Brokeback Mountain: Our Community's Common Bond > Brokeback Mountain Open Forum
TOTW 07/07: Was Mr. Twist homophobic?
optom3:
--- Quote from: Artiste on March 31, 2008, 12:37:16 pm --- Was Mr. Twist homophobic?
At times, I did think so !!
At other times, I thought maybe that old man Twist is not homophobic!
Did anyone think that way: yes and then maybe no ??
Moremojo please come back ; we love your posts!!
Moremojo, come back, I need you!! Your posts were delightful!!
Au revoir, to you and to all too!!
Hugs!
--- End quote ---
My gut instincts tell me that he was homophobic,yet selfish enough to let his desire to have the ranch licked into shape,over ride,or put up with the situation.In my experience with those who hate,whoever or whatever,there is an inherent selfish spirit,which allows them to put aside those feelings,if to do so would benefit them,emotionally or financially.
I see OMT as fitting in with this genre.He is undoubtedly,mean spirited,as witness the pleasure he derives from mentioning the other man to Ennis.Sadistic,as per the bathroom incident in the S.S and probably homophobic when it suits him.
Brown Eyes:
Thanks for reviving this thread Artiste. This is definitely one of the most complex, recurring debates out there about BBM.
Artiste:
Mon plaisir Atz!
It my pleasure, yes!
Indeed, it's complex... as you say!!
I am still puzzle by it!!
You?
Hugs!
brokeplex:
if we judge him by our standards, he was homophobic.
but is it useful to judge a character from a different time and place by our standards?
I think not.
My own feelings are that OMT was very disappointed in Jack, and his disappointment over Jack's failure to delivery on his plans to "lick this ranch into shape" overrode any homophobia. Lets face it, OMT understood the relationship which Jack had with Ennis, and if OMT's primary motivations were homophobic, he didn't have to let Ennis in the door at all.
Brown Eyes:
--- Quote from: brokeplex on March 31, 2008, 03:59:05 pm ---if we judge him by our standards, he was homophobic.
but is it useful to judge a character from a different time and place by our standards?
I think not.
My own feelings are that OMT was very disappointed in Jack, and his disappointment over Jack's failure to delivery on his plans to "lick this ranch into shape" overrode any homophobia. Lets face it, OMT understood the relationship which Jack had with Ennis, and if OMT's primary motivations were homophobic, he didn't have to let Ennis in the door at all.
--- End quote ---
Yes, I agree that OMT was disappointed in Jack... and he seems quite motivated by the whole issue of Jack coming back to the ranch to help work on the ranch (with Ennis or with another fellow... either of whom would also be a help on the ranch). He seems to be enjoying his ability to needle Ennis over his level of knowledge about their relationship and over his (OMT's) superior knowledge about certain aspects of Jack's life (i.e. the other fellow).
In all of this OMT comes across as a jerk, but not overwhelmingly homophobic. OMT seems to illustrate the point that a person can be a jerk without necessarily being homophobic (and at least not frighteningly so). I think OMT and Mrs. Twist are both learning experiences for Ennis... demonstrating that people can surprise you. That things aren't always as bad as his fears kept indicating to him over all those years. Mrs. Twist is kind, welcoming and seemingly accepting of his and Jack's relationship... And, OMT is a grump, but nothing too overwhelmingly intimidating.
I don't think we're given many indications that OMT really is homophobic... at least he doesn't seem virulently so.
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