Many people seem to want to attribute the incident involving two gay cruise ship passengers to ‘Homophobia’, a label, that like ‘bigotry’, when misapplied or used in a coercive manner, intimidates, stigmatizes and, subsequently silences opposing views, rather than appealing to
reason and intellect; in fact, these labels are often used as a substitute for reason and intellect..
As no one wants to be associated with a word label that implies negative connotation and because people fear others treating them differently, most people will do anything to avoid these labels, including becoming silent and/or malleable. Since the social effect of this kind of manipulation is potentially long lasting, it constitutes a particularly insidious form of psychological abuse.
Other people seem to be more interested in the semantics of the charges these men originally faced, rather than acknowledging the fact that we have policies against public sexual activity and indecent exposure here in the United States, as well. In fact, if either offense takes place anywhere where children may be present, a person can be charged as a ‘Sex Offender’ in many jurisdictions. Never mind, both men appear to have been found guilty of the lesser charge of indecent exposure in an act of leniency. Police and the courts often show such leniency here in the U.S. too. I am sure this occurs in other countries, as well.
Still others seem to be maligning Dominica in an attempt to exploit the incident as a means of acquiring a larger piece of the Caribbean tourism pie; this is both despicable and repugnant.
Traveling to another country can be compared to being a guest within someone’s home. A visitor to someone’s home must respect their host’s traditions, culture and house rules, even if the visitor disagrees with them. It is never rational to willfully disregard someone’s house rules or disrespect prevailing convention, but expect the host to accept or respect deviant behavior (behavior that deviates from the expected norm). Using disagreement as justification to disrespect the host’s views, rules, or expectations of conduct is unreasonable. Willful disregard will always result in dissonance, often ejection and, potentially legal action, in both domestic situations and abroad.
People need to respect the values, customs and laws of other countries when traveling. When visiting another country, it is the GUEST’S responsibility to learn about the local values, traditions and laws of the land; that is part of what makes travel fun! If someone is unwilling to familiarize his or herself with local convention to avoid behavior that may conflict with local convention, that person should not leave their own home.
It was irrational for ANYONE to engage in sexual activity OR to be in a state of undress within clear view of any highly public area where children are frequently present, in blatant disregard for local convention regarding public decency expectations and existing law, yet not expect negative reaction. I imagine there was at least a little public pressure to prosecute both Dennis Mayer and John Hart to the fullest extent of the law; there certainly would have been in the good ‘ole U.S.A. As there were multiple eyewitnesses (despite what some have claimed) and pictures, not only of both men’s state of undress but sexual activity as well, the men were fortunate the court chose to be merciful and pursue a lesser charge of indecent exposure. Many courts in the United States would not have been as lenient, regardless of the orientation of the individuals involved.
As in other countries, indecent exposure is not acceptable in the U.S.A. Most likely, they would have spent more than one day in jail and been charged a heftier fine. Moreover, had this happened within the U.S.A., in light of their proximity to children and schools, they also would have risked being prosecuted as sex offenders and carrying the stigma associated with the label ‘Sex Offender’ for the rest of their lives if found guilty. Why then would any rational person think such behavior was acceptable in someone else’s backyard?
The bottom line: Both overt sexual activity and indecent exposure are inappropriate, unacceptable behavior in most countries, including the United States of America, the country both men are from. They should have known better, regardless of how ignorant or ill-informed they claim to have been. Considering that Mr. Mayer, was allegedly a law enforcement officer at one time, they really have no plausible excuse for their behavior, spectacular scenery or not. In fact, being a former law enforcement officer, Mr. Mayer should have been more sensitive to the moral and legal aspects surrounding their actions.
Both men should take responsibility for their poor judgment, instead of attempting to avoid personal accountability and salve their bruised egos by trying to obfuscate poor judgment and actions behind a curtain of discrimination. At best, this scenario is like someone who trips in a public place and then jogs a short distance in a vain effort to mask the embarrassing moment. At worst, it is like someone who intentionally spills their drink on the floor of a store, slips in the resulting puddle, makes a scene to dupe unwary sympathizers, and blames the store in an attempt to appear the victim and profit from the staged incident in some way. Then again, maybe some of the distortion is attributable to others co-opting and exploiting the incident to serve their own agenda. Regardless, the mens’ actions were reprehensible; it was foolish, shameful, and unacceptable behavior, especially as guests in someone else’s country.
Unfortunately, the spin on these events really is not that surprising, considering this is the same arrogance and disrespect many countries complain about and expect from American tourists. I only hope that the rest of us are not judged based on the poor example these two men have set.
One thing is certain, if it is as easy to get swept away by Dominica’s beautiful mountains and clean, clear fresh air, as was claimed in defense of these men during trial, Dominica sounds worth visiting.
Jared Marshall is a U.S citizen who has been following the gay cruise debacle from the very beginning.
I agree in principle with the charges given to the to gay men, but please mind ourselves that this was a minor success compared with the shocking success rate of the Dominica police has in solvi g proper crimes that do not get as much coverage.
Wake up Dominica
Chapter end, book close. Let’s write a calypso about it for next year. Meanwhile, as Jared said “as was claimed in defense of these men during trial, Dominica sounds worth visiting” So let’s learn from this hickup and keep promoting our beautiful BREATHTAKING isle.
Well written article with valid points andno biassness.
The gay man needed to face consequences for their actions agreed. Homophobia exists in Dominica and such homophobia rather than the rule of law prompted the ay authorities dealt with the incident.The negative publicity could have been avoided if the had asked the ships passengers to abstain from nudity & public sex while in port. Like the gay men the authorities need to face the consequences of the method they chose to handle the matter.
Imagine 2000 straight (not gay) men arriving on this island …. man the crime, prostitution, drugs, violence and rowdiness. Ugly behavior …. no doubt worse than 2 men getting out of hand …. now contrast that with what happened with the gay cruise ship.
They were peaceful, high spending and very polite.
I know which i would prefer.
Many of us voiced those same sentiments but got a hell of a lot of thumbs down. I guess we had to read about it from someone else to believe it. smdh
I have not seen the picture. Can someone set up a link or something where I can see it and make my own judgement.
Don’t you know who to use the Internet?
BORING BORING BORING BORING …CAN WE MOVE ON NOW!!!!
Thank you Mr. Marshall. This article was well thought of and written. You are an honest person. Respect must be given when it’s due.
It is rather unfortunate that in spite of the vivid account of multiple eye witnesses, it is only after another American stands in defence of Dominica, as this writer is doing in this article, do Dominicans themselves agree that the perpetrators were wrong. In the photograph recently released, of the two men in the act of buggery, one can clearly see both men stacked naked with their gaze fixed towards the city, making sure that the public was catching on to their spectacle and of course getting their kicks out of it, in the process. It is very shameful how we as Dominicans failed to stand in defence of our laws and principles,and must rely on others to do that for us…even as an independent nation. Shame on the Dominicans who were so quick to down cry Dominica.
Has anyone forwarded the pic of the men to KTLA and the other international TV stations they did interviews with. I think the other side of the story needs to be heard and seen. I love me my gays but right is right and wrong is wrong and in this case they were wrong. The writer is correct…they would have gotten a good butt whooping if that was done in the US!!
I am in total agreement with your commentary. I look forward to reading more articles like this on DNO in the feature.
You’re wrong, Jared. The public indecency law certainly would prohibit heterosexual intercourse in public–but you are simply naive or lying if you think the homophobia so deep within so many Dominicans played no part in this event. Dominicans were scrutinizing this ship and its passengers far, far more than they would have had it been a “normal” ship. And the response to their arrest–the crowds, the claim they might have been taken to a medical facility to be “tested” for buggery–was due to both outrage at public indecency AND homophobia. Primarily homophobia, in fact. The mere fact that they were to be tested for buggery shows that homophobia is not at all a point you can dismiss.
And what annoys me the most about this rant, Jared, is that you attempt to lie about the fact that Dominicans are homophobic. Many of them are. And no slick commentary will change that.
We’ve got the bad press already, and, even though it was the men’s fault–I don’t disagree there–we deserve some of the bad press we got. I love my island. But I hate its medieval beliefs.
That is very honest and …. correct. Well said.
Excellent article, very valid points. I am sure this point of view is shared by most Dominicans. It is huge shame that these men behaved this way in public – they have let the rest of their community down.
Jason Marshall. You seem to be exactly like the two men who engaged in a public sexual act – looking for attention.
I think it has been long established that the act was wrong.
Your article is providing no new information. Consider the chapter closed and move on. You are allowing the issue to fester which does no good for Dominica.
Move on.
Another DNO user who cannot read i suppose
Shut up. It was refreshing knowing the views of this unbiased man.
Very sensible and logical article. Kudos to the writer!
Sorry. I forgot to delete “this”. Replace it with “I think………:”
THANK YOU SIR FOR THIS PIECE OF WRITING.HOPE SOME DOMINICANS AND OTHER NATIONALS WHO HAVE BEEN CRITICISING OUR BELOVED DOMINICA COME O THEIR SENSES.THANK YOU MR.MARSHALL
This writer is right on point. The arrest of these two guys had nothing to do with being gay or a fear of homosexuals or homosexuality. As the judges in the USA would tell offenders. “There is no place for ignorance of the law” or as we all know the saying “there is no excuse for ignorance in any society. Dominicans should stand their grounds and be proud of standing for what they believe. Good job writer for not being bias.
This think that this article is very well expressed,and coming from an American. I totally agree with it, and I believe that many Dominicans should applaud the writer. Well said.
Dominicans have moved on and put this unfortunate matter to rest. Why do you find it necessary to come here and reopen the case Sir? Whst’s your agenda? Many Dominicans have made the very same assessment that you know make, there are some people with intelligence who can deal with issues logically in case you have not noticed. You are an American, you should know that there are opposing views to yours, and they matter just as yours do! You have your own agenda, biases,and prejudices, no matter how much your try to mask it, it is obvious. You are trying your own manipulation here Sir! We can see through it. Very transparent indeed! Yes homophobia is real, in the Caribbean, we do not need you to tell us what it is and whether it exists in our society. Thank you very much!
Did it ever occur to you that maybe it’s DNO themselves that probably didn’t have time to vet this commentary in time with all the flood of bloggers commenting on that news item at the time? Or, a strategy to get people all heated up again? because I’m observing the news on here today is not that hot, not many people commenting as such. DNO I know you all going to protect yourselves and leave my comment out, so that’s ok.
IF YOU ARE A DOMINICAN LIKE MYSELF, YOU SHOULD BE VERY PLEASE WITH THE PIONT THE WRITER IS MAKING HERE, IN FACT! COMING FROM AN AMERICAN HE UNDERSTOOD HOW WE FELT WHEN THIS THING HAPPEN AND WE SHOULD BE VERY THANKFUL THAT SOME AMERICAN STAND ON OUR SIDE WHEN IT COMES TO THE LAWS… THANKS
IF YOU ARE A DOMINICA LIKE MYSELF YOU SHOULD BE VERY PLEASED TO SEE THAT THIS IS COMING FROM AN AMERICAN CITIZEN WHO CARES ABOUT OUR LAWS
Common peeps ! We got the point of that gay story a million times.Dominicans only demanded respect.Now finish with that man and move along.
Lets play a Game instead.
If you surname was Dick,what wouldnt you name your child ?
Dickson
Very interesting piece -it echoes my sentiments on the matter. As I see it, if an action is a crime or is a disgrace in my country, there is no way I would do it in another country where I claim to have limited knowledge of their laws and customs.
The fact that these men are crying discrimination is huge turn off for me because it discredits people who actually face discrimination.
Call a spade, a spade. Their actions called for a stiffer penalty. The Dominican police really helped them out by going with a lesser charge. They should have been grateful. I am certain that Dominican visitors would not have been treated so graciously in the good ole U.S of A.
time to put a stop to this crap,if you all have nothing else to write about then i suggest you all shut the hell up. It has been weeks now,move on with other important issues,i mean who the hell cares anymore,buggerman and lesbians have been around for ages,and it wont stop now no matter what we do.