Here's how to flag an app as 'inappropriate' in the Android Market
We suppose it should be flattering that there's currently a fairly massive Twitter campaign calling for Google -- and Android Central -- to remove the obviously offensive (and ridiculous) "Is my son gay?" app from the Android Market.
If only it were up to us.
Actually, we don't even like calling attention to this app -- or any of the other scores of offensive apps that are in the Android Market. That's one of the pitfalls of having a relatively open app ecosystem -- you have to take the bad with the good.
But that doesn't mean you have to like it, and petitions and Twitter campaigns are two great ways to let Google know you don't want apps like this in the Android Market. You can also flag an app as being inappropriate, and we recommend you do so. Here's how:
On your phone, go to the app in the Android Market. (Here's a link for you.) Scroll down, then tap "Flag as inappropriate." Then chose a reason.
Want to do more? AllOut.org has started a petition, seeking 10,000 signatures calling for the app to be removed. Here's a link to the petition.
And if you'd like to e-mail the developer of the "Is my son gay?" app, you can reach it at android-support@emmene-moi.com -- that's the e-mail address listed in the app's public market listing.
We're all for an open market. But we could all do without the hate.
Edit: Tweaked the headline to better reflect what we were trying to say - Phil
250 Comments
I am not sure what is worse, someone bigoted enough to make this app or someone stupid enough to pay $1. 99 for it.
Agreed. Also, by the same developer is the exact same app, but in French (?). Report it, too!
Actually they already raised the price to $2.68. This app is stupid, bigoted, and useless. How 'bout you just ask your son if he's gay. If you're so concerned about him, but can't talk to him, then obviously you don't have that good of a relationship with your son. And if he is gay, who cares??? It's not like you're going to "cure" him if you find out he is, Jesus isn't going to save him...because he doesn't need saving. You're just going to make his life worse due to your constant disapproval of his lifestyle. People need to stop worrying about what everyone else is doing and mind their own f***ing business! But, if I flag it as inappropriate, aren't I not minding my own f***ing business? Let the haters hate...we're not going to change their minds and let gay people be gay...they're not going to change their minds. There are more important things to worry about in this world than if your son is gay or not!
Yes lets get everyone together and flag things that doesn't affect anyone's life as being inappropriate. I can't stand basketball or spiders... I'm a bigot towards those things. Boy I sure do hope I don't offend anyone with a question like "Does your son play basketball" or "Is your son into spiders?" What is the world coming to by asking questions! And for the stupid people on this site that is called sarcasm
"A bigot is a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices, especially one exhibiting intolerance, irrationality, and animosity toward those of differing beliefs or genetics."
Somebody needs to invest in a dictionary.
A dictionary? How old are you? We use google now.
Ummm... you need to invest in knowledge and being able to read and comprehend. If I hate basketball or spiders and try to get others to hate that, which I do, then that is "obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices, especially one exhibiting intolerance, irrationality, and animosity toward those of differing beliefs or genetics." idiot. Feel kind of stupid right now don't you? It's ok we all know you're an idiot and as I stated before I was being sarcastic. sar·cas·tic/särˈkastik/
Adjective: Marked by or given to using irony in order to mock or convey contempt.
It's a figure of speech, I wasn't suggesting you actually buy a dictionary. I'm not even going to bother trying to explain how wrong you are, because your delusions are clearly beyond my help. Have a fun life being a miserable prick.
Furthermore, if you want to call yourself a bigot, which you have just described yourself as someone "exhibiting intolerance, irrationality, and animosity toward those of differing beliefs or genetics"... be my guest, idiot.
Is the Bible bigoted? Christianity? Maybe we should ban those too?
Unbelievably absurd. Sexual perversion should be treated as perversion. Love the people who sin yes, but unnatural vice is still both unnatural and a vice. Google "sins that cry to heaven." I'm sure catechisms will be next on your censored list...
The bible actually says nothing about homosexuality directly. It simply refers to general debauchery. Of course thats lost to many modern bigoted religions. Besides, the Bible is fiction anyway.
It also forbids the eating of shellfish and wearing clothes with mixed fabrics. The Bible thumpers always gloss over that.
Wrong. Just so wrong. Have you even picked up the book? To quote Wikipedia, "There are a number of direct references to homosexual activity in the Bible."
Depends on which version/translation of the bible you're reading actually. They were correct, technically speaking, when it comes to certain versions.
Ohhh, you mean the bible that says you are to kill your wife if you find out she was not a virgin when she married you? Or that you should stone your children to death if they talk back to you? Or that you're allowed to beat your slaves, as long as they don't die?
That bible, right?
To answer your questions: Yes. And yes.
In response to your second paragraph: Sexual perversion? What, is this the 1950s? Homosexuality is neither unnatural nor a vice. It occurs naturally and observably in nearly every species (mammal especially) known to man. The only thing unbelievably absurd here is how absolutely uneducated and hypocritical you appear to be.
I'm a highly educated Catholic priest. Thanks. If it were the 1950's, maybe you would have a more coherent philosophical anthropology. Perhaps you should pick up some John Paul II and appreciate that he has much to teach you, O uneducated one.
Already hung out with him at the Vatican after I completed 13 years of private Jesuit schooling. Being articulate doesn't change the point that nearly everything you said in your post was factually incorrect.
Edit: For those of you who are incredibly daft: I meant I visited his tomb.
Yes the bible is bigoted, but no we shouldn't ban it. Books should never be banned; we should just outgrow the idea that we need something like the bible to teach us how to live.
And homosexuality is not perversion.
sorry you were raised to believe that the normal and natural sexual activities of roughly seven hundred million people are somehow "bad" without really thinking about why. yeah, i get it, when a man loves another man it's icky, and i'm not turned on by other dudes either, but brother, in all honesty, does what two fully grown men (or women) do under the sheets really matter? i think the world's gonna be just fine.
Normal? Natural? I would bet the farm that I've "[thought] about why" far more than you. Read "Homosexuality and Hope" by the Catholic Medical Association. Mature, healthy people engage in sodomy precisely never.
Why don't you go on a crusade against murder or something that's actually harmful? I always wonder about people that get so stirred up about other people's disposition to love whomever they want. Protect free speech and send us sexual perverts - as you call us - to the depths of burning hell. I'm sure that's exactly what Jesus wants his followers to do. Ha.
I just can't believe someone would make such an app as this. It's appalling how some people can be.
You dont have to buy it you know!
Let me give you a worst case scenario: Parent sees this and buys it, and it tells him his son is gay. On the one hand, it's probably wrong (since this is obviously stupid) but the parent now feels the need to punish the son because he hates homosexuality. I'd hate to think anyone is stupid enough to take these things seriously, but then again, I've met plenty who are.
FYI, this is the response you get if you email the publisher:
Focus on the right fight !
I was extremely surprised by the negative comments about "Is my son gay?". I was also surprised by their nature : some people didn't hesitate to compare it with "Jew or not jew ?", an application which was listing all the French jewish famous people. That is not acceptable !
"Is my son gay?" was made with a fun approach. It does not rely on any scientific element. It relies on the fact that some behaviours, some family and social environments are often met among gay people. No more. No less.
I would like to ask two questions.
- To what extent would it be a problem for a mother to know if her son is gay ?
- Would it be a problem if he was ?
If the answer is no, then this application should not upset anyone. We can see it is not the case...
The application and the upcoming novel (in French) "Is my son gay?", from a gay writer, use fun and humor to talk about difficult moments for families to go through, such as coming out.
Focus on the right fight.
Christophe de Baran
Who cares? Have we grown that sensitive to everything that we have to make a big deal about an app like this and draw more attention to it?
It is a stupid app, so I WONT DOWNLOAD IT. Simple. Move on. There are hundreds of apps that might offend me in some way but I don't start petitions for them. I don't understand why this should ever even be brought up. You can disagree with them all day long, but the fact is, they are not breaking any laws here. It isn't illegal for people to "dislike" gay people. People are free to decide how they feel about things. If you actually look at the app, it asks a bunch of stupid questions, and if in fact it determines "your son is gay" it says you should "accept him for who he is" not "Take him straight to church" or something like that.
People have got to stop being so whiny and sensitive. You don't like the app, don't download it.
Well said. This country has gotten WAY too sensitive and 90% of the crap that they want to protest wouldn't even make it to the mainstream without that protest. Many years ago my sister went to a clan rally to protest against them (we are caucasion). When she got back she called me and told me that she wished that she hadn't even gone. She said there was no coverage of the rally itself and that almost no one was there in support of the rally. All the coverage was on the protesters which then gave publicity to the rally. Wake up America!!!
You're missing the point here. It's offensive because it plays into incorrect stereotypes about gay people and displays sheer insensitivity towards what is a very serious topic, and what it says at the end doesn't even matter because the entire premise of it (suggesting that you can find out whether your son is gay through 20 questions) is already demonstrating sheer ignorance and indirect prejudice. Whether it breaks any laws is not even the issue.
And to say that people are just being whiny and sensitive over this only shows a lack of understanding of how inappropriate this app is and the effect that such insensitivity can have on people.
I'm 17 and gay, my parents have struggled to accept me, and I hope it gets better.
It is whiny and so what if the developer is ignorant. So now if I write an app with pictures of ugly poodles and I going to offend someone who owns poodles? This guy and his app should have absolutely no effect on you and if you had never heard about this app it would have not changed a thing about you. My advice to you is to stop tripping on what other people think about your lifestyle and live your life the way you want. You can't change the world and shutting down his rights are only going to effect you in the long term. Focusing on all the ignorant people in the world is going to make you crazy.
You'd better not write an app that offends my poodle!!!11eleven
If enough people found your app offensive, they'd likely protest it and have the absolute right to.
Hey man I hope it gets better for you with your parents but you are being whiny about this... it's an app... an app! There is no incorrect stereotypes here it's not saying "How to change your gay son, straight" app. Now that would of been insensitive. It's simply asking a question. Is your son gay? As to the app being stupid I would agree it is but nothing more. Move on with your life and try to be happy this won't be the last time you will have to deal with idiots or things you don't like in your life.
Thanks, I stand by my opinion but respect yours all the same. Maybe I'm indeed taking this a bit too seriously but it offended me just now and still offends me now. Also this isn't the 1st nor the last time I'm dealing with idiots and things I don't like, both in real life and on the Internet.
Man don't let things like this get you down... life is hard enough as it is. You're gay... so what... just go do your thing and let the others be douche bags, it will show at some point. Keep your head up and be proud of who you are. F the others!
WHY does it offend you?
Just forget about it! You are being SO sensitive it is ridiculous. If you are going to let something like this bother you to this extent, you have a tough life ahead of you.
You know what offends me? TOMATOES. and I have to deal with them everyday... they make me gag... I would go so far as to say they are offensive to me, and I think it is absurd that people like them.
Guess what. You are going to come across many many things that you find offensive in your life time... Just like everyone else.
It's offensive because it reinforces gay stereotypes. Is that so hard to understand? Can you imagine an app called "Is your son black?" that asked questions like "Does he eat fried chicken a lot?". It's the same thing.
Stereotypes by their own nature are born out of ignorant people. Fighting to repress them is not going to make them disappear. People are what they are, there will always be bigotted ones among us.
You guys need to accept and embrace who you are and pay no attention to ignorant fools who thrive on stereotyping those they don't understand or accept. An idea, maybe you should make an app to make the record straight (no pun intended) on gay stereotypes. You will gain more acceptance by correcting people's misconceptions than by trying to repress them.
That actually sounds incredibly funny. Insensitive and potentially offensive to some but funny. It would also be a waste of an app but might be a good skit on a stupid comedy show.
Why?
Because the whole idea would come off as ironic and satirical.
So to answers the question: Yes I can imagine an app called "Is your son black?" and no it's not even remotely the same as the app in question but I get what you were trying to explain.
"of·fen·sive
Adjective: Causing someone to feel deeply hurt, upset, or angry: "offensive language".
Noun: An attacking military campaign."
What the fuck tomatoes are YOU eating?
I find it absurd and offensive, but I wouldn't try and get it banned. One can't tout about being an open system and then complain when it something you don't agree with.
Why is this so appalling? Sorry don't see it. The app is simply asking a question or just a reflection of how stupid or PC our society is becoming and the dev wanted to show that. Would you be upset if there was an app called "Is my son straight?"
Seriously, I don't get it either. Sure it's a dumb app but it's really not a big deal. We don't always have to be PC on issues like this. Especially since gays have really never been mass murdered, enslaved, or have society accept brutality towards them. There are some issues that do need some political correctness because of justified sensitivity but I think this might be overkill.
The fact that people don't get it shows that we have a long way to go in our society. Perhaps rude, insensitive people like will always exist.
"But we could all do without the hate."
Thank you Phil :-)
The overall tone to tolerance of all races, creeds, and colors in this article makes me proud to be part of the AndroidCentral.com community.
Thank You Phil!!!
If I'm not mistaken, nowhere does the app "hate" on anyone. Rather it tells the "parent" they need to be understanding and accepting. I think the app may open the door for the parent to discuss the issues with their son.
So where is the "hate"?
Looks to me like the complainers are the intolerant ones.
The fact is that the app is about as understanding as a brick, and reinforces stereotypes. I'm gay, but would rather shoot myself than listen to Madonna (that's one of the questions). It doesn't open the door to discussion because it's going behind the son's back.
Wow I'm not gay and I listen to Madonna OMG I'm closeted without even knowing it! OMG....wait or maybe there is no one measure to externally define if someone is into guys, other then oh I don't know asking them...
^^Agreed.
I've flagged it as inappropriate. If there were an option to flag it as condoning hatred and incredibly destructive to society, I would.
destructive to society?? Are you kidding? What's destructive is all the PC crap in the world. I actually find your user name destructive and would like it removed from this system. It hurts and scares me.
"It hurts and scares me." HA! :)
Ummm DOMA and everyone who rallies around it. Enough said. I know dozens of people who are gay and the outright hatred that is spewed by people who are so threatened by the concept of equal rights. And this IS about equal rights.
You want a perfect example? See the soldier who was booed on the Republican debate no more then a few days ago because has asked the question about him having to stay hidden in the military.
The simple fact is welcome to the new civil rights movement. This is NO different. Where family are denied medical coverage because they are gay, where family don't get the same visitation rights to a dying person because they are gay, where family have to spend extra to use loopholes to get wills setup correctly, and even then blood family can still swoop in and decimate a will because being gay isn't recognized in many states. In short being gay is the new black. If you are going to deny gays from being married then time to go back to keeping dem colored folk from marrying our white women. (See my point year?)
People don't like the idea of gay relationships? Then don't have one. Pretty damn straight forward eh?
PS- If DOMA and NOM are trying to "protect the sanctity of marriage", why are they not trying to ban divorce? Oh that's right this is a single focused attack on one group of people.
I've flagged both of them. I am appalled that someone would even make this, let alone that Google would let it into the market.
It isn't that Google _LET_ it into the market. There is little to no screening process for the Market. However, we have to allow the choice for things like this to happen, to allow for other possibly controversial things to happen as well. Remember a few weeks back the "Phone Story" game? Apple banned that from their App Store because it painted them in a poor light. It is currently on Android Market, no problems.
I think we can all (hopefully) agree that an app painting Apple in a poor light is a LITTLE different than an app supporting hurtful stereotypes and hate speech.
How the heck is asking if your son is gay hate speech?
I agree. Who cares about this stupid app. This guy has as much right to create and sell this app as the guy who creates an app showing girls with big boobs. Stop being so damn sensitive. Have we really turned into to a bunch if politically correct whiners?
Yes, this country has. Everyone wants to cry freedom of speech, religion, etc. as long as it doesn't contradict what they believe!
"Everyone wants to cry freedom of speech, religion, etc. as long as it doesn't contradict what they believe!"
I know. Look at the crazies that booed the gay soldier in the Republican debate. Look at the Westboro Baptist church that protests soldiers' funerals. Look at the people who bomb abortion clinics.
The problem is I will bet you $10 that money made from the app probably go to www.nationformarriage.org/ and other such orgs who's very existence is centered around intolerance.
Would you be OK if this app was How to tell if your girl is dating a N***ER and the money went to the KKK? The constitution allows for free speech since they are the government. However that doesn't mean Google and the like need to take a blind eye to it. Google represents a social netowork now. While they don't need to keep things 100% PC, stopping a app from spreading stereotypes and BS. On a topic that many consider the new civil rights movement....yah.
As long as they agree with you....?
I agree, to a point. I think the app is pretty clearly stupid and offensive (it's just feeding on and reinforcing stereotypes; whether or not a boy is interested in fashion or listens to pop music is not indicative of sexuality), but calling it "hate speech" goes too far. I think it's important to mark a distinction, however arbitrary between something that's offensive and outright hate speech.
Apps like these make me glad I have an iPhone there has to be a way to fix this kind of problem.
^ this does not even make sense
He's saying that this App would not make it through the App reviewing process for the App Store.
What does this have to do at all with the iPhone? There are more than one "questionable" apps on the app store. You be trollin...
Then please explain the "Shake the baby" app? It has been removed, but only after a LOT of vocal complaints.
That's not necessarily true. There was some hilariously awful "pray the gay away" type app that made it through the App Store screening process a few months ago. It was pretty quickly removed, though, and I do agree that the upside of Apple's App Store screening policies is that this kind of trash is rarely seen in the Apple ecosystem.
There are MUCH worse apps than this in the app store for iOS. The difference is Apple APPROVE them in the first place. Google remove them later, there is no approval process.
You know, I downloaded this to see what all the furor was about.
It is ridiculous app, of course. 20 stereotypical questions like "Does your son listen to divas (Madonna/Lady Gaga)" and "Does your son spend a lot of time in the bathroom?"
Upon receiving your "results" there is a clear statement that you should accept your gay son for what he is and that "this is not a choice he made." Hey, bravo for not being totally homophobic!
Now I gotta run so I can get a refund.
I really don't see what the problem is. In fact, I find some of the supposed 'disgust' rather pathetic.
Agreed
The overall tone to tolerance of all race, creeds, and colors in this article makes me proud to be part of the AndroidCentral.com community. Thank You Phil!!!
Not even an Android owner, but as a geek, I really appreciate seeing a community stand up against something like this. Oddly enough, according to the app, I'm straight (my bf would probably beg to differ).
lolol
Awesome
LOL! Exactly why this app is only relevant because of the people who want to get rid of it (who of course spout freedom of everything that benefits them).
I find this *far* more disgusting:
http://market.android.com/details?id=com.AmazingBullshit.HolyFuckingBible
But repeated complaints to Google have done nothing.
If it was called "The Holy Fucking Koran" it would be removed instantly!
I am disgusted that someone would degrade the Bible this way. This app needs to be removed as well.
The Bible doesnt need an app to degrade it, it does that all by itself by being factually, historically and morally incorrect, as well as badly written.
Amen!
I wish I could give this more than 3 stars.
Absolutely correct.
*sigh* its people Like you...So just because you don't like it, it needs to be removed? Just because someone has a opinion about something thats different from yours, it needs to be removed. Religion just makes people live in their own little bubble.
While I can understand the religious outrage, I do believe (based upon his other apps) that it was largely meant as a farsical and sarcastically humour filled app. Mostly filled with sound-bytes and bits of text. I can see this being offensive, but I don't see a reason for it to be banned
Ah.
You're not offended by a clearly anti-gay app, but you're offended by a clearly humorous Bible app.
I think we all understand where you're coming from now.
Lol, he didn't say that he wasn't offended by the first app, just that he was MORE offended by this one. So according to you people aren't allowed to be more offended by one thing over another?
Ahhh the liberal double standard rears it's ugly head.
How is that a liberal double standard? The comment doesn't say you shouldn't be offended by the Bible app, it asks why is the Bible app more important than the gay app. A perfectly sensible question for a discussion in a free country. Of course a conservative only believes in the freedom to do what they believe is right.
Oh you Americans and your idea of what it mans to be liberal.. lol what a twisted place.
HOLY SHIT ... downloading this right now ... Pure Awesomeness
Yeah. Christians in the US are so oppressed. :-p
You don't have the right to not be offended. Grow a pair ffs.
That. Is. Hilarious. Come on, folks, it's comedy. No one is killing your dog.
It takes so much energy to hate, I don't get why people waste their time on it. Just let people live their lives as they want to live them. I've flagged this app as inappropriate.
Those of you (including the forum here) asking for apps to be banned, please turn in your Android card and pick up your Apple card. You belong over in that camp.
Are we talking about the same Google here?
There's a difference in the consumer deciding to reject an app, and having the decision made for you.
You are exactly right, you have the option to reject the app and others have the option to download it. The freedom of Google.
So you're offended... I don't see why that means the app should be removed. Just don't download it and don't support that developer. Problem solved?
If you don't like it don't download it. So simple. The same people crying about censorship of their favorite vice want to do the same. Hypocrite much?
What's wrong with the app? Its for people with suspicions that their child may be gay. Not necessarily for hate purposes, maybe better understanding, or support. /s I personally don't have a problem with the app, we call it open for a reason people. If you don't like it, just don't buy it. Don't ruin it for those who might find some use for this app. You can't have it both ways people, so how do you want it? I personally find the other "gay" apps more offensive. Not my thing
because you can't tell if someone's gay by answering a bunch of stereotypical questions.
It's not like a disease or spotting a breed of dog.
How do you know if your son is gay? He tells you. That's how you know.
He starts dating boys. That's how you know. There's no screen for it, and no reason to be obsessed with it.
If you suspect one of your kids might be gay, here's what you NEED to do. Assure them that no matter what, you love them. No matter what they do, or where they go, you'll always be there for them. No matter who they love, or who loves them, you'll still always love them.
eh stereotypes exist and most are funny. Blacks like fried chicken, whites like hooty and the blowfish, jews are stingy with money, blondes are dumb, jocks are dbags...and gay males listen to lady gaga. who cares? get the stick out of your ass and laugh like the other half do.
if you cant laugh at those you probably live your life seeking out ways to prevent yourself from ever being offended.
Ha. This is hilarious. If you need help from an app to learn about your own child, well, that should tell you something about your parenting.
I don't get it how this is hateful? If someone put out an app is my son a Mexican or Asian would that also be offensive? To many people are making such a big deal over nothing. And you give the editor props for what? I agree you cant characterize a person by asking 20 simple questions but seriously.... There could be better time spent reading (or writing) articles on other things.
Like Dog Wars?
*runs*
LOL
"If someone put out an app is my son a Mexican or Asian would that also be offensive?"
Most likely. You see, to be similar it would have to ask a question like, "Is your son a bad driver?" or "Does your son wear a bandana?"
I'm confused by the whole twitter campaign. They are saying @google & @androidcentral as if android central can control what apps are available in the market? While android central is the biggest android related blog in the world, and this editorial is going to get the app reported a lot, the campaign makes no sense. Either direct it at only google or google & every major android blog for example, @androidcentral, @xdadevelopers, @androidpolice, @phandroid etc etc etc.
Ya know what....I am pro equal rights for all ...but I think this is hilarious. Some gay folk need to lighten up and get over themselves
we'll lighten up and "get over ourselves" when DOMA is gone and we don't have kids being bullied to death. When we don't have people constantly trying to treat us like we're diseased rats trying to destroy the country.
When all that's addressed, then we'll have nothing left to do but get over ourselves. Until that time, however, we'll be addressing this kind of stuff. Get used to it.
straight kids get "bullied to death", too. kids (and adults) find reasons to pick on others; it often has nothing to do with being gay, but simply being different from someone else. It may not be right, but that's human nature.
i dont know much about doma but kids of all colors, races, sexes, and sexual orientations will be bullied for as long as humans exist. it's human nature, and it will never change.
short version: QQ, life isnt fair and everyone has problems. some are just bigger than others'. Pick yourself up and become stronger from it.
Not for being straight they don't. The difference is those doing it feel 'righteous' because they think they are doing it in Gods name. Very sad, very wrong, very pathetic and deluded, very dangerous.
Bullying a gay child to death because you think its what god wanted is NO different than flying a plane into a building because you think its what god wanted.
I don't see anything wrong with the app... why are people getting all butt hurt about it?
I see what you did there.
Really? I don't see a problem with the holy bible app or the gay app. Who cares??? If you don't like them, don't buy them! I don't understand why everyone has gotten so PC. I would much rather a couple stupid apps get through than everyone have to deal with censorship.
Wonderful. Now you bring attention to an app that doesn't deserve it. Bitching to Google because it offends you will only lead to other apps getting banned because someone is going to get offended by something no matter what it is.
Just let it sit there and rot away.
Reminds of the 2 Live Crew back in the 80's. Nobody cared until the "do-gooders" made a stink about their lyrics. After that they became huge...but just for a bit.
Flagged and signed. Thanks for bringing methods to hopefully remove this hateful app to everyone's attention, AP!
Please do explain how this app is hateful?
Its full of incorrect stereotypes and implys being gay is something the parent needs to worry about.
WOW and what if they are true? does not the media portray gay men as whimsical characters that stand around at the water cooler with other women spouting out nonsense.
OMG; Really come on Phil, get the app banned "Flag as inappropriate"? I hope Google leaves it up, on what grounds should it be taken down? Because it questions someone sexuality? Oh, heavens!
So leave the app along FREE SPEECH!!!, everyone is entitled to have an opinion even if you think it is wrong.
I bet you even have a COEXIST bumpersticker too (http://goo.gl/DDyas) your more intolerant the the app dev.
A**HOLE!
LOL DERP DERP
Free speech doesnt even slightly apply. The Market is owned and run by google. It can censor whatever it wants and for almost any reason (should be ANY reason but governments are retarded when it comes to protecting rights). Google OWNS the Market. Free Speech only applies to public areas/ideas/etc, not to someone- or some company's property, which is what the Market is- google's property.
i agree with everything else tho.
you my friend are derp derp
Everyone quotes freedom of speech lately with out having an idea what that really means.
Your constitutional right to freedom of speech was created to protect you from censorship or retribution from the GOVERNMENT for any speech, specially political speech. Hoever, it does not imply that you won't face consequences as a result of what you decide to voice - if your speech incites a riot, you can (and most likely will be) prosecuted for the results of your speech, in this case the riot.
The first amendment does NOT apply to speech restrictions imposed by private entities who have the right to censor and/or discipline for such violations. As said, Google owns the market and has the right and authority to suppress any and all apps they want with no explation required ~ as Apple does regularly. Freedom of speech protections would not apply on such a case.
Having said that, people asking Google to remove this or any other app because is offensive to some goes against the TRADITION of freedom of speech we have in this country. If you count yourself in favor of this type of censoship now, don't claim freedom of speech when someone else asks for you to be silenced because they find what you say or do offensive.
I don't think Google should censor any app, unless the app's purpose is to facilitate illegal activity. So, I don't think Google should bow to any pressure they receive. However, it's up to them. They own the market.
That said, I am appalled at those that claim they don't understand how this app can be considered offensive. They are either heartless a-holes, stupid, or homophobes themselves.
Absolutely ridiculous app. Same goes for someone purchasing it.
Have you even purchased it or are you making ridiculous comments on someone else's feedback?
I think this app is in bad taste, so you know what I am going to do? NOT DOWNLOAD IT! What do you think will come of banning offensive apps? That offensive people will run out of offensive things to say or do and start being better people? No. No one is making you download it. If you have kids that you're worried will find it, maybe they are too young for this kind of phone and you should get them a childrens phone and let steve jobs decide what's ok for them.
You know, you diehard fandroids are really going to have to re-word some of your rhetoric now that Jobs isn't CEO. Just sayin'.
This app is obviously not for everyone and might inspire bigotry, but who cares. If there are people bigoted enough to buy it, let them. To each their own. If this "report as inappropriate" campaign succeeds, what's to stop the anti-gay community from banning pro-gay apps? Stop trying to change people's minds. There are racists and homophobes and all sorts of people in the world. Deal with it. Banning this app won't change those people's beliefs.
Phil, i love ya man(no homo), but this post is idiotic and therefore Android Central should be banned from the internet. 8p
But seriously, I dont see the problem here. If I made an app called "Is my son Phil Nickinson?" does that mean I hate you?
I don't see how this app is offensive? I think those people that see it offensive believe that being gay is something odd and disgraceful, otherwise they would have reacted to it just like anyone who would have reacted to an app that is called "is your son attracted to girls".
For those defending gays (I'm not one of them, but I don't hate them of course), if you think gay is normal, just act normal, there's no reason for all the fuss around this app.
So what is offensive about this app? Is it just a stupid test or is it telling people how to "un gay" people?
Are morons protesting the Moron test app?
This is obviously not a scientific app. There is gay meter in the market place. Do we need to get rid of that too?
Great, I just bought the app and now I think my son may be gay. Does anyone know where I can find the "Fix My Son" app?
Come on, seriously? Freedom of speech. The app (from what I can tell from the two non-descriptive screenshots), asks questions that may make you question if your son is gay. If he is, what does the app say to do? Does anyone know? Does it give tips on how to be supportive? Does it give tips on things you can do to help him get through tough issues at school? I'm guessing nobody knows because everyone here is on the "hate anything that is not PC" bandwagon and simply wants to ban an app they really have no idea what it does, simply based on the title.
Judge a book by its cover much?
I personally would not download something like this, and quite frankly believe that anyone who would download something like this is a moron. However, this app should stay on the market. It isn't misleading in its intention, and it doesn't infect your system. This is an open community where things don't get removed because people are offended by them. Free speech is a major factor in an open platform
.
This app is awesome!!!!
Excuse me while I go make the "How to turn your gay dog into a fighter to make millions!" app.
Ok, I'm a little disappointed in AndroidCentral for this post. This app should not be banned or flagged as inappropriate or anything. Android is about being open, and that means taking the good with the bad. If you don't like it, do what I'm doing...don't download it.
Same with that dog fighting app from before. Sure, if you find any app offensive or whatever, go ahead and state your reasons for not liking it, try to get others to rate it low, etc. You are free to do that. But I disagree with banning apps in an open system. It's a slippery slope. Just where do you draw the line? What some people find offensive, others do not.
Let the community decide the success of an app, not the ban hammer.
Like all one hit wonders... they will fade.
Ok so if we had a 'lets fly a plane into the Willis tower' app, thats ok, because its free speech?
The main problem with this app is that is isnt humorous and is completely wrong. Its reinforcing tea-party stereotypes and IS harmful, to both the parents and the children.
I believe you are coming across as a very intolerant individual here - not saying you are, but you are acting like one in this discussion. With your prejudicial referrence to tea-party stereotypes reinforces this perception.
The difference between this and the ficticious 'Let's fly a plane into the Willis tower' app you mention above, is that could be construed as inciting an illegal act - flying a plane into a building... just like the Turner Diaries in my opinion, should have been banned.
I disagree with DOMA, also with the stupid Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. I believe we are ALL Americans regardless of race, creed, gender, sexual preferrences, socioeconomic status, etc. I also believe we should be free to do as we please as long as we do not directly harm anyone with our actions. Gay people do not harm me because they are gay; my 'straight' marriage (and rights) will not be dimished by someone elses 'gay' marriage, therefore I see no reason for DOMA to exist, I consider it a quintescentially unamerican policy dictated by people hell-bent (pun intended) in imposing their moral views unto others.
Please, don't be like the hypocritical religious fanatics that created these policies, don't try to suppress other's ideas because you don't like them or are personally offended by them - if you do, then you are no better than them. This app, as stupid and offensive as it may be, is not going to harm you in any way... the people who may buy it will do so to either poke fun at it, or because they are prejudiced already.
The way to combat ignorance and prejudice is not by suppressing offensive speech or ideas - that's what religion and totalitarian regimes usually do. If you want people to accept/embrace your point of view, is not enough to talk about it, you also need to show tolerance for dissenting points of view.
Funny, as Google's entire policy on acceptable apps completely disagrees with you. That's cute that you can speak for an entire operating system without reading a single word of the guidelines and all, but maybe you should stick to facts and reality next time. Or, you know, you could try actually reading Google's stance on the matter (who are very pro-gay rights, for the record).
who cares? download or dont download, it doesnt affect anyone's life. i bet the app is made by a gay guy who wants to make it easier for parents to recognize and understand their children better.
if even that's not the case, WHO CARES? Am i the only one that TRULY wants an open Market? I dont care if there are KKK, dog fighting, anti-semetic, anti-christian, anti-white, anti-straight apps, i just want choice. i dont give a shit if there's an app that makes fun of me personally, i'll just ignore it...
ppl need to take the sticks outta their asses and live their lives without getting worked up over stupid crap like an app in a phone app store. there are much bigger things to worry about...
Well look at this another writer trying to dump their beliefs on the collective public drumming up traffic for their site. Would you have a problem if there was an app called "Is my son straight?" Don't think so. Are gay people really upset about this app? This is ridicules and stupid get over yourself if this really bothers you. I really did just lose some respect for this site... not just saying that either. Is androidcentral now into politics as well? News flash for you there are thousands upon thousands of straight people who don't care about homosexuals, not because we are bigots but because we are tired of stories and events like this where lets make sure we hold the homosexual hands through life because it might be to hard for them or they see something bad they may not like. Welcome to the rest of the world.
Dude seriously? Writing a fucking news article to rally a bunch of people to bring down someone's app? It's an open fucking market. Let people write (and publish) whatever the hell they want. This whole article and petition are absolutely pathetic. Move on already. This isn't news.
I am going to start a petition on android central to get rid of crap articles like this and their writers. Cry cry cry we all want equal rights but hate it when someone else gets the upper hand.
Boohoo. People are free to make what they want. If it was an app bashing republicans Android Central would be Woohoo! But the reality is It's anyone's right to make a app like this. If you don't like it, don't download it. You people are so sensitive. Homosexuality being wrong or right isn't the issue. It's the right of free speech. If you pussy liberals can't get over it then move to Uganda where they kill homosexuals and try to make a difference there.
Bravo!! Well said. Hey, what if I write an app comparing Obama to Karl Marx? Would I make the news here too??
Oh no, don't do that all these "tolerant"people protesting this app might get offended! I love the double standard of tolerance. Most of the comments are "I can't tolerate you having a different opinion than me". Just because I disagree with you doesn't mean I hate you, it means I think your wrong. And guess what I have as much right to my opinion as you do.