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Is 'Toy Story 3' homophobic and sexist?

Submitted by Jeff on Sun, 06/27/2010 - 11:33am
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Toy Story 3 has won great reviews and major box office success. But some reviewers see the film from a different angle - a very negative angle - that may affect our children's view of homosexuality and what it feels like for a girl in this world. An "overly emotional" Barbie and "fashionista" Ken seem to be starting all the trouble!

The Independent says, "...the film is homophobic in its depiction of the doll Ken as a closeted gay fashionista with a fondness for writing in sparkly purple ink." And states that, "Pairing homophobia with misogyny, the jokes about Ken suggest that the worst things a boy can be are either a girl or a homosexual."

The film finshed number one at the US box office last weekend, taking $110m. Featuring the voices of stars such as Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Joan Cusack, the final instalment in the Toy Story series shows what happens to cowboy Woody and spaceman Buzz Lightyear when their owner, Andy, grows up and goes to college.

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Sadly, Pixar decided to tease Ken

AnnieMae's picture
Submitted by AnnieMae on Sun, 06/27/2010 - 7:56pm.

I saw this movie last week with my 5 and 9-year-old nieces. Barbie and Ken are depicted as narcissistic and and bit brainless, which, as real toys, they deserve. Ken seemed respected by his male peers, and was even part of "poker night". That being said, his outfits are authentic, and there are plenty of "gay jokes" at Ken's expense.

I was really expecting Woody, Buzz, or even Mrs. Potato head to come to Ken's defense when he was called a "Girls' Toy". I thought that the teasing of Ken, and violent/ scary scenes should have bumped this up to PG. I can't help but wonder if someone as smart as Tom Hanks ( who played a person who was fired for having A.I.D.S. in "Philadelphia" ) was aware of this "Gay Joke" plot line. The important lessons of friendship, acceptance, and loving one another for who we are get lost in this movie, or diluted at the very least.

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