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3 Aug 2011

Lesbian couple saves 40 teens during Norway shooting rampage but why the media silence?

That is the question raised by Talkaboutequality blog and discussed in a column by Tom Chivers in the (UK) Telegraph.

News of the July 22 shooting rampage and bombing in Norway that left 92 people dead grabbed headlines around the world for days but one story involving a married lesbian couple, who saved as many as 40 people by making four trips in their boat, has notably been given the silent treatment by mainstream media outlets.

Hege Dalen and her spouse, Toril Hansen were reportedly dining on the opposite shore from the youth campsite on Utoya Island just before the shooting. Upon hearing the gunfire and screaming, they quickly drove their boat towards the island and picked up people who were trying to escape by swimming from the island.

The Talkaboutequality blog posed the question in an Aug 1 post: If a Married Lesbian Couple Saves 40 Teens from the Norway Massacre and No One Writes About it, Did it Really Happen?

It published an English translation of a report that appeared in the Finnish language Helsingin Sanomat, the largest subscription newspaper in Finland:

Hege Dalen and her spouse, Toril Hansen were near Utöyan having dinner on the opposite shore across from the ill-fated campsite, when they began to hear gunfire and screaming on the island.

“We were eating. Then shooting and then the awful screaming. We saw how the young people ran in panic into the lake,” says Dale to HS in an interview.

The couple immediately took action and pushed the boat into Lake Tyrifjorden.

Dalen and Hansen drove the boat to the island, picked up from the water victims in shock in, the young and wounded, and transported them to the opposite shore to the mainland. Between runs they saw that the bullets had hit the right side of the boat.

Since there were so many and not all fit at once aboard, they returned to the island four times.

They were able to rescue 40 young people from the clutches of the killer.

“We did not sleep last night at all. Today, we have been together and talked about the events,” Dalen said.

In a follow-up post on Talkaboutequality on Aug 2, it explained why they thought it to be necessary to highlight the couple’s sexual orientation (and marital status) in response to queries from readers who thought otherwise.

“… our blog cannot claim credit for breaking this news in any way – what we did do was ask the question about why it wasn’t getting covered by the mainstream media. Several people have asked why it’s necessary to report that it was a married lesbian couple that committed this heroic deed. You never hear “A straight firefighter saved a family from a burning building.” I agree. You don’t hear in the press when someone is straight and does something good. You also don’t hear when someone is straight and does something bad. But when someone who is LGBT does something bad, you can BET that their sexual orientation or gender identity is one of the first important facts of the story.

“We live in an era when unprecedented numbers of kids are taking their own lives because of the simple fact that they feel alone and trapped. For generation, at least in the US, we have raised children in a world where it is okay to discriminate against LGBT people. We have told kids as they grow up that there is nothing worse than being gay, that if you are gay, you will have no friends, no family and you will probably die of AIDS.

“… why has this story been ignored by the mainstream media? I don’t know. That’s why I posted the article. Is it because the couple is lesbian? Perhaps… And finally, please accept our personal thanks for sharing this story on behalf of kids growing up thinking they won’t amount to anything. Thank you for sharing this story and letting young people know that no matter who they are and no matter who they love, they too can be heroes.”

Although the translated story has since been picked up by English-language LGBT blogs, it was not reported in mainstream papers although Tom Chivers, a columnist at The Telegraph, furnished a list of stories from other media outlets about the heroic acts of others who rescued others from the same island, and offered some thoughts about the media silence about the lesbian couple. 

“Have the media ignored a gold-plated tale of bravery and heroism just because they don’t like the sexual orientation of the protagonists? I don’t know, obviously. But it’s not as though it’s just traditionally minded, conservative news organisations, who might be expected to have misgivings about homosexual marriage, which have not reported on Mrs Hansen and Mrs Dalen’s heroism. The Guardian and The Independent – and, indeed, the aforementioned New York Times – are all proudly liberal papers, but none seem to have covered it.

“Of course, in the hours after the event, they would most likely have got their stories from newswires and local press, so it’s conceivable that – for whatever reason – those sources had their own biases. Maybe a lesbian couple doesn’t fit the mould of heroic rescuer that we in the media are used to, so the interview-hungry hacks at the scene gathered around burly, bearded Scandinavian men who more easily met their preconceptions. But I think it’s more likely that it’s just that, in the panicked days after the attacks, they just never happened to speak to a journalist. I can’t imagine many reporters ignoring their story if they met them; indeed (no great improvement though this might be) the lesbian “angle” might make it more appealing to a certain, more salacious brand of journalism. I may be wrong, I may be ignoring a deep-seated strain of homophobia that runs through the press of Europe and America alike, but in general I tend to assume cock-up rather than conspiracy.” 

Norway

讀者回應

1. 2011-08-03 17:26  
"But when someone who is LGBT does something bad, you can BET that their sexual orientation or gender identity is one of the first important facts of the story"

fact!
2. 2011-08-03 18:09  
why is there a need to mention one's orientation when it comes to saving in the first place? what matters are there were people there to help the victims, regardless their orientation.
3. 2011-08-03 18:13  
Thanks for this story. It has now been picked up by other mainstream press, and even the most homophobic tabloid/online paper in the UK, the Daily Mail, has carried a very positive and dramatic story about them making four rescue trips in their boat which was riddled with bullets.

Obviously them being gay is not a big issue in Scandinavia, but in other countries where there is a lot of antigay propaganda such stories of bravery can be a great morale boost.
4. 2011-08-03 18:46  
DDko, did you not read the reasons cited by the Talkaboutequality blog and reproduced on this page for your convenience? You don't even have to click away to the blog?!!
回應#5於於2011-08-13 17:07被作者刪除。
6. 2011-08-03 18:53  
I didn't quite like the way that this story was phrased/presented.

After all, considering the sheer scale of the human drama and tragedy involved in this awful incident, and the media focus on that insane gunman, it's Very understandable that Hege and Toril's story was bypassed - I haven't heard of it until now, but it seems that their story Has, now, been picked up on.

At work, I know that My editor would be focused on the gunman, and on the children and people who were killed - their stories are Still more 'important' right now than the survivors' tales, let alone the brave men and women (irrespective of sexuality) who did what they could to help.

Their stories will come out in time, and are, as is the nature of these things, and those two ladies are to be congratulated by a great many people,, and deservedly so. But to imply that there's a 'media silence' over their story - to imply almost that there's a cover-up, as though it were just because they're lesbians - is a cheap and easy shot to take.

As I said, right now, the focus is still on Anders, and still on the victims. This is entirely right and proper. In time, the actions of Hege and Toril can come to light (and are, now, which seems to make This story entirely redundant), and should be lauded. But should it be praised by the gay press, or by gay interests? Nonsense. What possible difference does their sexuality make to what they did? Not a damn bit!

So, just let the natural order of things play out, and This kind of story is in poor taste, and poorly-timed, considering the True priorities of this awful story. The dead victims are - still - more 'important' than the living, whether rescued or rescuers...
7. 2011-08-03 19:09  
Are these stories in bad taste you think?

Norway shooting: German tourist hailed a hero after saving 30 lives
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/norway/8658437/Norway-shooting-German-tourist-hailed-a-hero-after-saving-30-lives.html

Norway massacre: How neighbour rescued five from island
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14266456

Sound of Gunfire From Island Sent Civilians to Teenagers’ Rescue
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/30/world/europe/30oslo.html

Norway rescuer shot at making life or death choice
http://news.yahoo.com/norway-rescuer-shot-making-life-death-choice-171820518.html

8. 2011-08-03 19:23  
The argument doesn't seems completely valid either. If sexual orientation doesn't matter, that it just doesn't need to be stated for any purposes, be it heroism or shame.

If the author of the blog is implying that since homosexuality is always reflected in a negative light and hence it is legitimate and necessary to publish it in the positive light, it's merely reverse discrimination.

I'm of the opinion that the couple deserve public praises, but there's no necessity to make it a sensational news to push for homosexualism. My opinion is the same when it comes to negative news.
9. 2011-08-03 20:28  
Well, I completely agree with DMjojojo, alas. It's a question of the way of presenting LGBT people: negative (orientation always mentioned), or not at all (ignoring a part of the population). Haizzz ...
10. 2011-08-03 20:30  
this should have been given light. it would not just be showing the heroic efforts of part of the LBGT part of the world. it will also show the kindness that can be imparted by total strangers no matter what their preference in life is.
11. 2011-08-03 21:25  
In Norway the acceptance level of gays are so that whether someone is gay or not is not newsworthy. Neither is marital status, whether for gays or straights. So being gay (or married) seldom gets mentioned in a news story unless it's relevant to the story. So that might be why the story slipped under the radar of the international press.
The reports in the Norwegian press would say "NN and XX had dinner outside their cabin", and marital status would not be mentioned - whether for gays, straights or just friends. These are facts not relevant to what they actually did.
At Utøya there were also gays, and one of them was among the survivors interviewed from hospital. In the article, there was not a word about the survivor being gay. But when he spoke about the strength given him by his boyfriend, the boyfriend was named. (In Norwegian, the word for boyfriend/girlfriend, "kjæreste" is sex neutral) That the survivor was gay, had nothing to do with the case. That he got strength from his "kjæreste" was relevant, so he was mentioned by name, just as all other supportive boyfriends or girlfriends mentioned in the survivors' tales.
Norway is a very liberal country, and this tragedy is unfathomable to us. We are shaken to the core, but it seems so far that the terrorist has achieved the opposite of what he tried: He wanted to put a wedge between us, and to strike at the core of the Social Democrats (which he thorught betrayed the country). In stead, he has borught us closer to each other, and the Social Democrats have opinion poll numbers they could only dream of just two weeks ago. But honestly, we all would prefer to have the time back when saying "I'm from Oslo" led to the question "Where is that?"
12. 2011-08-03 22:40  
HANUMAN4@ i'd like your comment, but i guess you will like me more. LOL
13. 2011-08-03 22:41  
is it becos mainstream media prefers something more 'sensational' or 'outrageous' or 'villainous' from the lgbt community before they deem it 'fit' to report...
回應#14於於2011-08-13 17:07被作者刪除。
15. 2011-08-03 23:10  
as usual all the 'conspiracist professional queers' just have to have but another self inflicted drama to latch onto.
16. 2011-08-04 01:21  
Yes its true, whenever we Lesbian, gay did something no good, they will always says everything bad of us. They even say "All these kind of ppl that's why all like that" But come to murder cases, rarely, hardly you heard a Lesbian or Gay killer. Almost all are straight ppl. They have no right to say anything yet when there is only a case of lesbian, gay killer they will make a big Woo-Ha about it saying such words. They always think that they are always right and we are always wrong.

For this story above, are very well respected, they are risking their lives during such situation. As a media industry, they should do their job well by posting facts that happening in the world. Its such a disgrace on their positions of not doing what they are supposed to do. All these ppl should open their eyes big to see clearly and should use their brain to think, without the Lesbian couples above, there will be how many parents lost their own child
修改於2011-08-04 02:10:00
17. 2011-08-04 02:33  
In defence of the international media, almost all of the international media has NO reason to 'bury' a news story just because someone is gay or lesbian, and particularly a 'feel-good' story in the midst of a tragedy where 40 people had their lives saved by a couple. Who were lesbians.

"What! Lesbians can be good people too?! Stop the presses!!!"

Like I said, there's simply too much going on, and being revealed, for stories like this - and others (who here can tell me how many people were saved in boats by, say, a local Norwegian fisherman? Anyone? Anyone? No?) - to come to the surface.

Implying that there's been some kind of 'cover-up' by the international press - with the IP being the Media group that's paradoxically both the most likely to make a fuss of someone being gay/lesbian if they get into trouble, BUT also the least likely to be concerned if it's irrelevant to the story at hand (and, frankly, which is the key point to this story - that a couple saved 40 people OR that the couple were Shock Horror lesbians?) - well, implying that is So far off the mark, you'd end up skipping off Earth's atmosphere.

Some digging around shows that their story IS coming out, now - but their sexuality is entirely irrelevant to 'hang' a story on. I'd rather wait for this story to emerge naturally, in the normal newsworthy flow of information, than to see it plugged as some kind of means/reason to gawp at what lesbians can do/have done, as though they're in a zoo...
回應#18於於2011-08-05 11:17被作者刪除。
19. 2011-08-04 09:09  
Talkaboutequality blog. Where is the equality, the balanced reporting? What about the sexuality of the victims and the 32-year old villain? And the sexuality of the heroes, victims and villains on 9-11-2001? Should anyone care?
20. 2011-08-04 09:21  
sad story with a sadder media treatment, even in North Europe, being considered quite open about homosesuality
21. 2011-08-04 12:43  
I'm overwhelmingly of the opinion that any story about GLBT people that highlights the fact that they are as normal as anyone else... and often super normal... should be widely publicised ... Including mention of their sexuality

Nobody who knows a GBLT person can be homophobic. But there are far too many people who 'think' they know ...or who have been told by some bigot from too many centuries ago when in fact they dont have a clue. Ignorance is the enemy.
22. 2011-08-04 13:41  
they are heroes to me :)
23. 2011-08-04 15:47  
Let me answer my own question above. Sexuality ought to be irrelevant, just as race, age, religion and other attributes that divide humanity, nor should racism, ageism, religious bigotry or other hateful behaviors of a person be relevant when the instinct of goodness that is fundamental to all is being called into action.

回應#24於於2011-08-04 16:25被作者刪除。
回應#25於於2011-08-05 11:16被作者刪除。
26. 2011-08-04 17:29  
kazukicanada wrote:

"The article makes me feel gay is no better than keep telling people that I like to fuck or having sex with a same sex person."

"I would prefer to keep my sexual orientation private instead of public. I am gay, it is my bed room story. It has nothing to do to public."

Seriously, looking at your profile photo, I don't feel I can trust your judgement of what is private vs public, and what belongs in the bedroom.

Just because this is a gay website doesn't mean you need to show us what you do in the bedroom (or wherever else). We really get it... If to you being gay just equals sex, then the problem really is just you.

27. 2011-08-04 18:25  
I think mentioning gay or lesbo in this situation and in that country is of lesser importance.

When I would report about it, I would not mention it. But... I would when such a story had happened in Malaysia or Singapore or China or in any other country where it really matters.

I also think that this should be considered. To mention if someone is gay or lesbian and a hero depends on the amount of acceptance in that country.
回應#28已於於2011-08-04 21:50被管理員刪除。
回應#29已於於2011-08-04 21:51被管理員刪除。
30. 2011-08-04 21:39  
God Bless the both of you for having save the lives of the 40 people! The Media can choose to pick up the story or not is only one thing. I know how many gay and lesbians would view it as a snub. Not getting any medals for your bravery and honour is a shame. But just remember those 40 faces that you had both saved, that alone shines brighter than any medal can. Know it in your hearts that even if no one else care, remember you would always be in the minds, hearts, memory and even maybe the prayers of those you have helped (not to mention their families and friends)!

It's such a very shame that the mainstream media had ignored your service to help those in need.

Maybe someday, they would learn to know that even gay men and gay women may have hearts that actually care, and we are not selective of who gets our caring and help.

Light and love!
31. 2011-08-04 23:44  
You two makes us proud ,thanks God that you two were there at that time !
32. 2011-08-05 01:11  
I second #3 Kumabro_oz's comments.

At the end of the day, what matters is that the married ladies ARE heroes. And no amount of propaganda in the world...can change it. ;)
33. 2011-08-05 10:03  
The couple did perform some really good and courageous work, and should be mentioned and recognized in every media possible. Not everyone could have done what they have done. However if we as GLBT strive for equality, I personally see no need in mentioning our sexual preferences every time some of us make a headline.
34. 2011-08-05 10:27  
Bravo to Hege Dalen & Toril Hansen for risking their lives to rescue those 40 teens!!! What a courageous act!!! *big applause* d(^__^)b
35. 2011-08-05 12:56  
I am glad this gets reported here, somehow. Hege Dalen and Toril Hansen are good models to all for carrying out a very brave act that save so many. You are both inspiration to all ... irregardless of the nitty-gritties. Bravo!!
36. 2011-08-05 20:40  
@33 perhaps in order to have equality it is necessary to balance the fact that in some places our sexuality is only mentioned in a negative context.

However the most neutral and natural approach was the Independent, in the UK, who merely said that a married couple made the rescue, and then it emerged as a natural part of the story that they were both women. The word lesbian or gay was never mentioned.
37. 2011-08-05 20:45  
P.s. Was this story reported in the Singapore or Malaysian press at all, and if so , how? I noticed that gay marriage in NY was reported in Malaysia simply from the totally false point of view that there were big demonstrations against it in NY.
38. 2011-08-05 23:44  
I didn't see this story reported in the Singapore media at all although the Singapore Straits Times website carried the news about same-sex marriage in NY :

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_693846.html
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_694152.html

The Independent / people in UK probably didn't think that them being a lesbian couple is particularly interesting but their sexual orientation would be totally newsworthy in a country that doesn't recognize same-sex marriage or worse criminalize same-sex relations. In places like Singapore and Malaysia, I think LGBTs need all they good press they can get to balance out the bad.
修改於2011-08-05 23:48:18
39. 2011-08-06 00:27  
@38, agreed, though I think the Independent were trying to be politically correct in their approach. Thanks for the info.
40. 2011-08-06 06:52  
Some people on here equated the Jewish law of retaliation - an eye for an eye - with equality, positive reports on gays to balance out negative reports on gays, despite the fact that I rarely see negative reports on gays on Fridae since we, collectively, always seem to be the eternal victim, either of society or of disease.

To give credit where credit is due, the balancing concept is logical, but unity in goodness irrespective of sexuality, or race or some other method by which we divide ourselves ought to triumph over logic. It is goodness that we offer to one another that gives humanity a reason to continue.

In this respect, no one could have said it better than Mahatma Gandhi: "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."
修改於2011-08-06 06:57:36
41. 2011-08-07 12:57  
The story here is about 40 teens being rescued from likely death by two good hearted people who were driven to action by humanity, not sexuality. Whether the rescuers were gay, black, whatever, is really irrelevant and inappropriate, it politicizes an act of humanity. Asking why this isn't more widely reported is not the question; asking why anyone would want to make the couple's sexuality a major theme in the story is the real question here. It is pure grandstanding in the face of an immense tragedy. Remember, over 80 people were killed.
42. 2011-08-10 01:43  
@40, ripped, you are very mischievous to equate positive balance with the negative, an eye for an eye, there is no connection at all. You take Gandhi totally out of context.

Obviously you are right about common humanity. The story was a story because there was a possibility it was being suppressed because of the gay aspect. But I don't think that anyone now thinks that was the case as it has been picked up by the mainstream press, at least in places other than Singapore, where naturally it has been suppressed as it shows a gay couple in a good light, which I understand is illegal in Singapore.

This of course is because of so-called Christian conservatives there. To quote Gandhi more aptly, " I like your Christ, but not you Christians. They are so unlike your Christ."

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