As I am in the middle of re-doing and re-organizing parts of my house, I have been watching a lot of HGTV lately. HGTV has always been one of my favorite channels, and I watch it regularly. However, over the last week I have seen several of the offensive and misleading commercials in support of Prop 8. In response, I wrote them the following letter:
To Whom it May Concern:
Over the course of the last week (October 20-25) I have seen several "Yes on Prop 8" commercials on HGTV. I am extremely disappointed and offended by this. Prop 8 itself is an attempt to take away the right of same-sex couples to marry–it is a vile attempt by ignorant and intolerant groups to strip people of their rights.
I have always been struck by the seemingly "gay-friendly" attitude of HGTV as many of its shows feature gay couples, and at least one show features an openly gay host. It is surprising to me that HGTV would accept advertising dollars from the yes on Prop 8 campaign as is completely at odds with the pledge of inclusion and diversity on the Scripps Network website.
I understand that HGTV and its affiliates derive income from advertisers, but surely there must be some choice of which advertising dollars to take. I am a very big fan of HGTV but cannot abide by your showing the misleading and offensive commercials that support Prop 8. Please take these commericals out of your advertising schedule.
Sincerely,
Holly West
It really bothers me that a TV network that boasts of its diversity on its website would accept advertising dollars from the Yes on Prop 8 campaign.
If you see adverts for the Yes on Prop 8 campaign on other TV stations, take a moment to contact them and voice your opinion.
Why can’t we both be mad? I think we both have a point and both are probably moot.
In regards to my letter, the fact is that HGTV probably has no real power over what ads get played by their affiliates. So writing to them was kind of pointless (at least in the hopes of getting any sort of satisfaction).
In regards to your letter (did you really send one, if so, bravo, it’s good to express your opinions in these types of things) well, I’m not sure what to say that isn’t going to be offensive to you. HGTV does have power over their programming, but being gay isn’t about politics–I’m assuming you’re heterosexual, is being heterosexual about politics for you? So whatever their “agenda” is, which it’s not political. If you just don’t like seeing “obviously gay” couples on TV, I’d just suggest changing the channel and moving on. There are plenty of he-man construction shows on the DIY channel for you to watch.
Hmmm, we can’t both be mad at HGTV. I recently sent this letter.
Dear HGTV,
I used to enjoy your programming, but what is with the parade of homosexuals buying, fixing and decorating homes on your programs? No, you never identify anyone as such, but it’s pretty obvious, and the frequency with which you “randomly” encounter these couples clearly indicates that you are seeking out gay couples, apparently in an attempt to portray the gay lifestyle as perfectly normal and healthy. OK, we get it! Now, stop jamming the gay agenda down our throats! I’m done with your station(s) until you can demonstrate a sensitivity to those who don’t embrace your “politics”.
Someone just pointed out to me that they might not have a lot of control of the local ads that play, and therefore might not even know about it (and might not care). Who knows, we’ll see if I get a response. Those ads are so fucking offensive though–they make me want to scream!
Good for you! They need to know how offensive and hypocritical they are being.