Camp gays.......

[ELVIS68]

Nothing against gay people but why are so many camp gays on TV nowadays?,

Coach Trip, Come Dine With Me always have camp gays on them.. why?

[gingejbee]

Generally, people like to be confronted with stereotypes because it reinforces their prejudices. I have neighbours, relatives and friends who are (male) gay - not one is even slightly camp - they are all rather ordinary!
However, ordinary doesn't make watchable television - things have to be over-the-top and in-your-face.

[rowanwitch]

Sterotyping like this also has implications by reinforcing the idea you can spot a gay man at the drop of a pink hanky...makes them 'safe' as characters as because they are visible they pose no threat
In truth the gay neighbour just as likely to be the builder next door while the hairdresser on the other side has a different woman every week

[gingejbee]

rowan: My gay neighbour IS the builder next door and his OH is a dentist.

[rowanwitch]

Exactly... but it still makes some unlightened people uncomfortable...its easy if they are part of a couple that means they are obvious and 'safe'

[andy-hughes]

It's a fact that the 'older generation' have always felt comfortable with camp men, finding them unthreatening in a sort of 'confidante' way.

Personally, i find the likes of Norton and Carr incredibly tedious - not because they are camp but because they are so exhausting in their efforts to wring a double entendre out of the most inocuous remark.

I like my TV and radio presenters to be professional at what they do - being camp doesn't cut it.

[rowanwitch]

You don't have to embrace it...merely accept that for some it is a lifestyle choice...

I wouldn't want to see same sex couples on Strictly as it would just look silly and Julian Clary managed very well when he was on...looked quite charming and managed to dance with a woman without any problems...in the same way a lesbian celebrity should cope perfectly well dancing with a man...

[oscarina]

Same with the "Soaps" have to have gay lesbian storylines or it isn't trendy or up to date! What would Ena Sharples say! Personally I would just give them give them a mention and not elaborate on their lifestyle!

[gingejbee]

OK oscarina: do away with gays, ethnic minorities, religious minorities and any other group that the great tolerant British majority finds "unpleasant". What a boring soap that would be - but, perhaps, more acceptable to you?

[jomifl]

Once one gets in they invite their friends....

[oscarina]

I didn't object to ethnic or religious minorities only answered the post about camp gays! TV programmes full of religious figures, Father Ted, Ashley, Emmerdale, etc ethnics Eastenders Corrie!