New York Post Called Out by Out of Line By Umpire Betsy Gotbaum

Written by Greg VictorcloseAuthor: Greg Victor Name: Greg Victor
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About: Greg Victor (Parcbench Culture Editor) is a historian, pop culture critic, and theatrical dramaturg and has stage managed theatrical productions on Broadway and on tour, including Billy Joel's "Movin' Out", Monty Python's "Spamalot" and more.See Authors Posts (98) on October 28, 2009

I’m a gay man. I even read the sports page. Yesterday though, sports was on the front page. And guess what? I laughed. The New York City Public Advocate (Betsy Gotbaum) did not. Does she ever? All you have to do is go to her blog and check out her pathetic attempt at appearing happy and you’ll see what I mean. The smirk is forced, and the crossed arms give away what her real body language is saying: “I am not amused.”

I’m writing, of course, about the New York Post cover photo of the Shane Victorino in a cheerleader’s skirt, with the headline that screams “GOTHAM TREMBLES” and “The Frillies Are Coming To Town!” The bottom half of the photograph shows legs that are clearly not his own. The crudity of the layout adds to its hilarity. This is not something to be taken too seriously, and although it may not be the most clever cover I’ve ever seen, I laughed.

The subtext of the front page is “Oooh – we’re so scared!” Well, that works as humor because this is New York City, and we’re not scared of much here in Gotham City. We’re scared of the President coming to town, since it creates a traffic nightmare every time it happens. We’re especially scared of the President coming to town to visit the United Nations, but that’s because the mere existence of the U.N. is just plain scary. But that’s the subject for another story…

Betsy Gotbaum blogged about how the New York Post has added “gay-baiting to its tradition of tasteless, offensive humor.” Let me see if I have this right… Betsy Gotbaum, who holds a position that Mayor Bloomberg rightfully hopes to get rid of in his next term, has a problem with the New York Post? Heavens to Betsy!

Ms. Gotbaum says that the Yankees represent “one of the most tolerant cities in the world.” But the last time I looked, tolerance included even being tolerant of that subjective subject called humor. She goes on: “The Post, in contrast, represents the lowest form of journalism and a New York that is sexist, homophobic and intolerant.” Funny how lately, the ‘lowest form of journalism’ is that which disagrees with who ever it is that is in a position of power, and making that accusation.

The validity of certain terms (“homophobia,” “hate crime,” the “questioning” in “lesbian/gay/bi/transgender/questioning” etc.) is questionable to me, even though I am an openly gay man. If the left is going to try to control debates by creating loaded terminology in the first place, then they should at least play by their own rules and not spew theory with their fingers crossed behind their backs. Save that for the kids on the ball field. You know – the ones that are behind in the game. And try and learn how to laugh a little. It’s not who wins or loses, it who has a smile on their face while they enjoy the rivalry.

Trash talk is a traditional component of sporting events. It is part of the event to see how outrageous the home-team press coverage can be. And since when is humor not sometimes offensive? There are comedians who can trash-talk for an entire stand-up routine if they get on a roll. It is one of the great contributions made by the sports culture. The idea is to insult and anger the opponent. Apparently, the New York Post did a fine job of it.

So welcome to New York, Shane Victorino. I wonder if we are related, since you were born in Hawaii, and my ancestors who gave me my last name are natives from the Big Island. I suggest you just enjoy a slice of New York pizza, and relax about the whole thing. Hang loose, bruddah… After all, you won’t be on the front page of any newspapers the morning after this World Series is decided.

I am a gay man. I do not wear a dress. In case you haven’t heard, there is very little correlation between homosexuality and cross-dressing. Therefore I cannot view this cover as “homophobic.” It has nothing to do with me.

Besides, I have to go pick out a gown for the Yankees Victory Ball.