First and foremost, this is not just meant to be an a.t.s post, I am posting on multiple newsgroups to help combat the filth that Rob Wade is posting. I hope that I am not being presumptuous for speaking for a.t.s, by saying that we consider him a troll. If, there are people on a.t.s who agree with Mr. Wade, then please speak up, as dialogue is one of the most important things we can have in a pluralistic society. And that is what this post is meant to address.
You see, episodes like "Three Gays in a Condo" and "Homer's Phobia" are a launch pad for the necessary, and inevitable, discussion about homosexuality within our society. Discussion, of course, leads to the formulation of ideas, which, in turn, can lead to change. It is therefore important that the satirists continue their work. Regardless of how funny these episodes are, they are probably two of the most important in the history of "The Simpsons."
For those of you who are reading this post, and have never seen these episodes, I will provide you with a brief synopsis of them. If you know about these episodes you can skip this.
"Homer's Phobia" 4F11: After letting his family be in contact with an openly gay owner of a memorabilia shop, named John, Homer thinks that his son, Bart, may be gay. As a result he tries to straighten him out. While trying to hunt reindeer at a Christmas theme park, the deer attack. They are eventually rescued by John, and Homer becomes (relatively) tolerant.
"Three Gays in a Condo" EABF12: Homer leaves his house thinking that Marge only married him because of the kids. In doing so he becomes a roommate with two gay men, and begins acting like them. Homer realizes that homosexuality isn't for him, and his heart finds his way home.
These episodes make us think about the way we treat homosexuals. After going through many adventures, Homer comes to realize that being gay isn't bad. It goes back to one of the basics of comedy, to entertain and instruct. Thus, the Simpsons send a clear message that we too should struggle with these issues, not have somebody like Rob Wade or Fred Phelps tell us the answers. Like all important issues, homosexuality has the right to be debated in a public forum. People like Wade or Phelps, will say that they are bringing their side to the story, but in reality they are not. The disregard any and all information which they see as detrimental to their views. They do not encourage debate, they squelch it. Fortunately, there are institutions, like "The Simpsons," ready and able to combat that. Even if "The Simpsons" never produce another funny episode, by pointing out foibles of modern society, and by encourageing debate on them, they will still have done their job.