Just a few days ago, we witnessed an “amazing” revelation: Former international rugby star Gareth Thomas said, “I’m gay.”
What’s also amazing is that so many mainstream, big media outlets did not say this:
“Gareth Thomas admits he is gay.”
Except CNN.
In, “Thomas relief after admitting he is gay,” CNN writes,
“Every gay man will tell you that ‘coming out’ is like a weight lifted from your shoulders and beng able to walk down the street knowing that there is nothing for me to hide has been a liberating experience, ” admitted Thomas…”
Because, really, why would anyone use the word “admit” when it comes to coming out? Being gay is not wrong. We “admit” to things we’ve done wrong.
We admit to lying. We admit to stealing. We admit to adultery.
We “come out,” we “acknowledge we’re gay,” we can even “reveal” we’re gay. But “admit?” Why would you “admit” to something that isn’t wrong?
Words matter.
It’s time for the media, especially the MSM, to get it straight: “admitting” you’re gay is like “admitting” you’re human.
Got it?
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- Listen: NJ Sen Baroni: “Unequal treatment by government is always wrong.”
- Andrew Sullivan And George Will: Wrong On California’s Gay Marriage
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{ 13 comments }
You've raised a great question. Just blogged about it at the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association blog
http://nlgjareact.wordpress.com/2009/12/22/is-adm...
Thanks, Michael. Nice piece. Adds more to the discussion!
The way I use it, I can admit to anything I've tried to keep hidden – I admit, I'm the one who has been secretly restocking the office cookie jar. Maybe it's just me…
Interesting point!
The way I see it, CNN could have said Thomas admitted to hiding his orientation. But not admitted to being gay. I see your point, but I think there's a fine, albeit an important, line there.
Thanks!
Personally I think the word is a little bit ambiguous–however, I agree that they could have used something either more neutral or positive, such as "come out".
Yes, I agree they could have used "something either more neutral or positive."
I think we're in a battle to win hearts and minds. Every word we use is important. Our words really do create our reality, and it's important that we remove any negative associations from gender identity/orientation.
Smart and incisive comment. You are absolutely correct.
More peopl should see it thusly.
Thanks, Norm. Appreciate the thought, especially from you!
You raise an interesting point on how words can be loaded with meaning that is not apparent. Admitting something does seem to have a connotation that guilt is attached to it because it is wrong. My pet peeve is "openly." Nobody is openly straight but public figures are "openly gay." I think someone is out or they are not. Either way, openly hardly has the implied negativity that admit seems to have. Thanks for the thought-provoking post.
Ruth, I never even thought about "openly" in reverse. "Openly straight." Perhaps I should start using that! Thanks for pointing that out!
BTW, one of my pet peeves: "literally," as in "he literally went out of his mind."
Did he, really?
Appreciate your input. I'm familiar with your work. I'm honored you're reading mine. Thanks.
This is a very good point and thank you for bringing light to this issue! Well done!
The AP Stylebook specifically uses coming out as an incorrect example – "These words may in some contexts give the erroneous connotation of wrongdoing. A person who announces that he is a homosexual, for example, may be acknowledging it to the world, not admitting it."
Kinda like the health care bill. Not perfect, but at least they covered it. You make a valid point, though!
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