Easley, ‘pansy’ and the gay response: Don’t let perceptions of N.C. be clouded by Gov.
by Matt | April 29th, 2008 |After hearing Gov. Mike Easley’s unfortunate use of the anti-gay slur, “pansy,” I immediately sensed the high probability that my governor’s words could have a huge impact on the way people outside of my state perceive our political leaders and its people.
As a North Carolinian (a very proud one at that) I also immediately felt a need to defend my state, its honor, its wonderful people and our leaders who are working hard every day to secure equality and fairness for all our citizens.
North Carolina already has a bad reputation. From Hollywood movies to old stereotypes about “backwoods North Carolina,” folks outside of my beautiful state and outside of the South tend to believe Tar Heels are nothing but redneck, gun-toting, gay-bashing, cigarette-chain-smoking Republicans who hate blacks, Mexicans, Jews and women.
The reality couldn’t be further from the stereotype. Despite our conservative nature, the people of North Carolina truly are fair-minded, at least when compared to the rest of the South. Are we as “fair-minded” as folks in California or New York? Probably not. But I think our LGBT track record speaks clearly for itself. Our state is Democratic-controlled. Are our Democrats as liberal as those in California or New York? Definitely not. But, I think our people and our leaders are among some of the most fair and equality-minded people in the entire South.
When the radical right looks at their map of states buying into their “save marriage” wedge issue ballot drives, they see a huge hole glaring at them, kicking them right in the face and reminding them of their failure. No matter what they do or say, they can’t get the good Old North State to follow suit.
As I’ve said before, the North Carolina LGBT community is well-connected, well-organized and effective. From statewide policies to municipal protections, North Carolina is ahead on the Southern curve.
Please, whatever you do, don’t let the Governor’s inarguably unfortunate choice of words cloud your judgment and perception of North Carolina and our people.
7 Responses to “Easley, ‘pansy’ and the gay response: Don’t let perceptions of N.C. be clouded by Gov.”
Good to know I’m not the only one found in the position of having to occasionally apologize for his state.
By David Gillespie on Apr 30, 2008
Yeah, David, but you have to do it a lot more often for yours.
j/k
By Matt on Apr 30, 2008
Not the people of NC, rather the candidate he supports…
By Mattheus Mei on Apr 30, 2008
Matt…so glad you proudly defend NC…I live in VA and I have long been envious of what you have been able to achieve in NC….
I hope folks in the LGBT community realize that the Clinton’s are no friends of ours. They are the ones who sold out on their promise to immediately issue an executive order once Bill was elected granting lesbians and gays the right to serve openly in the military.
But the Clinton’s have a hard time following through on their campaign promises…so they gave us the dreadful “don’ Ask, Don’t Tell,” policy instead.
I hate the idea of Hilary USING my community in an attempt to get her “entitled elitist” self into the White House. Hillary has not been mentioning us in public. But check out the numerous instances that Barack Obama speaks out in our behalf in front of audiences that are not perceived as “friendly” to out community. Thatright there says alot.
Please give Barack Obama a good going over. I firmly believe he’s our the best candidate for “all” of us and is our best chance of finally having a President who will represent “US”…the people….instead of the monied special intersts….
Take Care all my neighbors in NC
By Star Womanspirit on Apr 30, 2008
Matt I agree completely with Star Womanspirit
By Mattheus Mei on Apr 30, 2008
Jesse Helms and Lauch Faircloth gave North Carolina a bad rap. Even Edwards didn’t help the image much, giving an impression of “My po momma and daddy were abused mill workers, sweeping floors in a textile mill and getting brown lung disease so I could go to college”. It wrongly makes one think about the injustices in the deep south.
By Charley on May 3, 2008