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Wayne Besen
PO Box 25491
Brooklyn, NY 11202
This ad was offensive and homophobic. It sent the wrong message that there was something disgusting or weird about same-sex affection. However, I beleive that this was unintentional. It is important to remember that Shaquille O'Neal has been a friend to the GLBT community. When basketball star Tim Hardaway made anti-gay remarks after basketball player John Amaechi came out, Shaq defended him, saying:
"If he was on my team, I guess I would have to protect him from the outsiders," said Shaquille O'Neal, center for the Miami Heat. "I'm not homophobic or anything...I'm not the type who judges people. I wish him (Amaechi) well."
Shaq also followed a suspect who allegedly attacked a gay couple and then alerted police. So, given this history, I think he deserves the benefit of the doubt. Plus, he brought my team, the Miami Heat a championship. I can't help but support Shaq - but I do blame the NBA and the stupid advertising firm for this idiotic commercial.
UPDATE: ESPN Apologized for the ad. The Human Rights Campaign made this happen. Way to go HRC.
17 Comments:
They paid millions of dollars for that stupid, senseless crap?! I think that advertising agency needs to hire more gay talent. Especially if they're going for humor. Also (off topic) for those of you who have XM radio, OutQ is now on channel 98 (started today). I was listening to Frank DeCaro on the way to work this afternoon. He's a riot.
posted by Anonymous, at
2/02/2009 1:33 PM
Boo. No excuses. His lines are rehearsed and he is getting paid. Everything was done except calling the other guy a fag. Fuck that. Shall we call Shaq a nigger in response? By the way some of my best friends are black and gay too. Puke.
posted by Spouse Walker, at
2/02/2009 1:36 PM
What do you expect from men who have to throw a ball around and tackle each other in order to make a living? ;-)
posted by Chris L., at
2/02/2009 2:14 PM
Sorry Wayne - it is rare - but on this one I have to respectfully disagree.
He should have known better than get involved - it has homophobic written all over it!
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2/02/2009 4:04 PM
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