Audrey’s Team Pick:
I grew up in Dallas with a baseball coach step-father, so Dale Hansen is a sort of grandfatherly face and voice to me. When I watched this Dallas sports broadcasting giant speak about how we must accept gay athletes like Michael Sam and say, “I’m not always comfortable when a man tells me he is gay, I don’t understand his world, but I do understand he is part of mine,” it felt revolutionary to know how many people like my stepdad watched it too. AND THEN HE QUOTES AUDRE LORDE IN CONTEXT! Kudos to Hansen for speaking boldly and honestly as an ally to an audience that may or may not be ready to hear him (take notes, Macklemore). Watch the full video from Dallas’s ABC affiliate WFAA:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Olc5C4SXAYM
My jaw hit the floor when he quoted Audre Lorde. Like, just when I thought the video couldn’t get any better.
HE’S AN OLD, WHITE DUDE SPORTSCASTER FROM TEXAS. I STILL CAN’T BELIEVE HE QUOTES AUDRE LORDE.
This makes me want to hug people.
AND QUOTES HER WITHOUT BASTARDIZING HER INTENT!! I don’t know whether to laugh or cry or jump up and down.
I was thinking the same thing. Damn.
this is fucking incredible
You know I kept seeing the link to this story in various places, but never actually clicked through to read it, so color me shocked that the person behind it is a old white guy I grew up watching in Dallas. I pictured someone completely different.
i kept seeing it linked everywhere too but was like, whatever, i’m sure i can guess what this is all about, until yvonne, in our skype chat, was like – “holy shit that video / he even quoted audre lorde / i watch him every other night because i don’t have cable so i watch the nightly newscast” – and i was like, oh wow, ok, i am going to actually watch this now and then i did and was like OH WOW
He quoted Audre Lorde. HE QUOTED AUDRE LORDE. How many white guys do you hear quoting Audre Lorde? Or old white guys? Or old white guys in Texas? Or old white sportscaster guys in Texas?
I almost cried.
I really like you and your comments. Please, keep doing you <3.
HOLY. SHIT.
At this point I really really really do not have time for anyone who cannot operate like this when it comes to diversity. This was just amazing and human. Simple and profound and fuck yeah for quoting Audre Lorde. Yes.
PS: I <3 YOU Audrey for the Macklemore bit, because YOU KNOW MY FEELS GIRL!
Any chance to throw a little shade at ol Mack <3
Um, this may be a shade ignorant, but I’ve been noticing all kinds of hate for Macklemore lately, and for me it makes no sense. It’s actually be bothering me a ton (because as far as I can tell, other than the Pope, Macklemore has been one of the most popular straight icons to support and raise awareness of queer people, and issues like false stereotyping of “gay-ness” in recent times). So for me, this weird hatred of Macklemore makes very little sense.
I’ve seen little kids quote Mary Lambert’s chorus when explaining why marriage equality is the only thing that makes sense. The only hints I’ve seen about the cause of this dislike seem to be slightly misguided distaste for the fact that Macklemore is not non-white, gay, or trans* and it “should” be queer artists who get the attention…for supporting themselves?
This has been bothering me a TON, and I hope you could explain the reasons for not liking Macklemore. The way things are now, I’m a little annoyed at you as a person, for not liking Macklemore. This is stupid, of course. I’m trying not to be annoyed at you as a person, because disliking everyone who you disagree with is a stupid way to live your life, but I’m having trouble letting it go too. I don’t understand why there’s this apparently misplaced hatred of a guy doing his fairly effective best to help us when so many people haven’t supported us.
It’s funny how the internet can create a sense of hyperbolic emotion when throwing a little shade means “hate hate fire brimstone” when really what *I* got from Audrey was “eh not that into Mackie-poo,” FOR GOOD REASON! ;D
I’m going to repeat my feels for Macklemore:
White people love Macklemore because he makes Eminem look like Fred Phelps.
May Lesbian Jesus be with you.
(@bra) ((sorry, I tried to reply to your reply but it wouldn’t let me))
Yes, I do agree that the internet can blow everything out of proportion. Writing doesn’t have facial expressions or a physical tone of voice, so there’s no easy way for me to immediately pick out sarcasm, ribbing/banter, and small dislike from actual honest-to-goodness “I really do hate that guy.”
I’m mostly reacting to how on Autostraddle’s article on the Grammy’s one of the authors was apparently mad or annoyed at Macklemore for rapping about his support for gay rights even though he’s a “white straight cis boy,” as though his contributions are worthless as long as he’s not a famous queer, trans*, or person of some variation of color. That kind of comment may not be racist or whatever, but it’s still hugely insulting to allies who try to support our communities. When I noticed the Macklemore hate in the comments there (some of it was definitely hate) and the dislike here too, I figured this was a general feeling on Autostraddle for some unknowable reason.
I don’t really feel like the reaction against Macklemore is as innocent as just not liking his music. But if that’s all it is, and I’ve just been confused, then that’s great. But I want to hear that from Audry. And if it does turn out that I’ve been confused this whole time, then it’s just a lesson about being careful how things are phrased.
Dale Hensen is still badass. I still respect Macklemore for what good he’s been doing too.
Goodness and mercy follow you all your life etc.
When it comes to Macklemore and other allies, I’m just frustrated not hateful. Sure he’s a “cis white straight dude,” but at this point he has so much access to a lot of things, things that do not belong to him and anyone who says “no” he, his fans and people in general will have a problem, a huge problem. My point is people with privilege that comes with access have a problem with “noooooo, nope, nah, no.”
“No,” does not allow people to move freely as they please, “no” makes people pause and ask, “why?” vocally or internally. The reactions may vary base on person, “no” functions as a means to reclaim agency. I LIKE SAYING NO. HOLY. SHIT, I LOVE THE WORD “NO”!!!
And yet…
“No” is soul crushing when it comes to something that should be given by the constitutional powers that be of life, liberty and happiness is denied, and you know this.
Right now the people you are “annoyed with” are saying “No, Macklemore, no.”
Long story short, there is a long history of cultural access, pain and again frustration that you may not be aware of. It’s okay you asked and hopefully now you know.
May the sweet sweet nectar of Annie DeFranco’s white tears during her whole retreat on a plantation that caused a huge ruckus that was talked about on this lovely site nourish you.
(@bra)
I couldn’t understand exactly what you meant about telling Macklemore no. You didn’t put in enough context for me to tell what you were trying to say, exactly. What are people saying “no” to exactly? And which people have a problem about what thing? I understood a sort of general frustration with allies being in a position in which they can access things that are denied to you/your groups/us. Then later that “No” became a denial of constitutional rights, which I’m sure we all agree is dirt stupid and illegal (it’s just taken people a while to realize this).
If I’m interpreting what you said about access correctly, I may not agree about whether (wealth, power, education, security, equal protection under the law etc.) shouldn’t belong to allies. It shouldn’t belong EXCLUSIVELY to anyone. But access like that should also belong to everyone. I’d rather see everyone brought up than a long standing majority torn down and thrown into the pain that the minorities used to be in.
…Of course I know about oppression. I’ve studied the history of oppression in the US. I studied the long history of oppression that led up to the Holocaust so that I could understand more and see that kind of thing coming. Racism, religious oppression, and all forms of discrimination however small are tiny building blocks of hate that have to be shoved down whenever possible. Oppression is really a f–king shame, and stupid as all hell. There’s no justifiable reason for it, and it should go die in a hole etc. etc. I’m lucky enough that homophobia is (so far) my first and only experience of being called less than other people.
I know that I’ve never had to face racism personally, but that doesn’t mean I’m ignorant or have no eyes to see with. I just feel like being aimlessly frustrated with people who have the access you don’t is counter-productive, especially if you’re reacting against people who are doing their best to help you get more acceptance and more access. Sure, straight allies, white people who work against racism, and rich people who try to help the poor can be pretty darn stupid sometimes (stupid knows no flags, it’s everywhere), but I don’t think that justifies being so frustrated when you could tell them how to do it better and get angry at the bigots who deserve it.
Helloooo! Sorry to be late to the party, I was asleep. OK, so, Bra pretty well summed up my feels about Macklemore (esp in her comment about the access to other peoples’ spaces and experiences that comes with privilege), but I’ll expound a bit as well. First of all, my feelings about him are not strong. He is a pop star with a silly haircut, which is a fine thing to be. And obviously I don’t have a problem with straight white cis men saying nice things about gay people (see article on which we are commenting for evidence of that).
But the way in which Mack presents himself, especially via Same Love, grates my tits. I sense false humility combined with an earnestness that lacks self-awareness, which are basically the key ingredients for a White Savior Complex. The song itself has some quite problematic politics (the need to preface with “I’m not gay but…”, the critique of hip hop and youtube comments for being homophobic without looking at the homophobia of historically white genres OR ever (in the song or elsewhere) giving props to the many many hiphoppers who are totally anti-homophobic (this is a problem because it reinforces rather than challenges stereotypes which is boring)).
I am also frustrated with the whole pop culture machine, which has lifted from on high this silly haired man to tell the world it’s ok to be gay!!! and all the queers are like “well, yeah.” And queer people have been saying this shit for years and never get noticed. And, basically, this song is an anthem for straight allies. And straight people have ENOUGH anthems! I want an anthem for us, that feels like it’s really about and for us, to be something that can be “mainstream” and touch people’s hearts and change minds.
So my problem is with an individual (Macklemore), a culture (mainstream America), and institutional (with the music industry).
But, I am also perfectly happy to acknowledge that his song is a big deal for people, and for some it will be a gateway drug into actual active allyship and queer acceptance and other cool things. And, for a lot of gay kids, this is the first time they get to hear something like this on the radio in their shitty town, and I totally understand that is a Very Big Deal for them. I do truly appreciate the positive impacts the song has had.
The point behind that line in this story (besides being a joke) is that Dale Hansen exemplified so perfectly how to speak from the heart about embracing and celebrating a marginalized group without making it all about him, and I really do think every human who wants to speak as an ally to queer people should watch this clip.
Also, OMG bra “White people love Macklemore because he makes Eminem look like Fred Phelps.” #dead
WHOA. I WILL ACTUALLY BAKE THIS DUDE COOKIES WITH NO SNARKY INTENT BEHIND IT WHATSOEVER
YES!
Twelve year old me never would have believed you if you’d told her that she’d hear Dale Fucking Hansen give this speech. Growing up in Dallas… he’s a giant. Everyone knows who he is. Everyone listens to him. He’s one of the most respected names in sports broadcasting, and kind of everyone’s slightly unpredictable uncle. You never know what Dale’s going to say, but you’re going to tune in to listen because it’s Dale. You listen to him.
I cried at my desk when I watched this – both for the scared kid in the locker room that I once was, and for the scared kid back home in a locker room right now who maybe, just maybe, became a little bit less afraid.
I love, love, love how he began by pointing out that the surprise should be that this guy is only expected to be a 3rd or 4th round pick. I thought it was spot on and hilarious. And then the Lorde quote at the end just made it into a sandwich of coolness and support.
Totally, it was like he was just hitting all his marks
I saw this on tumblr last night and I was gobsmacked. So good! I mean…Audre Lorde! Well done, sir.
As a Texan – this made my week, and perhaps the Texas-shaped portion of my life. <3
This was fucking beautiful. Like, I can’t stop smiling. Wow. Well done, indeed.
To say I am shocked is an understatement. Really. Everything he said was spot on and so eloquent. He made the plea for gay rights so brilliantly. Yay for Dale Hansen.
I do have one question that I have been curious about. I have noticed hate for Macklemore in our community for a while. I was wondering why that was. Was there something he did or did not do that I am unaware of? I would love to know as it’s been driving me crazy.
I know, right? As far as I can tell, it’s because people are pissed at him because Mary Lambert doesn’t get as much attention as he does and he’s (and I quote, well paraphrase) “a white straight cis boy” (the live reaction to the Grammy Awards 2013). Seriously people! You’re angry because a member of a majority would like to sing about how he supports gay people? Aren’t we trying to get all the white straight cisboys and gals of the world to say the support the queer community?
I also think that it has something to do with him spending the first few lines of Same Love making it clear that he’s not gay. I don’t know, I still love him.
Really? I think those lines are some of the most important parts of the song. He’s not just supporting equality, he’s also rejecting the stupidity of stereotypes. They don’t make sense, and being afraid like that doesn’t make sense either, and he points that out.
And the part where he’s like “I might not be the same way, but d–m right I support it” is just as important because he points out both that you don’t have to be gay to support equality, and also makes himself an example of a successful pop icon-celeb-person who is straight but supports diversity and equality.
The first few lines are basically “no homo…ART!!”
No homo but, I like watching Bob the Builder with my little cousins.
No homo, wigs, all the wigs.
Yes homo to the possibly queer lady being an exterminator wearing the cutest jeans that hugged all the right places with a bandana hanging out the back pocket and killing all the roaches that will make me cry seeing one. Hmmm, sweet Lesbian Jesus take the wheel to my heart.
Let’s aspire to not be so basic.
A moment of silence for the amount of badassery of this man.
What a well worded speech. I’m going to play this a few more times. (Unfortunately, I don’t watch sports, so I don’t get the extra layer of being very familiar with Dale Hansen. But I’ll remember him now.)
Totally incredible speech. I feel perfectly fine with people assuming I’m related to this Hansen.