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<title>blogTO Recent Comments: Lip Sync Smack Down a Gay Smack in the Face</title>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/feed/recentcomments/?10657</link>
<description>Comments recently made in this post on blogTO</description>
<copyright>Copyright 2009</copyright>
<lastBuildDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:09:02 PST</lastBuildDate>
<item>
<title>Paul</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I rally don't have much to say that anyone else hasn't already.  If you find an event too raunchy for your liking, isn't enough to just say that.  Why make special reference to the "gay" componant?
and a couple of other things...
I know plenty of straight guys who have attempted, some with success, of auto-fellating.
If the girl on stage was game, why are you saying he was embarassing her?
and whether Cullman is homophobic or not (it sure seems that he is) that "some of my best friends are gay" line is the mantra of the homophobic.  Just so you know Roger.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c308768</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c308768</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:40:51 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>gorgo</title>
<description><![CDATA[
LOL, poor Roger.

There IS a certain culture associated with gay bars and similar establishments.  It is a culture that involves considerable amount of sexual vulgarity and crassness.  It is my understanding (obvious from the context of the post) that in his remarks Roger was referring to that culture, which can indeed make "regular folks", including plenty of gay people, uncomfortable, since this culture in no way represents all gays, and probably not even the majority (I know cause some of my  best friends are gay! :-)))

But of course the comments were predictable knee jerks.  Omigod, gay-bashing, yadayadayada!]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c306013</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c306013</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:07:45 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>choppet</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Roger, if you think this was "over the top gay", you should see just how "over the top straight" every other fucking event is. This is a horrible review, regardless.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c305783</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c305783</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2008 02:35:37 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>UnionStayshyn</title>
<description><![CDATA[
"Your inherently conservative views on the world are better suited to Fox News than blogTO,"

Marsha, 
Given the editors lack of real response to the post and the fact that Roger is still contributing, I'd say that your comparison isn't fair to Fox News. And by the looks of the lack of comments on any given BlogTO post - I'd say I overdid it ever giving a shit what was written here.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c305679</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c305679</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:36:19 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Marsha</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Dear Roger,

I don't think you understand art, performance art, questioning society, gay people, politics nor should you really write about the things of which you have no knowledge, empathy nor understanding, as clearly demonstrated by your opinions in this blog entry.

Your inherently conservative views on the world are better suited to Fox News than blogTO, perhaps you are positioning yourself for a writing job with the Toronto Sun?

There were straight men in the audience, who vote liberal, ndp and other, who I know personally, that enjoyed the show tremendously. I think that perhaps your personal conservative politics may have made you feel alienated? Are you sure you're not actually Michael Coren?

Thank you tho, for giving this event much needed publicity and debate.You have given it a life that would not exist without your rancour and right wing political, social and sexual values.

Marsha
Mdme Zsa Zsa the $2 Psychic

PS Easier blogged than done - next year - you on stage at 7A 11D - bring it on!]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c305672</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c305672</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:46:43 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Tim</title>
<description><![CDATA[
@UnionStayshyn - Sorry to hear that you'll no longer be visiting us.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c305558</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c305558</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Sun, 31 Aug 2008 07:56:42 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Roger</title>
<description><![CDATA[
@UnionStayshyn: So you're saying that being a foot fetishist is an exclusively queer thing? Not that you would stereotype. :P]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c305471</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c305471</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Sat, 30 Aug 2008 23:22:54 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>UnionStayshyn</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Just noticed that Roger posted a story about the CNE. Guess I have to take that as a vote of confidence from the editors in Roger's abilities as a contributor. This means I will not continue to support this website as, even after writing some despicably ignorant comments under his homophobic review, BlogTO believes Roger should continue to contribute (nor did they think to properly address it).

"calling someone homophobic for not liking a gay event is like calling someone racist for not liking a hip-hop show. "

If someone had called it, "over-the-top Black" - not only would the review be immediately removed but the author would have been sacked. The language was only "questionable" because using 'gay' as a pejorative is still seen as acceptable to some people (Dear hipsters: drop the Vice magazine/post-identity bullshit, your boring is showing)

The editors failed to properly address the problems with this post and that itself speaks volumes (hilariously, the guy from Torontoist did their job for them)

I'm actually left wondering if the MSM is behind BlogTO in an attempt to make bloggers look like irresponsible idiots. 

(on a side note: I'd like to welcome Roger into the queer community as his CNE post is clearly the work of a foot fetishist)]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c305409</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c305409</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Sat, 30 Aug 2008 17:02:55 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Marc Lostracco</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Who Roger didn't like was Keith Cole (who is a very acquired taste under the best of circumstances), but the article came across as blaming it on teh ghey rather than Keith Cole.  The language he used in writing this post is questionable, and is a bit typical of what is sometimes known as gay panic.  I find the headline of the post even more disconcerting--why is it a "gay smack in the face" rather than just the proverbial "smack in the face?"  Broken down to its essence, the article (especially as it was originally published) basically complains about excessive gayness, when it really should have been about not getting the Keith Cole schtick.  Although I'd argue that if a reviewer is too delicate to deal with the crassness Keith Cole (which is fine), it was the wrong writer to review the show.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c305124</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c305124</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:41:13 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>icantbelieveireadthiswholethread</title>
<description><![CDATA[
calling someone homophobic for not liking a gay event is like calling someone racist for not liking a hip-hop show. 

the only pigeonholing happening here is that by those who are offended by roger's post for being homophobic. if you associate homophobia with not liking an "over-the-top" gay event, then you must be associating homosexuality with said "over-the-topness." 
if you do not wish homosexuality to be exclusively associated with that, then do not treat it as such.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c305059</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c305059</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:35:28 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>noz</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Bah!  

You can't say 'I didn't like it, it wasn't clear enough that it was for gays'.  If you don't like a comedy night/performance, tough, but it's not because it was gay you didn't like it, it's because you just didn't like it.

"...whose banter between acts included asking which girls in the audience can eat themselves out.

While this may be fair game in a gay bar, I found it offensive."

Ever heard of Ford Fairlane?  Crass doesn't equal gay, so the fact you found it offensive cannot be used as evidence of it's excessive gayness for a 'mixed audience', but simply that it was too crass for your tastes.  This casual equation that you're makning is ridiculously offensive - dare I say it, crass.  It would be equally stupid to say 'Too many fart jokes.  They didn't tell me it was going to be STRAIGHT humour!!']]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c305003</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c305003</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:59:27 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>leatheretter</title>
<description><![CDATA[
What I find the most interesting about this entire dialogue, is that no one (alright there are hints of it) is talking about what it means to play to the lowest common (conservative since this seemed to be the issue) denominator when it comes to art and performance, what we lose when we censor, second guess, or play it safe. Many great works would NEVER have seen the light of day if this was the way art is created. I am not saying the evening was great art, but consider what is being asked when discussing offense etc. 

As a reviewer, it is one's responsibility to asses the merit of the work. It should not be based on opinion, but on skill and talent without the "do I like it" filter. It honestly doesn't matter whether the reviewer liked it or not, but whether or not the work is good. A lost art I think.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c304719</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c304719</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:28:14 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Roger</title>
<description><![CDATA[
@MAs:  "I sorta want to call bullshit on you, that you were unaware of what you were entering into when Keith Cole's name was on the press release as the Smack Down host."

Cole didn't do his schtick at the Dora Awards this year. When I saw him at the reception prior to the Dora's he was just a pretty face to me. And he's still just a pretty face. But with attitude.

Had I known how atrocious his hosting was, perhaps I'd have not shown up to the fundraiser altogether. Or at least I'd have gone in knowing what I was in for.

True, I could have done more research on him prior to attending. Lesson learned. :)]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c304490</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c304490</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:29:23 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Jason</title>
<description><![CDATA[
You people are all crazy.  I'm gay and have been gay all my life, I've been offended by Fred Phelps and Will Smith and Mary Cheney, but there is absolutely nothing whatsoever about this article.

If I didn't like 'American Pie' because it was "too straight", that's my opinion and it's okay to say so.  If Roger didn't like this show becaue it's "too gay", that's his opinion, and it's okay to say that, too.

Roger doesn't see the world the same way as I do, or as most of you do.   So what?]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c304484</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c304484</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:00:07 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>westender</title>
<description><![CDATA[
1. Queen West is famous for being an edgy artsy place. To be surprised by a provocative performance at a licenced (ie adults-only) event at the Gladstone is to be surprised by Mickey Mouse at Disney World.

2. Of the straight-dominated venues in Toronto, from poolhalls to strip clubs to Entertainment District clubs, none I've ever been in (except for the swingers clubs, God bless their hearts) post warnings about overt straight sexuality, homophobia and heterosexism and I've walked into mucho de all of the above many, many times. I got over it. That's what a gay person faces every day.

3. Blogto has no such warning either, but I've come to expect the above and don't expect it, when it occurs, to be removed. That's life. To be seriously engaged in the world is to be open to offence and annoyance.

4. Keith Cole's schtick is to shock and provoke people. He's famous for it--national TV!--and that's why people book him. I've seen him dozens of times and am constantly appalled and grossed out. But I think there's something interesting going on there, so I go back. To think that he's awful is a valid point of view but if you want to express that point of view the least you can do is
a) Stay for the whole show
b) Think about it a little, just a little
c) Don't make Keith Cole=gay people/gay event equations because Keith Cole is very, very special

To have failed to do those three things is not to be a bad person. It's hard work letting art take you outside of your narrow point of view. But for a journalist to not bother, and, after all these comments, to cling to his original point of view, is not very journalistic at all.

Gay Day at Wonderland's coming up! I wonder if Keith Cole will be there!]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c304479</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c304479</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:09:48 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>MAs</title>
<description><![CDATA[
No Roger, don't stop. I'd like to know what your idea of a mixed crowd is? As per - "But if they were trying to appeal to a mixed crowd, they failed terribly."

And you might want to remove the picture of Keith Cole from your Flikr site, the one you took of him at the 2008 Dora Mavor Moore Awards. It doesn't seem right(but it's okay he's going to make it anyway, pack you bags....) If you had of stayed you'd get the joke  Just in case you don't remember - pink slip dress - in heals & hair Keith's 6'5" (at least). So I sorta want to call bullshit on you, that you were unaware of what you were entering into when Keith Cole's name was on the press release as the Smack Down host.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c304461</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c304461</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:46:49 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Marc Lostracco</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Roger, stop.  You're missing the point, and by resisting the entirely valid criticism, you're making it worse for yourself by reinforcing what you're being criticized for.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c304447</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c304447</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:54:05 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Annie Spotten</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I was going to weigh in with some thoughts, but with roger's last comment -- I'm with the other fellow above-> You keep digging deeper, you don't get the bigger picture, don't understand Queen West or Toronto. This kind of review might fly in the Sun, but not BlogTO. Let people who know how to review this stuff do it.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c304431</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c304431</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:29:03 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Roger</title>
<description><![CDATA[
@ UnionStayshyn: I think sexual orientation is very much at issue here. A straight guy wouldn't normally enter a gay bar. Or if he does, he'd likely have an idea what he's getting into. Going to an arts fundraiser, one doesn't normally expect to be hit over the head by a crass, offensive drag queen.

@tripper: My discomfort at the event was very much due to Keith Cole's act. I found most of the performances worthy of appreciation. I have no problem attending cultural events where there is gay content. Cole ruined it for me.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c304428</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c304428</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:22:43 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>tripper</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Roger, Roger, Roger. You don't even mention Keith Cole until six paragraphs into your article. Prior to that you described it as "an exclusively gay performance night" and "an over-the-top gay night" for which you wish you had received some warning.

Then you go on to say "I've got nothing against gay people, honest. Some of my best friends are gay" in what was apparently a rather clumsy attempt at ironic humour.

Clearly, your discomfort at this event was not due to Ketih Cole alone, as you now claim. It was just too gay for you and it made you uncomfortable for whatever reason. So uncomfortable in fact, that you had to leave. 

You said so. It's all right there in your article. 

Now, about Keith Cole ... if you found his act offensive, fair enough. Lots of people do. But that's the point. His work tends toward the transgressive and he often INTENDS to offend and shock in order to make a broader statement. 

"I'd be interested to hear from other straight guys what they think of Cole's schtick as an arts event host"

Why? Do you think that will give your argument more merit?]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c304425</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/arts/2008/08/lip_sync_smack_down_a_gay_smack_in_the_face/#c304425</guid>
<category>Toronto, Arts</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:08:29 PDT</pubDate>
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