It's strange how a show that is so timeless and also ahead of it's time back in when the series was in it's prime...but then there's this episode. Homer's Phobia has Homer befriend a man named John, at first they get along very well, until Homer realises that he's homosexual and suddenly is incredibly uncomfortable with his presence. But to make it worse, he begins to fear that Bart may be becoming camp and gay. On it's initial release the episode received positive reviews, especially for it's commentary on homophobia. Homer representing the traditional views of a dying society while Bart is part of the more accepting, post-modern generation. The episode also received praise for it's portrayal of John, he's certainly camp but doesn't succumb to flamboyant stereotypes. By the end of the episode, Homer does learn his lesson, accepts John for who he is as well as the possibility of Bart's homosexuality....But on the otherhand the fact that the focus is given to Homer, a character who we usually are meant to side with, being the antagonistic one, yet for the most part we're seeing things from his perspective. As a kid I always thought the episode was antagonising homosexuals, as if it was a bad thing to be gay. So even if the show does point out Homer's immature and archaic attitude, i don't think it was presented in the best way. Too much attention is given to Homer's attitude with little analyses on why he has that perspective, and not enough focus on explaining why he's in the wrong. Also when John says "I earned your respect, and all it took was saving your life, now if every gay man could do the same, you'd be set" which makes it seem as if gay people have to earn his respect and adapt rather than Homer have to alter is views and not let his prejudice affect other people's lives. Maybe it was just me who interpreted in this way, but i just find this episode incredibly awkward to watch.
-Danny
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