Media Mock Student for Challenging Duke Univ. ‘Pornographic’ LGBT Novel

Kristine Marsh
August 26th, 2015 2:16 PM
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Isn’t it ironic how liberals are the first ones to tell you how “bigoted” and “close-minded” conservatives are, but then they’re the first ones to bash individuals who think for themselves?

The Washington Post should be commended for publishing an articulate op-ed Aug. 25 by freshman Duke University student Brian Grasso, who explained his reasoning for refusing to read one book on the summer reading list for incoming freshmen. The graphic novel, called "Fun Home" by lesbian author Alison Bechdel, depicted graphic illustrations of masturbation and lesbian sex. Grasso cited his Biblical beliefs as the primary reason he objected to reading the “pornographic” material.

But of course the liberal media loved the book – so they were the first ones to mock the student who led the charge against it.

Liberal snark site Wonkette mocked, “Duke freshman snowflake babies pretty sure Mom said no reading books about lesbians.”

Bijan Stephen, associate editor at The New Republic made a crack about virginity while attacking the freshman student:

Slate’s Mark Joseph Stern revealed what is his higher power in this tweet:

Mic staff writer Sophie Kleeman snarked her congratulations:

Popular science fiction author Neil Gaiman also expressed his displeasure at a young student having a mind of his own:

Others got judgmental-- like this tweet from the LGBT Editor at Think Progress.

Raw Story taunted Grasso’s Christian beliefs with its headline, “Duke Freshman says Jesus forbids him from reading LGBT memoir with lesbian sex scenes.” In it, writer Bethania Palma Markus snarked, “A white Christian freshman at Duke University believes he brings diversity to the campus because he is refusing, based on his religious beliefs, to read an assigned graphic novel by an LGBT woman.”

Even CNN couldn’t help but present the student’s beliefs as an anomaly  – despite the fact that he wasn’t the only student objecting to the book. CNN’s Todd Leopold wrote: “Duke students reject award-winning book over gay themes.” [emphasis added.]

Yes, because that really tells the whole story, Mr. Leopold.

“‘Fun Home’ may have won several awards...but some Duke University freshmen were not impressed,” he wrote. Because how much the media love something outweighs legitimate moral and ethical concerns?

Despite the graphic nature of the novel, the book has even been adapted into a Broadway musical which stars very young actors and actresses. The media has been busy promoting the musical, with the cast performing on ABC’s The View , Late Night With Seth Myers, and CBS’ This Morning since May.