Word: ellens
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 1990-1999
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...most Americans already know by now, not only does DeGeneres boast this particular bedroom proclivity, but in the coming weeks her TV alter ego--conveniently named Ellen--will also profess to being a lesbian. And, this it seems, forms the basis for all of the hoopla. In less than a month, American television will showcase the first homosexual leading lady. Hurray for another cultural landmark...
...occasions. Listed there are television's first inter-racial kiss (courtesy of "Star Trek" in 1968), the first character to have an abortion (the title character of "Maude" in 1972) and the now infamous decision of Murphy Brown to bear a child out of wedlock. The banner headline reads, "Ellen is far from the first TV series to take on a controversial social issue...
...whether television, still over-whelmingly our most pervasive media, influences or reflects society. When Captain Kirk locked lips with Lieutenant Uhura, did the event inspire greater interracial harmony, or did it indicate that a wave of tolerance was already sweeping through the nation? Today we are asked if Ellen's momentous announcement will inspire greater acceptance of homosexuals in larger society, or if it is simply a product of the gay-rights movement's progress in recent years...
...influence argument is far from persuasive. Those sickened by the idea of interracial romance were probably not converted by the example of some horny Starfleet officers. Further, those with moral reservations regarding homosexuality will probably not find their deeply held principles shattered by Ellen's amiable personality...
...seems that some would like to interpret Ellen's outing as a landmark event. She is being heralded as the Jackie Robinson of the gay community. In fact, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation has declared a national "Come out with Ellen" day built around the consequential episode. Even the mainstream news coverage has worn a revolutionary tone: "Roll over, Ward Cleaver," proclaimed one headline. One is almost convinced by the sheer weight of the collective media reaction that this event is important to our culture...