Did Family Guy Go Too Far?
Everyone from gay rights activists to the Parents Television Council is angry about last Sunday’s episode of “Family Guy.” But the show’s fan base, which is filled with loyal gay viewers, thinks everyone should lighten up. So what’s all the fuss about?
The episode, titled “Family Gay,” finds the Griffins in a financial crunch. To make some extra money, Peter Griffin signs up for lab testing. In one experiment, he is injected with a gay gene, which instantly transforms him into a flaming queen.
Activists are angry because they feel the episode squeezed just about every stereotype you could imagine into one episode. Gloryholes, show tunes, fisting, open relationships, orgies, the way gay people dress, the way they speak, the ability to cook, the ability to decorate, the limp wrists and feminine mannerisms… Basically any and every stereotype people have about us made it into the episode.
The Parents Television Council has filed a complaint with the FCC, adding criticism over one scene where a horse licks Peter’s ass (it was a very mild depiction of rimming) and another scene where the baby Stewie ate cereal with horse sperm in it.
My two cents on it…
The oldest trick in comedy is taking a complex issue, blowing it up into a hugely exaggerated joke, and through laughter, we are able to deal with the reality. The episode is actually very “pro-gay” if you pay attention to the dialog. There is one scene that summarizes it when Lois tells her newly gay husband that we can’t choose our sexuality anymore than we can choose the color of our skin. She then gives her full support to accepting that Peter is gay. I loved it! This episode is an instant classic.
As far as the group of parents who are pissed off… Look, you are responsible for what your children watch. It is not Fox’s job to raise your children.
The ratings system was specifically created so that parents can block shows that are rated TV-14. All you have to do is set your TV to block any shows that you don’t want your kids to watch. You have the tools to be better parents — use them!
Watch the controversial episode in its entirety here:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/61211/family-guy-family-gay
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I have to agree with you Nathan. We watched it and laughed our asses off all the way through. I’m tired of parents who are too damn lazy or stupid to monitor their children’s television habits. Sure it was full of stereotypes and sexual innuendos, but then most of the episodes are – they’re just usually straight instead of queer.
Everybody just needs to lighten the fuck right up!
Ha ha, I watched it here in Spain, and cracked up. It was very good. I didn’t see anything offensive about it. I did think that the sperm (milk) cereal was strong, but it didn’t bother me at all, it just surprised me, ha ha! I agree 100% with you; parents should be monitoring their kids more not the television. Also, I got the same sensation, that if one really listened closely to it, it was a satire in support of gay rights.
Un abrazo desde Madrid,
Greg
I LOVED LOVED LOVED it. … and didn’t give it a second thought. But I knew there’d be some sort of outcry from those unwilling to take responsibility for what their own children watch. Sort of like “I have no control over my child” when they scream, run, kick, yell, etc. What losers.
I agree with you 100% Nathan! Family Guy is awesome, the show is a comedy and not to to be taken literally. But at the same time it makes you realize just how ridiculous the stereotypes are. I laughed my ass off the whole episode, but in particular to the part where the horse is licking Peter’s ass. BTW Peter was still straight at that point and was wanting a rim job from his wife. Isn’t rimming a “gay” activity?
I haven’t watched the episode yet, it’s on my list, but If it’s funny I know I’ll love it, I always do. I don’t understand people that get upset over shows like this. They are crass, rude, inappropriate and not intended for people that can’t handle non PC humor. If you don’t like it, turn it off.
I’ve never watched Family Guy, but I did watch that episode since you posted it, and I completely agree that it was actually in support of gay rights.
And ditto on the parents who were offended- pay attention to what your kids are watching! My parents are guilty of this with my younger brother and it annoys me to no end. I wasn’t even allowed to watch The Simpson’s for pete’s sake! Never mind a show like Family Guy!
It was one of the funniest episodes I have seen. I think they just took the wildest stereotypes of each side of the issue and ran with it in a way that told both sides to get over themselves.
“Brent can’t fit in the glory hole and that’s why we all love Brent! Pft Pft!”