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News & ArtsMonday, June 21, 2010
Politics / Homo / Religion The Ick Factor
Posted by Dan Savage on Mon, Jun 21, 2010 at 2:52 PM
Another profile of Mike Huckabee that proves the GOP's only "nice guy" is really a rank, mean-spirited, santorum-smeared asswipe:
One afternoon in Jerusalem, while Huckabee was eating a chocolate croissant in the lounge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, I asked him to explain his rationale for opposing gay rights. “I do believe that God created male and female and intended for marriage to be the relationship of the two opposite sexes,” he said. “Male and female are biologically compatible to have a relationship. We can get into the ick factor, but the fact is two men in a relationship, two women in a relationship, biologically, that doesn’t work the same.”...
Huckabee does deviate from Party orthodoxy on some issues. But what makes him even less predictable as a politician is his sense of humor. At times, he seems unable to resist the force of his own funniness. I joked with him once that I would write about his (fictitious) affair with Nancy Pelosi. He e-mailed back, “The only thing worse than a torrid affair with sweet, sweet Nancy would be a torrid affair with Helen Thomas. If those were my only options, I’d probably be FOR same-sex marriage!”
Mike Huckabee is one to talk about the "ick" factor. I'd marry Pelosi or Thomas before I would touch Huckabee or one of his sons.
1
Helen Thomas?
Isn't she a little old for you, or are you going for the May-December approach in honor of our sweltering summer solstice?
Isn't she a little old for you, or are you going for the May-December approach in honor of our sweltering summer solstice?
3
Alrighty, then. The nuptials between you and Helen are set for next weekend. You always wanted to have a june wedding, right?
4
Not sure I can get on board with you taking cheap shots at his kids, though Wikipedia says David Huckabee is an asshole.
7
If your entire sense of self is wrapped around retconning reality with a "holy book" it's easy to understand this type of behavior, and annoyingly enough you need to get to the root of the problem to make any head way. When someone says “I do believe that God created male and female and intended for marriage to be the relationship of the two opposite sexes" we have to ask them, why do they believe that? What proof do they have? Reporters need to learn to stop the BS right after any politician mentions their unverifiable gnostic knowledge and call bullshit, every time.
10
I think once the kids are grown (to beluga whale size, in this case) they're fair game, especially when the parents are flaunting the "godliness" of the education they gave them and when the kids are known to be asshats, as #4 pointed out.
11
Not that I like Mike Huckabee or any of his opinions, but I don't think acknowledging an "ick factor" makes him mean-spirited. I mean, I'm grossed out by the thought of two 300+ pound people having sex, but that doesn't make mean anything other than that obese sex turns me off. I've heard Dan and many other queer writers make similar "ick" statements about women's genetilia, after all.
Of course, implying that "ick" justifies withholding marital equality is moronic, but I just don't see it as evil.
Of course, implying that "ick" justifies withholding marital equality is moronic, but I just don't see it as evil.
12
Looks like the Huckabee men have been eating a LOT of chocolate croissants. Instead of those stripes, they should all be wearing battleship gray.
13
I would like him to explain *WHY IT MATTERS* that 'biolgicially, that doesn't work the same.'
That's really the point he's trying to make, isn't it? That there's some sort of difference that is genuinely relevant?
That's really the point he's trying to make, isn't it? That there's some sort of difference that is genuinely relevant?
15
I gotta say, if I was in a shoot, screw or marry situation with Pelosi, Thomas and his wife, Mrs. Huckabee would be the one with the bullet in her brain. I mean, if you are comparing Helen Thomas to his wife at the same age Thomas is much much hotter (I'm assuming that's the only prereq, since Huckabee is such an upstanding Christian and all). Plus, his wife produced those Yetis standing behind her and so it would really be doing the gene pool a favor to take her out.
16
I agree with 11. The commentary on this issue is always accompanied with a headline about the "ick factory" comment with the implicit accusation that he's a bad person for this reaction. Of COURSE people have "ick" reactions to certain things.
The left/liberal/gay/whatever blogosphere needs to be doing a better job on clarity here. What looks like your typical knee-jerk reaction could be a good teaching point: "Just because something makes you say 'eww' doesn't give you the right to withhold protections and freedoms from the people engaging in the 'ewwww' behavior." Also, point out that gay marriage is not about gay sex: the latter can be easily performed outside of the former.
However, the Pelosi/Thomas comments are completely asinine. Typical misogynist hogwash: "I wouldn't fuck her". Well la-de-fucking-da. She probably wouldn't fuck you either, you smug hippo.
The left/liberal/gay/whatever blogosphere needs to be doing a better job on clarity here. What looks like your typical knee-jerk reaction could be a good teaching point: "Just because something makes you say 'eww' doesn't give you the right to withhold protections and freedoms from the people engaging in the 'ewwww' behavior." Also, point out that gay marriage is not about gay sex: the latter can be easily performed outside of the former.
However, the Pelosi/Thomas comments are completely asinine. Typical misogynist hogwash: "I wouldn't fuck her". Well la-de-fucking-da. She probably wouldn't fuck you either, you smug hippo.
17
I really don't care what his kids look like, but I do think it's creepy when parents and their children who are older than 10 are dressed in the same outfits. I know they're trying to be "cutesy" but it comes across as sickeningly sweet, like the Brady Bunch theme song or something.
20
I don't usually like to judge or denigrate folk's appearances, but Jesus tittyfucking Christ is that a homely collection of lumpen flesh.
22
His bringing up the "biology" subject is a major part of the anti-homosexuality stance. Very few of them realize it, but their philosophy, such as it is, is based on the assumption that sex is for procreation first & foremost. Pleasure is a secondary 'by-product' of the act, but in itself is not only unimportant, but also a threat to the main goal of procreation.
The very basis of 'sex is sin,' is the idea that pleasure should never become more important (let alone the entire focus) of the sexual act. The social history of the western world surrounds this assumption, and has only recently begun to decay. Because homosexuality can never be included in the procreation equation, it is the sexual sin most abhorrent.
Luckily, the majority of people today understand that procreation is the by-product of something that is much more complex than simple rutting. Our ancestors, and their Gods, had a very bestial outlook towards sex, and we are still paying for their backwards and perverted views. Sex is a wonderful part of the human experience, and once people understand this, then the acceptance of homosexuality naturally flows.
The very basis of 'sex is sin,' is the idea that pleasure should never become more important (let alone the entire focus) of the sexual act. The social history of the western world surrounds this assumption, and has only recently begun to decay. Because homosexuality can never be included in the procreation equation, it is the sexual sin most abhorrent.
Luckily, the majority of people today understand that procreation is the by-product of something that is much more complex than simple rutting. Our ancestors, and their Gods, had a very bestial outlook towards sex, and we are still paying for their backwards and perverted views. Sex is a wonderful part of the human experience, and once people understand this, then the acceptance of homosexuality naturally flows.
23
"Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat"
—Proverbs 23:20-21
I don't really care that he's got heavy kids, but the Bible does. Also, what #22 said.
—Proverbs 23:20-21
I don't really care that he's got heavy kids, but the Bible does. Also, what #22 said.
25
The only other time I saw a family in similar, matching outfits they were German tourists at O'Hare Airport. Had matching sandals with socks, too.
26
@22 makes some very good points: "Pleasure is a secondary 'by-product' of the act, but in itself is not only unimportant, but also a threat to the main goal of procreation."
At least Mike and his sons will never have to worry about that particular by-product of sex. I'm really sick of fugly men like these making fun of women for their looks. Out of curiosity - which of the sons do you suppose is grosser in bed? Dumpy in the middle probably eats waffles mid-coitus, but Lumpy on the left looks to be into some really kinky shit. Of course Mike's already revealed his Granny fetish, which means he wins the Uncle Creepy award.
At least Mike and his sons will never have to worry about that particular by-product of sex. I'm really sick of fugly men like these making fun of women for their looks. Out of curiosity - which of the sons do you suppose is grosser in bed? Dumpy in the middle probably eats waffles mid-coitus, but Lumpy on the left looks to be into some really kinky shit. Of course Mike's already revealed his Granny fetish, which means he wins the Uncle Creepy award.
27
Mike, Mike, Mike. The fact that you find it personally "icky" is utterly irrelevant and does not make "icky" a law of nature.
You know, when I was a little kid, I thought the idea of sex itself was icky.
When I was a little older, I thought the idea of most adults having sex was icky.
Until I got middle-aged, I sort of thought that the idea of older folks having sex was icky.
It's what you're unfamiliar with that scares you.
You know, when I was a little kid, I thought the idea of sex itself was icky.
When I was a little older, I thought the idea of most adults having sex was icky.
Until I got middle-aged, I sort of thought that the idea of older folks having sex was icky.
It's what you're unfamiliar with that scares you.
28
The "ick" factor is the main problem I've found most straight men have, and I do think it's a tiny bit hypocritical of Dan in one way because he's often so "ick"ed-out by the vagina talks he has to do.
But in Dan's favor, he doesn't try to deny women any type of relationship that they want, or say that there's anything INHERENTLY "icky" about their parts, only that he finds them "icky". I think Huckabee and the other conservatives don't make that distinction--if they find it "icky", then EVERYONE should find it "icky.' It's a very juvenile reaction.
On a side note, is Mike back up to that weight? He had lost a bunch, then someone said he was gaining it back, but I don't watch his show, so I wouldn't know.
But in Dan's favor, he doesn't try to deny women any type of relationship that they want, or say that there's anything INHERENTLY "icky" about their parts, only that he finds them "icky". I think Huckabee and the other conservatives don't make that distinction--if they find it "icky", then EVERYONE should find it "icky.' It's a very juvenile reaction.
On a side note, is Mike back up to that weight? He had lost a bunch, then someone said he was gaining it back, but I don't watch his show, so I wouldn't know.
29
(and I would find the idea of sex with any of the Huckabees too icky to make that biologically compatible.)
32
Maybe he finally figured out that the pray-away-the-gay nutjobs who think people need to be trained (or pious enough) to resist the homosexual urges placed in them by Satan ARE ALL SECRET COCKSUCKERS... I mean, luggage lifters.
If he thinks it's icky, he *can't* be secretly gay.
If he thinks it's icky, he *can't* be secretly gay.
33
I'd always suspected that a lot of people who are anti-gay feel that way do ONLY because the idea of two guys "doing those things with each other" is icky. The religious stuff they use to justify their bigotry is just an excuse.
37
Mr. Savage, when your kid is older, I will not more support someone targeting him for public ridicule in order to slime you and your political/moral views than I support you doing it here.
I thought you were better than that. Seriously.
--Long, long time reader
(10: "I think once the kids are grown (to beluga whale size, in this case), they're fair game..." Only if the kids are actively pushing the same tripe. Otherwise you cannot much complain when Obama haters gleefully count down to an 18th birthday for his gals. Want quality people in politics? Leave their kids alone.)
I thought you were better than that. Seriously.
--Long, long time reader
(10: "I think once the kids are grown (to beluga whale size, in this case), they're fair game..." Only if the kids are actively pushing the same tripe. Otherwise you cannot much complain when Obama haters gleefully count down to an 18th birthday for his gals. Want quality people in politics? Leave their kids alone.)
38
Speaking of rank, mean-spirited, santorum-smeared asswipes, how many decades old is this unattributed photo, Danny?
The daughter is 28 years old now.....
The daughter is 28 years old now.....
39
The only "ick factor" I see in this article are the genetically-impoverished mounds of shredded pork standing behind Mike and his biologically compatible(?) wife.
41
@21: YES! Before I saw the headline even, I noticed the picture and immediately thought "Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum"!
They DO look like the portrayals in the old live-action version with Whoopi Goldberg as the Cheshire Cat and Gene Wilder as the Mock Turtle...
They DO look like the portrayals in the old live-action version with Whoopi Goldberg as the Cheshire Cat and Gene Wilder as the Mock Turtle...
43
Yup, yup, yup...Empirical demonstration that, contrary to general belief, vertical stripes are in no way slimming.
What a bunch of smug lardasses.
What a bunch of smug lardasses.
44
First, either Nancy Pelosi is hot or I'm getting old.
2nd. The Huckabee men should consider wearing dazzle camo.
2nd. The Huckabee men should consider wearing dazzle camo.
45
Dear Mike: marriage is a human social institution and has nothing to do with any sort of god, real or imagined. Males and females are "biologically compatible" to create new people, not to have relationships, even sexual relationships, as demonstrated by the fact that people can get off with persons of any gender, or even in the absence of other persons. Also, if same-sex sex is a squick for you, don't do it or watch porn involving it; this is irrelevant with respect to public policy, however. Please posit an actual, relevant argument, or shut the fuck up.
By the way, Dan, you really cant complain about Huckabee thinking gay sex is icky, what with your view on pussy. By all means continue to tear him down for his proposed institutionalization(s) of anti-gay bigotry.
Finally, is that Andy Richter on the left there?
By the way, Dan, you really cant complain about Huckabee thinking gay sex is icky, what with your view on pussy. By all means continue to tear him down for his proposed institutionalization(s) of anti-gay bigotry.
Finally, is that Andy Richter on the left there?
47
@16- Your "smug hippo" comment made me giggle.
Mike, it's all relative. People into much-older-women would probably kill to get into Helen Thomas' pants. Just because you don't find someone attractive doesn't mean nobody finds them attractive, moron. I'd rather boil my head than sleep with you, but clearly your wife disagrees with me.
Mike, it's all relative. People into much-older-women would probably kill to get into Helen Thomas' pants. Just because you don't find someone attractive doesn't mean nobody finds them attractive, moron. I'd rather boil my head than sleep with you, but clearly your wife disagrees with me.
48
That poor dog! she's strangling it and he's leaning on it with all his weight and they're sitting there with those shit eating grins like it's a happy family photo without a dog being tortured in the middle.
Great metaphor Hucks
And on the snarky side: check out the elbow patch (on an oxford, really?) it's pointing right at Mikes cockbulge
everything about this picture screams "ick"
Great metaphor Hucks
And on the snarky side: check out the elbow patch (on an oxford, really?) it's pointing right at Mikes cockbulge
everything about this picture screams "ick"
50
So many individuals opposed to equal marriage cite procreation as the main point of their sacred hetero marriages. The best counter argument has to be this photo.
51
Isn't gluttony a sin? So sick of religious hypocrites, picking and choosing which part of the Bible they decide to adhere to...
52
OMG, how did anyone think that this picture was a good PR idea? The men look severely unhealthy, hypertensive, gluttonous. The women are obviously being held to a different standard, because both mother and daughter look healthy. And this, THIS, is a picture they choose to share?
53
Am I the only one who thinks families dressing in matchy-matchy outfits is way more icky than whatever sex acts Huckabilly is fetishizing?
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