exactly is it you support? "Supporting gay rights and marriage" are two different things".
Similarly Anonymous, there are many deeply closted Gay men and women who are homohophobes, am quite aware of that and I will even call them on it. I need no educating on that one. To think otherwise would be naive at best.
posted by , at
7/14/2008 10:55 AM
Supporting gay rights and gay marriage. Is that clear, now?
posted by , at
7/14/2008 12:30 PM
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