The Last of Us is the latest video game IP to receive an adaptation. This time, the IP was adapted to TV. And, so far, it’s received plenty of praise! This is one of the few instances of successful translations, which is huge given past video game adaptations! But that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been backlash, or I wouldn’t be writing this. I should only be so blessed…
Anyway, while I’m unable to watch the show, I find it unfortunate that Episode 3 has come under attack for including a gay couple. On one hand, two men in a healthy, loving relationship on TV is solid representation, and it’s something we need more of. On the other hand, it being criticized is telling. That it’s largely coming from gamers, fans of the franchise in particular, is more telling. Because God forbid gamers stop behaving like teenagers, right?!
I’d stop there, but this is an example of a growing trend in society. To be fair, homophobia isn’t new. J. Edgar Hoover was outing gay people in the 50’s, and The Reagan Administration dehumanized gay men during The AIDS Crisis in the 80’s. We’ve made significant strides since then, especially in the past decade. But progress isn’t linear, and that homophobia’s now being directed at media is a sign that the fight’s not over.
Which brings me back to The Last of Us, and the issue surrounding including a gay couple. Firstly, how does it impact the story? I’d get it if it were sloppy, which it’s not, but it’s a side detail that has no bearing on the narrative. And secondly, why does it matter? Are we that afraid of gay people?
Sadly, this isn’t exclusive to this show, as many attempts at representing gay and lesbian couples have been attacked. But that’s not the point, as this isn’t a kid’s show. I understand, though I don’t agree with, the notion that children are impressionable and need to be monitored when consuming media. I think restricting content because of its queer-positive undertones creates sheltered children, but I get the concern. The Last of Us, however, is meant for teenagers and adults. With the former, restricting what teenagers watch piques their curiosity and causes them to rebel. And restricting the latter is a form of censorship.
I wouldn’t be so confused if gayness was this weird and alien concept that could be treated. But it’s not. Not only is gayness something other animals are capable of, it’s completely normal and healthy. Gay people have been around for centuries, we simply didn’t know because they weren’t talked about. And now that they’re talked about, who cares? Does loving another consenting adult matter that much?
Sadly, this isn’t exclusive to this show, as many attempts at representing gay and lesbian couples have been attacked. But that’s not the point, as this isn’t a kid’s show. I understand, though I don’t agree with, the notion that children are impressionable and need to be monitored when consuming media. I think restricting content because of its queer-positive undertones creates sheltered children, but I get the concern. The Last of Us, however, is meant for teenagers and adults. With the former, restricting what teenagers watch piques their curiosity and causes them to rebel. And restricting the latter is a form of censorship.
I wouldn’t be so confused if gayness was this weird and alien concept that could be treated. But it’s not. Not only is gayness something other animals are capable of, it’s completely normal and healthy. Gay people have been around for centuries, we simply didn’t know because they weren’t talked about. And now that they’re talked about, who cares? Does loving another consenting adult matter that much?
I know some people will point to Scripture on this matter, but guess what? Those verses you like pointing to? They’re not clear-cut, and were most-likely referring to rape. They also say nothing about a loving relationship, only engaging in anal sex. And the phrase “abomination” is a mistranslation of the original Hebrew, which, by the way, was used in other, completely-unrelated situations too. (Like measuring with imbalanced weights.)
Even ignoring that, Biblical law isn’t societal law. And not everyone practices Judaism or Christianity. Imposing Scriptural literalism on people who don’t practice it, especially when other verses from the same text are ignored, isn’t only hypocritical, it’s abuse. Speaking as a devout Jew, it’s also not what God wants from us. Doesn’t that matter too?
This might seem like pointless semantics, but remember that homophobia isn’t exclusive to internet trolls and gamers. Politicians have enacted laws to force heteronormativity in the name of “keeping people safe”, and that springs from homophobia. So while The Last of Us’s gay couple being scrutinized might be a joke to some, it’s incredibly hurtful. It’s also not hard to connect the dots between that and passing a dangerous law.
Even ignoring that, Biblical law isn’t societal law. And not everyone practices Judaism or Christianity. Imposing Scriptural literalism on people who don’t practice it, especially when other verses from the same text are ignored, isn’t only hypocritical, it’s abuse. Speaking as a devout Jew, it’s also not what God wants from us. Doesn’t that matter too?
This might seem like pointless semantics, but remember that homophobia isn’t exclusive to internet trolls and gamers. Politicians have enacted laws to force heteronormativity in the name of “keeping people safe”, and that springs from homophobia. So while The Last of Us’s gay couple being scrutinized might be a joke to some, it’s incredibly hurtful. It’s also not hard to connect the dots between that and passing a dangerous law.
(By the way, gay people often are told to sympathize with straight couples. Play fair.)
As a final note, the whole “review bombing” aspect of this controversy is an indication that user reviews on websites should be discontinued. While it’s true that critics are subject to bias as well, and should be held accountable for their takes on media, they at least have some level of media literacy. They’re more-likely to be truthful when something does or doesn’t work, and that’s what matters at the end of the day. Internet users, on the other hand, often don’t have that same level of clarity. They’re also prone to bias and petty, ego-driven critiques of media, something not helped by their ridiculous obsession with needless competition between franchises. Review bombing a show because of the inclusion of a gay couple is yet another example of that in motion.
So yeah, that’s my take on this. Now, if anyone can help me with GoldenEye 007, that’d be greatly appreciated!
As a final note, the whole “review bombing” aspect of this controversy is an indication that user reviews on websites should be discontinued. While it’s true that critics are subject to bias as well, and should be held accountable for their takes on media, they at least have some level of media literacy. They’re more-likely to be truthful when something does or doesn’t work, and that’s what matters at the end of the day. Internet users, on the other hand, often don’t have that same level of clarity. They’re also prone to bias and petty, ego-driven critiques of media, something not helped by their ridiculous obsession with needless competition between franchises. Review bombing a show because of the inclusion of a gay couple is yet another example of that in motion.
So yeah, that’s my take on this. Now, if anyone can help me with GoldenEye 007, that’d be greatly appreciated!
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