Stephanie L. Ackin

The Stranger is an alternative magazine published in Seattle and distributed every Thursday. One of my favorite ways to pass the time at lunch on Fridays is flipping through the pages reading articles on local subjects. I have never had a problem with the content which at times can be vulgar and extreme but everyone has a right to their opinion.

A few weeks ago I ran across a full page ad paid for by a local church that degraded and unjustly reported that homosexuals are the number one reason for HIV/AIDS. It was a full page advertisement suggesting that parents be less concerned about fatty foods in the school cafeteria and more concerned that gays are becoming more socially acceptable among youth.

The Ad ended with the group telling those who wish to live such a lifestyle that God wanted his rainbow back! I was absolutely shocked when I read the ad. I couldn’t believe the magazine published it.

At first I was angry about the ad. Then I read the article that went along with it explaining why it was published. Credit where credit is due, the magazine published the article to target the alternative lifestyles of its readers.

I have never been one to judge anyone on whom they wish to date, whether having to do with gender or race. I believe that everyone has the choice to decide what is right for them individually. Though I thought the ad somewhat disrespectful, free speech is vital to achieving balanced dialogue in America.

Although the magazine ad was published to raise money for a cause, states the article, I still think it was done in poor taste.

Please follow the link and take a look at the article from the magazine on why they accepted the ad and the program they donated to. This link will also allow you to view the advertisement to see why I believe it is disrespectful. When it states “an ad similar to this one” click on that and it will take you to the full page ad that ran in the paper. http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2010/06/23/why-the-stranger-accepted-the-ad-on-page-15-of-this-weeks-paper

Should this ad be considered a hate crime promotion? At what point do ads cross the line?

Graphic Credit:
Animationfactory.com