Bruce Jenner and Media Cruelty

I was listening to Q 101.9 this morning. The morning hosts, Bronson and Christine, were discussing Bruce Jenner and the announcement that he would be addressing questions about his gender and possible transition on the new season (premiering this Spring) of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

Christine was discussing the controversy surrounding the InTouch Weekly cover photo that had been doctored to demonstrate what he might look like after a “sex change.” By which, they mean gender confirmation treatments (HRT? Surgery? All supposition, of course), presuming Mr. Jenner is actually transgender.

Now, the family has opened themselves up to the public eye with their reality TV show. Certain discussions and suppositions are likely because they are public figures. Anyone who has never been guilty of gossiping about others, especially public figures shall cast the first stone. We’ve all done it. And the Kardashian family seems to beg for it at times. I get that. The question then begs, where do we draw the line? That can be a hard question to answer.

Usually.

But I think it’s a pretty easy question this time. How about we draw it at cruelty?

Bronson stated that while he had never watched the show in the past he was now interested after seeing the photo, stating “that…that was awful.”

What is THAT, Bronson? The human being that was the subject of a cruel photo manipulation? Is Bruce Jenner now a “that” because ze possible doesn’t fit a traditional gender binary role?

And what makes it awful? The poor choice of lipstick color in the photo manipulation? The fact that a transwoman may not be “pretty” by society standards? Hell, the fact that many women out there are not traditionally pretty by society standards? Lack of normative beauty offends you?

Let’s say, for a moment, that Bruce Jenner actually IS in the process of transition and that WAS an undoctored photo of exactly what ze looks like. Why is judgment and cruelty about hir looks in any way acceptable?

My kids, as well as many others, listen to your show. What message are you sending about what is acceptable commentary about the experience of others? About what is appropriate humor?

MY KIDS, AS WELL AS MANY OTHERS, LISTEN TO YOUR SHOW. Do you feel a sense of responsibility in that? Do you see how cruel that comment really was?

Well, correction. Many others listen to your show.

We’re done with you.