CNN Removes Online Poll Asking If Gay TV Characters Are ‘Bad For Society’
With some obvious exceptions, asking whether something is “good for society” will more likely than not get you in hot water, especially when the object of discussion is an entire group of people and their representation in pop culture. CNN learned this the hard way this week when they received a request from GLAAD to remove an offensive online poll asking: “Is the surge in gay TV characters ‘bad for society’?”
The poll was an online bonus to a feature on Headline News’
Showbiz Tonight about the “surge” in gay and gay-friendly characters on TV, and the impact they would have on culture. GLAAD took some issue with the segment because, according to its website, of its “war language” against the gay community, but the poll itself was significantly more offensive. On their blog,
the organization explains:
“But CNN’s offensive poll and its attempts to manufacture controversy by granting a platform to so-called experts like [Media Research Center's Dan] Gainor follows an alarming trend of media outlets creating simplistic, predictable ‘pro-gay’/'anti-gay’ dualisms that do a great disservice to viewers who are seeking information on the diversity of opinion and experience within our community.”
CNN responded accordingly and quickly removed the poll, though the segment that inspired it has not been revoked. They have also not commented on the media figures they use to discuss such issues, but those at GLAAD protesting the poll thanked CNN for their swiftness in correcting the issue.