The Slow March Towards Equality...Led by Justin Bartha

    Today begins with a big huge shoutout to Justin Bartha!

And it's not just because he's cute! I know…some of you are thinking wait he's not gay what does the National Treasure, Hangover star have to do with this blog?!

The answer: He is on NBC's The New Normal a show that finally focuses (not features) on a gay couple and the target audience isn't only gay people, who'da thunk. I have seen all three episodes of this first season and have been impressed with this show's casual attitude towards things like the ever so complicated on-screen gay kiss. In fact there have been three episodes and they have kissed at least three times. Now I also want to mention that I am not always a fan of Ryan Murphy's blatant use of stereotype and overdramatization (See Glee Season…well I guess every episode can be used as evidence in my case), but this show is proving to be a must watch, I def (def adv: abbreviation for definitely meaning it is certain) recommend it.

Anyway shows like this are starting those conversations. When Bristol Palin (at this point nothing can explain this family and what their issues are) accused President Obama of watching too much Glee after he made a public statement supporting the gay community, I thought first of all that's false, and second who cares. These shows did not put ideas into the mind of one of the most powerful men in the world, they simply gave exposure to the issues and whether it was a political strategy or not he took a brave risk in coming out as an ally to gay people.

These shows (no matter how stereotypical and inaccurate) are at least giving some air time to gay characters and as each generation grows more allergic to books and reading media is a powerful tool for brainwashing young people progress.

Anywho back to the kissing…it took Glee 38 Episodes to put a gay kiss in so already The New Normal is sending a clear message…IT'S NORMAL, so stop freaking out about it!

This is again why I love Justin Bartha, you gotta love a guy who is comfortable enough with himself to kiss another dude in front of the American public, which still produces people like the aforementioned Bristol, a pillar of moral strength with a teenage pregnancy and, if The Onion is to be believed a mother who has undergone at least 15 abortions…yikes! (just in case y'all don't know The Onion is completely fake! So the abortions were a joke, but Bristol has actually earned a spot on Teen Moms).

But you see what I'm saying media holds the key to public opinion and I'm proud to see networks stepping it up with shows like:

Girls
    1.    Glee
    2.    The New Normal
    3.    Modern Family
    4.    Partners
    5.    Glee
    6.    Grey's Anatomy (My favorite show!)
    7.    Nurse Jackie
    8.    Happy Endings
    9.    Smash
    10.    Revenge (my favorite show when Grey's Anatomy ends…sad day)
    11.    American Horror Story
    12.    Game of Thrones
    13.    Downtown Abbey
    14.    Pretty Little Liars
    15.    The Vampire Diaries
    16.    The Good Wife
    17.    White Collar
    18.    The Secret Life of the American Teenager
    19.    True Blood
    20.    Damages
    21.    Mad Men
    22.    Gossip Girl
    23.    Bones
    24.    House
    25.    Degrassi: The Next Generation (Sorry not sorry)

P.S.     There are obviously more but it takes up too much space and I thought it would be cheating if I listed all of them

P.P.S.    This list is again from the site that keeps on giving, that gift to students everywhere: wikipedia

The general trend in media has shown increased visibility and acceptance for the gay community and I hope that this leads to acceptance in the real world as people shed their fears of what they may not understand.

Tune into the New Normal everyone, and you rock Justin Bartha! (Can I get paid for all the advertising I'm doing for the show?!)