Bill and Ted's being called 'Homophobic'
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Personally not of a fan of the show, not for its racey content but its not my cup of tea(personally I like the Hanging at Knotts better). Universal should have stood by their creative ideas and not let there knees buckle under a little weight. People may hate me but personally wouldnt want the show to return at all but it should have run its full course for HHN 2013. I think a Universal monster show with current topics and pop culture would be way better(al la Bettlejuices Rock N Graveyard Revue) and would keep their Universal Monster more current.
http://www.vice.com/read/universal-studios-canceled-their-homophobicracistterrible-bill-and-ted-show
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Top comment:
How can I buy this man a drink?
I, too, have no issue with the writer of the original review. I take issue with the Huffington Post for running the review and taking it a face value. They claim to be journalists. A call to Universal and a representation of their side in their national news story is responsible journalism. They chose not to do that.
I'm scared by the blurring of the line between true homophobia and parody. Homophobia is abhorrent. When we call parody homophobia we weaken the abhorrent reality that is homophobia. When everything is homophobia don't we disrespect the true victims of homophobia?
We should respect personal opinion. We should fight true homophobia. It is essential that we do not weaken the term by calling anything we personally dislike "homophobic". As has been pointed out the director of the show is gay, many of the creative team is gay, many of the performers and crew are gay. They worked hard on this show trying to find that fine line between the "push the envelope" adult humor expected from this show with their own, personal sensitivity. Now they are labeled as homophobic. And when USH took down the show they told the world they were embarrassed by it.
I'm scared by the blurring of the line between true homophobia and parody. Homophobia is abhorrent. When we call parody homophobia we weaken the abhorrent reality that is homophobia. When everything is homophobia don't we disrespect the true victims of homophobia?
We should respect personal opinion. We should fight true homophobia. It is essential that we do not weaken the term by calling anything we personally dislike "homophobic". As has been pointed out the director of the show is gay, many of the creative team is gay, many of the performers and crew are gay. They worked hard on this show trying to find that fine line between the "push the envelope" adult humor expected from this show with their own, personal sensitivity. Now they are labeled as homophobic. And when USH took down the show they told the world they were embarrassed by it.
Jon Fu
Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
Incidentally enough, he's actually a pretty important figure within the theme park industry. Fascinating to see his comments on the topic.
Very, very true. Ever since the closure, every media imaginable has covered it. Guess that wasn't what Universal wanted, huh?
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That's why it was the dumbest move I've ever seen a theme park company do. If they had just done nothing after defending it, it would've gone away. But no, they cancelled it and that caused an even larger stink... because that's a way better story. "Theme park show shut down after accusations of gay slander" is a ridiculously and hilariously tasty headline, and I don't blame any media outlet for running it. Wouldn't you?
Jon Fu
Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
I don't either.
Whatever happens, I wonder if the show will return next year. People still don't seem to grasp the concept of what Bill & Ted is about (with many thinking it's a reenactment of the film), and I doubt that's going to change with all this national attention.
Bad move, Universal. Bad move.
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BruceTheShark
Contributing Editor
Apparently several guests come (even fly from out of state) to HHN for the very reason of seeing Bill and Ted. I've heard this first hand.
If this year wasn't B&T's last run, next year will be. It'll either go out in a boom, or die out next year. It's unfortunate it had to end this way.
Jon Fu
Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
You know, the more I think about this, the more I grow frustrated with Universal. Didn't Orlando face criticism as well?
I think this sets a pretty bad precedent for future shows. It seems like such an odd movie from such a large company. I mean, this isn't Six Flags we're talking about. You would think a full fledged entertainment company would know how to handle criticism and react accordingly.
I think this sets a pretty bad precedent for future shows. It seems like such an odd movie from such a large company. I mean, this isn't Six Flags we're talking about. You would think a full fledged entertainment company would know how to handle criticism and react accordingly.
- Aug 2, 2013
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I have been hearing that the decision to close Bill and Ted was made by the rights holder of the Bill and Ted franchise.
Jon Fu
Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
I've heard that too. Not sure what to make of it, really. I guess that would make sense since they're planning to release a third movie.
I'm sure there were many groups involved in the decision. Worldwide Universal and "Bill & Ted" were in the headlines with the word "homophobic". I have family in NY state, no interest in these Halloween events anywhere, who called me asking what I knew because they know I'm a fan. All they knew were the headlines.
Still I think it was a poor decision. Too bad they didn't put out several press releases saying the company has always believed in diversity and respect, is a strong supporter of the LGBT community, has partnered with GLADD and other groups over the years and while they respect the views expressed they feel the long running comedy show does non rise to the level of hate or any phobias.
Oh well, I'm going to miss the show. I looked forward to it each year.
Still I think it was a poor decision. Too bad they didn't put out several press releases saying the company has always believed in diversity and respect, is a strong supporter of the LGBT community, has partnered with GLADD and other groups over the years and while they respect the views expressed they feel the long running comedy show does non rise to the level of hate or any phobias.
Oh well, I'm going to miss the show. I looked forward to it each year.
I heard this as well... but I'm not so sure. It makes sense and if it was true I'd be a little more relieved and understanding.
One thing that DISGUSTED me was hearing that GLAAD originally supported all of Universal with its ties to gay culture and how friendly it is, and they keep close tabs, especially with entertainment. Given that the show was created, written, directed by gay men and featuring many actors, the communities including GLAAD was totally onboard with the show and knew well of it. That is, until accusations came about, in which the organization quickly turned on USH despite having been okay with it before just to make themselves look better. That's so slimy and again, like most of the parties involved with this debacle, lowers my opinion of them.
