What They Say VI
‘I grew up in a family that was full of love. My uncle Mike has been with my uncle Frank, they’ve been a couple for, 35 years. So when I grew up my mom and dad, in no uncertain terms, said you know Michael, a man can be in love with a man and a woman can be in love with a woman, and there’s no difference between people that are gay or straight. They’re born that way. It’s not something that can be learned or unlearned, or it’s not a phase or anything like that. This is something that you are born with.
‘And so I grew up, never seeing a difference between gay and straight people. Also, I grew up in Vancouver, that has one of the biggest gay communities, so of course, growing up in music and theatre all my friends, or most of my friends were gay or bi. This was something that was just normal for me. The thing is, what really got to me was that, I lived in this bubble, where because I came from this city that was completely tolerant and understanding, I thought that’s just how it was. And I moved to L.A. and it was the same way. People were very open about it and proud.
‘But I started to realize that it wasn’t like that. In a lot of places, a lot of small cities and towns, people did not have that same understanding. And I felt like it wasn’t just the job or the responsibility of gay or lesbian people to stand up for each other. It’s a responsibility of straight people. It’s a responsibility of all of us, we’re human beings, we’re all the same. There’s just no room for this man. I think it’s gotta start in the home. It’s gotta start with parents talking to their kids and explaining to them that it’s ok, and that they can stand up for their friends, and that there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. That that’s life, you know.
‘The truth is, kids don’t grow up with hate. They don’t know hate. They’re taught hate and we just need to educate them.”
— Crooner Michael Bublé in a 2010 interview with Matthew’s Place that’s being circulated again this week
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14 Comments
Deola
February 06, 08:04The truth is, kids don’t grow up with hate. They don’t know hate. They’re taught hate and we just need to educate them.”
Truer words have never been spoken. Good on you Michael Bublé.
Max
February 06, 08:31Preach broda preach !!!
Mr Kassy
February 06, 09:06I feel you Buble
KryxxX
February 06, 09:15*singing*
Its a beautiful day
And I can’t stop myself from smiling…………
Kids r born blank to d ills of dis world/good nd what they turn out to b mostly is what family nd society imbibed in them! E.g.
Boys ain’t meant to cook or do house/kitchen chores.
Girls r lesser beings to boys.
Hate.
resentment for a particular group or religion.
Tribalism.
Etc.
Ur child prints out what u pour in them(most times).
Nice one Michael! Love ur songs! *Swaying away to “Qwando qwando”*
Gad
February 06, 16:12The way we portray society and blame all ills on it use to make me wonder if society is a group of evil men. Societal values and demands remains guide to communal order and the watch dog for conformity to good behavior etc. Deviants exists but they don’t necessarily represent over all societal view.
Peak
February 06, 09:20Just when I thought I couldn’t love my Bublé anymore than I already did, his insightful words and level of reasoning just knocked it up a notch.
*Plays “Cry me a River””*
Khaleesi
February 06, 09:27Lol… tell that to the Nigerian homophobes who are full of incomprehensible hate …. luv u Bublé!!
Mercury
February 06, 11:06Absolutely True…..
Chizzie
February 06, 11:25well said.
Tony Odekunle-Brown
February 06, 11:58I totally agree!
Pedro Mann (@D1kPedro)
February 06, 12:20In Nigeria, our problem has been because homophobes “hate without reason”. Or maybe they are afraid of being … . Who knows?
Gad
February 06, 16:16Please fill in the gaps for us
Flakes
February 07, 07:57Well said
Oluwadamilare Okoro
February 07, 18:25Gbam!