Over that awful upcoming ABC sitcom, “Work It.” (Trailer above.) I can objectively say that “Work It” is awful having not even seen a full episode, because, uh, hello. But can you take out a full page ad in Variety demanding that ABC pull the show from its schedule if you haven’t even seen a full episode? GLAAD thinks it can.
In addition to the call for censorship (ironic for a group that supposedly celebrates free speech, inclusion, and freedom of expression), GLAAD inadvertently attacks the people it’s supposedly trying to protect in their ad:
ABC should not air this show – plain and simple. At the very least, “Work It” is offensive and insulting. At worst, the show is downright dangerous and sends a message that transgender people are to be laughed at, or are somehow less-than. This show would be a setback for transgender Americans, and for everyone who believes that all people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
Never mind the fact that cross dressing as comedy has been making people laugh since before GLAAD was even born (Some Like It Hot, Milton Berle, “Bosom Buddies,” etc.–which is not to say that “Work It” is anywhere close to those levels of comedy, because clearly it’s not)?
The people who should be offended by “Work It” are unemployed, middle-aged men, who are being depicted as bumbling and submissive clowns. Others who could possibly be offended are comedy writers and people with taste, but not transgendered women.
In addition to the call for censorship (ironic for a group that supposedly celebrates free speech, inclusion, and freedom of expression), GLAAD inadvertently attacks the people it’s supposedly trying to protect in their ad:
Next month, ABC plans to premiere the show “Work It,” featuring two men who dress as women in order to gain employment. By encouraging the audience to laugh at the characters’ attempts at womanhood, the show gives license to similar treatment of transgender women.Oh? So, GLAAD is comparing actual transgender women to men who dress up as women in order to get jobs. Or, they’re saying that television viewers won’t be able to tell the difference and will, after tuning in to “Work It”, just assume that all trans men and women are just playing dress up, to get jobs! In this economy, I guess anything’s possible.
ABC should not air this show – plain and simple. At the very least, “Work It” is offensive and insulting. At worst, the show is downright dangerous and sends a message that transgender people are to be laughed at, or are somehow less-than. This show would be a setback for transgender Americans, and for everyone who believes that all people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
Never mind the fact that cross dressing as comedy has been making people laugh since before GLAAD was even born (Some Like It Hot, Milton Berle, “Bosom Buddies,” etc.–which is not to say that “Work It” is anywhere close to those levels of comedy, because clearly it’s not)?
The people who should be offended by “Work It” are unemployed, middle-aged men, who are being depicted as bumbling and submissive clowns. Others who could possibly be offended are comedy writers and people with taste, but not transgendered women.
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