Beating that queasiness: Straight, liberal and gun-shy about 'Brokeback'

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 1/15/06 | Dru Sefton

[TFFKAMM]

It's true, the movie "Brokeback Mountain" does provoke what one researcher calls "a very strong ick factor" in some straight men.

What is it in this story of two cowboy pals in 1960s Wyoming who find themselves in lifelong love -- yet go on to marry women -- that elicits this response from heterosexual males?

The answers are as complex as the plot.

A psychologist who coined the word "homophobic" said the revulsion is precisely that. A scientist who discovered genetic links to sexuality said he simply does not understand the response. The author of "The Sexual Brain" said there is nothing on a neurobiological basis to explain the aversion.

To film fan Eddie Hargreaves of Stockton, it's more like the "ick" of romantic drama. "I'm not going to speak for everybody," he said, "but I don't know a lot of straight guys who said, 'Oh, man, I can't wait to see "Bridges of Madison County," 1995's famous tearjerker.

"Brokeback Mountain," directed by Oscar winner Ang Lee and starring box-office hunks Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, is sparking both critical praise and water-cooler chatter. It's been nominated for seven Golden Globe awards.

But when movie critic Dave White, who is gay, wrote a humorous piece titled "The Straight Dude's Guide to 'Brokeback,' " "I got hundreds of messages, most of whom hated me for just existing," he said...

[luvbach1]

"...two cowboy pals in 1960s..."

Weren't they sheep herders? Didn't see the movie and won't.

[newzjunkey]

SMG's character was also engaged in incest in "Cruel Intentions" if my memory is accurate. It was also aimed at teenagers, not thinking types.

[Lurker]

When you think about it except for the sex being a gay man is just like hanging out with your buddies.

Now, I haven't seen your buddies but I've seen mine. I like hanging out with them but I've got absolutely zero desire to see 'em nekkid.

Besides, any man who can say "I just don't like p****" has got something seriously wrong with him.

L

[fat city]

Gives me the same kind of "ick factor" as I Married a Monster From Outer Space only without the drawing power of cool effects and space stuff.

[luvbach1]

It's called ramming it down one's throat!

[ARCADIA]

Just because I think two guys kissing is gross, does not mean I am 'scared' of homosexuality.

Movies entertain through a momentary escape from the everyday; but, what straight guy would want to escape into such a freak show. There is a reason why Hollywood leads tend to be larger then life; in order for the whole experience to work, the audience has to want to be one of the characters. Gay cowbows...no thank you.

[Chanticleer]

Like this?

British student gets arrested for calling a mounted police officer's horse "gay". The police wanted to prosecute for making homophobic remarks, but the Crown Prosecution Service refused to prosecute.

Thames Valley Police today defended their decision to take the case to court.

A spokesman said: “We present the case to the CPS and the CPS make the decision to proceed or not.

“He made homophobic comments that were deemed offensive to people passing by.”

I don't believe the U.S. will be too far behind the rest of the world, especially if opposition to homosexual behavior is labeled a disease.

[luvbach1]

"That is just the only kind of sex available to them at the time."

Weren't they sheep herders?

[SauronOfMordor]

What a great way to give your husband a choice. "Dear, would you rather take me to see Steel Magnolias or Brokenbutt Mountain?"

I would just reply: dear, you can see either one, or both in a double feature. By yourself, or with your friends. I'm staying home and watching this TV show about cheerleader tryouts. See ya

[Political Junkie Too]

A psychologist who coined the word "homophobic" said the revulsion is precisely that.

I won't go to gory teen-slasher movies. What does THAT make me? Teenophobic? Knifophobic?

-PJ

[ARCADIA]

I won't go to gory teen-slasher movies. What does THAT make me?

An Adult.

[luvbach1]

"...especially if opposition to homosexual behavior is labeled a disease."

With me it's not so much opposition to homosexual behavior as disapproval and disgust with it as a life style. But opposition to it? No. To each his own in our free land.

[JRios1968]

Gee, I wonder (as a STRAIGHT male) if it has something to do with the fact that most males find the whole idea of gay rape extremely unsavory and repulsive?

[Chanticleer]

I can be opposed to a behavior without being opposed to the person involved in the behavior or even the right to behave the way one chooses. If you prefer disapprove to oppose, I wouldn't argue. It seems that if you don't embrace homosexuality as a completely acceptable lifestyle choice (or genetic reality), then you risk being labeled homophobic and in the future, mentally ill.

[lastchance]

They're from where the men are men and the sheep are nervous.

[peyton randolph]

"Bound" was a flop, i.e. hetero men didn't rush to see it either.

Total US Gross $3,802,260
Production Budget $4,500,000

http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/1996/0BND.html

[newzjunkey]

Abnormal - deviating from what is normal or usual, typically in a way that is undesirable or worrying

Lots of things are not usual. Political activism is not normal and yet here we both are.

Homosexuality is undesirable for a parent to see their child engaging in such behaviors because it very likely precludes the chance of genetic descendants. Then again, we run into a cultural thing here since homosexuals have entered into heterosexual marriages, had children in the past both recent and ancient, just as they seem to do in this film--I have not seen it.

You can either take a hands-off view regarding your fellow Americans liberty or you can call for (questionably successful) reeducation of homosexuals. Reading into your views, it would seem more reasonable for you to want homosexuals to stay with their own kind (e.g. courtship and homosexual unions) rather than to enter into "false" heterosexual marriages and reproduce.

[Rebelbase]

[GVnana]

LOL!

[Delta 21]

"a very strong ick factor"