October 9, 2002 

It's nearly 3 weeks into the new season of ER and still no sign of Sandy, except for the Pendant.  In Episode 2 "Dead Again", we didn't actually see the pendant, but I would swear on my honor as a Sandynista that I saw the glint of a chain under the collar of Dr. Weaver's shirt in one of the scenes.  OK, so maybe some viewers would say that I'm grasping for straws, even hallucinating.  Still, I'm not really worried - just anxious and maybe a little annoyed - because we know (from a recently published interview with Laura Innes) that Dr. Weaver and her feisty firefighter girlfriend are still together.  And I would love to have more than an oblique reference to that fact.  A one-sided phone call or random comment would suffice.  Maybe.  

Which brings me to this week's column - a well-written and insightful essay by Peanut41.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. 

-Mangababe (Editor) 

____________________ 

 

Be Brave - by Peanut41 

There has been an ongoing discussion amongst some of the Sandynistas regarding whether or not it is appropriate - in light of the fact that positive gay and lesbian characters appear to be an endangered species on network television - to appear to criticize the very people who have given us, and continue to give us, the most interesting and multi-dimensional lesbian character ever to appear on television, Dr. Kerry Weaver.  

On the one hand, it is true to say that ER has gone further than any "primetime" network program has dared in their depiction of a mature woman coming to terms with her sexuality and finally living a fully realized life as an out lesbian. For this they have rightfully earned the praise and gratitude of not only their gay and lesbian viewers but of a more general audience that welcomes diversity and inclusiveness on TV. On the other hand, there are many of us who find ourselves asking for more, saying "Yes, that's all good, but...." While I don't pretend to speak for all, or even most, of the Sandynistas, I see that, yes, the glass is half full - and there's plenty of room left for more. 

Maybe I want to have my cake and eat it, too. Historically, I know that the very existence of a story like Kerry and Sandy's on a major network program is a milestone, and I've tried to acknowledge this in my posts. But from an emotional and social perspective, I can't help but see the empty spaces, the gaps where a reasonable viewer should expect details. And this is not necessarily the fault of the ER writers.  Based both on spoilers that appeared on several "ER"-centered boards, and from TV Guide episode summaries referring to events that never materialized onscreen, it's clear that much of this "detail" was written and filmed, only to end up on the cutting room floor. 

Whose choice is this?  The director, the studio, the network?  I don't know, but the consequence of the editing of this storyline - is that the average viewer (even the most astute "weavered" fan) is surprised to learn that Kerry and Sandy's relationship survived Season 8, let alone that it appears to be thriving.  We Sandynistas know this only because there is something about this story, this relationship, that resonates with each of us. We study the subtle clues - a seemingly inconsequential comment, a pendant on a chain around Kerry's neck - and find affirmation and hope there.  

But perhaps The Powers That Be are being too subtle. There is no question that what has been shown of Kerry and Sandy's relationship - their meeting, the courtship, the conflicts - amounts to more than has ever been depicted before of a same-sex romance on primetime network TV.  However, there are gaps in continuity, and there is a tendency to diminish focus on Kerry's relationship with Sandy, while increasing the focus on Carter and Abby (or other characters). Yes, this is a sensitive subject, and TPTB may feel the need to tread carefully – but they should not tread so carefully as to barely leave footprints. If the "evidence" of the depth of Kerry and Sandy's relationship is so subtle as to pass by virtually unnoticed by the majority of ER viewers, then I can't help but think that that was the intent - and in this, the ER powers may be squandering a rare opportunity.  

What I have said may sound like criticism but it is really meant as encouragement. If I could say only two words to The Powers That Be at ER, it would be these: Be Brave. It took courage in 1968 for the network to air the series "Julia", the first television program to star an African American (Diahann Carroll). Up to that point, with the exception of news programming, persons of color were all but invisible on primetime television, and the few minority characters who appeared were invariably played as offensive stereotypes.  The pressures against such a bold move as airing a series starring a Black woman were immense, and the fears of the network losing viewers and revenue from advertisers were not unfounded.  But the nation was on the verge of an incredible social change and the network pressed forward - because it was the right thing to do. Today, one could scarcely imagine TV without the presence and contributions of African American, Latino, or Asian actors and actresses.  

Gay men and lesbians have been essential contributors, both in front of and behind the camera, since television's inception. Yet, until recently, the reality of who we are and what we contribute to the fabric of our society has been virtually ignored by the media. Due to extreme pressure on the major networks (and their sponsors) from a small but vocal conservative faction, we remain nearly invisible...and it's getting worse.  According to a recently published article in The Advocate, a gay and lesbian news magazine, the 2001-2002 television season had a total of twenty (20) recurring gay or lesbian characters over all primetime programs (nearly 150 programs in all). For the 2002-2003 season, that number has dropped to SEVEN. Of those seven, some are gay caricatures - stereotypes of gay men such as nelly Jack or fussy Will of "Will and Grace".  Unique among the seven is Kerry Weaver, an established major character and as "real" a person as a fictional character can be; brave, craven, noble, self-serving, proud, self-loathing, funny, humorless, loving, emotionally remote. She's a fully formed human being and a wonderful mix of contradictions, just like the rest of us.  And, with the network's courage, Kerry may be our "Julia".  

Be Brave.  The social climate in this country has changed. With more gay men and lesbians "coming out," there are few straight Americans who can now claim to not know any of "those people".  We are their daughters, sons, aunts, uncles, parents, co-workers, siblings, and neighbors.  It has been proven that the better "straight" Americans know a gay or lesbian person, the less likely they are to hold discriminatory attitudes.  America is ready, I think, to really see us, and Kerry and Sandy are the perfect vehicle to show that the saying "Love makes a family" is not just a cliché. Honor them and, through them, us. All of us. Yes, tread carefully - but leave big footprints.

 

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