God, help me, I tried to watch that Bruce Jenner/Diane Sawyer interview.
If you’re a better human than I am and have somehow avoided cell phones, social media, and grocery market lines with their tabloids all but springing out at you jack-in-the-box style, and dunno WTF I’m talking about, then I applaud you. If not, then you already know I’m talking about the former fitness hero beloved and celebrated by our nation for his Herculean strength back when having a natch snatch patch was popular. And while Bruce Jenner may or may not want one of those himself, he does indeed identify as a chick. At least, that’s what I heard from what I did watch. I didn’t get through the whole interview (yet – I’ll try to watch it in pieces – just to see if I can glean a better message from it than what I have ATM).
But what I’ve gotten so far is that the poor dude’s just still not comfortable in his own skin – being “Bruce” instead of “her”, as he refers to his authentic self. And why would he be with the whole world watching and mocking his every move as he finally acts on what’s gonna make him happy? Case in point: here’s what I got when trying to find a simple still from the interview in question:
Adam’s apple removal? Woman’s nails? This is what people are posting?
Still, I almost wish he’d waited till after this last stage of his transformation he’s talking about to do an interview about it at all (but then again, if he’s planning on bottom surgery, an exclusive Diane Sawyer interview could fund that pretty nicely). But I only say that because – as I said, he’s rocking that same mood and expression I have when someone catches me mid-primp (“I’m not ready yet! This isn’t how I’m gonna look when I’m ready!”). It’d be nice to see him settle into whatever identity it is he wants without feeling accosted or made into some sorta punchline. (Sorry, BTW if I switch between “him” and “her”; force of habit). (S)he shouldn’t have to come onto a T.V. show while some bish shoves a black and white photo of him being all 20-something and masculine in his face, demanding he explain the then-n-now disparity. Then again, if I was a public figure being treated like the Elephant Man during that train station scene, I’d probably be also thinking, “Might as well make some bank off’a all this shade being thrown if I’mma get it anyway.” Especially when, as mentioned, it could help financially lubricate the persona segue a bit better.
There was this bit that (I think) SNL did poking fun at Bruce recently – something about how, because of the divorce, he could now start his life over as a single middle aged woman (*cue canned laughter*). It’s easy to poke fun of whoever’s different from the majority. I get it. It’s a thing that’s socially reinforced until we ourselves reiterate the callous habits ourselves to fit in. Even I do it here in this blog sometimes when I’m desperate for a cheap laugh amidst an otherwise mundane piece. But it’s not who I like to imagine myself being in my real-life interactions, so I try to avoid it. And, in the SNL case, I kinda don’t see that as a punchline. Maybe it’s because I’ve met and befriended enough transgenders, in-transitioners, and folks who’ve officially renovated their body attics ‘n basements to know there’s a whole essence living in the cavity of whatever they do to their body. I mean, when I go from rocking my kicks, cap, and walking like a dude to Cinderlla’ing into high pumps, Gwen Stefani topknot, and a saunter, no one seems to mind. Or notice. And when my sister switches from a New York accent, to a Hawai’ian accent, to a Spanish accent within the span of an hour, I don’t think any less of her. I think it’s like a fun reminder that maybe we missed our calling as actors or improv comedians ourselves. But then again, maybe we’d’ve ended up on SNL making asshole jokes. Or – worse – famous enough to be mocked for it (and every other defect) when there’s so much else to focus on in the world than aimless derision and judgment like Bruce is receiving.
So, go on girl – do ya damn thang. I’ll finish this interview when I’m in a happy enough mood that my disgust with Diane Sawyer’s interviewing tactics kill my vibe a little less – but anyone reading this is welcome to watch the whole thing here now and then tell me what you think about it. Frankly, I don’t think the question here has to do with what else Bruce said specifically about his metamorphosis – or what other caustic line of inquiry Sawyer had to launch at him. The question is: why are we so fascinated with treating people like they’re sideshow oddities when they’re still just fellow species members? Is it so we can feel superior for the more acceptable ways in which we ourselves also color outside of the lines? These differences are superficial. The one and only quote that resonated with me was when he said he was doing this interview to “do some good” (though I’m sure extra pocket change is always welcome). And I hope, for the sake of all the rendered-genders out there who feel like pariahs, that he does make that impact.
(Sorry this sounds like it was filmed in a Folger’s can; it’s the only copy Youtube’s not yet removed):