Back in December, an app that featured a survey preaching against marriage equality was rejected by Apple. At the time, they stated that the app was likely “to expose a group to harm” and “to be objectionable and potentially harmful to others.” But now they’ve approved an app by Exodus International, which claims to “cure” gays?
The target audience for the smart-phone app, its makers say, are “homosexual strugglers.” The idea is to teach gay people that they have a choice when it comes to their sexuality, a choice to choose “freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus.”
Would Apple like to explain how cultish brainwashing is not harmful? But also, would they like to explain how they think a concept as misguided and hateful as “curing homosexuality” fits in with the overwhelmingly progressive culture of Apple itself?
Clearly, there is room at Apple for everyone. There are apps for several religions and political opinions, as there should be. But they’ve already told one app-maker that an app that exists to spread hate against the GLBT community was harmful. Is there a difference this time? Because “curing” someone is seen as something positive, like it’s trying to provide help or a service? Um, for one thing, homosexuality isn’t a choice. It’s not. It’s. Just. Not. So, this is not just a silly, useless app (even though it’s a silly, ridiculous app) — this is trying to tell people that their existence is sinful and that they need to alter it.
There are tons of apps that serve no purpose except entertainment and that are meant to be taken lightly. Astrology apps, soundboards, etc. could be seen as offensive or harmful if people actually took them seriously and had no sense of humor. “How dare you try to convince people that their lives are determined by their birthdays! And make money with that advertising revenue! Shame! Shame!” Or “Fart machines?? Disgusting!” But Exodus International doesn’t want to tell you about how your sun sign means you’ll be “making great strides this month.” They serve only to convince people that their very existence is wrong and sinful. And that is harmful and hateful. They can say it as nicely (or as condescendingly) as they want to, but the bottom line is that what they’re doing is just as bad as the app that was already rejected (twice).
Obviously, we have the choice to not buy an app that we find offensive. But Apple, you’ve already shown that you don’t allow outwardly intolerant products in your app store. How is this app okay when the other one wasn’t? By offering it, you’ve seen it, approved it, and basically endorsed it. The Apple name is behind this homophobic offering. Do you really want it to be?
But also, really, Steve Jobs? The “ex-gay movement”? Seriously? Those guys? Come on …
(Yahoo! via Destructoid)
