Flashback: ‘That ’70s Show’s Really Special Gay Episode Does Not Age Well

Eric events back into the security of their cellar, where he lays a no-homo that is showy on Donna right in front of most their buddies, then postures presenting exactly how manly and therefore super right he could be. The “audience” yowls and hoots with approval. Eric seems their masculinity had been called into concern because somebody thought he had been homosexual, and also that he rushes to overcompensate with uncharacteristic and totally hetero PDA, bro though it’s someone he likes and admires, it so panics him.

Then we have to listen to how a gang responds never to the kiss, but to Buddy’s intimate orientation whenever Fez declares he’s “so obviously homosexual.” Outraged, Jackie rejects it outright, providing no explanation. Then Kelso concurs, describing, “If Buddy had been gay he’d be all over me.” Because that’s just how gay dudes work, a lusty monolith not able to get a handle on their desire to have dopey hunks. The audience laughs at this remark to that ’70s Show’s credit. And I also suspect the laugh is supposed to become more about Kelso’s vanity, much less about his insulting presumptions about homosexual males.

Later on, since the team components methods, Hyde and Donna part Eric and inquire directly if Buddy is homosexual. They look excited by the concept, want it’s juicy gossip. And it isn’t it hip if their little suburb possesses homosexual kid!? They literally part of closer in anticipation of their solution, then virtually celebrate aided by the sharing for this key. They’re not accepting or supportive. Rather, Buddy along with his not-public orientation are regarded such as a success of one’s own coolness because they’re in for a shocking key. Hooray, no body really wants to take down the kid that is gay. Yet this can be still a crass kind of tokenism. Buddy is addressed in contrast to a individual, but such as for instance a groovy merit badge. But we’re not done yet, because next the set mock Eric for getting struck in by a Mexican dating site homosexual guy.

“Eric, he’s not likely to move he knows you’re straight,” Donna says sagely on you if. (the viewers hoots.) When Eric admits he does not think “it’ll take place again,” the 2 shout in surprised chorus, “Again!?” Eric shuffles off embarrassed, after which Hyde hits on Donna saying, “If Foreman ever chooses to dabble into the love that dare not talk its title, I’m right right right here for you personally.” The viewers really really really loves it, laughing and clapping and ignoring the message that is uncomfortable it is shameful become seen erroneously as homosexual.

Eric has to resolve this mark on their heteronormative notion of masculinity. So, Buddy’s last scene is Eric confronting him on why. Why him? Why did Buddy think he had been homosexual?! Told he’s “smart and sensitive and nice searching,” Eric refutes the very first two, declaring he’s not as bright as he seems (duh), and that “sometimes I’m able to be downright mean.” I suspect the real audience ( instead of the raucous actors playing one from the show’s sound recording) are supposed to see Eric’s eagerness become seen as being a jerk over being regarded as gay as one thing ridiculous. The laughs in this scene are supposed to be on Eric along with his gawky anxiety, perhaps not on Buddy. Nonetheless, imagine this from Buddy’s viewpoint for a second.

Within the scene, Buddy plays down Eric’s distancing, chuckling, “You’re so precious.” But this is certainly a man you smashed on, hung out with, risked rejection by simply making a move on him, and risked exposing you to ultimately the little minds and gossip of the stupid little city. And he’s straight. Okay, bummer. Nonetheless it’s maybe maybe maybe not enough that he’s maybe not into and may never ever be into you; he requires you to definitely know how profoundly you have him incorrect. How he’s nothing like you. He’s maybe maybe not whom you think he could be. Generally not very. It’s played as Eric being insecure and awkward, however it’s cringe-worthy because it is Eric we’re urged to spot with, maybe not the gay kid he’s treating like a contagion. The trade stops by having a embarrassing bro-punch to the arm, because straight guy. And Buddy isn’t permitted the normal and response that is human of disappointed or harmed. He has got to function as model minority, and simply grin and keep it.