Simon Heffer
In yesterday’s Daily Telegraph Simon Heffer criticised Gordon Brown’s apology to Alan Turing. In the leading article on his comment column, Heffer argued that the PM had got his priorities wrong in apologising to Turing, and instead he should be apologising for other things.
However, Heffer managed to convey a nasty homophobic undercurrent throughout his article, without actually spelling it out. It is this kind of subtle, implied homophobia which I find particularly offensive. I would actually have preferred it if Heffer had said ‘I hate gays’. Have the guts to say what you mean, Simon, or don’t say anything at all.
Let’s de-construct Heffer’s article to see how he managed to imply homophobia without actually writing it:
You can read Heffer’s article here.
Subtle knife 1 - use word ‘homosexual’
Alan Turing
Throughout his article Heffer uses the word ‘homosexual/s’ to refer to gays. ‘Gay‘ is a far less divisive word. ‘Gay people’ is a bridging term - it links ‘gay’ to ‘people’ - and we are all people. Instead Heffer likes to use the formal, clinical and divisive term to put clear distance between gays and straights, presumably like himself.
Subtle knife 2 - highlight the age difference
In his first paragraph Heffer refers to Turing ’picking up a 19 year old boy’. Notice the 19 year old is a ‘boy’, and not a ‘man’.
The 19 year old (Arnold Murray) was ‘picked up’ - see how seedy that sounds, when in reality how ever do two people meet - especially in those days without gay dating sites? Also, it was Turing himself who reported Murray to the police when he burgled his home.
Subtle knife 3 - refer to ‘gross indecency’
Heffer describes their sexual relationship as an act of gross indecency. Ouch! Oh, but he can get away with this because that is what he was convicted of. Clever, eh? It is no longer an act of gross indecency now, but because he was convicted of it then (a conviction which still stands), Heffer has an excuse to use it - which he does with relish.
Subtle knife 4 - refer to ‘unnatural’
Homophobic subtle knife
Time to wheel out the chestnut. After setting the homophobic tone for the article in his first paragraph, Heffer skillfully reassures us with his own apparent reasonableness in the second. ‘It is monstrous that consenting adults should be punished for a form of sexual activity’ he self-righteously implores, then slipping in the knife ‘even though many would regard it as unnatural‘.
It isn’t unnatural to us, is it?
(Note this 2nd paragraph has been removed in the online version of the Telegraph article)
Subtle knife 5 - apply flawed logic
Simon Heffer talks about other posthumous apologies that have happened and not happened. This entirely misses the point. Alan Turing was the victim of a gross injustice and given the choice of chemical castration or prison. Two years after his castration he committed suicide. The point is he deserved an apology and got one.
No one is saying there may not be many other posthumous cases, or current issues, also deserving of an apology. By Heffer’s logic nothing would ever get done, because there were always other things that need doing too!
Subtle knife 6 - Turing is diminished by the apology
Journalists have the freedom to write poison
Heffer says that the apology diminishes Turing’s memory and achievements. This simply isn’t true. Instead we’re reminded of the greatness of the man, of his remarkable achievements, and allowed a glimpse into his humanity. His homosexuality provides another fascinating dimension to him. We feel compassion toward Turing, and I do not think this compassion makes him any less of a man than he was.
A Freedom Squandered
Heffer should reflect on the fact that the freedom he enjoys to write his articles was partly won by Alan Turing. Simon Heffer has a responsibility to use this freedom honestly and fairly. If anyone is diminished by anything they have written, then it is a cowardly, mealy-mouthed excuse for a journalist who dishonours a war hero and all gay people in one venomous, ill-considered rant.
By David Abrehart
(c) Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Related posts:
Alan Turing petition
Gordon Brown “deeply sorry” for Alan Turing’s treatment
Does he like me?
September 16th, 2009 at 7:11 am
Ref: “Daily Telegraph Simon Heffer criticised Gordon Brown’s apology to Alan Turing.”
Dear David, I think that you are either being a little unfair or you don’t fully appreciate what it is like to be overweight, red-headed and of very unfortunate appearance.
Clearly Simon Heffer has been picked on all his life as he laboured under these misfortunes of appearance. Indeed it is obvious that he has even increased the pain through his obesity.
So what is more natural for such an individual than to pick on a sector of society who, in general, are talented, attractive in appearance and are able to attract partnerships of their choice?
I suggest that pity is a much more appropriate reaction to such a cry of anguish as Simon Heffer expressed in his recent outburst.
September 14th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Well done David - you have illustrated how by using certain words and phrases writers reveal their underlying feelings, attitudes and mental dispositions. Heffer’s rant twists what is indeed a gay cause for celebration into something mean, suspect and unworthy. It’s just that Right-wing, negative and corrosive bile we have to challenge as LGBT citizens; and if we want to remain free and go on fighting for our rights, it’s all the more reason to take an interest in what the press and media are saying. We should all resolve to be aware, and make a virtue of reading between the lines.