Should Aaryn Be Kicked Off Big Brother 15 For Racist And Homophobic Comments?
Big Brother 15 began on June 26.
The guests have only been in the house a short time, but that time has been filled with racist and homophobic remarks.
The comments have come from more than one house guest, but 22-year-old Aaryn Gries has been a frequent offender and received much of the attention.
Dallasnews.com reports on some of her comments:
- Aaryn said of Andy Herren , who is gay: “No one’s gonna vote for whoever that queer puts up.” She also suggested he’d win the Most Valuable Player vote from the fans because “people love the queers.”
- Aaryn said about Houston resident Candice Stewart, 29, who is black, “be careful what you say in the dark; you might not be able to see that (expletive).”
- Aaryn said of Helen Kim, who is Asian, “Shut up. Go make some (expletive) rice.”
Some are asking for CBS to step in and expel Aaryn from the house. Here's a petition to have her removed.
It could happen. Four house guests have been expelled during Big Brother's first 14 seasons.
Previous expulsions have occurred because of violence, the threat of violence, vandalism, and/or refusing to listen to direction from the shows producers. Warnings have been issued for prejudicial statements in the past. The show has a long history of such language.
But should Aaryn (or any of the other offenders) on Big Brother 15 be kicked off for their language?
I don't think so. At least, not yet.
Expelling a house guest for using hateful language is a strong punishment, but does nothing to help anyone learn or grow from what's happening in the house.
A warning from the show's producers would be appropriate, but what would be even better would be the house guests standing up against this language themselves.
I'm hoping we see such a change very soon.
Should the derogatory comments be shown (either edited or unedited) or is it better to completely ignore the topic for the national audience?
So far, only two episodes of Big Brother 15 have aired. Neither episode has shown this language. However, the language used has still been visible to thousands via 24/7 live online streaming and nightly broadcasts on TVGN.
The next episode of Big Brother 15 airs on CBS tonight and the language may be addressed.
Some would have CBS edit out such comments and avoid the topic altogether.
But what if Big Brother 15 attacked it head on?
Imagine if Big Brother 15 stepped out of the box and used this as an educational opportunity not only for those in the house, but for a national audience.
Sweeping this under the rug helps no one.
There will be arguments and anger in the Big Brother house, there always is. Here's hoping that those in the house step up and make it clear that prejudicial bullying and comments will not be tolerated. And here's hoping that CBS uses this opportunity to help fight the spread of such hateful words and actions.
See how Big Brother has handled past expulsions below:
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