South Carolina is so gay!

[Goofball]

It seems that South Carolina folks are all in a tizzy over an ad campaign in Europe aimed at attracting gay tourists to their lovely state, and they are taking action, up to and including welching on payment for the posters that were ordered from and produced by the printer in good faith.

I can totally understand their outrage though. I mean, sure, the gays that would come to South Carolina would most likely be well-heeled types who would be willing to spend lots of cash in the South Carolina economy, but come on! Who the hell wants their dirty gay dollars?!?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25677373/

[Alexander the Pretty Good]

Would this be highly inappropriate?

[Crazed Rabbit]

I can understand being upset that your state is being advertised as 'so gay'. It's not just the appeal to gay tourists people are unhappy about, but the means.

CR

[Xiahou]

That's pretty gay.

[Banquo's Ghost]

The last time I visited South Carolina it was indeed a happy and joyous place.

Why have they suddenly become so glum?

[Rhyfelwyr]

If anyone ever made a similar advert about Scotland I wouldn't be very happy about it.

lol, I can just imagine all these tourist trecking up to the Isles for the beaches. Since just about all the western Isles are either staunchly Presbyterian or devout Catholic, the reaction would be pretty funny. They still chain up kiddies playparks on Sundays in some of those places...

[Adrian II]

It's not just the appeal to gay tourists people are unhappy about, but the means.

No. It's the appeal to gay tourists that they are unhappy about. That's what all the quotes in the article say.

Many inhabitants don't tolerate homosexuality and they don't want to attract homosexuals. The Palmetto Family Council wants SC to be a 'family-friendly market', as if there were any contradiction between one thing and the other.

Barack Obama knew what he was doing when in his 2007 barnstorming campaign of SC he enlisted the gay-bashing gospel singer Donnie McClurkin, a man who maintains that churches are 'infested' with 'gay predators' and that gays have a 'lying problem'.

Sick Carolina would be a better name.

[ICantSpellDawg]

What if they started advertising NYC as "straight-friendly"? Gays would be pissed.

[Rhyfelwyr]

What if they started advertising NYC as "straight-friendly"? Gays would be pissed.

No! Rights no longer apply to the mainstreams these days...

[Goofball]

What if they started advertising NYC as "straight-friendly"? Gays would be pissed.

No! Rights no longer apply to the mainstreams these days...

Nothing makes me laugh harder than straight, white men moaning about how they are so oppressed.

You guys should find a nice, private corner somewhere and you can stroke each other's moral outrage and self righteousness to full erection.

But please don't do it in public. Some of us find it offensive.

[Adrian II]

What if they started advertising NYC as "straight-friendly"? Gays would be pissed.

No! Rights no longer apply to the mainstreams these days...

Guys, your kind has been privileged for centuries. So much in fact that various minorities must be separately approached to convey the message that a certain spot is not just intended for you, but for them as well.

If and when the opposite applies, you can bet your straight white Christian hindquarters that you will become a marketing target.

Oh look, you already are!

[CrossLOPER]

What if they started advertising NYC as "straight-friendly"? Gays would be pissed.

There are several organizations marketed as "family friendly" or "family oriented".... not exactly what you are talking about, but in line with the subject.

[Rhyfelwyr]

There are several organizations marketed as "family friendly" or "family oriented".... not exactly what you are talking about, but in line with the subject.

Yes, because they have facilties for adults and children, amazingly. Presumably the same facilities any same-sex couples with their adopted children would use.

These places are not marketed as great for everyone who is straight/pre-puberty.

If homosexual people are so 'normal', why do they feel the need to base entire holidays on their sexual orietation. You have to be gay to appreciate a slave plantation?

And I never said your average white, straight, et etc person was opressed. I just feel sorry for the people of South Carolina having a show-case made out of their state.

And on a side note, I think the "happy yay yay we love everyone family values" crew are pretty creepy, verging on disturbing.

EDIT: @Adrian: do you change your avatar every week? Its pretty confusing.

[Adrian II]

EDIT: @Adrian: do you change your avatar every week? Its pretty confusing.

I am going through a lot of changes lately.

[drone]

Similar ads were posted for Atlanta, Boston, Las Vegas, New Orleans and Washington, D.C., none of which reported any negative backlash.

Vegas, anything goes. Atlanta and New Orleans, I can definitely see that. DC isn't really a "gay town" (aside from the Republican politicians )but the chance of backlash is slight. Boston, I have no idea about (but the thought of nancy-boy lisping combined with that accent makes me cringe). South Carolina? Sounds like wasted money.

[Don Corleone]

Massachussets is running the other way on this issue, as fast as they can.

When the State Supreme Court ordered gay marriage to be allowed in 2004, then governor Mitt Romney announced that due to a 1913 law (relating to inter-racial marriage) that if your marriage wouldn't be recognized in your homestate, Massachussets wouldn't marry you.

Today, this very day, as a matter of fact, the state legislature of the Commonwealth, with full support of the governor, are voting to repeal that law and begin an over-the-top marketing campaign to advertise to gays throughout the US, Canada and Europe to come to Massachussets on holiday and get married while you're here. Viewed as a way to help plug some budget shortfalls.

Drone, you know, all you have to do is listen to Barney Frank, and you'll know exactly how the two go together... I don't think he's going to win any awards for the asethetically pleasing qualities of his voice any time soon.

On a sidenote... Adrian, you were born in the early 70's, right? Little late to discover you might want to try out for the other team, no?

[PanzerJaeger]

If homosexual people are so 'normal', why do they feel the need to base entire holidays on their sexual orietation.

Because of people such as yourself. Unfortunately, when making vacation plans they have to factor in things such as whether the population of their destination will question their normalness. Who wants to go somewhere to relax in a hostile environment?

The whole gay issue is an embarrassing blight on modern conservative ideology. It completely ignores libertarianism in sake of a "moral majority" and religious pandering. The best part is that its all based off of the same old testament writings that approve of slavery and forbid eating pork, among other fun codes Christians tend to ignore. If certain groups of Christians had an understanding of the bible as a whole, not just specific passages, I find it hard to believe they would be able to reconcile the teachings of Christ with the current treatment of gay people in that community. It constantly astounds me that the people who hold Jesus above all else are reliably the most openly hate filled group of people in this country. (This is, of course, not directed at all Christians.)

1.There have always been gay people.
2.There will always be gay people.
3.You cannot become gay. Social acceptance of it will not increase or decrease homosexuality.

The sooner we on the Right stop making this an issue, the sooner it will cease to be an issue. There is so many more important things to concern ourselves with. I understand that the Republican party has to pander to the rednecks and hicks among us, just like the Democrats have to go after the inner city ghetto losers with welfare promises; but I for one don’t want to be associated with the lowest common denominator.

[CrossLOPER]

What was in my pie this morning?

[Don Corleone]

A whole bunch of stuff that while I somewhat agree, has my jaw dropping, considering the source.

Panzer, I didn't think fascist states in general tolerated homosexuality. How do you jibe with that? You'll just order tolerance for homosexuality?

[PanzerJaeger]

Panzer, I didn't think fascist states in general tolerated homosexuality. How do you jibe with that? You'll just order tolerance for homosexuality?

In fascism, the State and the betterment of the State - at the cost of others if need be - is the most important driving concern. Homosexuality neither benefits nor hurts the State, therefore it wouldn't be an issue at the governmental level.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Because of people such as yourself. Unfortunately, when making vacation plans they have to factor in things such as whether the population of their destination will question their normalness. Who wants to go somewhere to relax in a hostile environment?

So they picked South Carolina?

The whole gay issue is an embarrassing blight on modern conservative ideology. It completely ignores libertarianism in sake of a "moral majority" and religious pandering. The best part is that its all based off of the same old testament writings that approve of slavery and forbid eating pork, among other fun codes Christians tend to ignore. If certain groups of Christians had an understanding of the bible as a whole, not just specific passages, I find it hard to believe they would be able to reconcile the teachings of Christ with the current treatment of gay people in that community. It constantly astounds me that the people who hold Jesus above all else are reliably the most openly hate filled group of people in this country. (This is, of course, not directed at all Christians.)

That is because for things such as the eating of pork it is clearly stated that these are to be "a statute unto your people" for the children of Israel. So we are not supposed to obey these.

I'm not hate filled, being gay is just another sin. The problem is just that some people do not accept this. Although I can assure you that where I come from my views still represent the majority on this, even if this majority is declining.

The sooner we on the Right stop making this an issue, the sooner it will cease to be an issue. There is so many more important things to concern ourselves with. I understand that the Republican party has to pander to the rednecks and hicks among us, just like the Democrats have to go after the inner city ghetto losers with welfare promises; but I for one don’t want to be associated with the lowest common denominator.

Well I am definetely not on the right. You seem so understanding to homosexuals, not so much to the "ghetto losers".

You liberal capitalist Yanks need to sort your priorities out.

[PanzerJaeger]

So they picked South Carolina?

No, South Carolina picked South Carolina. Then South Carolina decided against its previous decision. Now South Carolina just looks silly.

That is because for things such as the eating of pork it is clearly stated that these are to be "a statute unto your people" for the children of Israel. So we are not supposed to obey these.

I'm not hate filled, being gay is just another sin. The problem is just that some people do not accept this. Although I can assure you that where I come from my views still represent the majority on this, even if this majority is declining.

Fascinating. I'm wondering how much time, if any, you've spent contemplating the nature of Christianity in the context of Jesus' own claims of being the Jewish Messiah. Thats another issue entirely..

Well I am definetely not on the right. You seem so understanding to homosexuals, not so much to the "ghetto losers".

You liberal capitalist Yanks need to sort your priorities out.

I am less understanding of people who choose to live off the dole, because its a choice. Life gives them lemons, and instead of making lemonade they choose to live off of government handouts. Thats a whole other issue, as well...

[CrossLOPER]

I am less understanding of people who choose to live off the dole, because its a choice. Life gives them lemons, and instead of making lemonade they choose to live off of government handouts. Thats a whole other issue, as well...

Moving and good high education is expensive. I do think that programs that directly assist people who want help would probably be more effective than grants alone.

[Goofball]

Because of people such as yourself. Unfortunately, when making vacation plans they have to factor in things such as whether the population of their destination will question their normalness. Who wants to go somewhere to relax in a hostile environment?

The whole gay issue is an embarrassing blight on modern conservative ideology. It completely ignores libertarianism in sake of a "moral majority" and religious pandering. The best part is that its all based off of the same old testament writings that approve of slavery and forbid eating pork, among other fun codes Christians tend to ignore. If certain groups of Christians had an understanding of the bible as a whole, not just specific passages, I find it hard to believe they would be able to reconcile the teachings of Christ with the current treatment of gay people in that community. It constantly astounds me that the people who hold Jesus above all else are reliably the most openly hate filled group of people in this country. (This is, of course, not directed at all Christians.)

1.There have always been gay people.
2.There will always be gay people.
3.You cannot become gay. Social acceptance of it will not increase or decrease homosexuality.

The sooner we on the Right stop making this an issue, the sooner it will cease to be an issue. There is so many more important things to concern ourselves with.

An eminently pragmatic and refreshingly practical position.

I understand that the Republican party has to pander to the rednecks and hicks among us, just like the Democrats have to go after the inner city ghetto losers with welfare promises; but I for one don’t want to be associated with the lowest common denominator.

It's a freaking shame, isn't it? That is the inherent drawback of democracy. The LCD has a lot of pull. A guy who didn't complete grade 8, has never had a job, and has never spent 5 minutes thinking (let alone reading) about the issues, has just as much say in politics as you or I do.

[HoreTore]

It's a freaking shame, isn't it? That is the inherent drawback of democracy. The LCD has a lot of pull. A guy who didn't complete grade 8, has never had a job, and has never spent 5 minutes thinking (let alone reading) about the issues, has just as much say in politics as you or I do.

I see that as a strength. Why? Because it gives the people who did complete the 8th grade a motivation to ensure that everyone else does too. Since their opinion matters just as much as yours, it's in your own good to educate them.

EDIT: As for the rest of the thread, well, I lol'ed.

Btw PJ, have you reconsidered your stance on gays lately? I seem to remember you saying in some "iran hangs another gay guy"-thread that "while gay people should be discriminated, killing them is just too much" or something to that effect...

[English assassin]

The whole gay issue is an embarrassing blight on modern conservative ideology. It completely ignores libertarianism in sake of a "moral majority" and religious pandering. The best part is that its all based off of the same old testament writings that approve of slavery and forbid eating pork, among other fun codes Christians tend to ignore. If certain groups of Christians had an understanding of the bible as a whole, not just specific passages, I find it hard to believe they would be able to reconcile the teachings of Christ with the current treatment of gay people in that community. It constantly astounds me that the people who hold Jesus above all else are reliably the most openly hate filled group of people in this country. (This is, of course, not directed at all Christians.)

1.There have always been gay people.
2.There will always be gay people.
3.You cannot become gay. Social acceptance of it will not increase or decrease homosexuality.

The sooner we on the Right stop making this an issue, the sooner it will cease to be an issue. There is so many more important things to concern ourselves with. I understand that the Republican party has to pander to the rednecks and hicks among us, just like the Democrats have to go after the inner city ghetto losers with welfare promises; but I for one don’t want to be associated with the lowest common denominator.

Oh my god. I agree with every word. What is going on here?

If homosexual people are so 'normal', why do they feel the need to base entire holidays on their sexual orietation.

This would obviously be as ridiculous as young heterosexual people heading off to the Greek islands and spending two weeks copping off with each other.

[InsaneApache]

Aye, apart from Zante that is.

[Adrian II]

Oh my god. I agree with every word. What is going on here?

Me too! This is what is going on:

[ICantSpellDawg]

Because of people such as yourself. Unfortunately, when making vacation plans they have to factor in things such as whether the population of their destination will question their normalness. Who wants to go somewhere to relax in a hostile environment?

The whole gay issue is an embarrassing blight on modern conservative ideology. It completely ignores libertarianism in sake of a "moral majority" and religious pandering. The best part is that its all based off of the same old testament writings that approve of slavery and forbid eating pork, among other fun codes Christians tend to ignore. If certain groups of Christians had an understanding of the bible as a whole, not just specific passages, I find it hard to believe they would be able to reconcile the teachings of Christ with the current treatment of gay people in that community. It constantly astounds me that the people who hold Jesus above all else are reliably the most openly hate filled group of people in this country. (This is, of course, not directed at all Christians.)

1.There have always been gay people.
2.There will always be gay people.
3.You cannot become gay. Social acceptance of it will not increase or decrease homosexuality.

The sooner we on the Right stop making this an issue, the sooner it will cease to be an issue. There is so many more important things to concern ourselves with. I understand that the Republican party has to pander to the rednecks and hicks among us, just like the Democrats have to go after the inner city ghetto losers with welfare promises; but I for one don’t want to be associated with the lowest common denominator.

I fundamentally disagree with what you are saying here. This is the mainstream opinion of homosexuality.

I don't believe that there have always been "homosexual" people. There have always been "homosexual" acts, but people were less rigidly defined by "sexuality". I also believe that you are not born "gay", therefore you become "gay" at some point in your life. Look at the ratio of identical Twins who are not both gay - same womb, same genes; different sexual identity? Someone is lying about there sexuality there according to propoenents of genetic homosexuality. God forbid it was the twin who believed that he was a homosexual!

To me, homosexual acts are simply actions taken that I believe can and should be condemned by moral opinion, if not by law - In line with theft, sexual promiscuity, public masturbation, etc. We are able to come to conclusions about those things even though "they don't hurt anyone". It is one thing to do those things on your own time, but if you start advertising spots as "great places to masturbate" or "take a crap in the bushes" - people would probably get offended about that, too.

Opposition to homosexuality is only an "egregious humanitarian injustice" if is biologically determined. As it stands it is just a sexual perversion in my book. Sexual perversions should be frowned upon, particularly when they are being used to advertise a state as a den of sexual perversion.

It is good to see that I fundamentally disagree with PJ on this issue. I thought that we were reading out of the same book. Younger generations are buying these arguments and others like them in droves. It bodes well for the movement to make homosexuals a minority group in the future.

[HoreTore]

Why the hell are you opposed to sexual promiscuity...?

Sex is healthy and good for you. And I like to taste all the different candy available instead of sticking with just one