I've been following some post on Bruce Jenner for quite some time, just watching and waiting and rarely adding anything to the conversation. I notice a lot of anger and hatred towards him (using the pronoun he referred to himself as) and I don't understand it. I thought the interview was quite good from the clips I've seen and am surprised no one has brought it up on the site. He was candid and honest and thought did a nice job explaining his journey. So why are there so many people out there that are looking to tear him down? I would really like it explained.
On another note
There is too much hate in the world. I figured if I want it to end, I better start with me. So I'm going to try my best to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and assume their a good person with decent intentions. Who knows, it might not change the world, but it might change my world.
Comments
Reasons
Katie, I'm not sure if the hate is directed towards Bruce because of his association to the Kardasians or just because 'he' is such a public figure with wealth and status. It is sad that we as trans persons can't be happy for positive media attention. I'm wondering if it might have something to do with the fact that we might have a bit of catty jealousy because he has family support, money and seemingly some modicum of social acceptance. Another reason may be that it has been so 'in your face' rag magged. I for one am just sick of seeing all the tabloids drool and dramatize something so personal. Just my personal opinion but I feel there may be some smidgin of truth to it.
Dahlia
That's how people are, they
That's how people are, they treat you based on their perceptions of how the world should be. irregardless of how it actually is.
I was reminded of that at work the other day, as a few of us ate lunch in our breakroom. something on the television sparked a comment from one of the more disagreeable people I work with. Something about religion, how if America strayed away from supporting Israel "God would abandon America". Me being how I am, I commented that it was unlikely God cared one way or the other.
My goodness, you could feel the temperature of the room falling. Not that I care, but my interactions with that person (and her equally devote coworker) were forever changed by that one comment.
I blogged
on the Jenner thing because it's been hinted at for months if not years. I have nothing against him and accept he was an Olympic champion forty years ago. I'm just fed up with how he and his family court publicity for everything, even this, a very private matter for most of us.
Angharad
Does Bruce have a choice?
He or she is a very visible public figure. You are not nor am I. The world would not give a fig whether I or you gave an interview on the subject. You know very well given this situation Bruce has to find a way to control the message, no different then when a person who transitions within a company who say is the president or vice president of the company and has to explain to their clients or peers what is happening.
In this case, being a media figure, we are his 'clients' so this is essentially his coming out letter. So what is so unusual about that?
NO ONE WAY TO BE TRANSGENDER
I too do not understand the unacceptance of Bruce by the Transgender community. Surely few of us see this as purely a publicity stunt. He seems to have genuine GID issues. And I think he is trying to, and will, help many by going about it so publically. For this I think he should be embraced by the community. He adds to the public awareness that transgender is real, and different for each individual.
I don't think it's pure hatred
I don't think it's pure hatred for Bruce, per se, but a lot of people just don't like that entire family. It has nothing to do with Bruce personally, most of the time. It seems the media finds some way to bring up at least one story about the Jenners or the Kardashians daily. A lot of people are sick of hearing about them. So I would say some of that annoyance or irritation rubs off onto Bruce Jenner. The choice to marry into the family aside, it's not his fault. I'm sure a lot of people are happy for him. I'm happy for him. I hope he's happy in the end. But it doesn't mean I have to like that family. It also doesn't mean I hate any of them. If anyone were to blame, I would blame the media for making this family seem more important than they really are. But that's a whole other monster entirely.
~Taylor Ryan
My muse suffers from insomnia, and it keeps me up at night.