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Smiles and Slurs

Posted April 29, 2008 | 03:46 PM (EST)

Read More: Democrats Homophobia, Gays, Hillary Clinton, Homophobia, Mike Easley, Mike Easley Pansy, Breaking Politics News

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Disturbingly, most of my gay friends seem fine with Clinton's campaign using racism to win votes. What will they think now that she's stood next to North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley (D) while he used a gay slur, basically implying Obama was a "pansy"?

Now, I know from spending many recesses in middle school being called a pansy that it's just a subtle way of saying "faggot." Clinton stood by while Easley made that comment, smiling away. Speaking to a prominent gay journalist friend of mine this morning, he expressed his frustration with her campaign. "Hillary doesn't care about the gays. It's that simple. We're a political tool, like everything else in that family's orbit."

Clinton owes the gay community, which she has shamefully used as an ATM during her campaign, an apology for gay-baiting. We're waiting, Hillary.

From The Hill's Pundits Blog

 

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collapse InofTouch See Profile I'm a Fan of InofTouch

So is the word sissy a slur today

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 11:46 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse Bill3rdterm See Profile I'm a Fan of Bill3rdterm

Exactly

Also, where did they imply that Obama was a pansie? Gay Baiting? Give me a break

Stop acting like a Drama Queen

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:22 PM on 04/30/2008
collapse HollywoodBill See Profile I'm a Fan of HollywoodBill

Very thin skinned humorless pansies at that.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 11:32 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse Vern58 See Profile I'm a Fan of Vern58

Unfortunately, the GLBT community will allways as a mass support a "Diva" over good common sense, no matter what gets said. I did not take it as a direct slur, but coming from the Clinton side of the track, it shows their propensity to use the Tribe at will as a goldmine then blithely throw us under the next Bus. Not this Queer, Hillary. My memory stretches a bit farther back than you would like.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:49 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse LiberalandLovingIt See Profile I'm a Fan of LiberalandLovingIt

Let's not forget that slurs against gay men have a solid base in misogyny. What's truly offensive about the use of pansy against another man is to say he's like a female. And there's nothing lower in the minds of some men. That's what's replusive, that Hills would stand there smiling while gay men and women were being bashed again out in the open. Is she stupid and just insensitive?

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:43 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse Bill3rdterm See Profile I'm a Fan of Bill3rdterm

What's stupid is the SO CALLED SLUR was about a fictitious Character. Idiots.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:24 PM on 04/30/2008
collapse joeyp404 See Profile I'm a Fan of joeyp404

Please, a straight person can be a pansy or a girly man for that matter.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:21 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse Vern58 See Profile I'm a Fan of Vern58

Sorry. The term "pansy" is almost exclusively reserved for the denigration of effeminate Homosexual men. Those are the facts.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:09 PM on 04/30/2008
collapse Bill3rdterm See Profile I'm a Fan of Bill3rdterm

Maybe to you, I've also thought of the term as a weakling or a girl man. Not about sexual preference. This is the problem with this country, everything it blown out of perportion, the gov. wasn't calling anyone gay or attempting to disparage anyone, he make the comment about a fictional character trying to reference how tough HRC was. Get over yourselves.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:38 PM on 04/30/2008
collapse Vern58 See Profile I'm a Fan of Vern58


Synonyms · Usage Examples

Click here to find out more!
pansy Definition

pansy (pan²zÄ")

noun pl. -·sies

1. any of various violets, esp. a popular garden hybrid (Viola tricolor hortensis), with flat, broad, velvety petals in many colors
2. "† Slang an effeminate man; esp., an effeminate male homosexual: often a contemptuous term

http://www.yourdictionary.com/pansy

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 02:20 PM on 04/30/2008
collapse EvgenyLibek See Profile I'm a Fan of EvgenyLibek

I support Obama, but...
Since it seems I am the ONLY one who got the Governor's joke, I should explain...

The reference is to Rocky Balboa (a char played by Sly Stalone in Rocky) versus Johnny Kovak (a char played by Sly Stalone in FIST).

FIST was an earlier, not well known, but decent movie.
Kovak is a Jimmy Hoffa type Teamster Organizer, who says to a potential date, "What, do you think I'm a pansy? Ya think I got flowers on me?" or some such -- this is all based on memory from 10 years ago -- but, it is a stand-out line from the movie...

So, the Governor was making a vague Sly Stalone Joke.
I agree that it was also an underhanded reference.

Quite an act -- Clinton was as tough as doughnut sprinkles on Iraq.
I am now crossing off my deathlist: observe jellyfish feeding frenzy.
I believe having observed Senator Clinton's campaign justifies the elimination.

Why did she pursue this dogblank, fake-tough, Bush strategy?
Are Americans really so stupid that a woman candidate has to play this game?
Why couldn't she have just been herself?

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 09:23 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse Researchguy66 See Profile I'm a Fan of Researchguy66

I've never taken pansy to be a code word for gay and I don't take any offense at that statement. For those of you who are too young or too stupid to know the difference...DOMA and DADT were imperfect, but brilliant compromises against entrenched homphobic interests in government. Hillary admits such and claims that America is ready to move legislation forward a step at a time.

McClurkin doesn't bother me. The vast majority of black church-goers are extremely homophobic and that's the entertainment that they wanted in South Carolina. Obama was pandering, but hey, he's a politician. I've no doubt that Obama will stand tall for GLBT rights as president as well.

I'm perfectly comfortable with either on the gay issues. I'm not comfortable with all the venomous back and forth, especially on trivial issues like the word "pansy". C'mon, that's just stupid.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 08:56 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse LeeinJax See Profile I'm a Fan of LeeinJax

Thoughtful, reasoned, balanced. Would be a powerful argument had you spoken up in the same way when "bitter" was the word of the day...strike that, of the month...

On the positive side, we have proved a former First Lady and serious US presidential contender can stir only minor murmurs as she threatens to decimate a sovereign nation -- "obliterating" every man, woman and child in a country we are currently encouraging to halt nuclear acquisition. Sure, any voices of moderation in Iran (and they do exist) got a serious hit upside the head from the reckless remark.

Surely, the current anti-US Iranian government will not use those words to foment more anti-US and anti-Israel sentiment. They will carefully consider the fuller context and extend full benefit of the doubt. They'll shake their head and laugh it off. You know, like everyone did with "bitter".

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 09:22 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse Researchguy66 See Profile I'm a Fan of Researchguy66

On the contrary. The context of his usage of "bitter" is inexcusable. I do think that Obama has some good economic proposals, as does Clinton. I personally believe that Clinton will have more luck in implementation, but that's just a personal belief and I can be wrong.

It's not the word "bitter", that bothers me. It was that he was trying to rationalize why a lot of rural Pennsylvanians weren't planning on voting for him to the Brie and Chanpagne crowd in San Francisco. He meant it to be disparaging and they were happy to receive that message. Obama just thought no one would ever find out.

I take offense because I grew up in rural, central Pennsylvania and never knew more honest, decent, generous and welcoming people in my life. Dismissing their importance is one thing. Disparaging them intentionall is another. He lost most rural counties in Pennsylvania by 30 points or more. They understood his remarks as well as I did.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 09:34 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse LeeinJax See Profile I'm a Fan of LeeinJax

If I have also lived in PA and I constantly cite it as one of my favorite places in the US. I remain in contact with a number of people who are among my dearest friends. I also have a gang of PA "expats" here in FL with me... and we DO talk politics.

But luckily I'm old and I have lived more than one place. I have also lived just north of SF--what would you think if I told you I find your comments "champagne and brie crowd" offensive, dismissive, and divisive. These people are less honest, decent, generous, and welcoming than the lovely folks in PA? NOT in my experience!

I understand the premise of Obama's comments. Obama has gone out of his way to avoid the racist blaming that Wright epitomizes. He was speaking to some people who were enroute to canvass in PA; he wanted volunteers to consider the skepticism they would encounter in light of a justified reaction. They have been let down. They may be disillusioned. Some may not be open to hearing from another politician. Not because they are dumb racists, but because, in fairness, they have not received the help they have been promised.

He said it badly; he had expressed the same sentiment better in the past. Was he right? Maybe not. Was he bashing them? NO way--and any fair person would see if it makes sense in the context of other statements and conduct.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:53 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse abrauer See Profile I'm a Fan of abrauer

Your deliberate mischaracterization of Obama's remarks and projections as to his intent are intellectually dishonest and reveal you to be a passive-aggressive chunk of dog shit.

Americans who eat brie and drink champagne are also offended at your disparaging comments dismissing their importance. Apparently your candidate has decided she no longer wants their support.

San Francisco is a Republican code word for gay. When Hillary used it in denouncing Obama she was perpetuating the idea that to be in San Francisco is somehow unAmerican, elitist and pandering to gays and lesbians.

I'm offended by Easley's use of "pansy" and still waiting for your candidate to open a dialogue with the American people on gay and lesbian issues right now before the vote next week in NC and IN so gays and lesbians can know how to vote.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:41 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse AshevilleVoice See Profile I'm a Fan of AshevilleVoice



Isn't it amazing that someone can be whoever you'd like her to be.

In PA she showed us a church, beer and gun lover.

In NC she is now a homophobe.

I cannot wait for Puerto Rico, when she will finally tell us that her father is not her biological father; she was adopted from a Latin family.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 08:31 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse Vern58 See Profile I'm a Fan of Vern58

Please don't forget us here in Indiana, where she showed us the "Hard drinkin good ol Gal"
we still have several days to go before her feeding frenzy has moved on.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:29 PM on 04/30/2008
collapse ShyFrost See Profile I'm a Fan of ShyFrost

LMAO!

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:02 PM on 04/30/2008
collapse lezlie See Profile I'm a Fan of lezlie

Just turn off the damn "ATM"! Quit giving money to this woman who has proven to be about as honest as George W Bush. Hillary will walk all over the gay community and the black community to get what she wants... and if you happen to be black and gay... G-d help you!!!

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 06:24 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse SLal See Profile I'm a Fan of SLal

Obama's disdain for the gay community is well known here in SF. He has openly refused to be photographed with our mayor Newsom, a straight handsome gay-friendly mayor who made gay marriage legal for a short time here.

Quote from Newsom regarding Obama's refusal to be photographed with him. This is amazing, and is completely offensive. Obama is such a politician, and I frankly don't trust him on gay issues for this and other reasons:

"One of the three Democrats you mentioned as presidential candidates, as God is my witness, will not be photographed with me, will not be in the same room with me," Newsom told Reuters, "even though I've done fundraisers for that particular person - not once, but twice - because of this issue."

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:30 PM on 04/29/2008
collapse Vern58 See Profile I'm a Fan of Vern58

Sorry, but that old saw does not work out here in the rest of America. Barack Obama did not want to get his pic taken with Gavin Newsom for a reason, and a well founded one. It was smart politics to decline to do this. When you are running for Senate and needing the vote of the Downstate Illinois vote- it was not a smart thing to do.And Newsom's reputation as a political opportunist and unabashed "Star F#%@ker is well known. Read what Willie Brown has to say about it.
It is a sad but true fact of life that those of us who have chosen to live our lives out of the Great Gay Ghetto (and yes, i lived 2 years in SF before leaving for LA) have other issues to face. Here in Indiana our health system is at the breaking point, unemployment is rampant and people are trying hard just to keep going.
The fact remains that Barack Obama is unabashedly in favor of equality among ALL people.
http://pride.barackobama.com/page/content/lgbthome
Hillary doesn't even have anything on her site pertaining to GLBT rights.
Please do not take this wrong. I have already made my political bones in both SF and LA during the early 80s- when all of us were dying, and i see your point, but this flap with Gavin Newsom does not make a whole lot of difference when all the rest of us see a different perspective.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 11:44 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse clairesf64 See Profile I'm a Fan of clairesf64

I agree with SLal. San Francisco is a vision of a world where members of the LGBT community don't have to fight discrimination everyday. The Mayor certainly has his faults but on gay rights he's strong. The days when the marrige ceremonies took place in city hall were like a Prague Spring. To shun him, a likely candidate for Governor of California, is not only a slap in the face of LGBT people everywhere, it shows incredibly poor judgement.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 11:22 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse abrauer See Profile I'm a Fan of abrauer

I don't take direction on my vote from straight handsome gay-friendly people who support Hillary Clinton.

I lived through the Clinton administration and have the tire tracks to prove it.

You don't speak for the gay community and you most certainly don't speak for me.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:25 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse Researchguy66 See Profile I'm a Fan of Researchguy66

Tire tracks? I lived through the Reagan administration. If you don't think your life as a gay person is better now than it was 20 years ago, you need to ask your doctor for some mood-enhancing drugs.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 08:47 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse abrauer See Profile I'm a Fan of abrauer

Reagan never promised to make life better for gay and lesbian Americans. But then I'm not on drugs so what do I know?

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:45 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse NCMan See Profile I'm a Fan of NCMan

I'll expect an apology from Clinton as soon as you demand one from Obama for not kicking the anti-gay bigot Rev Donnie McClurkin off his gospel tour.

And, since this story started this morning on John Aravosis' AmericaBlog, I'll be waiting for his apology for using the term "Big Girl" last year and then refusing to admit it was offensive when he got called out on it by some women.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:01 PM on 04/29/2008
collapse LeeinJax See Profile I'm a Fan of LeeinJax

Of course Hillary loves and supports and will fight for the gay community.

Just like the African American community.

Just don't get between her and what she wants for herself.

I thought Bill might have given a hint with DOMA and DADT...

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 09:52 PM on 04/29/2008
collapse speciallady2003 See Profile I'm a Fan of speciallady2003

Don't hold your breath. Contrary to public opinion, while she regrets getting caught lying about Bosnia, she has never apologized. Unless you have a bundle of cash to give her or wear a blue collar she doesn't need you. So, no apology and go away! It's all about what you will do right now.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 09:38 PM on 04/29/2008
collapse nellie See Profile I'm a Fan of nellie

Here we go with the surrogate attacks on another group of people. This is unbelievable. And if the pattern of innuendo and code words for African Americans is any indication, this isn't going to be the last time this happens. It's hard to believe Clinton is going this route. It's a republican campaign through and through. Who's next? Immigrants?

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 09:09 PM on 04/29/2008
collapse meanguy See Profile I'm a Fan of meanguy

nellie, maybe it will be invisible unicorns; it wouldn't be any more imaginary than this new episode of fabricated insults made by the paranoid and juvenile 'terminally offended' of the moonbat left wing

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 06:51 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse CHGORUNR See Profile I'm a Fan of CHGORUNR

This is a real issue for lesbians and gay men who are routinely discriminated against. Lesbians and gay men are one of the few minorities where the majority still believes it is OK to make a 'gay' joke. Or worse, approve of continued legal inequalities for law-abiding tax paying citizens who happen to be lesbian and gay. The comments here so far prove how uninformed or misinformed some are about what constitutes ongoing discrimination agsint lesbians and gay men.

This is also a germane issue for lesbians and gay men, along with any hetersexual, who wants to gain further insight into Hillarys repeated displays of mendacity. That Hillary is a major liar (again) is nothing new, but it is Ryan Davis' main point.

Other points he is trying to make: Hillary alleges she supports lesbian and gay rights. But, in reality, today she stood in silence while one of her sycophantic surrogates cast aspersions on all gay men, not just Obama. On the subject of LG rights, Hillary is (and always has been) 'all hat and no cattle,' as she lamely stated during the Texas primary. Todays sad performance by Hillary in NC only affirms her previous support of the Defense of Marriage Act and Dont Ask Dont Tell.

P.S. The American Heritage Dictionary (at http://www.bartleby.com):

Pansy: 3. Offensive Slang a. Used as a disparaging term for a man or boy who is considered effeminate. b. Used as a disparaging term for a homosexual man.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 07:28 PM on 04/29/2008
collapse NCMan See Profile I'm a Fan of NCMan

and where in Gov Easley's remarks did he say anything about Obama? He didn't. He mentioned Rocky Balboa.

The world does not revolve around Barack Obama. When someone talks and doesn't mention Obama, that means they AREN'T TALKING about Obama.

Gov Easley said Clinton's strength made Rocky Balboa look like a pansy. Rocky Balboa is a fictional character. No one said anything about Obama. So, just get that out of your head. Every time a Clinton supporter says something complimentary about Clinton, it doesn't mean they are implying the opposite about Obama.

I am a gay man and I wasn't offended by the use of the word pansy at all. I am however very offended by Obama talking like he supports gay issues, but then hires Rev Donnie McClurkin to perform on his gospel tour just to pander for votes from the black religious community. He should have removed McClurkin from that gospel tour. But, he was afraid to offend black religious voters in SC. pander, pander, pander at the expense of gays.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:54 PM on 04/29/2008
collapse DustyRebel See Profile I'm a Fan of DustyRebel

Pansy is used to mean one of two things, a type of flower OR a queer or effeminate man.

There is no wiggle room.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 11:11 PM on 04/29/2008
collapse NCMan See Profile I'm a Fan of NCMan

did i say it doesn't mean that? I said it doesn't offend me. What does offend me is Obama's acceptance of religious anti-gay bigots.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 11:54 PM on 04/29/2008
collapse abrauer See Profile I'm a Fan of abrauer

How selectively tolerant of you.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:31 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse NCMan See Profile I'm a Fan of NCMan

I'll take Gov Easley using the term "pansy" any day over McClurkin directly calling me a disease ridden child molester who needs to be fixed by praying the gay away. That's the kind of person Obama's puts out on the stump for him and invites into his big tent.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 07:49 AM on 04/30/2008
collapse bos123 See Profile I'm a Fan of bos123

Hillary doesn't like to say words like gay, lesbian, bisexual, I read this in a article and I watched a LOGO clip in youtube . For 5 minutes she din't mention any of those words.

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