People are freaking out about the movie Frozen.
They are saying that it is a sneaky way to tell children not to hate themselves for being gay.
They are angry about this.
As though teaching a gay person that finding peace within over something they never asked for and cannot control is a reprehensible message.
As though we should be teaching gay people to hide who they are, ignore their feelings, pretend they don't exist, be ashamed that they do, and spend their life living differently than everyone else.
As though any message that runs contrary to that one and tells people to not be afraid of how they are different somehow represents the moral erosion of modern society.
I have no idea what the intentions of the writers were. I have no idea whether they wrote that song for the purpose of convincing people not to hide who they are. That song, which has been annoyingly stuck in my head for two months now because all of my nieces are singing it CONSTANTLY.
Frankly, I don't care what their intentions were.
And, frankly, if this movie and that song are getting gay people to stop hating themselves and to start acknowledging who they are so they can move on and figure out how to contribute to the world, then bravo, Disney.
No film could ever make someone gay. But a message in a film might have the ability to encourage people to love themselves even though ignorant bigots are writing blog posts decrying the message for encouraging young folk to take a different path than generations past--back when you were taught that being different in this way made you less valuable.
I pray to God that one day when my little nieces and nephews are old enough to deal with a range of adult problems, especially if any of those nieces and nephews are gay, they will remember stories like the one in Frozen where a girl learned that she was worth loving and they'll forget the words of ignorant grandmas who preach that the gays don't deserve that message.
And look. The film's message is obviously not "do what feels good and everything will be fine." That wasn't at all what happened to the protagonist. For a long time she suppressed her feelings. She had no life at all. Then she "did what felt good" and wandered off into the mountains, letting her "powers" reign freely. And guess what? There were TERRIBLE consequences. The whole damn world froze over.
She actually learned that you can't just do what feels good and expect things to be ok.
She learned, ultimately, that she needed to accept who she was, love others, and find a way to do what feels right.
Sound familiar? Sound like every religious sermon you've ever heard in your life about the importance of following your conscience or your gut or the holy spirit and doing what you feel is the right thing to do?
Maybe Disney meant for its animated film to reach out to gay people and tell them not to let those misguided folks who are offended by the message continue to make them feel like they don't deserve some words of comfort and encouragement every now and then, too.
And if that was Disney's intention, then bravo.
When they remake Pinocchio, I hope he straight up comes out of the closet.
~It Just Gets Stranger
I never got the gay vibe from the movie...I got the girls don't need a man to save them vibe!
ReplyDeleteAlso that family should always be there for one another no matter how silly/stupid one is acting.
Yeah, that's what I picked up from the movie, the one time I saw it, too...
DeleteMe too....and RIGHT ON Eli!
DeleteYes yes yes yes yes!
ReplyDeleteOh, Eli, you are my favorite.
ReplyDeleteThis is a perfect post. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteIt is NOT ok to be telling children that they can be gay if they want to. I find your post disgusting. Why do you think ther are so many gay people in the world now? Its because people like you keep saying "oh be gay and its totally fine!"
ReplyDeleteBecause people totally have a choice to just "be gay." If you're born different than most people (be it homosexual or any other way) you still have just as much value as anyone else and you have every right to be loved and to love yourself. On a side note, I think you're a prejudiced, self-righteous dickwad.
Deletei think its awesome that there are people in the world like eli. accepting of other people, no matter if theyre gay, straight or asexual. im not a religious person, but i think that if there is a god, he would love everyone no matter what kind of person they are.
DeleteIt is okay to be gay. It's people like you that have so much hate towards people and their choices that is NOT okay. I find YOUR post disgusting!
DeleteWow, someone tapped into their inner douche canoe. I find YOUR post disgusting. It reeks of bigotry and loathing for people who have done NOTHING to you. People don't choose to be homosexual anymore than you choose to be heterosexual. You have NO right to belittle someone just because they're different from you. If you're doing this in the name of God, you need to go back and read that New Testament over again. Because the message in that is LOVE. In fact, we are told that the second greatest commandment is to, "Love one another as I have loved you." Seems that message didn't sink into your pea brain very well since all you're spreading is hatred.
DeleteEli, you keep spreading that love and don't listen to the trolls of the world.
*there *it's *it's
DeleteCheck your spelling before you go off angrily on someone that you probably don't even know. It's okay to debate/argue with someone. It is not okay to attack a person. Something that I am teaching my 11th grade students right now. You are probably an adult . . . sadly.
Wow. I just puked in my mouth after reading your comment.
DeleteYou are a disgusting human being. Some of my best friends and the best human beings I know are gay. I'm teaching my children to accept everyone for their differences. People like you are who I hope they never have to come across. Your views are horrible incorrect. I am so angry that people like you still exist.
Delete@chrissy hahaha double canoe made my day ;)
DeleteIsn't it funny how hateful people always post annomously? Hate in the shaddows, you scared human being. Stay there, and leave the light to people trying to make the world a more loving accepting and safer place. Oh, and ps, it is ok to be gay. It's not ok to be a hateful biggot. Once up the barrel, twice down the side! Face!!!
DeleteHaIrDreamer, glad to be of assistance. Feel free to use it. More people should hear the wondrousness of the term. :-) I think I picked it up from a show on TBS, Men At Work.
Delete@Jessabelle-- I would just like to point out that some of us (or at least myself) aren't great with technology and don't know how to post a comment in a non-anonymous way. I don't have a blog, so I always just pick the anonymous option. That being said, I would also like to say that I was not one of the "hateful bigots" that has commented on this particular post. I just felt the need to stand up for those who only know how to comment anonymously and may be getting called a coward for it. --Steph
DeleteLet's hope no one in your family comes out. I have had dear friends come out to me. You have NO clue what it's like to have one of your best friends cry because he is suicidal over being gay. This is a good man. No one that I know has a closer relationship with Christ. I know my friend did NOT choose to be gay. Who would choose a harder life? Your post makes me feel disgusted by people in the world. Eli, thanks for posting this. I wish people would remember but by the grace of God go I. There are too many hurting people in the world who think their only option is to kill themselves to be "free" of how they feel. By the way if anyone reading this is suicidal, please please call those who love you. I promise we want you here regardless of your sexual orientation. I am so much more than a heterosexual. That is not my identity. We are ALL children of God! Everyone. No mistakes!
Delete*First* Anon - up there ^^^ @ 1:36 pm on 2/20 - you have a really tiny penis, don't you?
DeleteI've seen Frozen six times, because I have 3 little kids who love it. Not once during any of those 6 times watching it did I pick up on any kind of "gay agenda." It didn't even occur to me.
ReplyDeleteThe theme from "Let It Go" seemed to encompass an endless list of interpretations. We all have personal issues we suppress throughout our lives, things we don't think we can let anyone else know about, out of shame, fear of hurting others, feeling unable to deal with it privately let alone publicly, whatever. It doesn't matter - it's personal, and it could be anything. "Let It Go" was, to me, a beautiful depiction of moments I myself have had when I broke free of those personal fears that had shackled me. And, like Eli said, Elsa learns that doing what feels "good" can have far-reaching consequences, and she needs to learn how to be herself in a way that's harmonious with the lives she touches - do what's "right," rather than what "feels good."
And, to the anonymous person too ashamed of their own beliefs to post their real name: being gay is far less of a choice than being an asshole.
Wow, "Wonder Womna", first, what a hateful response. Once again, people with an opinion differing from the 'gay community' are labeled, judged and the name calling begins. You are far more of a hater than anyone who has commented on this blog thus far. Shame on you. And how interesting that you called them out for posting anonymously. Ha. Is that YOUR real name? Sheesh.
DeleteAnd Eli, we get it. You have deep empathy for Gays. Move on.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteClick on my blog name and you'll see my real name, smarty pants.
DeleteYou're absolutely right: someone who uses the word "disgusting" and brusquely states what other people should teach their children, and demands that an author curb the speech and subject matter on a personal blog, is not a hateful asshole. They're self-righteous bigots.
Frankly, I'd rather be an asshole. At least then I'm not blaming my hateful views on a God who surely disagrees with them.
Eli, keep encouraging tolerance. You're spot on.
You made my point far better than I ever could.
DeleteI can't imagine why anyone would ever click on your blog name.
Let me respond to what I see as a hateful response with a really hateful response. That'll show em.
DeleteWonder Womna- I was in the same boat as you. I never once picked up on any agenda, it was just a fun enjoyable movie. I think people feel the need to find agendas in everything. As a straight person, there isnt any song that would make me say "Huh. The song thinks I should be gay... I must be gay." & if it made some gay person happy & accept who they are, then its done something wonderful.
If being gay isn't a choice then being an asshole isn't either. It's the personality you're born with. I think you people need to quit judging others, just like you are telling them not. Practice what you preach.
DeleteAre you suggesting that being rude is the same thing as something like being Spanish or Brazilian? Just live & let live. If you're concern is that it is a sin, then don't do it yourself. But that doesn't mean you get to go around telling everyone that they're sinners. Worry about yourself.
Delete"Eli..... Move on." ????
DeleteAm I wrong, or is this Eli's blog? He can post whatever he wants. If he wants to post 100 times on Leotrix or human rights or any other topic, he's welcome to... stop reading if you don't like it!
This post is flawless. Just like your blog and hair are consistently flawless.
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 1:36: Because I know it's futile, I won't attempt to convince you that the idea of people becoming gay simply by "wanting" is ludicrous. But I will say that you are part of the problem. Hatred of another human being is never okay. Period.
I have no idea what post you are referring to so I hesitate to add my 2 cents. But I have been following your blog for about 2 years. Eli, do you really think you are helping the world by calling people names? You believe people can't help being gay and should love themselves no matter what. No one should be treated with disrespect because they believe something different from you. I follow this blog for the snark and the humor and also the insight when you are going through something difficult. Please don't add to the hatred in the world. We can disagree and still be friends. :-)
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I appreciate the comment. There is a difference between calling out beliefs and calling out harmful teachings. I believe that it is our duty to recognize when a teaching is laced with ignorance and bigotry--because those teachings can be very harmful to very innocent people. And part of calling out those teachings is recognizing what they are: ignorance and bigotry. I don't mean to be a name-caller in doing so or to add any hatred to the world. But I do believe I'm doing some good in my sphere to stand up to this kind of behavior, even if I have to say some things that sound uncomfortable in the process. For too long, nobody really did.
DeleteThank you, Eli, for the respectful response.
DeleteThank you, Eli and Jennifer, for keeping it civil even though you disagree.
DeleteJennifer I fail to see where eli has been calling anyone names, aside from 'ignorant grammas'
ReplyDeleteThere was also "ignorant bigots". Maybe he was completely correct in calling the person a bigot. I didn't read the post he's referring to.
DeleteYour well-placed "damn"s when ranting about Disney movies is about my favorite thing ever.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I never caught a whiff of any "hate" coming from you, in this post or any other.
Eli, you know I'm your biggest fan. I think "Jennifer" must have misread what you wrote...
ReplyDeleteMy name really is Jennifer. :-)
Delete^^LOL @ Jennifer! ^^ Total win. ;-)
DeleteEli, I totally agree. 100%
ReplyDeleteAmen brother! Thank you for this post!
ReplyDeleteVery well written Eli, it super reminded me of this post I think you'd like. http://sethadamsmith.com/2014/02/18/hidden-messages-in-frozen/
ReplyDeleteI just want to remind you all that it's possible to think being gay is a sin and still love the gay people. I'm in that camp myself. I think sexually desiring someone of the same sex is sinful, just like sexually desiring someone who is married or sexually desiring someone else when you are married... It's a sexual sin just like the many others in our world. And I'm sure it's something that people struggle a lot with, so we the Church should be helping those who are struggling. Jesus didn't say hate sinners. He also didn't say that sin is acceptable. He called us to love and correct sin in love. The biggest issue in our society is defining the term "love." So often sexual desire is called love, while at the same time tolerance is called love. Yes, we need to love gay people--with a love like Christ's, a love that is constantly seeking to bring the recipient of that love to perfection. That being said, we need to love everyone like that, not just gay people. We all have our vices--that doesn't make them ok, but it keeps us (or should keep us) humble.
ReplyDeleteVery well said. And I 100% agree.
DeleteAGREED!
DeleteSo long as you aren't equating "sexual desire" with attraction, I'm with you. I believe in a God who doesn't judge based on things outside of our control, and one who does not view mere temptation as sin, but rather judges based on one's actions.
DeleteI beg to disagree. Where there is no choice, there is no sin. You don't have a choice whom you desire. You do have a choice whether you act on that desire, and even whether you dwell on that desire and thereby feed it. You don't have a choice what you want to own, but you have a choice whether to steal and whether to covet. You don't have a choice about feeling bad, but you have a choice whether to shout, whether to sulk, etc. You don't have a choice about being able to judge others, but you do have a choice whether you will cultivate that attitude, and whether you will voice unjust judgements.
DeleteTo be tempted, itself, is no sin; Jesus was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. And it's not our responsibility not to be tempted. In fact, being tempted is part of God's plan, and we have passed our last chance to avoid it. For the root of sexual temptation is the divine glory of embodiment and of creation, the root of greedy temptation is the divine capacity for righteous dominion, the roots of emotional injury are divine compassion and a divine sense of justice, and the root of the temptation to judge unrighteously is the divine capacity to discern. To avoid one would be to surrender the other, a retreat through the gates of Eden to an estate we have outgrown.
To suppress our awareness of our own temptations makes us seem holy, or at least wise -- in our own eyes. But God commands, and growth requires, that we consider ourselves fools before him. And all the energy we put into efforts not to be tempted is energy wasted, for as often as we relax it we find temptation is still present, unchanged. Better to humbly give our entire hearts to God -- even the parts of our hearts where our divine capacities are not yet secure in their proper places or matured to their full potential, which are the parts where temptation enters in -- and trust him to set them in order as he has promised. He will give us work enough, suited to our own abilities, without our trying to do his work too. It is good to envision the day when temptation will be irrelevant because "every power [will] find sweet employ in that eternal world of joy," but it is not bad that we are not there yet, no more than a child is bad for not being full-grown yet.
"He called us to love and correct sin in love". Thank you, Anonymous, I agree with you totally. You can believe it's a sin, but still love them. That's what Jesus asked and asks us to do!
DeleteI never got a "gay agenda" from the movie or "that song". Instead I saw some strong correlations to mental illness. Like hiding away, pretending that everything is fine, hating others who are happy, hating yourself. I have clinical depression and its not okay for me to talk about it in society. Even at church, the expectation is that I only share if the bad experiences strengthened my testimony. I've been told that if I had fasted and prayed long enough that I would get a miracle. I'd love to run away and live in an ice palace (really the beach).
ReplyDeleteThank you, Eli. It's funny how people can freak out over 'insidious hidden messages' or the like in movies, but they never remember that human nature is such that we will always fight HARDER to prove someone else wrong who tries to shove their opinion/religion/science/drivel down our throats. I'm a dad. I have 7 very different children. If I try to push too hard, they push back harder. All of them. If I yell or clamp down hard on their behavior, they do it more! If I show them love as I calmly discuss consequences with them, they react like logical human beings. Go figure...
ReplyDeleteIf we love the 'sinner' but hate the sin, then why don't we show it? Love them in spite of their behavior. God does. Oh, and guess what - if we are guilty of ANY un-repented sin, we're kicked out of heaven, so why condemn someone because they sin differently than you? Only Jesus brings us back, in spite of all we can do. Spitting on a gay man, a lesbian woman, an adulterous husband, a fornicating teen, is just like spitting forward out of the window of a car on the freeway - it's going to blow back in your face.
In short, I'm a sinner. I can't cast any stones. Who reading this can? Sure - we have to call out behavioral norms to our children and society. But you better be down on your knees praying to ask how to show the sinners love, because condemning them to their face without an increase of love as you do it will drive them away. (In fact, the only people Jesus seemed to call to repentance publicly were the tax collectors, politicians and hypocrites. Though the last two are just repetitive...)
I loved this post! It was a great response to the post that you referred to and made excellent points on the fact that everyone is of great worth. Aside from the suspected hidden message ....... I actually did struggle with letting my 3 and 5 year old belt out "no right no wrong no rules for me, I'm free" but I love how you brought up how she learned that living without restraint created major problems.... somehow I hadn't completely put the two together and feel better about talking to them about that, and again how she learned to use her powers for good. Excellent post Eli
ReplyDeleteExactly. Living without rules didn't make everything better. It relieved a lot of strain but then it created new strain. To be truly at peace (and to reach her happiest state) she had to figure out how to live with rules that still allowed her to be emotionally healthy, productive, and show kindness to others.
DeleteI don't know what version of Frozen you watched, but the version I watched did not have any message about being gay in it. The message I got was sisters before misters. I'm fairly certain that Disney did not make this movie to reach out to gay people...
ReplyDeleteThis isn't really the point of the post . . . I think Eli is saying that whatever the point was, if it helps people become better, we should be happy for it. Gay or straight.
DeleteEli, Eli, Eli...
ReplyDeleteKeep on keeping on, bro! I feel uplifted EVERYTIME I read one of your blog posts but these always seem to be speaking directly to me and you always seem to post these things with impeccable timing RIGHT when I need it most! Thank you so much for saying the things you say and know that I always come here for a pick me up. You definitely DO make a difference and are reaching out to people who need it simply by speaking what's on your mind and in your heart! THANK YOU!
Eli, thank you so much! I love the careful way you emphasize loving LGBT+ people without being aggressive or self-righteous. I cannot stress how important it is to see Christians and religious people being verbal online and elsewhere about their support of gay people, since it seems that the Christians who want to hate or who call being gay a sin are often the ones making their voices heard, especially on the internet. Over the past few years I've had an immensely difficult time balancing my faith with my belief that being gay and even having gay relationships aren't necessarily sinful. My difficulty did not even stem from a lack of Biblical support, which is fairly easy to find, but mostly from a lack of anyone who even fit into the category of religious AND LGBT+ or ally. I felt for a long time like I would have to choose between being verbal about my faith and being verbal about my support of LGBT+ people, and it's still something I struggle with. I think it's great that you have the courage to stand up against the hatred that Christianity and religion in general is known for. Thank you!
ReplyDeletePoor Eli. I hope you aren't reading these comments! Either side your on, let's all hug and go catch the Queen of colors together ;)
ReplyDeleteWhy on earth would we want to catch her? She'll scratch your eyes out with those talons of hers!
DeleteNobody who has ever caught the Q of C has lived to talk about it. That's what I've heard.
DeleteI personally don't see why anyone is seeing any sort of "agenda" in the movie. I think when you watch or read or hear something that resonates with you, you tend to add your own interpretation to it. So while one person may see "Let It Go" as a gay agenda, another might see it as letting go of their depression. Or their anxiety. Or their fears. Or their abusive relationship. To paraphrase something John Green often says, movies belong to their viewers. Even if Disney HAD some sort of agenda (which I don't think they did), once the film's out in the world they can't dictate how people will interpret it. And just because some may choose a certain interpretation, it doesn't mean it's the only one or that you have to agree with it.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen Frozen, and I'm not sure if I will or not. However, I find it extremely interesting how up in arms people get on both sides of this issue. I personally believe that every person should be treated with kindness and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender, politics, religion, etc. Yes, we are all different, with different beliefs and opinions, but that does not take away from the fact that there should still be at least a measure of respect between people. I'm not someone who generally begs everyone to get along, because I don't like wasting my time/breath, but there shouldn't be this level of venom in a simple comments area. Eli believes that EVERYONE should be treated with love and respect, and should not be taught to hate themselves because of something they cannot control. It doesn't have to be set to the "gay agenda". That is a statement that should just hold true. Is it really, truly necessary to pull in words such as disgusting, douche canoe, and such?
ReplyDeleteIt bothers me when people say the underlying message in this movie is homosexuality. I get why people say it. Heck, even Hollywood is saying it! But, I think this movie is very subjective. The movie evokes a lot of feelings in a lot of people that I think can relate to Elsa feeling trapped, isolated, shamed, etc…. People who don’t necessarily struggle with same-gender attraction.
ReplyDeleteI lead a life growing up never fitting in at school, never having many friends, being bullied, and feeling shame over things that happened to me. It felt dark and lonely in my little world. On top of that, I was a perfectionist. It wasn’t until I got married that with the help of my dear husband, I have learned to “Let It Go” – I love that song, not because it is “teaching me to give into immoral impulses” (as implied by other mormon bloggers) but because to me, it means to let go of my need to be perfect, to control, and to let my creativity flow. And just like the scene shows while Elsa sings that song, when we relax, claim our creative powers, and LET- the stress, the fear, the anger, the shame, the whatever – GO, then we can be truly authentic. I personally think, anyone who has ever felt lonely, misunderstood, or judged can relate to this movie – homosexual and heterosexual alike.
Taking bets on how many more blog posts Eli will write before coming out of the closet ;)
ReplyDeleteLol! I'm betting it'll be awhile after all these harsh comments from people who usually like him and his thoughts.
DeleteI was thinking the same thing. I liked his blog much better when it was lighthearted and fun to read instead of controversial. I am over it.
DeleteThis guy is unquestionably gay
DeleteAs a gay dude with typically impeccable gaydar, I would have to emphatically disagree. I don't think Eli is gay, but even if he is, it's nobody's business but his. It bothers me when people try to stereotype others. Just because Eli exhibits certain characteristics doesn't mean that he is "unquestionably" gay... Again, it's his business and nobody else's so stop nosing in. It's not nice :-P
DeleteHe is tired of people treating others badly, and is for gay rights, therefore, he must be gay. Your logic must get you far in life.
DeleteI haven't seen the movie Frozen, but I'm thinking it's whatever you project onto it...
ReplyDeleteHey guys, I just want to remind everyone that this is a blog. We are in America, where we do have freedom of speech listed as part of the first amendment in the Declaration of Independence. Which means, it is totally okay for Eli to post his opinions on any subject matter, since this is HIS blog. It is also okay to voice your opinions, but it is not okay to purposefully belittle or degrade an innocent person. Whatever your stances may be on this particular subject matter, at the end of this day this is still Eli's blog and he has just as much right as anybody else to post his opinion.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you meant the Constitution, not the Declaration of Independence.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteGood stuff.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said. Thank you for this post.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the movie, but I was sad to hear about the controversy. My favorite quote was "Don't judge me because I sin differently than you." Even if you see being gay as a sin, it's not YOUR place to judge that sin. Give it up to God, show love to everyone, show acceptance to everyone. I have many gay friends and I don't believe they made the choice to be a minority and persecuted. Just my opinion. I am also a Christian. I believe we are supposed to be charitable, forgiving and nonjudgemental or else we, as Christians, aren't living up to our own beliefs.
ReplyDelete"The Lord did not people the earth with a vibrant orchestra of personalities only to value the piccolos of the world. Every instrument is precious and adds to the complex beauty of the symphony. All of Heavenly Father’s children are different in some degree, yet each has his own beautiful sound that adds depth and richness to the whole." -Elder Wirthlin
ReplyDeleteThis quote came to mind as I read your paragraph "And, frankly, if this movie and that song are getting gay people to stop hating themselves and to start acknowledging who they are so they can move on and figure out how to contribute to the world, then bravo, Disney." Thank God for the Oboes and Violas, if we were all just piccolos how truly boring this life would be.
I love that quote! It's a timely reminder on so many levels :)
DeleteLove this!
DeleteI love all the brave Anonymous commenters coming here to spew their hate and vitriol.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good post, Eli, on a good topic. It makes me sad that in 2014 we still have to have these conversations. At what point are we just going to be nice to each other whether we agree with how they live or not?
It's interesting how the topic of homosexuality gets so many comments. It seems that most people are so ignorant of sexuality in general yet everyone thinks their way is right. I don't think the bible says anything about fetishes involving feet or being tied up or voyeurism but I would expect that a closed mind would view these things as 'sin,' which in itself is an archaic distinction. Humans always fear what they don't understand.
ReplyDeleteAnd to those who speculate on Eli's or anyone's sexuality, well that's just rude. It's like me speculating about the twisted things you do in bed. Which I'm totally doing right now, by the way, and the mental image is very amusing. I mean really... you're telling me THAT is normal?
Yes. Thank you, Mark.
Delete*Slow Clap*
ReplyDeleteEli, you're writing is magnificent. Truly impressive, no matter the topic. Thank you for this.
ReplyDeleteGah! *your. How embarrassing to make that mistake in a comment commending your writing! :)
DeleteWhat is so interesting to me is the comments saying they did not see the gay message/themes in the film. Of course, that is totally fine! It just shows that movies are what you make them. For people who are gay, or struggling with their sexuality, Elsa's storyline helps gives words to the complicated emotions that a person feels when they are in the process of coming out, or struggling to hide their sexuality. I agree with Eli, if it helps people, it's a good thing. It doesn't sound like the message I picked up from the film of accepting ones sexuality was the same message that many of the parents (and their children) picked up, so what's the problem?
ReplyDeleteAnd all the anonymous comments on here show me why we need movies like Frozen, and movies that go even further to help young people deal with their sexuality. Because I would bet that every one of those anonymous commenters has someone in their life who is gay, even if that person isn't comfortable saying it yet. Gay children are born into all kinds of families, and if they don't have people around them like Eli, and many of the wonderful commenters on this blog, to tell them their sexuality does not make them a bad person, then they should at least be able to turn to popular culture and see positive representations of their sexuality in the media.
Wow, sorry that was long. I just hope that before some people speak, they will consider how their words would sound to a child (perhaps even their own) who is struggling to understand their sexuality.
Eli, stand behind your blog post post and personal convictions and come out of the closet already. You are the gayest person ever.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE anonymous posters....and I love how, since they can't intellectually support their position, they just start attacking the messenger. What a waste of oxygen these folks are.....
ReplyDeleteI'm a Mormon and it always surprises me when other members get so caught up in the 'gay issue'. (thank you grandma, for your excellent example of love and acceptance for my gay Aunt and her partner... they were just family and treated that way)
ReplyDeleteHere are some of my thoughts:
1. We aren't the judge. The scriptures say that Jesus Christ stands at the gate and employs no other. HE will make the judgement.
2. Learn the gospel and live it to the best of your ability. Worry about your weak points. Take them to the Lord and try to make them strengths. Let others deal with their lives as they will ("We claim the privilege of worshiping the Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how where or what they will.") It's NOT your problem/business.
3. As Mormons, we don't even believe in the typical 'Hell', So, we don't condemn others (not even Gays)! We believe that each person on this earth will inherit a kingdom of glory beyond description. And Jesus Christ will make the decision, and He knows all the circumstances and the criteria. The rest of us don't get to choose which sin/life/choices qualify any individual for any kingdom. (Let it Go, it's not your decision.)
4. If you have or will read The Peacemaker, a wonderful book by an LDS author, you can learn an important lesson. Christ has taken all sins upon himself. All of them, whether we accept him or not, He already paid for our sins. When we treat someone else poorly or refuse to forgive or accept that person actually means that we don't really understand the atonement. That we are rejecting the Savior (not that person). The Savior already forgave that person. Who are we to do other wise?
While reading your comment (especially #3) I saw in a different way how wonderful the plan of salvation really is - that not one of us who came here (and failed spectacularly in our efforts to be like our Father in Heaven) will be punished for this, but instead rewarded for our courage in coming to earth and the effort we put in. And I was blown away again by God's perfect love and mercy towards His children. So thank you!
DeleteI took my friend's 5 year old daughter to see frozen and she loved it. 20 years from now, she and every other little girl that loved it will be singing Frozen songs at Lilith Fair instead of the indigo girls and sarah mclachlan hahaha
ReplyDeleteSomething to remember is that whatever your opinions are, it is never ok to personally attack someone for theirs, even when it's behind your computer screen. This is Eli's blog and he's entitled to share his thoughts, you don't have to agree but you do have to be respectful. Never say something online that you wouldn't say to someone's face.
ReplyDeleteEli I hope you don't read these comments. And if you do I hope you don't let them alter you or your writing.
Yes. Thanks for this comment P & J. Eli, please never stop doing what you do.
DeleteThank you for this. I think this is something that so often gets lost when we feel our beliefs or ideals are being attacked or argued against. I have seen a few very respectful people from both ends of the spectrum and I hope that they keep on with their way of stating their beliefs.
DeleteUgh!! I completely agree! I think the movie is about an independent woman who learns that ultimately, she needs to love herself and love others in order to get past the barriers she has up. You could say it's about being gay, autistic, severely depressed, mentally or physically handicapped. I mean, come ON. It's a movie about love! And the message is acceptance! No matter what the "issue" is!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/01/27/was-this-animated-film-the-most-the-most-christian-movie-of-2013/ And this person thinks it is the epitomy of our relationship with Christ. Thanks Eli for your post. It takes courage to stand when others don't agree. I applaud you for your courage.
ReplyDeleteEli, I also want to thank you for your courage. You have no idea how much it means to me to see someone write what you have, knowing that you would take some backlash. You have given me so much hope in your writing. I can't tell you how many times you have made me laugh and how many times you have made me cry. Your writing has helped me get through some really hard times. I know that it's probably really difficult for you to spend as much time as you do writing, especially when so many people don't seem to appreciate what you do. But I hope you know that you are making a real difference in so many people's lives. I know I'm not alone in feeling this way and I'm sure that others who see this comment will be nodding along. So, just, thank you.
ReplyDeleteSecond all of this.
DeleteEli, I love your blog, and your seemingly encompassing love of everybody (obviously excluding the cast of glee). I also love everybody*! (obviously excluding the cast of glee) But sometimes the people who comment on your blog make me want to cry. I understand that this is not really up to you. You are fabulous. It just makes me sad to see so much contention on a website that usually just makes me happy and hopeful and excited about life. Please don't stop writing funny/sad/embarrassing/thoughtful/and strange blog posts.
ReplyDelete*You are one of all the everybody that I love.
We had a similar discussion in seminary after my seminary teacher told us he too thought "Let it Go" was about the being gay. I responded by saying that my little brother thinks "Let it Go" is about going to the bathroom.
ReplyDeleteHe didn't really have a response after that.
All I got from that movie was an epic earworm, and I haven't even seen the movie yet...but my 6-yr. old and 2-yr. old granddaughters have.
ReplyDeleteAnd, they have the soundtrack CD.
And, I heard it over, and over, and over this weekend.
Especially track #8.
I just need to learn to...Let it GO...Let it GO...
Bravo to you Eli! I am a bit of a Disney fanatic and though I never personally interpreted the movie that way, I can see how people would. I think part of the beauty of being human is having the god-given right to interpret things however WE want. Everybody has struggles and everybody has a 100% unique way of thinking. I am a very strong supporter of marriage between a man and a woman but people have a right to choose what they do with there lives and it is not my job (nor anybody else's for that matter) to condemn any human being for their actions. The movie is full of beautiful messages about doing what is right, staying strong in difficult times, and the importance of true friendship, family, and love. Interpret it how you want people, and say what you want about the gays. They are still people and if you're christian at all, you should love them as such.
ReplyDelete1,000 times yes.
ReplyDeletePerfection.
ReplyDeleteYou. Are. Awesome.
ReplyDeleteEli, I love your blog. And I think you did a really good job of presenting an issue in a respectful way and offering an honest opinion about it. And honestly, I don't see the message of this post to be about homosexuality but instead you are fighting against intolerance and hatred towards one another and towards ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI will also add that, excluding the posts at the beginning of the comments that were strewn with hatred from both sides (clearly not getting the point of the post), these comments are uplifting as well! It is so nice to see a discussion that is not just selfishly spewing personal attacks, but actually presenting well thought out arguments for both sides of an issue. Thank you itjustgetsstranger fans for restoring my faith in humanity and showing me that I am not the only non judgemental Christian (because it definitely feels that way sometimes, am I right?). Overall, great post. Have a blessed day. :)
I remember seeing an article another friend posted, and I was like that's so unfair. I just recently went through a situation unfortunately a bit like that... My parents were trying to control me and then all of the sudden I just decided to do what I needed to do for me. What made me happy. If gay people find it empowering then let them... Disney may have taught us that you can marry a man you just met, but recently they have been teaching girls so much more, Tiana wanted a restaurant, and she worked hard to get it! Rapunzel wanted to see the lights and left her opressive 'mother', yes that can be seen as rebellion, but can you blame her? Merida taught her mom that arranged marriages aren't what's best anymore, and that you don't always need a man, and Elsa, taught to embrace yourself, and be proud in who you are.
ReplyDelete