Saturday, July 21, 2007

I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (REVIEW)




Yesterday I saw the movie I now pronounce you Chuck and Larry. Going into this movie, I had no expectations but to see an Adam Sandler movie. While the movie perpetuated a number of stereotypes, I can honestly say the movie made me laugh the entire way through. In this movie, Chuck, a Brooklyn firefighter, marrys Larry, another firefighter, in order to reap the legal benefits. The marriage turns out to be more complicated than they expected, and when people find out, they find themselves fighting the same stereotypes that homosexuals face on a daily basis. Overall, I would applaud this movies efforts because I believe it's producers were making an honest attempt to end certain stereotypes, and one of the ways of doing that is through humor. People would not be inclined to sit through a movie if they felt they were going to be lectured on stereotypes; however, the movies genuine comic appeal will attract large audiences and hopefully deliver a powerful message of acceptance.
Watch the trailer here:

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Matthew Shepard Act (Hate Crime Legislation) - TAKE ACTION NOW !



One out of every six hate crimes in the United States is the result of someone's sexual orientation. The senate is about vote on a bill which would turn crimes due to a victim's sexual orientation into official hate crimes. Currently, they are not recognized as such. Let's do this in memory of Matthew Shepard, a young man who was savagely beaten, tied to a split rail fence and left to die in Laremie Wyoming because of his sexual orientation. Click here now http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/matthew_shepard

WATCH THIS VIDEO:



THE TRUTH ABOUT HATE CRIMES LAWS:


READ THE ACTUAL TEXT OF THE BILL HERE:

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Culture Shock in North Carolina

About a year ago, Gabriel Grana picked up all of his belongings and moved to North Carolina. He and his girlfriend Sarah drove there in his 2006 Honda Civic proudly displaying his "End this war" bumper sticker. Grana, A Miami, Florida native, was not adequately prepared for the political and social climate he was about to be submerged in. Growing up in Miami, he was vocal about his liberal political ideas, but in Jacksonville, North Carolina, which Grana describes as a "Marine Town," bumper stickers which read "give war a chance" are the norm. He remembers sitting in a cafe on the phone with his friend and saying, "...it's time for a female president - if only to reduce the ever present testosterone levels which dictate our nations every move." Only then did he realize about five United States Marines giving him a look of death. "I never really appreciated the true meaning of 'if looks could kill,'
until that moment." Gabriel didn't let the angry looks silence him, and to anyone who dares challenge him, he has this to say, "Dissent is ESSENTIAL in democracy."





Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Sicko Is a Must See!

sicko badge
I recently saw the new documentary movie "Sicko," and it got my blood boiling. Why is it that in the United States of America, of all places, people are more concerned with money than with human life. What do you think about the fact that before the doctor is able to treat you he has to get "approval" from an insurance man. What are your thoughts on socialized healthcare? It seems to work in Canada and Europe. I think that the people in the US care so much about money that they place it above human life.
before the doctor is able to help you, he has to get approval from an insurance man.




A Modern Day Allegory




Recently, on my trip to Chicago, I had the good fortune of being able to see the award winning Broadway Play Wicked which is a spin off of a movie we've all probably seen, The Wizard of OZ. The Wizard of Oz is widely-known as an allegory representing different industries during the great depression. While Wicked does a wonderful job with its humor and tying up all the loose ends you've probably never thought of, I don't believe it had the same allegorical effect as its predecessor. I did, however, recently come across a modern day allegory which I thought was very well done.





Scene From Wicked:





Modern Day Allegory on Iraq:


My First Pride



Recently I went to my first ever PRIDE weekend. I went to Fort Lauderdale International Airport with my friend julian and we boarded a flight to Chicago Illinois. I had never been to Chicago, but after that trip I find myself eager to live there. I went to visit my friend Kelly and for the city's "Pride" festivities. Not only is Chicago an amazing city in its architecture, DEEP DISH PIZZA and culture, but the people are friendly and the city is clean. What really came as a pleasant surprise to me was that in the parade, the Chicago Police Department was just one of the local agencies to be an active participant in the parade. Along with the police deartment, several other local buisnesses also participated.



For more information on Chicago Gay Pride, visit http://www.chicagopride.com/ . Also for information on how you can help support diversity, visit http://www.hrc.org/