Why does Karan mock gay?

Originally posted by: ajaajaa

Karan perpetuates stereotypes under the guise of representation in his films.

In his films LGBT will shown be in a negative stereotype vs religious positive stereotype (aka KKHH).

In an unsuitable boy, he basically justifies this by saying he's bringing representation to a mainstream audience. However, if he's pushing caricature is it worth it?

Kapoor & Sons has fantastic LGBT representation far better than the usual nonsense Shetty& Farah Khan use for laughs.

Until then we have to fight Section 377 & hopefully some forward thinking filmmakers can humanize LGBT people (Aligarh, Parched, Fire etc) for Indians where Johar fails too.

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

The gay humor in Kal Ho Na Ho was adorable. I found Dostana hilarious, but the stereotypes were problematic.

I don't think Karan Johar intends to mock gay people. I never felt that with any of his movies. Humor can sometimes be the best way to make people open up to an idea. When someone laughs with characters on screen and embraces their mistaken chemistry, it primes their brain to be more open to the idea when faced with in reality. It doesn't miraculously fix homophobia or change perceptions, but it gently primes the brain for a change.

Look at the history of homosexuality or even other cultures and races in Hollywood. It has come a long way from laughing at them to laughing with them to embracing their reality.

Another technique he uses is self-deprecation. Have people heard of the movie "But I'm a Cheerleader"? It tops many queer film lists. It is an absurd, over the top film that indulges in heightened stereotypes and all amounts of ridiculousness. Yet, it has a legendary status in queer culture for what it accomplishes. It breaks stereotypes by playing to them.

Anyway, Karan's execution lacks finesse. He hybridizes with too much desi melodrama. He does not have many out actors or writers whose resources he can tap into. Hence, it comes across as shoddy and almost disparaging.

IMO, Karan is very comfortable about his sexuality and doesn't experience self-hate. But just how women would rather be called scientist, doctor or engineer rather than female scientist, doctor, or engineer - he wants to be known as filmmaker rather than gay filmmaker. Also due to the Indian society, he prefers privacy and space when it comes to personal life.