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Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Donnie Davies: A New Theory

posted by on January 24 at 21:36 PM

There are two operative theories about Donnie “God Hates a Fag” Davies:

1. It’s a hoax! “God Hates a Fag,” “there’s no back door” to heaven, the pink shirt, the ‘stache. Ha ha. It’s an elaborate, hilarious joke, a deadly send-up of the religious right, the ex-gay movement, anti-gay ranters. Davies doesn’t meant it, doesn’t believe a word he’s saying. Or singing. What a kidder!

2. It’s not a hoax! Donnie is completely sincere—sincerely nuts, but completely sincere. He’s not an evangelical, but a fundamentalist, dripping with compassion and concern. And hate. Hate, hate, hate. But Davies doesn’t realize how hilariously idiotic he is. Still a hater. What an asshole!

I’d like to propose a third possible theory…

Donnie Davies is a kidder and an asshole.

Are you with me? It’s a hoax but Davies—or the man playing him—mean every last word. Davies is trying to be funny—heaven’s “back door,” thanking Andrew Sullivan for “getting behind [him],” kneeling next to the guy at the control board—but he means it when sings “God hates a fag.” He may not be ex-gay (those desperate dudes don’t have a sense of humor about their predicament), but a straight religious bigot with a sense of humor. We’re watching this video—all of us secular urban hipsters—because it’s hilarious. Which means that Donnie, through the use of humor, is reaching people that he might not otherwise. And his message is this: Laugh your asses off, sinners, but the bible says a man should not lay with a man.

So here’s where I’m at as of tonight: This is not a hoax. Donnie Davis is engaged in a deadly serious effort—a seriously successful effort—to spread the fundy message about homosexuality (it’s a choice, god hates it) through the intentional use of humor.

And we’re all complicit! Yikes!

RSS icon Comments

1
Posted by Trevor | January 24, 2007 9:54 PM
2

Also keep in mind that there is no scripture quoted anywhere on his websites, which is par for the course on the fundienet.

Posted by Noel Black | January 24, 2007 10:00 PM
3

And how many non-savvies would have a gmail address? Then again, he's got a new one that's positively tardacious: lovegodsway.org@gmail.com

Posted by Noel Black | January 24, 2007 10:04 PM
4

Sadly, this is the type of clever shit that will seriously hurt people.

Posted by jw | January 24, 2007 10:13 PM
5

I believe Savage already posted the link you've just given us. But if your point is that it basically proves that this man is basically incapable of keeping a straight face, I have to say, for all the "not a hoax" people, it doesn't exactly help your case.

Posted by abbie | January 24, 2007 10:13 PM
6

Oh yeah.... he's kidding and he's an asshole. He couldn't help his thyroid condition.... he tried to control his urges to eat, but he was born that way??? When I first saw the music video I thought it was funny.. now i'm rethinking it and I think you're right...it is a hoax AND - he's an asshole. But maybe he was just born that way.

Posted by marta | January 24, 2007 10:15 PM
7

Noel I disagree with the no scripture idea. Fundies can always find some small passage to support their point. Usually from the OT, such as the well known, "suffer not a witch to live," garbage. Their book is so full of stuff like that, that there is always something worth quoting to hate someone...

Posted by Silvertail | January 24, 2007 10:31 PM
8

So I'm going to vote for theory 3, it is a hoax, and he is an asshole...

Posted by Silvertail | January 24, 2007 10:34 PM
9

I'll sign on to this. Both a kidder and an asshole. Because even if it's a hoax and all that, it's just not funny. So he's an asshole for getting me to watch his dumb self on my very slow computer (so it took twice as long) and for engaging too many people in pointless debate for 2 whole days.

Posted by Tiz | January 24, 2007 10:39 PM
10

Silvertail: I was saying that he doesn't have any scripture posted on his website. Anyway, I don't know why I give a fuck at this point except for the fact that I still love the Bible Says video, even if it is completely hateful.

Here's my take: if it's for real, then he's proof-positive that fundie's are capable of greater self-mockery than any hater could ever muster. If it's a hoax, it's still hilarious and brilliant satire, even if he is, as Dan hypothesizes, an asshole.

Posted by Noel Black | January 24, 2007 10:40 PM
11

I misunderstood then I guess. I thought you were saying that not having scripture was typical for fundies...

Posted by Silvertail | January 24, 2007 10:43 PM
12

Two random thoughts:

1.) When quickly scanning it, lovegodsway.org, looks a lot like lovegodsAway.org or lovegodsSway.org

2.) What is it with freaky christians and pink these days? Remember Santorum and his pink sports coat?

Posted by catalina vel-duray | January 24, 2007 10:44 PM
13

Because pink is the color of, um, ahh, god's wrath of course!

Posted by Silvertail | January 24, 2007 10:49 PM
14

Goodness gracious, Donnie couldn't possibly be laughing at both the religious right and people who are, shall we say, predisposed to be outraged at the religious right, all at the same time, could he?


No, no, that's just un-possible!


As I hinted at in my comment in Dan's previous post, it would seem that as the gay community has grown more mainstream, it has lost some of its urbane awareness of other subcultures.

Posted by robotslave | January 24, 2007 10:54 PM
15

Hmm, I suppose that is a possible intent, however if that was it he, didn't do a very good job of it. The video's words were certainly functional for being a fundie piece. However I fail to see how it was satirizing the other side, aside from maybe making them mad.

Posted by Silvertail | January 24, 2007 10:59 PM
16

@14
I think robotslave makes a very good point. He's trolling for attention. From whomever will give it to him.
This whole debate seems like a day on craigslist rnr.

Posted by Tiz | January 24, 2007 11:17 PM
17

Tiz:


I don't doubt you see some version of this on craigslist, but to dismiss it as "for attention" is to miss a lot of what is going on here.


I'm not suggesting that the guy doesn't want attention— but come on, everyone who puts stuff up on the internet for the public to see, including you and me and Dan Savage and Donnie, is doing it at least in part for attention, no?

Posted by robotslave | January 24, 2007 11:33 PM
18

That love lovegodsway.org site has a list of music that is a clear sign your child is getting it up the butt, and a list that all god fearing carpet munchers listen to (with the exception of our lesbian friends of course). Apparently Cole Porter is only for fags, but Cyndie Lauper is nice n' straight.

Yeah, I'm thinking this is a hoax. The website is just too spartan and it all is just too funny.

Posted by Brandon H | January 24, 2007 11:56 PM
19

Okay, I'm on record. I am 100% convinced this is a hoax. It will be really interesting to hear more about this guy, but I think he is truly going for the Betty Bowers angle.

Posted by Lola, again | January 24, 2007 11:58 PM
20

robot:
I sometimes oversimplify things. But this does strike me as similar to the people who sing badly on American Idol and pretend they didn't know, just so they could be on tv. People do dumb shit for attention, with or without other reasons attached. [yes, me, too]

I was brought up semi-fundi. We got the jokes. Back door? Get behind me? Said with tongue in cheek for sure. If he's ex-gay, the words aren't mistakes, he knows them. Even my minister father would notice the blatancy of it, and he's very naive.

When I think of good satire, I think of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. This one could easily be interpreted to playing both sides. Because it's not obvious which side he's on, it starts to seem like he's not on either one.

Posted by Tiz | January 25, 2007 12:41 AM
21

One more slice of evidence for the hoax angle, is the fadeout music clip at the end of Donnie Davies response vid (link @1). Sounds like the Psychedelic Furs "Love My Way". Specifically the title lyrics: "Love my way/ It's a new road".

Changed lyrics:
"Love god's way/ its a new road/ I fol-low/ where the lord goes"

uh huh.

Posted by treacle | January 25, 2007 12:52 AM
22

Tiz:


It's much, much easier to see how this works if you're not emotionally invested in it. You don't care much one way or the other about computers enthusiast crap, do you? Then have a look at how the technique works in this article by Reginald T. Gibbons.


And no, it's not broad, obvious satire. It's a lot closer to what Sacha Cohen does— except you don't have the benefit of the camera showing you the target of the exercise. Consider this: what would Borat be like if you only saw him in the frame?


It only becomes obvious that Cohen is pillorying the people responding to his caricatures when you see their reactions, just as it only becomes obvious that Gibbons is mocking self-important computers nerds (in addition to computer-hacking alarmists) when you read their furious comments in response to his article.


In fact, this sort of satire wouldn't work at all if it were immediately obvious, as it is with broad, winking material like the Flying Spaghetti Monster or Betty Bowers. It's not to everyone's taste, of course; but amongst those who enjoy this sort of "double-edged" approach, there are some who sneer at the more familiar fare you describe as "good satire," which lampoons only the material it exaggerates.


Personally, I find both the "double-edged" and "single-edged" approaches can work well or fall flat, but when I see people mistaking the double-edged approach for a "bad" attempt at the single-edged approach, I often find it's an indicator that the piece is having its desired effect.

Posted by robotslave | January 25, 2007 1:47 AM
23

Am I the only one completely baffled by over why this is so compelling?

Not that I'm saying it isn't. I attribute it to the collective void that unites us all.

Posted by ReverendFoot | January 25, 2007 3:42 AM
24

It doesn't seem that baffling to me. The song and video are totally outrageous in so many ways, and the ambiguity of the actual intent makes it even more interesting. Why people went crazy for something as banal as lonelygirl15 is much more baffling. I mean, if you're going to create a fake online character at least it should be interesting like Donnie...

Posted by werdna | January 25, 2007 5:40 AM
25

I'm not sure I agree with anyone saying it's a hoax. The man seems an awful like many fundamentalist preachers I've seen, just trying to be the 'coolest, most awesome-rad' guy that Jesus has ever seen, and what better way than with a rock video?! That's how they get impressionable youth to head their way. They need the overdone, chipper 'tude so that youth will get excited about God or what have you. I've seen many kids fall prey to it, especially in the high school I went to. It's shiny and exciting, which draws youngsters in. Sure, part of the video is a tad funny, but that's how they do it.

This is where I suggest everyone go see Jesus Camp. Becky, the preacher in charge, reminds me a lot of this guy. She has the same approach, and she gets thousands of kids on board for the lord. The film was just nominated for an Oscar.

However, one point of interest in the response video: he talks about his thyroid condition as something he was born with, something he can't change. But CLEARLY homosexuality doesn't fall under this 'something I was born with' category. I mean, it's fully a choice.

What a fucking dickwad.

Posted by vulgus | January 25, 2007 6:27 AM
26

1) a hoax
2) genius and vicious

Posted by craig | January 25, 2007 6:41 AM
27

I think it's a hoax. The guy's a bit over the top is his happiness . . . too giddy... AND
he pronounced his name different at different times. At one time he says DAVIS [Dave'-iss] and at another time he pronounces it DAVIES... [Day-veez']. Plus the CHOPS program (changing homosexuals into ordinary people) just is NOT very evangelical sounding to me. It sounds more like a parody. I don't think evangelicals think of themselves as ordinary. I say it's a hoax.
Furthermore, the song is too cute by half, AND I don't think any evangelical guitar player would arrive at the phrase "GOD HATES A FAGGOTT" which is a thin parody of Fred Phelps. The use of the word HATE is just not something a guitar playing evangelical would be comfortable using.

Dan in Baltimore

Posted by dan cobb | January 25, 2007 6:58 AM
28

Sung to the tune of John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High":

"They pretend their lives are gay – when they know that it’s not true
Eating snacks made of feces can’t be fun
Their evil hearts are aching, from unnatural things they do
And they know that God has got them on the run

The preachers say OK – but they know the words are false
Cuz their conscience screams and tells them that it’s wrong
The people say “God loves you” – but they’re full of selfish lies
Or they’d join with us and sing to you this song

You Colorado Rocky Mountain fags
You see God come with fury from the sky
You know your acts are nasty, and these preachers, they are
liars
Rocky mountain fags (Colorado) – Rocky mountain fags
(Colorado)"

Those are actual words from a Westboro Baptist Church parody song. So while Donnie Davies MAY be a complete and utter hoax, it's understandable why we are still open to the possibility that he's legit!

Posted by G-A-Y | January 25, 2007 7:00 AM
29

Who is Donnie Davies?

Looks like there's an authoratative answer here...

http://joemygod.blogspot.com/

His name is Todd Quillen, an actor and improvisationalist. Check out the pics on his (Todds) Yahoo page.

Posted by Harvey Bushell | January 25, 2007 7:06 AM
30

Thanks Harvey. Some of his MySpace friends made me suspicious, but this settles it for me. The wedding pics are especially fun, complete with a send up of the Village People and a frightening gray-vest-no-shirt look for the groomsmen with lots of homoerotic vamping. And it's Methodist.

Posted by Brian | January 25, 2007 7:30 AM
31

Life's to short for dumb and awful satire. I'm with #3. The way he smirks and acts his way through his presentations drives me nuts. Someone end this now!

Posted by Biggie J | January 25, 2007 7:32 AM
32

There are a number of glaring reasons for thinking that this is a hoax--in either of the ways that Dan mentiond.

As a Southern Baptist-raised homo who's spent years studying fundies (academically and otherwise), There are a couple of blatant problems with Mr. Davies' bona fides, in addition to those already mentioned.

1. As Dan Cobb said, the hate rhetoric is really over the top for the warm and fuzzy evangelical metro vibe that Davies is pushing. The hater part is pure fundie, while the "modern" music--insipid though it might be--is anathema to fundies.

2. Evangelicals--though to a lesser extent than fundies--DETEST Catholics and all of their pagan gobbledegook. Never in a million years would either breed put a rosary on their website.

3. Bob Davies is the (former, i think) head of Exodus Int'l. Seems a fitting surname for an ex-gay poser to use.

4. Mr. Davies seems barely able to control himself on the first "new" video posted above--as if the satire were all becoming just a bit too much.

Along with the other inconsistencies mentioned already--the pink shirt, the oscar wilde quote, the cindy-lauper-is-ok, the andrew sullivan being a "good christian man" thing, etc, i think we're definitely in the midst of a hoax--and a damn good one.

He has the so-gay-he-must-be-straight-and-evangelical-or-he'd-sure-as-hell-be-a-drag-queen thing (paging Ted Haggard to the university library bathroom)down pat...Amen.

Posted by Acolyte | January 25, 2007 7:42 AM
33

If you didn't have the word HOAX flashing in your mind's eye after simply perusing the Gay Music list, then consider yourself s-l-o-w.

Posted by Deb Occle | January 25, 2007 8:55 AM
34

I knew it was a hoax the minute I saw the name Morton Subotnick. That's ridiculous. Not one fundie in a hundred million has ever heard of Morton Subotnick.

Posted by Fnarf | January 25, 2007 9:09 AM
35

I disagree. Donnie Davies is just like Matthew Drudge (intenally). His intense struggle with homosexuality has internalized all kinds of bizarre rage that comes out in wierd attacks on gays. Study Drudge and you will see what I mean. Drudge is incredibly queeny yet good friends with ex-gay proponent Roy Masters.

Posted by Rob | January 25, 2007 9:39 AM
36

in anycase, it's hurtful. and mean spirited.
I couldn't watch it.

Posted by mark | January 25, 2007 9:40 AM
37

I wasn't sure until I saw the video where Davies talks about his alleged weight problem (caused by an alleged genetic thyroid problem), and how hurtful it is to be criticized for something that's just the way you are.

Posted by Mike | January 25, 2007 9:50 AM
38

Hoax. And damn funny.

I don't think he's an asshole any more than Sasha Baron Cohen is an asshole for acting like a person who hates Jews even though he is Jewish. The actor playing Donnie (and I'm not convivinced it's this Todd Quillen guy) is very likely gay himself.

Y'all need to lighten up. His over the top act just illustrates how ridiculous the fundies and evangelicals are.

I'm blown away that Savage can't see this. Sully can...

Posted by Micah | January 25, 2007 10:22 AM
39

here is why I take Donnie seriously:

as a musician and music studio operator, I know the degree of effort and musicality that went into producing the track. It is highly produced and the vocals are excellent, really well done. Donnie has chops. That being said, it is one of the worst lyric I have ever heard. Also, his good Bible Belt gullible bandmates refer to the material Donnie brought to the group as 'tough'. I cannot imagine anyone putting the work and time into the song and video unless if it was only meant as a joke. This is a big country and there are some irony-proof souls out there. Donnie seemed a little bipolar to me, to tell you the truth, and making a song like that required a lot of gumption, defiance, pain, and more nerve than most of us ordinary non-manic folk have in stock. He's on a mission and heaven help those around him when he comes down.

I wrote him a fan letter (regarding the vocal performance and not the lame hateful lyric) and meant every word of it.

Posted by permo | January 25, 2007 10:25 AM
40

Man, I can totally see this being a hoax, but I also do not think it's Quillen. But what the fuck do I know? It cracks me up that Nickleback is on their Gay list HAHAHAHA.

Posted by JessB | January 25, 2007 10:38 AM
41

No authentic exgay would ever refer to Andrew Sullivan as a "Christian." Never in a milliong years.

Posted by Steve Schalchlin | January 25, 2007 10:48 AM
42

NOT Todd Quillen. NOT Todd Quillen. NOT Todd Quillen

Posted by jefftwin | January 25, 2007 10:52 AM
43

You know what's funny? Reading everyone's comments about How Offensive It Is To Say Bad Words About Minorities and What An Asshole This Guy Is For Using Slurs, right next to the Sarah Silverman concert ad.

Posted by Dave | January 25, 2007 11:19 AM
44

Steve is dead-on; these people don't consider Andrew Sullivan a Christian, and they sure wouldn't support a group that doesn't explain its doctrine by quoting lots of scripture. I'm an urban hipster and an evangelical and I've seen so much of the real kind of hate that I just don't buy it. Dan, you're wrong.

Posted by texasinafrica | January 25, 2007 11:25 AM
45

Re: 39
I'm also a musician and a recording engineer and I agree with you about the professionalism of the track. It's cheesy but not cheap. I'm not convinced that "Donnie" actually sang the song, although the ad libs at the end make me think it's not a professional singer. As you said it's produced very well.

Given the lack of any info about anyone else on the band's website I seriously doubt that there's an actual band called Evening Service. My guess is it's a one-off done with studio players (who might not have even heard the actual lyric...). Notice that none of the other band members is visible in the video, it's all shadows and silhouettes with Donnie pantomiming with his guitar.

But anyway, the point is, yeah there was definitely some effort put into the song and even the video, basic and silly as it is. Which suggests there was a decent budget, but why (assuming as I am that it's a hoax) would someone spend the money on such a crazy joke? What's the ultimate point of this thing? I'm truly puzzled and curious. Oh, and terribly, terribly amused.

Posted by werdna | January 25, 2007 11:26 AM
46

It's difficult to know whether he's ex-gay or just playing the part because either way he's putting on an act. The problem is that he's definitely playing a joke, only you don't know whether the jokes on himself or on us. Having gone through the change ministry myself I'm inclined to believe the former. Sad to say but there really are people this clueless. Internalizing all that hatred does strange things to people. Donnie's playing the part of what he believes being a Christian is all about. He's also not against being a little controversial to make a buck if it will sell and help to spread his basic message that homosexuality is wrong. It's hypocrisy piled upon hypocrisy = comedy.

Posted by StephenH | January 25, 2007 11:52 AM
47

Micah gets it in Comment 38. Although RobotSlave in comment 14 was close. As far as the rest of you...watch some Andy Kaufman bits on youtube and just think about it.

Then, look up some Shel Silverstien song lyrics, like Put Another Log on the Fire.

Posted by cowboyx | January 25, 2007 12:13 PM
48

So obviously a hoax, (as you call it). The YouTube video linked to at the first comment shows it's pretty clearly a joke. Anyone who thinks otherwise is completely humorless. Ted Haggard....?

Posted by JCC | January 25, 2007 12:51 PM
49

Hopefully this isn't too redundant, but I think Dan's off the mark with option #3. Donnie's statement about his inherited obesity is a big ol' peace offering that says "hey man, don't harsh on me, it was just a joke -- I'm really on your side!" The music video was so drenched in hipster irony that it worked too well, and so even the hipsters are reduced to "I don't care if it's real or a hoax, he's still an asshole."

As pointed out repeatedly by others (now including Donnie), we end up with a big helping of proper hypocrisy as righteous defenders of liberty label this guy an ugly, fat queen. How hip: we'll take back these nasty labels, and then we'll start slapping them on biggots everywhere. Wait ...

But now even Donnie is reduced to spelling all this out with thinly veiled analogies and contradictions in the follow-up video on YouTube. What an asshole.

Posted by heavyd | January 25, 2007 1:29 PM
50

heavyd makes a great point, I've really been struck by the petty vitriol that's been directed at Donnie (especially people calling him fat) in so many of these discussions. I suppose it's a measure of just how sharp the satire is that it's drawn such a strong reaction in so many people, but frankly I'm more disturbed by some of the reactions than by anything Donnie's put out. Then again I've just been laughing my ass off at Donnie's whole crazy shtick, what kind of sick homo am I that I am not bothered at all by it?

Posted by werdna | January 25, 2007 2:23 PM
51

And/or maybe the joke's on you? It can be more than one thing, seems to me. (Speaking of which!)

Posted by Jim Treacher | January 25, 2007 2:41 PM
52

Holy crap, you guys still don't get the thyroid joke. He can't help it because he was born that way? He's dumb enough to say being gay is a choice but being fat isn't? Hello?

Posted by Jim Treacher | January 25, 2007 2:44 PM
53

As someone who has spent most of his life in conservative Christian churches, I STRONGLY suspect this is a hoax.

Only a deranged fundy like Fred Phelps would actually admit to hating gays. Someone so deranged would almost certainly not play rock music. The vast majority of fundies think they actually love gays -- you know, hate the sin and love the sinner -- and would never be so blatant about the message of hate.

It has to be a joke. FWIW, I thought it was funny because it reminded me of the stupid stereotypes I see in churches.

Posted by bondboy | January 25, 2007 2:47 PM
54

ummmm..Some seem to be over-thinking this. Many want to think he’s putting on an act because they’ve been Boratized and like to think themselves too sophisticated to be fooled. However, they don’t seem very knowledgeable or insightful in their observations. Many people are also confusing ex-gay Christians with evangelicals/fundamentalists when they’re not really/necessarily the same thing. Donnie credits the homosexual community for bringing him to where he is today by chastising him about his weight – it has the ring of truth. This guy has a lot of pain and resentment and that’s where his lyrics come from. Profiting and becoming famous because of a song that says “God hates fags” was a perfect way of getting back at the homosexual community for rejecting him because of his weight. That's why he brought it up in his latest video.

As far as being another Andy Kaufman or Borat – go watch it again. If he’s putting on an act he could give both of them lessons. Because he really isn’t putting on an act – at least not intentionally. The act you see is the one he’s putting on for himself. It’s not brilliant – it’s tragic. And you should care and be bothered by it.

Posted by StephenH | January 25, 2007 2:47 PM
55

1) the band is called "Evening Service"
2) there is no info at all about the band on their site, even though they give the impression of having been active before the arrival of "Donnie"
3) #32 gets it exactly right - that a Rob Davies is the founder of an actual ex-gay ministry is the least subtle thing about the whole enterprise.
4) "Robbie" gives the impression that "Love Gods Way Ministries" signed the band and helped produce the video - yet it's clear that the Ministry and Robbie and the Band all arrived and got their sites up at the same time.
5) In today's update he says he got alot of email insulting him about his weight. Yea Right.
6) I laughed hysterically the first time I saw it. Just a gut reaction, I know, but if it wasn't satire, my gut would probably know.
7) I really hope he doesn't get sued by the Psych Furs for stealing their meolody.

Posted by Chasm | January 25, 2007 2:50 PM
56

"As far as being another Andy Kaufman or Borat – go watch it again. If he’s putting on an act he could give both of them lessons."

I agree! There's no way Kaufman or Cohen could have pulled one over on you guys so well.

Seriously, though, at first I was thinking the same thing: "This guy has pushed himself back in the closet so hard, he gave himself brain damage." But that thing about "Thanks to Andrew Sullivan for gettin' behind me"? And the bit about his thyroid condition? That's just good stuff. He's mocking "ex-gays" AND people who lose their minds over "ex-gays."

Posted by Jim Treacher | January 25, 2007 2:56 PM
57

Jim Treacher...yep, you got it. StephenH...you make me sad. Tell me, if you were going to satireize Phelps and those of his mindset, AND people that take everything too damned seriously, how would YOU do it?

Posted by cowboyx | January 25, 2007 4:05 PM
58

Does no one know this guy personally?

Has no one who knows him come forward to give some insight into who this guy is, what he's about and if he's for real?

I think it's very strange that this has gone this far without someone who knows him personally stepping forward to set the record "straight".

Posted by Zeke | January 25, 2007 4:35 PM
59

I thought it was a hoax after the thyroid joke, too. But then I thought about it for a bit and there was something unsettling about it. I mean, to most people - skinny people, sure - the old "I can't stop eating, it's my thyroid's fault" is a big sack of crap cover for a basic lack of will power. The comparison that being gay is on the same level as some fat person who can't stop eating is a way of saying that both arguments are bullshit and "born with it" doesn't always cut it as an excuse.

The whole premise is extremely offensive towards homos, so why is everyone assuming the part about fat people is?

Dan is right: Not a hoax.

Posted by Jane D. | January 25, 2007 5:51 PM
60

I thought it was a hoax after the thyroid joke, too. But then I thought about it for a bit and there was something unsettling about it. I mean, to most people - skinny people, sure - the old "I can't stop eating, it's my thyroid's fault" is a big sack of crap cover for a basic lack of will power. The comparison that being gay is on the same level as some fat person who can't stop eating is a way of saying that both arguments are bullshit and "born with it" doesn't always cut it as an excuse.

The whole premise is extremely offensive towards homos, so why is everyone assuming the part about fat people isn't?

Dan is right: Not a hoax.

Posted by Jane D. | January 25, 2007 5:52 PM
61

It it's not unsettling...it's not good satire.

Posted by cowboyx | January 25, 2007 5:56 PM
62

I don't know that it really matters if it's real or not. Personally, when I watch it, I can't decide. I think it may be real, but it's done so poorly it might as well be satire.

As a card-carrying member of the homosexual community, I should be offended by the message. But I can't see something THIS BAD making anybody change their mind about anything, so I'm not exactly threatened by it.

Posted by Keith | January 25, 2007 6:47 PM
63

"Tell me, if you were going to satireize Phelps and those of his mindset, AND people that take everything too damned seriously, how would YOU do it?"

You don’t need to satirize the Phelps group because they are already a parody of themselves. Every time they come out with their “God Hates Fags” signs, most evangelicals cringe and they win more people to the ‘homosexual agenda’. They’re already a joke. But when a gay man is so bitter and brainwashed that he adapts their slogan it’s no longer a joke – it’s a tragedy. That’s the point you were supposed to get. But if people want to believe it’s a satire, and if that’s easier for them to accept – fine. We all must deal with tragedies in our own way.

Posted by StephenH | January 25, 2007 7:02 PM
64

That's it? You're basing all your overthinking on the fact that Phelps is a parody of themselves?

Just for grins, let's say that this was a mocking of the ex-gay movement...done for fun, put on youtube just to see what would happen, thinking that it would draw in a bunch of gay hating fundamentalists so they could be toyed with...how foolish would you feel for falling into the trap laid for someone else, getting all worked up over "tragedies" and "hate speech"?

Would you laugh after finding out it was all a joke, or would you just become more angry?

I'm not being sarcastic, I genuinely want to know.

Posted by cowboyx | January 25, 2007 7:32 PM
65


"Just for grins, let's say that this was a mocking of the ex-gay movement...done for fun, put on youtube just to see what would happen"

First, it's not on Utube anymore because it obviously doesn't meet their requirements. That's the point. On the one hand you assume he's some brilliant satirizer, and on the other he's so naive he didn't realize that you can't post hate speech on Utube. So which is it? Is he brilliant or naive?

Secondly, you're assuming he spent all this money for the video and set up three web sites, just so that he could harass some fundies on UTube? But I can do the same thing right now on USENET or countless other discussion groups and it woudn't cost me a dime - and I wouldn't get kicked off either.

"Would you laugh after finding out it was all a joke, or would you just become more angry?"

I'm not angry - I would laugh. The video was hilarious in its own way because it (unintentionally) demonstrated the crazy hate = love mindset of many evangelicals/fundamentalists. I just feel bad for the guy, confused that he is. It's like laughing at someone who's slipping and falling off the roof until you realize the guy is badly hurt.


Posted by StephenH | January 25, 2007 8:44 PM
66

I agree with Dan, basically. But first, a clarification of terms. It IS a "HOAX," because Donnie Davies is not the man's real name and his "ministry" websites are faked. That indeed makes it a hoax.

I believed at first that it was brilliant performance art and pitied the fools who couldn't see that. Now, I realize the man actually (1) passionately hates homosexuals and homosexuality; and (2) is a Christian who uses Christianity to rationalize that it is OK to spread this message in song on the internet.

Yes, indeed; there is a lot of irony and humor going on, but it's not a [wink-wink] admonishment of fundementalism -- but instead a [wink-wink] we hate them fags, don't we boys? I think the man has a real streak of evil, and is striking out in a very clever way.

I'm on the edge of my seat awaiting the truth . . .

Posted by Chadboulet | January 25, 2007 8:54 PM
67

Thanks for that reply StephenH. However, I do not agree that brilliant and naive are mutually exclusive.

Now, why would someone not know that they can't post hate speech...but then if it's all a gag, and they've accidentally pulled a Mercury Theater Presents War of Worlds, does it fit the definition of hate speech?

Posted by cowboyx | January 25, 2007 9:13 PM
68

So, bottom line is we all have our opinions, but no one's able to say definitively that it is or isn't a hoax. Therefore, we've gotten exactly nowhere.

If it's a hoax, it's not going to stay quiet forever. IMHO, the longer we question it, the more likely it is that it's real.

Meanwhile, go check out the original lyrics site.

Posted by Sinfonian | January 25, 2007 9:53 PM
69

As Charles Ludlam said, "This is farce not Sunday school. Illustrate hedonistic calculus. Test out a dangerous idea, a theme that threatens to destroy one's whole value system. Treat the material in a madly farcical manner without losing the seriousness of the theme. Show how paradoxes arrest the mind. Scare yourself a bit along the way."

Posted by cowboyx | January 25, 2007 10:43 PM
70

It's widely assumed in the United Kingdom, Australia, etc. that Americans don't "get" irony. Or, rather, that Americans only appreciate or recognise it when it's heavily signposted. This insanely long debate over the veracity of something so obviously satirical goes a long way to support this idea.

Posted by Joachim | January 26, 2007 2:08 AM
71

Some of You folks crack me up!
Both the Fundies and the faux PC crowd who act appalled at the non PC message because they can't put aside the PC crap for just a minute and realize the video is seriously funny shit!
I was laughing so hard I had to watch it several times to really realize what I was seeing.
He got what he wanted,(Attention)
Wether he is sincere or not, "I doubt it".
Either way it's the funniest thing I've seen in awhile.
Lighten up whoever you are.
If we can't laugh at ourselves (wether we are PC OR fundies)then we have become a sad miserable species.
It's just funny shit!
Relax!!!!~

Posted by Dave C | January 26, 2007 4:09 AM
72

People. It's a brilliant joke. I'm very sorry for those of you who don't get it, who don't understand who the joke is REALLY on. Now please, go lie down before you hurt yourselves.

Posted by wundersmack | January 26, 2007 12:11 PM
73

im surprised no one mentioned the logo for CHOPS (his ex=gay group) http://www.lovegodsway.org/C.H.O.P.S.

It's a fabulous take on gay logos. There is no way this is real. And if it is real then his flameout is gonna be spec-fukin-tacular.


(but its a parody)

Posted by Anthony | January 26, 2007 12:54 PM
74

The comments in 32, 41 and 44 are the only evidence needed to prove this is a joke. There is positively no way someone who claims "God hates fags" would ever thank a gay man (Andrew Sullivan) for getting behind him. In fact, by definition, wouldn't Donnie Davies' mindset lead him to actually "hate" Sullivan rather than thank him? Isn't this a contradiction of the highest magnitude? Can you imagine Fred Phelps thanking Dan Savage for "helping him get the word out"? Hello? Is any of this sinking in? Besides, other than referring to the music video as a "brilliant piece of performance art," how, exactly, has Sullivan offered his support? And listing Frank Sinatra as a "gay band"? From everything I've ever read or heard, Sinatra would have put out a hit on the first person who even suggested he was a gay sympathizer, much less gay himself.

Posted by JT | January 26, 2007 4:49 PM
75
It's widely assumed in the United Kingdom, Australia, etc. that Americans don't "get" irony.

I never thought that list would include Dan Savage! (He's Canadian, right?)

Posted by Jim Treacher | January 26, 2007 6:32 PM
76

NO, people. Davies is not Colby Starck of Bobby Conn. Nor is he Todd Quillen. And most of you amateur armchair detectives are asking the wrong questions as you attempt to make sense of this mess. The big wrong question: it is brilliant performance art, or is Donnie for real? The fault lies in the second half of the question. NO - "Donnie" is not for real, but that does not prove that he is lampooning fundamentalism's take on homosexuality. My theory: the man who calls himself Donnie Davies is in fact a real Christian - not the garden variety fundamentalist that we can easily get a handle on, but the dangerous, fringe, irrational type - the kind that could, let's say, find a Bible verse to justify bombing an abortion clinic. His message is VERY sincere - God hates homosexuality. And if that statement doesn't provide enough shock factor, he quickly follows it up with this knife-twist: if you are one of them, God hates you personally [in the video he delivers this line with a particularly demented smile]. The name of the song is "The Bible Says," which speaks strongly to his bottom-line message: The Bible definitively condemns homosexuality. The Bible says it, and that validates it - that's what Donnie really wants you to know.

The whole thing is clever only in the sense that Davies realized that he could speak his mind in song and get away with it if he presented in some sort of sweet Christian ministry package -- and that posing as a reformed homosexual might bring more credibility to the whole ruse. We find it hard to believe there are such losers in this world; we don't want to believe they are out there. But listen to this guy: God hates fags. Whoever Donnie is, he really does mean it, and he must be happy that he's getting away with saying it right now.

To those who say it's parody because there are "humorous" double entendres in the lyrics, lines like "there is no backdoor to heaven" actually support my argument. Who says that bigots can't bust a double entendre or two? As for his "gay music" and "safe music" lists, I don't find them humorous enough to be satirical -- in fact, they have the ring of a homophobic hate list compiled over time by a madman. "But why is Cyndi Lauper on the safe list?," you irony theorists ask. Well, for starters, she is a born-again Christian. Look again, and think about it: there's not much humor to be found anywhere here.

To paraphrase Forrest Gump, hate is as hate does. All you snobs who pity the humorless irony-challenged folks like me who "just don't get it" need to wake up and smell the vitriol.

Posted by Chadboulet | January 26, 2007 7:46 PM
77

This guy is good.

But I invented this schtick.

Posted by Sasha Baron Cohen | January 27, 2007 12:05 AM
78

Did you notice how the candles in front of the kick drum are in a phallic formation?

Posted by bettylafea | January 27, 2007 12:38 AM
79
All you snobs who pity the humorless irony-challenged folks like me who "just don't get it" need to wake up and smell the vitriol.

Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean Donnie Davies isn't out to get you!

Posted by Jim Treacher | January 27, 2007 10:38 AM
80

Right? or Wrong? Fake or real time... Using words that inflame others and hurt innocent people is definitely wrong. Remember, the old saying, "It takes one to know one" - so he who calls others a faggot, u got to be one if you
see it in another. This guy borders on Phelps and his own insecurities. Phelps and other very outspoken men of the "cloth" usually have hidden gay genes themselves or members of their families who are gay... I know a very outspoken preacher in the East, who has a gay son and a gay cousin in the same So VA city. the important thought is to recall that God is Love....

Posted by Bobel | January 27, 2007 11:55 AM
81

Don’t you think Donnie Davies would have ‘come out of the closet’ by now if he was a comedian? Anyone that still believes that he’s an improv genius should watch his latest message on UTube. As with many Christian legalists, he seems to have made a distinction in his mind between Jesus’ ministry of love and tolerance, and what he believes is the condemnation of homosexuality in the Bible. So while God hates fags, Jesus can still love homosexuals. I know it doesn’t make sense, but like I said before, internalizing all that hatred can do strange things to people. Just look at Pat Robertson. As far as Sullivan - he’s a gay Christian and a Republican, and on his website Davies calls the Republican party “our party”. Davies was hoping that Sullivan - who apparently also thought it was a gag - would help him get his video back on UTube. But then, Sullivan was also wrong about Iraq.

Mr. Davies isn’t a genius, and he isn’t the devil either. He’s just a very confused man with a lot of resentment, and he’s done himself more harm than he’s done the homosexual community. If anything, his video only highlights the blatant hypocrisy of the religious right, which believes that hating their gay and lesbian neighbors is the same as loving them. They’re the real villains in all this, because they’re the ones who taught him to hate how God created him. Don’t idolize Donnie Davies, and don’t hate him either. Feel very sorry for him, as I’m sure that God does.

Posted by StephenH | January 27, 2007 12:25 PM
82

Dry. Humor. Why do so many of us Americans not get this? Maybe it's time for me to move to London.

There's no way for me to say this without sounding like a condescending gay New York hipster, so here goes anyway: I don't get how people don't get the brilliance of this, and I don't get how people could seriously think so hard on it as to believe he's some amazing new-category Christian comedian. No EX-gay fundamentalist could be that brilliantly educated on pop culture and satire; no my friends, this could only come from a fellow, dry-humored gay man. I'm an ex-seminarian and recovering Catholic. I've been on both sides, and trust me, the minds are way too closed and insular on that side to drum up a hoax-within-a-hoax.

As far as the "thanking the gay community" for the sting of feeling fat, I thought it was a brilliant wink letting us know that he's an out and proud gay man; we all feel this. But the proof is in the pudding, look at some bits from the website:

1) Quoting Oscar Wilde. Would any ministry pick a quote from tres-gay Oscar Wilde over God? And call him "our good friend and compatriot"? Hysterical irony.
2) The C.H.O.P.S. logo - come on, it's the Saints and Sinners circuit party logo! And if you dare try to tell me "he's ex-gay, he KNOWS these things and can use them in an ironic way," I'll fucking flip out, I swear.
3) The Bands list - hysterical! He's identifying bands that have out gay members (Scissor Sisters), are rumored to be gay (Jay-Z), are ridiculous mentions that no one would ever tie to being gay (Grateful Dead, DMX), have names with gay connotations (The Secret Handshake), and that are "gay," as in OK for hipsters to hate on (Interpol, The Strokes).

Here are some quotes that are just seeping with satire and give it away:
a) "God Loves You even if he hates your Homosexuality. You just can't stay that way. Let me help you love yourself. Follow me and together we'll C.H.O.P.S away the Gay."
b) "The BOTTOM line - you shouldn't be gay!"
c) "BitTorrent is a program, THEY TELL ME," (hello irony, from the tech-savvy hipster), "which will allow you to download our media without using the enormous amount of expensive bandwidth that a large company like MySpace would use and that only they can afford."
5) Many more, just look at the website...

I don't know, my friends and I do this type of shit all the time (see my friend's (the self-proclaimed "chief historian of O, The Oprah Religion, the world's foremost Oprah-based religion") brilliant blog at:
http://www.xanga.com/DavisMcDavis/535103608/las-cosas-preferidas-de-oprah.html

Note the very real-looking, time-consuming satirical gift he got from another friend of ours. #61 said it best with "It it's not unsettling...it's not good satire." And I would add to that, the best satire is seemingly real. The point is, yes, there are those of us who spend our money and effort doing elaborate things like this; it's good comedy and a fun way to pass the time.

Maybe Davies is targeted towards a very narrow audience (gay Gen-X hipsters?), but trust me, I'm one of them, and this guys' definitely one of me. For those who don't get it, sorry....but stop fretting, it's a joke, and a really funny one at that.

Posted by KevinG | January 27, 2007 3:10 PM
83


"There's no way for me to say this without sounding like a condescending gay New York hipster."

Apparently not.

Posted by StephenH | January 27, 2007 4:07 PM
84

Mr. Cohen,
we invite you to join our Church's discussion forum.

Yes, Donny, you're most welcome also; however,
Sasha Baron Cohen =did= invent your schtick.

Here we go:
http://www.landoverbaptist.net/index.php

Foremost thanks to Dan Savage and...

...yes, major praise to God.

Or not.

PP

Posted by Poetic Peter | January 28, 2007 5:12 AM
85

Thanks so much for the support, everybody. I tell you what, mysterious electronic attacks, phone calls from untracable numbers that claim to be the U.S. Postal Service offering to deliver lost packages and an enormous amount of hate mail is enough to make any Minister shrink from God's mission. But I tell you friends, we cant let ourselves be intimidated by the influence of a few well placed psychopaths. Liberty is the foundation of this Nation Under God and the people have the right to chose their own messages and have the right to read them as well.

Some people might think this is some kind of this is some kind of organized conspiracy against the message of the Westboro Baptist Church. I didn't realize when I wrote my song that it might compete with their message. I mean, I was utterly clueless to that. Now that the DJs keep asking me about it I had to think about it and I think people in America have a right to chose their own message. Thats not the same thing as censorship. No one has a right to utterly control what you see, what you hear and what you think. Thats fundamentally anti-American and you should fight it with a resolve that strikes to the very core of your being even if it risks everything you have, otherwise America risks losing everything it is and should be.

First MySpace deleted my account and now they have deleted the account of our band. First they censored me and now they've censored people I'm connected to. If you are a MySpace user, dont allow this. Every one of you who believes in the Freedom of Expression, whether you like our song or not, needs to step up to bat. This is the time. Now.

Posted by Donnie Davies | January 30, 2007 8:21 PM
86

So true. I was hoping it was still on youtube so I could find a comment with someone from the UK hating on America for having fundamentalist idiots like Donnie. Then I would laugh at him for not understanding satire like Brits often accuse us of. It was going to feel so good.

Unfortunately Joachim seems to be right. The continued debate may just prove our British friends correct, satire really doesn't work here :( Oh well.

Posted by Cliffton | January 31, 2007 1:43 AM
87

Donnie Davies- you are brilliant. The government IS turning to sneaky despicable schemes in attempt to turn everyone into homosexuals! We're their "lab rats" in a sense haha.. I dont know - it's not going to work on me though, I tell ya! Thank you Donnie for reinforcing my already hetero orientation and making me roar in laughter like never before.

I'm flabbergasted by the constant gay chatter (rhetoric) and imagery I see on the television.
Could it be economically benefishall thow? I mention that 'cause it sort of falls under the whole "strain theory" used in oppressed societies- ultimately it makes people think as it stimulates peoples nerves- making people even dreem little bits -maybe it will help dont know. look at Germany and Japan!

Thank you Donnie Davies and good luck to you and your forth-right ministry!

Posted by Jonathan | January 31, 2007 12:58 PM
88

What's interesting about the Donnie Davies thing is how COMPLETE it all is. For one, it's done in such a way that all (us) hipster liberals think fundamentalists are (anyone see saved?), and, in the basest of ways, it does promote the worst of the religious homophobic movement.

But, I think it is a farce, and brilliant at that. This is like the couple behind JT Leroy, who essentially created their own world that millions of people bought into. In a world that elevates reality television as almost high art, it's incredibly clever to trick people into not knowing whether something is real or not. The fact that it inspires such discourse is great, and I'm actually quite shocked that fundamentalists haven't made a statement condemning the Evening Service song.

Oh, well, you've heard it all before, I'm sure.

Posted by h. | January 31, 2007 5:40 PM
89

Its a hoax. No real fundamentalist would put pictures of guys tongue kissing on a website dedicated to CHOPS gay away.

There are hints in all the videos and all the text on his site. DonnieDavies.com has him in a seriously "gay" way (that banner image) it's a custom jobber from prolly photoshop, which means he meant it that way)

What's sad is that we KNOW there are weirdos like him about for real, so we think that it is plausible that Donnie D is one of em. But he's a hoax, not a hoax and an asshole, but a brilliant trickster / comedian / showman. From the voice he uses in his video blogs to the George W Bush hand gestures are classic SNL stuff. The fact that the Internet is alive with Donnie D stuff shows that his plan is working and he should have no problem landing a good budget for Chops The Movie when he presents it to the studios. he's already got the domain chopsthemovie.com so he won't need to sue for it.

Now that we all know he is a hoax, I want to meantion one thing that I haven't seen anyone notice (or post) is that the ALT tags on the main menu say something like:
Chewbacca Gay? Thumper Das Lost :-{

Google "Chewbacca Gay? Thumper Das Lost" and you'll see what I mean (also you can right-click LoveGodsWay.com and View Source to see it in HTML)

So now we should stop trying to determine if Donnie D is fake (because he is) and figure out what this means. I see chewbaccaenema is on myspace and Thumper and DAS are something from SUN Microsystems...but I can't figure out the connection just yet, so let's put our collective minds together on that one :)

Chi

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90

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