Because the old school gay is fast becoming the new modern man, AKA William theater contributor Ben Rimalower will, now every Monday, document exactly how, when, and where everything old becomes new again.
Straddling the line between old school showbiz cheesiness and contemporary short attention span whateverness, Ben is the New Old Gay. He loves Patti LuPone.
I started watching The View, or at least recording it every day for Hot Topics and the occasional must-see interview or diva performance, when Rosie O’Donnell took over for Meredith Vieira a couple of years ago. The show itself became very must-see as the discussions grew increasingly heated, particularly in the tension between the ultra liberal O’Donnell and the acutely conservative Elisabeth Hasselbeck. There was something very democratic and America-as-it-should be to see a right-wing voice in a left-leaning forum.
I kept watching after Rosie’s departure and was instantly taken with Sherri Shepherd’s comedy and charisma – until I was disheartened by some embarrassing things she said.
How could someone in 2009 actually think the Earth is flat? You can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a photograph of our plainly spherical planet? I would guess that even the most virulent creationists acknowledge this basic scientific truth. This bizarre incidence betrayed a lack of intellectual curiosity incongruous with the Sherri I had fallen for – a staunchly traditional Christian, who described deep anguish in reconciling her admittedly literalistic biblical beliefs with her tremendous love and respect for her gay friends.
I had come to know her as a smart, fearless comedian and a person who worked hard to understand the complex contradictions of modern life, not an ignoramus. In the PBS Warhol documentary, Ronald Tavel succinctly defined Art as “a serious examination of the nature of existence.”
Sherri’s no-holds barred, straight-shooting take on a wide range of topics, without ego or vanity, certainly qualifies for the big “A.” I couldn’t write her off because of a handful of inane comments. Aren’t we all guilty of letting some things slide, skipping out on the brainwork now and again? Perhaps Sherri’s shortcomings are just the byproduct of her unbridled honesty and openness.
Comments
(Comments are moderated so there might be a slight delay in seeing the very first comment you post on AKA William. But once your first comment is validated, you'll be able to immediately see any subsequent comments you leave.)