Hey Gates, Would You Enjoy a Date with a Good-Looking Man Too?
July 13, 2010 9:52 AM Subscribe
Comics with Problems (previously, 2) presents Dignity with Respect, the US Army's official comic book explanation of Don't Ask Don't Tell. Among it's important reminders: information given to mental health professionals by soldiers is not automatically considered confidential and officers are obligated to investigate whether a solider's claim to be homosexual is "sincere". h/t Boing Boing.
This comic was a lot less hot than I was hoping.
posted by Saxon Kane at 10:00 AM on July 13, 2010
posted by Saxon Kane at 10:00 AM on July 13, 2010
and let all the jokes about testing the "sincerity" of the claim begin ...now
posted by The Whelk at 10:02 AM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by The Whelk at 10:02 AM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
"this is a story about homosexual conduct.."
Okay I got one line in before giggling.
posted by The Whelk at 10:03 AM on July 13, 2010
Okay I got one line in before giggling.
posted by The Whelk at 10:03 AM on July 13, 2010
I have personally investigated PFC Ben Dover's claim that he is homosexual and I can report that he is, indeed.
He likes all the little candles and bath salts and all that shit.
Doesn't even ask for a reacharound.
Totally gay.
Trust me.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 10:03 AM on July 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
He likes all the little candles and bath salts and all that shit.
Doesn't even ask for a reacharound.
Totally gay.
Trust me.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 10:03 AM on July 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
NPR played a clip of some vets' advocate drily noting how quickly a brave and noble servant of their country transforms into a chiseling fraudster as soon as they ask for PTSD assistance.
posted by Joe Beese at 10:05 AM on July 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by Joe Beese at 10:05 AM on July 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
I've known a number of people who have been impacted by DADT, and it is without a doubt a policy that ruins lives. Even being pretty familiar with it, I find the cheerful heterofascism in this comic to be pretty fucking horrifying.
posted by OverlappingElvis at 10:08 AM on July 13, 2010
posted by OverlappingElvis at 10:08 AM on July 13, 2010
I find the cheerful heterofascism in this comic to be pretty fucking horrifying.
I'm more concerned that the Army only employs block-headed puppets with arms half the length of their torsos and strange floating mouths.
posted by The Whelk at 10:09 AM on July 13, 2010
I'm more concerned that the Army only employs block-headed puppets with arms half the length of their torsos and strange floating mouths.
posted by The Whelk at 10:09 AM on July 13, 2010
Just how gay are you, soldier?
Really really gay, sergeant!
Let's see about that... NOW PICK OUT SOME WINDOW TREATMENTS FOR THIS ADORABLE CAPE COD!!! ON THE DOUBLE!!
posted by Mister_A at 10:11 AM on July 13, 2010 [4 favorites]
Really really gay, sergeant!
Let's see about that... NOW PICK OUT SOME WINDOW TREATMENTS FOR THIS ADORABLE CAPE COD!!! ON THE DOUBLE!!
posted by Mister_A at 10:11 AM on July 13, 2010 [4 favorites]
Thanks for this post; Evan Persoff makes the Internet much more fun. Is he on here...?
posted by jtron at 10:11 AM on July 13, 2010
posted by jtron at 10:11 AM on July 13, 2010
inb4 klinger
posted by DU at 10:16 AM on July 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by DU at 10:16 AM on July 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
Let's see about that... NOW PICK OUT SOME WINDOW TREATMENTS FOR THIS ADORABLE CAPE COD!!! ON THE DOUBLE!!
I love how this is ok. Can I follow with a joke about black people and watermelon?
posted by spicynuts at 10:19 AM on July 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
I love how this is ok. Can I follow with a joke about black people and watermelon?
posted by spicynuts at 10:19 AM on July 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
spicynuts: "I love how this is ok. Can I follow with a joke about black people and watermelon?"
If black people could be outed as black by their prodigious watermelon-eating? I think you're confused as to who the joke is on?
posted by griphus at 10:25 AM on July 13, 2010 [4 favorites]
If black people could be outed as black by their prodigious watermelon-eating? I think you're confused as to who the joke is on?
posted by griphus at 10:25 AM on July 13, 2010 [4 favorites]
So they approved his discharge while at the same time disapproving his discharge?
posted by biffa at 10:37 AM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by biffa at 10:37 AM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
If black people could be outed as black by their prodigious watermelon-eating? I think you're confused as to who the joke is on?
It does get confusing. The (black) GF doesn't like to eat watermelon in public, while I have no problem drinking, eating potatoes, etc.
My motto is: Live up to your stereotypes! Sandwich your watermelon between fried chicken! Eat pizza with a side of potato (actual thing in Ireland. Called the Lunch Special.)
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 10:40 AM on July 13, 2010
It does get confusing. The (black) GF doesn't like to eat watermelon in public, while I have no problem drinking, eating potatoes, etc.
My motto is: Live up to your stereotypes! Sandwich your watermelon between fried chicken! Eat pizza with a side of potato (actual thing in Ireland. Called the Lunch Special.)
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 10:40 AM on July 13, 2010
Well, that took eons to load each page...
It's interesting. There is nothing realistic about that harassment scene at all, based on what the couple of guys I know currently serving in Afghanistan have told me, and what I've seen in shows like Generation Kill, etc. The actual words of harassment would have been something more like, "So, Wilson, you faggot. Going out with your boyfriend this weekend?" Not something as banal as what they depict.
Thanks for linking. I look forward to the day swiftly approaching when they won't print any more of these because DADT won't be part of the code of conduct any longer.
posted by hippybear at 10:45 AM on July 13, 2010
It's interesting. There is nothing realistic about that harassment scene at all, based on what the couple of guys I know currently serving in Afghanistan have told me, and what I've seen in shows like Generation Kill, etc. The actual words of harassment would have been something more like, "So, Wilson, you faggot. Going out with your boyfriend this weekend?" Not something as banal as what they depict.
Thanks for linking. I look forward to the day swiftly approaching when they won't print any more of these because DADT won't be part of the code of conduct any longer.
posted by hippybear at 10:45 AM on July 13, 2010
On a side note, one of the soldiers I do know IS gay, and he tells me that pretty much all the guys in his unit know it, don't harass him about it, respect him for being a worthy soldier and part of the team. I have no idea how he puts up with what he tells me is the nearly constant use of "gay" and "fag" in all manners of pejorative ways that seems to be part of soldier speak, but he's doing a good job over there from what I hear.
posted by hippybear at 10:49 AM on July 13, 2010
posted by hippybear at 10:49 AM on July 13, 2010
Looking further into the comic, I would just like to say that the artist's faces are uncomfortably reminiscent of some porn comics I've read, and I wonder... well, let's just say I wonder.
posted by jtron at 11:10 AM on July 13, 2010
posted by jtron at 11:10 AM on July 13, 2010
Repeal Of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Paves Way For Gay Sex Right On Battlefield, Opponents Fantasize
posted by homunculus at 11:10 AM on July 13, 2010
posted by homunculus at 11:10 AM on July 13, 2010
[I]I love how this is ok. Can I follow with a joke about black people and watermelon?[/I]
Nobody said the Internet was comfortable.
posted by Sukiari at 12:18 PM on July 13, 2010
Nobody said the Internet was comfortable.
posted by Sukiari at 12:18 PM on July 13, 2010
right, i mean messing up your italics tags has to hurt. also, try making a comment regarding any stereotype about anything other than gays here...see what happens.
If black people could be outed as black by their prodigious watermelon-eating? I think you're confused as to who the joke is on?
I think maybe you are confused about what a stereotype is. This joke doesn't work without the stereotype that all gays are good at interior design. Just like all blacks supposed love watermelon.
posted by spicynuts at 12:29 PM on July 13, 2010
If black people could be outed as black by their prodigious watermelon-eating? I think you're confused as to who the joke is on?
I think maybe you are confused about what a stereotype is. This joke doesn't work without the stereotype that all gays are good at interior design. Just like all blacks supposed love watermelon.
posted by spicynuts at 12:29 PM on July 13, 2010
I totally get where you're coming from, spicynuts. This is a thing where, in my head, it's funny because it's so patently absurd—joke's on the ridiculous concept of investigating the sincerity of a claim of homosexuality. To me, the joke, the stereotype is, "army guys have no concept of what it means to be gay so they fall back on ridiculous dated cliche to perform bizarre and uncomfortable homosexual sincerity investigation ritual." But mocking a stereotype doesn't always translate well, it's a tricky thing to do properly—it can often look like one is embracing the stereotype.
So chalk it up to bad judgment. I made a mistake, no harm intended to people anywhere on the LGBT spectrum, members of the armed forces or anyone except the authors of this ludicrous policy. I offer you and anyone else I have offended my most sincere apology.
posted by Mister_A at 1:44 PM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
So chalk it up to bad judgment. I made a mistake, no harm intended to people anywhere on the LGBT spectrum, members of the armed forces or anyone except the authors of this ludicrous policy. I offer you and anyone else I have offended my most sincere apology.
posted by Mister_A at 1:44 PM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
I just love how getting gay-married is specifically mentioned as a form of "homosexual conduct", that just amused me on multiple levels.
posted by selenized at 2:22 PM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by selenized at 2:22 PM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
This just seems appropriate about now: Gay, Not Gay
posted by bashos_frog at 2:41 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by bashos_frog at 2:41 PM on July 13, 2010
"officers are obligated to investigate whether a solider's claim to be homosexual is 'sincere'"
Hmmm ... sounds like a wide-open opportunity for a consulting service there. "Our experienced investigators will quickly and discretely but thoroughly make all necessary inquiries to precisely establish qualification beyond reasonable doubt within your specified timeframe. Please be prepared to remit half the expected fee on hire. Reports are oral only; you must provide a stenographer."
posted by Twang at 2:53 PM on July 13, 2010
Hmmm ... sounds like a wide-open opportunity for a consulting service there. "Our experienced investigators will quickly and discretely but thoroughly make all necessary inquiries to precisely establish qualification beyond reasonable doubt within your specified timeframe. Please be prepared to remit half the expected fee on hire. Reports are oral only; you must provide a stenographer."
posted by Twang at 2:53 PM on July 13, 2010
right, i mean messing up your italics tags has to hurt. also, try making a comment regarding any stereotype about anything other than gays here...see what happens.
Wow, a little childish and defensive are we?
I think it's OK to poke fun at gays, blacks, whites, jews, whoever. Who gives a shit if a bunch of butthurt feel-good moaners come in and dress you down for it? I know you don't realize this, but try to understand: nobody's opinion matters on the internet. Especially humorless social champions.
posted by Sukiari at 3:45 PM on July 13, 2010
Wow, a little childish and defensive are we?
I think it's OK to poke fun at gays, blacks, whites, jews, whoever. Who gives a shit if a bunch of butthurt feel-good moaners come in and dress you down for it? I know you don't realize this, but try to understand: nobody's opinion matters on the internet. Especially humorless social champions.
posted by Sukiari at 3:45 PM on July 13, 2010
Wow, a little childish and defensive are we?
Who gives a shit if a bunch of butthurt feel-good moaners
A mature rejoinder if ever there was one!
posted by lumensimus at 5:32 PM on July 13, 2010
Who gives a shit if a bunch of butthurt feel-good moaners
A mature rejoinder if ever there was one!
posted by lumensimus at 5:32 PM on July 13, 2010
Boy, that Comics With Problems site can get pretty rough. It is probably every sexual predator's worst nightmare that the person they molest grows up to have super-strength.
posted by Uppity Pigeon #2 at 6:13 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by Uppity Pigeon #2 at 6:13 PM on July 13, 2010
Who gives a shit if a bunch of butthurt feel-good moaners come in and dress you down for it?
Yeah, that "I'm not predjudice... I hate everyone!" shtick is fucking lame. Sort your life out.
posted by PostIronyIsNotaMyth at 6:18 PM on July 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
Yeah, that "I'm not predjudice... I hate everyone!" shtick is fucking lame. Sort your life out.
posted by PostIronyIsNotaMyth at 6:18 PM on July 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
Man, I don't know how loving fried chicken and watermelon could be anything but completely normal human nature. It still confuses me how those are considered "black" foods, because, hey, is it possible NOT to love those?
[DEEPLY RACIST]
posted by DoctorFedora at 6:21 PM on July 13, 2010
[DEEPLY RACIST]
posted by DoctorFedora at 6:21 PM on July 13, 2010
Who gives a shit if a bunch of butthurt feel-good moaners
Did you
I mean
hm.
posted by Sebmojo at 9:03 PM on July 13, 2010
Did you
I mean
hm.
posted by Sebmojo at 9:03 PM on July 13, 2010
Man, I don't know how loving fried chicken and watermelon could be anything but completely normal human nature. It still confuses me how those are considered "black" foods, because, hey, is it possible NOT to love those?
you want to really have your mind blown? It was also common to stereotype Black people as lazy, which when you consider that whole "hundreds of years of forced labor" thing, is absolutely mind-boggling.
I think the whole point is just how ridiculous stereotypes can be. Also, nobody does fried chicken like the Japanese. That they're primarily known for sushi is one of the world's greatest gastronomical hoaxes.
posted by billyfleetwood at 5:22 AM on July 14, 2010
you want to really have your mind blown? It was also common to stereotype Black people as lazy, which when you consider that whole "hundreds of years of forced labor" thing, is absolutely mind-boggling.
I think the whole point is just how ridiculous stereotypes can be. Also, nobody does fried chicken like the Japanese. That they're primarily known for sushi is one of the world's greatest gastronomical hoaxes.
posted by billyfleetwood at 5:22 AM on July 14, 2010
When I was in bootcamp, I heard a story about someone demanding he be released because he was homosexual. And those in authority over him explained he had to prove it. And he was all set to go, when another person showed up, also demanding the proof. Well, okay. But then a third person showed up, demanding the proof.
They guy said hell with it, and dropped the whole matter.
It was a fun little story. Didn't help that the people allegedly involved, demanding the proof, were all 3 guys I would have enjoyed giving proof.
But damn, if they'd demanded I decorate something, it'd have not ended well.
posted by Goofyy at 7:36 AM on July 14, 2010
They guy said hell with it, and dropped the whole matter.
It was a fun little story. Didn't help that the people allegedly involved, demanding the proof, were all 3 guys I would have enjoyed giving proof.
But damn, if they'd demanded I decorate something, it'd have not ended well.
posted by Goofyy at 7:36 AM on July 14, 2010
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posted by griphus at 9:57 AM on July 13, 2010