greatbear: (forearms)
Phil ([personal profile] greatbear) wrote2007-11-15 10:29 pm

Someone's gotta do it

I know a few on my friends list are a fan of the show Dirty Jobs and/or the host, Mike Rowe. Now, I barely caught the end of an episode, and it looked kinda fun, and at the same time, sort of educational. But that is not the point of this post. You see, Mike Rowe has shown up in teevee land in so many places, around here he had a local real estate-type of program that showcased homes for sale around the area. He's done a lot (and by that, I mean a lot) of commercials hawking anything from lawyers to car dealerships and more. Now he has finally settled into a series of sorts and the is the star. He gets to show to the viewers what it is like doing some of the nastiest, smelliest, most vile jobs on the planet that cannot be avoided. To that end, by the end of just about every show, he's pretty much a mess.

But that still isn't the point of this post.

Let's face it. Mike Rowe has achieved someone of of idol status among segments of the gay community, mainly because of this show. The situations he finds himself in on the show often have him messy, shirtless, sweaty, etc. Couple that with his deep voice, rugged features, body hair and decent build and it's swoon city for some of you guys. He has a large male fan base. Which brings me to Exhibit A:



Next stop, the corner of Ambiguity Drive and Mixed Signals Boulevard.

Given some details, with Mike being a 45 year old single guy, lives in San Fran, has had a career as an opera singer among other arts and stage stuff, etc, what is your take? A reactionist might immediately play the homophobia card. Others (like me) can see a bit of tongue-in-cheek 'protesteth too much' humor. After all, he's getting a 'man crush' fanmail message from a straight guy. A straight guy with the take-it-two-ways handle of 'FatBoyRider' (Note that a "Fat Boy" is a Harley-Davidson motorcycle model). And his choice of words at the end just screams double entendre.

Whatchoo people think of this one?

[identity profile] danthered.livejournal.com 2007-11-16 04:01 am (UTC)(link)
The overall tone of his response is extremely Tim "Toolman" Taylor, i.e., phake.

[identity profile] greatbearmd.livejournal.com 2007-11-16 05:11 am (UTC)(link)
Arr arr arr arr... yeah yeah... mm hmm mm hmm...

[identity profile] nfotxn.livejournal.com 2007-11-16 06:01 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah this is acting. Who knows what he really thinks. Maybe the serious-not-serious homo-entendre is on purpose? To keep people interested? Maybe it's just character acting? I didn't find the video that terribly offensive really.

[identity profile] notdefined.livejournal.com 2007-11-16 05:00 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, Mike has a condo in Cow Hollow near North Beach in SF, is hot as a bon fire and tries his best to come across as an uber fag hating heterosexual. However, many of the episodes he is in close proximity with quite handsome and well built men, during these times, his mannerism almost gives his true nature away. He really needs to relax.

[identity profile] greatbearmd.livejournal.com 2007-11-16 05:15 am (UTC)(link)
My gaydar registered well into the pink zone way back when he used to do the home showcase thing. It still goes off to this day. Even more when he's shown lounging around in his undies.

[identity profile] bearlover.livejournal.com 2007-11-16 06:30 am (UTC)(link)
I have no idea but I've gotta start watching this show! What's this about him lounging around in his undies?!?!?

[identity profile] cpj.livejournal.com 2007-11-16 11:53 am (UTC)(link)
It would have been funny if he ended the segment by climbing into bed with Jamie Hyneman from MythBusters.

[identity profile] fingertrouble.livejournal.com 2007-11-16 07:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Coming to it cold, ie. not seen nor heard his other stuff - he's a git I say. And looks like a muscle queen to boot.

Oh 'har har' very 'funny' man has a crush on you and spoils your day? Get over it girlfriend! He comes over as an idiot. Queen or not, it's not a good thing to do to a fan, make fun of them like that. Quite stupid I'd say.

Could be a Tim Taylor but dunno, not sarcastic enough? I'm guessing that's just his style.
Edited 2007-11-16 20:17 (UTC)

[identity profile] devcubber.livejournal.com 2007-11-16 08:07 pm (UTC)(link)
He filmed a show here in St. Louis for Dirty Jobs that aired a couple of years ago with my farrier ("horsehoer") - he was at my trainer's barn, and we got to meet him and spend the day. (btw, my farrier's name is Mark Hemmer and although straight - married to my good friend Beth - is WOOFY! Check out the episode!)

Mike is definitely silly, and makes plenty of jokes that could go either way. Although I didn't get a 'gaydar' ping from him, who knows??? He flirted with everyone, no matter what the gender!!

[identity profile] http://users.livejournal.com/_angry_alan/ 2007-11-16 11:16 pm (UTC)(link)
I've been a fan of the show for a while now and I think he's mighty sexy.

[identity profile] jinkystein.livejournal.com 2007-11-22 05:56 am (UTC)(link)
I think less of him now. I think there is much more eloquent, modern, inclusive, open-minded ways to talk about sexuality.