Americans Say Yes To Gay Athletes ... Until They Kiss

[marmar]

(HuffPost) Americans say they're ready for openly gay players, according to a HuffPost/YouGov poll conducted after Michael Sam became the first openly gay player to be drafted by an NFL team. But the survey also found lingering discomfort with gay athletes publicly celebrating in a way that straight athletes routinely do.

According to the new poll, 60 percent of Americans said they would approve of their favorite sports team signing an openly gay player, while 20 percent said they would disapprove. Among NFL fans in particular, 65 percent said they would approve and 21 percent said they would disapprove.

Forty-four percent of Americans, and 47 percent of NFL fans, said they would strongly approve.

......(snip)......

But although most Americans approve of gay players in theory, many are less comfortable with the reality. Male athletes kissing their wives or girlfriends is routine territory for networks covering victory and other sporting celebrations, but coverage of Sam's kissing his boyfriend after he was drafted has generated controversy. Forty-seven percent in the new poll said it was "inappropriate" for networks to show the kiss, while only 36 percent said it was "appropriate." Seventeen percent said they weren't sure. .................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/15/gay-athletes-poll_n_5325963.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000013&ir=Politics

[xchrom]

1. du rec.

[RKP5637]

2. It's going to take awhile for many Americans to realize those they think are different are really

the same.

[Jefferson23]

3. The more kisses the better, people will see through the stereotypes eventually and that is one

way for them to find acceptance. Love is good.

[myrna minx]

4. It's taking an abstract idea and making it personal and truly human.

Michael Sam's kiss and embrace with this partner was so sincere and so intimate - something that forces the homophobic "ick" factor away and into the reality of humanity. I suspect the reality of mainstream America seeing more of such sweetness and love shared amongst same sex couples will soften the sheer "shock" of seeing it for the first time.

The only reason that moment should have felt uncomfortable for anyone was that it was so deeply intimate and personal between the two of them, yet we were there to share the heartfelt and profound joy they shared.

[Iggo]

5. Yeah, well, tough shit, Americans.

[GeorgeGist]

6. Kinda like Sterling ...

its OK if they entertain us, but don't bring them to the party.