May 13, 2009

Not that there's anything wrong with that

NPR is in the hot seat after censoring a movie review that named allegedly gay politicians. Cringely asks, why is it OK to call people alleged murderers, but not homosexuals?

The new documentary "Outrage" has provoked a small bit of outrage itself, after editors at NPR.org censored a review of the film, which aspires to "out" conservative politicians who are allegedly closeted gays.

Yes, that NPR. The home of Terry Gross, Click and Clack, and "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me." The cherished radio respite of croissant-munching, Volvo-driving, double-soy-mocha-latte lovers everywhere.

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It's like finding out Mr. Rogers strangled puppies or that Oprah is really a man.

Filmmaker Kirby Dick's "Outrage" aims to point out the hypocrisy of politicians who consistently vote against gay rights legislation and funding for AIDS research while secretly enjoying the forbidden fruit, so to speak. The film names several allegedly gay politicians, and so did NPR film reviewer Nathan Lee -- until his editors neutered it, removing the references to all not-solidly-confirmed-as-homosexual politicos featured in the film.

Strangely, however, the review continues to feature the mug shot of Senator Larry Craig, esteemed Republican from the great state of Idaho and the third bathroom stall on the left in the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, even after excising his name from the story.

Lee asked that his byline be removed from the piece, which the editors did. He then posted a comment to the review explaining why he asked his name be removed, in which he again identifies the three politicians who got cut out. NPR sent his comment into the ether as well (but not before IndieWire captured a barely legible screenshot of it).

There is enough irony here for everyone to get a second helping. For example, here's how the edited review handles this dicey subject:

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jsmith 13-May-09 12:55pm
1 reply
What the heck does any of this have to do with IT? Note to InfoWorld editors: get Cringley on topic or get him out of InforWorld.
Robert X. Cringely 13-May-09 3:53pm
1 reply
fortunately I write for InfoWorld, not inforworld. so I'm safe. web site... comments... online censorship. is it really that far afield from what usually gets covered here?
Luteguy 19-May-09 8:52am
It's not far afield at all, and appropriate for discussion as Internet privacy is a big deal these days, and this is fodder for that discussion. I agree that someone's personal sexual preferences are just that -- personal - but unfortunately many with those preferences are making them an issue. How does it make any difference to anything what sexual orientation you are? It's a private issue and should remain so - in the media, on the Internet, and in public policy.
Mvannurden 15-May-09 10:33am
1 reply
Slow IT week Cringe? You're reaching here; this is almost as far off topic as your personal diatribe on evolution.
Robert X. Cringely 18-May-09 3:37pm
"personal diatribe on evolution." hmmm, I don't remember any such thing. I do remember diatribing on the opening of the creation museum in kentucky back in '07, I think it was. that was some fine diatribing. but the whole monkey/man thing? must have been that other fellow..... rxc
justvisitingthisplanet 18-May-09 11:49am
I'm so disappointed that Cheney's "undisclosed location" turned out to be his basement. I was convinced it must be the stall next to Larry's. Can't you just see him crouched there, clutching his shotgun to his chest?
HighCommander 18-May-09 12:22pm
1 reply
I tend to agree that this has practically nothing to do with IT, but... It seems to me that NPR film reviewer Nathan Lee has his shorts in a twist over the fact that the NPR policy won't let him "out" some allegedly gay public figures, so he's taking his name off the review. Sure, the film he's reviewing purportedly "outs" these people already, but Lee wants to fan the flames outside the confines of the film. That's where he runs afoul of NPR policy. My understanding is that the NPR policy is in place to avoid libeling / slandering people whose sexual orientations are not a matter of public record. It's NOT the same situation as reporting that someone allegedly committed a murder, primarily because the accusation of murder is made by a formal criminal indictment. There is a process by which the accused is afforded the opportunity to clear his/her name. In the case of NPR (or anyone else) making or repeating unsubstantiated allegations that a person engages in homosexual behavior, there is no way for that individual to clear his/her name. You can't "unring the bell". There is nothing that individual can do to prove the contrary. What really gets MY shorts in a twist is the fact that Cringely made me defend the policy of those "croissant-munching, Volvo-driving, double-soy-mocha-latte lovers" at NPR. Regards, High Commander
Robert X. Cringely 18-May-09 3:35pm
"What really gets MY shorts in a twist is the fact that Cringely made me defend the policy of those "croissant-munching, Volvo-driving, double-soy-mocha-latte lovers" at NPR." then my work here is done. thanx, rxc
fishersystems 18-May-09 12:33pm
IT relevance? Net neutrality and avoidance of censorship are central IT issues. Societal relevance? It seems to me that there should be a special place in Hell reserved for people who abuse their public position to discriminate against a minority when they themselves are members of that minority. We are all self-righteous about "Jim Crow" blacks and Mafia-affiliated public officials, but exempt gay gay-bashers? Please ...

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