You might have noticed the media storm / internet hysteria that happened right after Matt Damon said something about 'gays should stay in the closet to further their careers' and how many a people were/are outraged by this. Not going to lie, I was intrigued when I read the title, so naturally I cliqued on the link to read the article. What I read made sense. The reasons stated, the motivation, etc. But me being me and being taught to do more research and not just believe what one person says, I did just that. I read other articles about how outrageous it is that Matt Damon dares to say something like that. I read the actual article on the Guardian website. I watched the Ellen DeGenerese clip where he explained what he actually meant. I read how people couldn't believe that Ellen defended his side, whilst she is openly gay and a living proof that it doesn't matter what your sexual preference are to have success. (This might ring a bell that she understand what Matt is trying to say? No? Apparently not.) Soon I realised his words were taken out of context or at least misinterpreted in my opinion anyway. I tried to take a tiny step to involve myself into a conversation online by saying that maybe, just maybe, his words were taken out of context. When I got a blunt 'No. They weren't.' back as a reply, I knew it was a lost cause. Although we agree on the same thing, we're still devided. That is when I realised that his message is all about how you, as an individual, interpret information.
First of all, I'm going to say this now so it is all very clear to you if you decide to read this post about how I interpret the whole interview and his explanation on Ellen DeGenerese show. Just to clarify, I am not homophobic. I don't care if you like men or women or both. That won't decide whether I like you or not. What will determine if I like you or not is the way you treat people.
Anyone who thinks that Matt Damon suggests that gay people stay in the closet is obviously a LGBTQ supporter and that is absolutely fabulous. I don't think that would have been possible, say 20 years ago. Times have changed and for the better that is. More an more people support the LGBTQ community. The reaction on Matt's interview is a very obvious example of that. However, I also find that reaction is a very black-and-white way of interpretation. To quote him: "But at the time, I remember thinking and saying, Rupert Everett was openly gay and this guy – more handsome than anybody, a classically trained actor – it’s tough to make the argument that he didn’t take a hit for being out." "I think you’re a better actor the less people know about you period. And sexuality is a huge part of that. Whether you’re straight or gay, people shouldn’t know anything about your sexuality because that’s one of the mysteries that you should be able to play.” = stay in the closet apparently.
In my opinion they missed the point of what Matt was trying to say. The focus shouldn't be on the actor's personal life, sexual preferences, but on their work, their performances, their art. The article in the Guardian literally says: 'He thinks attitudes are changing, and welcomes the introduction of same-sex marriage in California in 2008.' Doesn't sound like someone who's suggesting to stay in the closet to me.
And even Ellen DeGenerese, who's openly gay, comes to the defense of Matt. Shouldn't that ring a bell? We have plenty of examples of openly gay actors, actresses, television personalities, etc that proof that you can perfectly be succesfull whether you're inside or outside the closet. Luke Evans, Sir Ian McKellen, Neil Patrick Harris, Cynthia Nixon, Jim Parson, Sarah Paulson, Ellen Page, Jodie Foster, Raven Symone, Derek Jacobi, Elton freaking John,... But coming from Matt's point of view, he's of the opinion that less is more. It gives an actor more chance to convince the audience, without all the prejudice. Sexual preferences shouldn't matter. It's their work and preformance that matter. He does have a point and Ellen gets it.
What mostly freaked me out about this subject is that I support anyone who decides to come out, but that I do not agree with anyone who agrees that Damon said that gay people should stay in the closet. I understand that article in a different way, so how on earth can we reach agreements when people pull on opposite sides of the same blanket?
Thanks for reading if you made it this far. It is such a relieve to put it black on white as this has been occupying my mind ever since I received those very blunt words of 'No. They weren't.' on my question if his words might have taken out of context.
Thanks for reading!
xo - Sara
Articles
The Guardian:
Matt Damon: 'You're a better actor the less people know about you'
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