In the two articles, “The Fosters Same Sex Kiss” and “The Fosters Watch Before Judging,” bloggers and writers share intimate dialog and reviews about the episode that aired on ABC’s ‘The Fosters’ and changed television history. Watch Before Judging is an interview with the writers of the show, Peter Paige and Bradley Bredeweg, who are also two gay men. The writers are being asked about a previous episode that aired which previews two 13 year old males sharing a kiss. This is the youngest same-sex kissed ever shown on television, and although most are happy, some are not as enthused. The writers talk about everything; from why they chose to write this scene, to the critics that are bashing them. The writers also shared some personal things about their own gay lives. They talk about how not everyone has the same fairytale and it’s time for more stories to be portrayed on television. The writers wrap up the interview by saying that more of the young same sex relationship will be seen in season three. In the Same-Sex article, the writers continue to stand by the choice to air the episode. They believe that it is important for the world to see how people’s true lives are. “Gay adults start as gay kids,” they say. The writers tell how that show is praised by over 90 percent of its viewers. They also reveal that the most backlash that they’ve received is from this episode. However, Paige backfires with, “How old were you when you had your first kiss?” But ultimately people can relate and they are happy to see gays and lesbians advance in the world of television. Paige and Bredeweg believe it is important alone for other youth to see, especially if they are struggling with coming out and blossoming. |
In the two articles, “The Fosters Same Sex Kiss” and “The Fosters Watch Before Judging,” bloggers and writers share intimate dialog and reviews about the episode that aired on ABC’s ‘The Fosters’ and changed television history. Watch Before Judging is an interview with the writers of the show, Peter Paige and Bradley Bredeweg, who are also two gay men. The writers are being asked about a previous episode that aired which previews two 13 year old males sharing a kiss. This is the youngest same-sex kissed ever shown on television, and although most are happy, some are not as enthused. The writers talk about everything; from why they chose to write this scene, to the critics that are bashing them. The writers also shared some personal things about their own gay lives. They talk about how not everyone has the same fairytale and it’s time for more stories to be portrayed on television. The writers wrap up the interview by saying that more of the young same sex relationship will be seen in season three.
In the Same-Sex article, the writers continue to stand by the choice to air the episode. They believe that it is important for the world to see how people’s true lives are. “Gay adults start as gay kids,” they say. The writers tell how that show is praised by over 90 percent of its viewers. They also reveal that the most backlash that they’ve received is from this episode. But ultimately people can relate and they are happy to see gays and lesbians advance in the world of television. Paige and Bredeweg believe it is important alone for other youth to see, especially if they are struggling with coming out and blossoming.
In these posts, Peter Paige and Bradley Bredeweg are having interviews about their controversial, record breaking episode that aired featuring two thirteen year old males. Some of the questions being asked are tough but the writers answer in the most honest way possible. Honesty and humility is what connects them most with the readers. In the answers Paige and Bredeweg show virtue. The readers and viewers know that they share the same values. You see the virtuousness in the writers when they talk about how they are inspired by their own gay lives. One of their rebuttals to a negative comment was, “how old were you when you had your first kiss?” They recalled theirs around the ages of 12,13, or 14. (Watch Before Judging, Reilly)
Another thing that compels and persuades the readers are the short stories and recollection of experiences. The experiences are what connect the audience to the writer’s thoughts and emotions. It brings vulnerability and trust. Heinrichs says that you should “brag about experiences not yourself.” Experience also shows credibility, which is important in the belief system of the readers. The writers are creditable because they too are gay. They writing from some of their own experiences. After one question, Paige responds by saying, “More than anything else, we felt responsibility to those kids and to our younger selves who didn’t see themselves reflected anywhere…” His experiences are what bring him to the duty of helping youth with coming out at a young age. Bredeweg recalls that, what if this show had been around when he was coming out. He says, “…to be represented and to have the audience feel like they can see themselves in at least one of the characters.” He believes that this is important for this generation and their peers and parents to experience what they do.
Most of all this show, and the writers, and the interviews appeal to the emotion of the audience. The episode alone brings out the emotion of people because it’s about love, young love. Also, it produces more emotions than one. Some people are happy and some critics are appalled. It’s recorded that 95 percent of people are “Team Jonnor!” Because the LGBT community is already a controversial topic people are ready to battle it out and put their hearts on the fence. Paige and Bredeweg admit, “We try not write stories based on reaction. We try to write them based on character integrity as we understand it and observe it.” These men use emotion to appeal to the emotion of the readers. They take a topic that people are passionate about and reveal it to the world in the most delicate way. They use young teens to build the emotion and focus the audience.
As a supporter of the LGBT community, these advancements in television and press are important to me. The Fosters is a great show that highlights the real lives and struggles of gay, lesbian, transgender, bi-racial, and many others. The kiss that took place on this episode needed to happen. America needs to see into the lives of everyone, not just one kind of life. We need to see that all walks of life need attention especially delicate ones as such. Yes, the children are young teens, but that’s the most influential and life changing time for a person. At the age of 13, 14, or 15 teens are exploring their personalities and sexualities. They need to able to have something to guide them and know that it’s okay to be who they are. I believe that although the writers may receive backlash they still need to continue pioneering. The youth are the most important people because they are the future. They need to feel loved, and wanted, and safe. Being able to relate to TV characters may make them feel safe. Also, parents may be able to better cater to their children’s needs by watching the show. Everyone deserves a voice and this show gives them that voice. As a firm believer in individuality I think that most important lesson that we should take away from this show is that everyone needs to know that it’s okay to be yourself.
In the Same-Sex article, the writers continue to stand by the choice to air the episode. They believe that it is important for the world to see how people’s true lives are. “Gay adults start as gay kids,” they say. The writers tell how that show is praised by over 90 percent of its viewers. They also reveal that the most backlash that they’ve received is from this episode. But ultimately people can relate and they are happy to see gays and lesbians advance in the world of television. Paige and Bredeweg believe it is important alone for other youth to see, especially if they are struggling with coming out and blossoming.
In these posts, Peter Paige and Bradley Bredeweg are having interviews about their controversial, record breaking episode that aired featuring two thirteen year old males. Some of the questions being asked are tough but the writers answer in the most honest way possible. Honesty and humility is what connects them most with the readers. In the answers Paige and Bredeweg show virtue. The readers and viewers know that they share the same values. You see the virtuousness in the writers when they talk about how they are inspired by their own gay lives. One of their rebuttals to a negative comment was, “how old were you when you had your first kiss?” They recalled theirs around the ages of 12,13, or 14. (Watch Before Judging, Reilly)
Another thing that compels and persuades the readers are the short stories and recollection of experiences. The experiences are what connect the audience to the writer’s thoughts and emotions. It brings vulnerability and trust. Heinrichs says that you should “brag about experiences not yourself.” Experience also shows credibility, which is important in the belief system of the readers. The writers are creditable because they too are gay. They writing from some of their own experiences. After one question, Paige responds by saying, “More than anything else, we felt responsibility to those kids and to our younger selves who didn’t see themselves reflected anywhere…” His experiences are what bring him to the duty of helping youth with coming out at a young age. Bredeweg recalls that, what if this show had been around when he was coming out. He says, “…to be represented and to have the audience feel like they can see themselves in at least one of the characters.” He believes that this is important for this generation and their peers and parents to experience what they do.
Most of all this show, and the writers, and the interviews appeal to the emotion of the audience. The episode alone brings out the emotion of people because it’s about love, young love. Also, it produces more emotions than one. Some people are happy and some critics are appalled. It’s recorded that 95 percent of people are “Team Jonnor!” Because the LGBT community is already a controversial topic people are ready to battle it out and put their hearts on the fence. Paige and Bredeweg admit, “We try not write stories based on reaction. We try to write them based on character integrity as we understand it and observe it.” These men use emotion to appeal to the emotion of the readers. They take a topic that people are passionate about and reveal it to the world in the most delicate way. They use young teens to build the emotion and focus the audience.
As a supporter of the LGBT community, these advancements in television and press are important to me. The Fosters is a great show that highlights the real lives and struggles of gay, lesbian, transgender, bi-racial, and many others. The kiss that took place on this episode needed to happen. America needs to see into the lives of everyone, not just one kind of life. We need to see that all walks of life need attention especially delicate ones as such. Yes, the children are young teens, but that’s the most influential and life changing time for a person. At the age of 13, 14, or 15 teens are exploring their personalities and sexualities. They need to able to have something to guide them and know that it’s okay to be who they are. I believe that although the writers may receive backlash they still need to continue pioneering. The youth are the most important people because they are the future. They need to feel loved, and wanted, and safe. Being able to relate to TV characters may make them feel safe. Also, parents may be able to better cater to their children’s needs by watching the show. Everyone deserves a voice and this show gives them that voice. As a firm believer in individuality I think that most important lesson that we should take away from this show is that everyone needs to know that it’s okay to be yourself.