1970s was a decade of many happenings and memories. With hippies, feminists, bitter businessmen, the teenage life of the 70s wasn’t all jokes and laughs as That 70’s Show portrays it. In fact, That 70’s Show portrays the problems of the decade along with universal struggles of a teenager. A problem that the characters faced that paralleled the decade as well as maintaining the universal feeling for the audience of the late 90’s and the new millennium.
Eric Forman, a typical teenage boy trying to get by life in the boring town of Point Place, in one episode, encounters a very uncomfortable topic for many people: homosexuality. It all starts as Eric’s new lab partner, Buddy Morgan, drives a Trans Am - which becomes a basis for the two socially different people to become friends. One night, as
Eric and Buddy are hanging out, making the best out of the quiet town, Buddy kisses Eric, which scares Eric. “You’re gay!” these were the first words out of Eric’s mouth after the kiss. Then Buddy replies, “Me? No I’m not gay.”. This dialogue represents the mood and opinion of homosexuality in the 70s. Although some positive light was being shed on the stereotyped characteristic, to most people, everything’s all fun and games until a guy kisses another guy. And Buddy’s denial of his sexual orientation (although said funnily for the purpose of entertaining an audience), shows that most gays were not comfortable publicly announcing who they truly are.The reaction Eric Forman has in the beginning is very stereotypical, but, sadly, not uncommon. Once Eric is home, he has the need to remind himself that he himself is not gay. He takes Donna (Eric’s girlfriend) with no warning and plants a steamy kiss. Eric’s need to prove to himself that he is a “real” man is seen not just in the 70’s but today as well. Most heterosexuals would be greatly confused or disgusted if come across a situation such as Eric’s. Although the reaction is not a pleasant one for the homosexual, there are those who approach the issue in a much more understanding manner. Eric may have been very confused and scared at first, but later on, Eric’s reaction seems very toned down considering the time era. At this point, homosexuality was not common; most homosexuals rarely - if never - openly spoke of their sexual orientation. It just so happens that the foreigner, Fez, the one who did not grow up in the same society as the rest of the gang was able to pin point Buddy’s homosexuality (also stated the fact in a very nonchalant way). And considering the rareness of homosexuality in the 70s, the way the episode ends is much calmer and unexpected. In the end, Eric and Buddy remain friends and lab partners, still sharing notes, and even joking about the situation.
When watching the episode, in the beginning, I was unhappy with the way Eric reacts. And I was even more upset that Buddy claims that he’d be understand if Eric did not want to be friends anymore. It was infuriating that Buddy wouldn’t stand up for himself and tell the world about his homosexuality. But, of course, my wish is too liberal to be true, even in the decade of the hippies. Gays and lesbians have more freedom today than they did in the past. Although not complete freedom from discrimination, that can not be helped. There will always be people who will judge, and people who will not allow another kind of sexual orientation other than heterosexuality. But I guess this all falls under the ying-yang philosophy, the balance of good and evil. And the episode “Eric’s Buddy” has this balance. Fitting the stereotype in the beginning, but ending with an honorable notion from Eric. I can honestly say, That 70s Show totally rocks.
