‘These guys are idiots’: Sean Penn and Dustin Lance Black call out government’s Harvey Milk erasure

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"Sean Penn and Dustin Lance Black Criticize Decision to Rename USNS Harvey Milk"

‘These guys are idiots’: Sean Penn and Dustin Lance Black call out government’s Harvey Milk erasure analysis cover image The Guardian 6.1
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/04/sean-penn-harvey-milk
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AI Analysis Average Score: 6.1
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TruthLens AI Summary

Sean Penn and Dustin Lance Black have publicly condemned the decision by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a naval ship named after the iconic gay rights activist. Black characterized the move as a troubling tactic designed to distract the public and exacerbate cultural divisions. He criticized it as part of a broader agenda that seeks to fragment communities fighting for civil rights. In a direct response to the decision, Penn expressed his disapproval, stating that he had never witnessed such a demotion of respect from a Secretary of Defense, suggesting that Hegseth's actions reflect poorly on his judgment and character. The renaming decision, which was leaked in an internal memo, comes at a time that many consider significant for the LGBTQ+ community, notably June, which is celebrated as Pride Month. The Pentagon confirmed that the new name for the ship would be revealed following internal reviews, further fueling speculation about the motivations behind the renaming.

The USNS Harvey Milk was originally commissioned in 2021 and named to honor Harvey Milk's legacy as a civil rights leader and Navy veteran. The decision to rename the ship has been interpreted as aligning with the priorities of the current administration, particularly those of former President Donald Trump and other officials advocating for a return to traditional military values. Black emphasized that renaming the ship would not diminish Milk's status as a civil rights icon, urging people to focus on collective action rather than divisive infighting. He echoed Milk's philosophy of unity among marginalized groups, advocating for solidarity in the face of such political maneuvers. The leaked memo also mentioned potential renaming of other vessels dedicated to notable civil rights figures, raising concerns about the broader implications of this decision on the recognition of civil rights history within the military framework.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article presents a critical response from Sean Penn and Dustin Lance Black regarding the US government's decision to remove the name of Harvey Milk from a navy ship. Both figures, prominent in their support for LGBTQ+ rights, express concern over what they perceive as a politically motivated act that seeks to distract from more significant civil rights issues. Their comments highlight a broader cultural conflict surrounding LGBTQ+ representation and recognition within governmental institutions.

Purpose of the Article

The intention behind this article appears to be to raise awareness about the decision to rename the USNS Harvey Milk and to galvanize public opinion against what Penn and Black describe as a trivialization of LGBTQ+ history. By framing the renaming as a political maneuver designed to fuel cultural division, the article aims to encourage readers to reflect on the implications of such actions for civil rights and the LGBTQ+ community.

Public Perception

The article likely seeks to evoke a sense of outrage among readers, particularly those who identify with or support LGBTQ+ rights. By using strong language from Black and Penn, such as referring to government officials as "idiots," the article aims to create a sense of solidarity among those who feel marginalized by governmental actions. This framing positions the renaming decision as not just an administrative issue but as a cultural affront.

Hidden Agendas

While the article focuses on the renaming controversy, it may also be serving to divert attention from other pressing issues within the political landscape, such as ongoing debates about LGBTQ+ rights, economic inequality, or broader social justice movements. By focusing on a singular event, the article could inadvertently downplay the complexity and interconnectivity of these larger societal issues.

Manipulative Elements

The article carries a certain level of manipulative potential, primarily through its emotive language and the characterization of government officials. The strong rhetoric used by the actors serves to provoke an emotional response, which can lead to a polarized viewpoint among readers. While the facts of the situation are reported, the way they are presented can influence public sentiment and opinion.

Comparative Context

When comparing this article to others within the same realm, it shares common themes of activism and resistance against perceived governmental overreach. It is part of a broader media narrative that often positions LGBTQ+ rights as a battleground for cultural values. This alignment suggests a concerted effort within certain media outlets to highlight and challenge governmental actions that are seen as regressive or dismissive of minority rights.

Impact on Society

The potential consequences of this article could extend to increased activism within the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, as well as heightened political engagement around civil rights issues. The framing of the story might inspire protests, petitions, or other forms of activism in response to the perceived injustice of the renaming decision.

Support Base

The article is likely to resonate more with progressive and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, who might view it as a call to action. It could also attract attention from individuals who are interested in broader civil rights issues beyond just LGBTQ+ matters.

Market Implications

On a financial level, while this news may not directly affect stock markets, it could influence companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion in their corporate practices. Public sentiment following such articles can sometimes lead to shifts in consumer behavior, particularly towards brands that are perceived as inclusive versus those that are not.

Geopolitical Relevance

In terms of global power dynamics, this article reflects ongoing struggles within the U.S. regarding civil rights and representation. It illustrates how domestic issues can have international repercussions, particularly as other countries look to the U.S. as a model for LGBTQ+ rights.

AI Influence

There is no clear indication that AI was used in the writing of this article; however, if it were, models focused on natural language processing might have shaped the tone and emotional appeal of the language. The choice of words and the structuring of arguments could reflect algorithmic preferences for persuasive writing styles.

The overall reliability of the article appears to be moderate. While it presents factual information about the renaming decision and includes quotes from notable figures, the emotive language and framing choices suggest an intention to sway public opinion, which may affect how the information is perceived.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/04/sean-penn-harvey-milk

Sean Penn, the Oscar-winning actor of the 2008 Harvey Milk biopicMilkand Milk writer Dustin Lance Black have spoken out against US defense secretaryPete Hegseth’sdecisionto remove the gay rights icon’s name from a navy ship.

“This is yet another move to distract and to fuel the culture wars that create division,” Black toldthe Hollywood Reporterin a phone call on Wednesday. “It’s meant to get us to react in ways that are self-centered so that we are further distanced from our brothers and sisters in equally important civil rights fights in this country. It’s divide and conquer.”

Penn, who won his second best actor Oscar for playing the former San Francisco supervisor, added in an email: “I’ve never before seen a Secretary of Defense so aggressively demote himself to the rank of Chief PETTY Officer.”

The order to rename the USNS HarveyMilk, christened in San Diego in 2021 for the prominent gay rights and navy veteran, was part of an internal memo that was leaked on Tuesday. The Pentagon’s chief spokesperson confirmed that the ship’s new name “will be announced after internal reviews are complete”.

The timing of the decision for mid-June, a month meant to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, was reportedly intentional. The renaming is supposed to ensure “alignment with president and SECDEF objectives and SECNAV priorities of reestablishing the warrior culture”, referring to Donald Trump, Hegseth and navy secretary John Phelan, according to the memorandum.

“Secretary Hegseth is committed to ensuring that the names attached to all DOD installations and assets are reflective of the commander in chief’s priorities, our nation’s history and the warrior ethos,” the Pentagon said in a statement.

“These guys are idiots,” Black told the Hollywood Reporter. “Pete Hegseth does not seem like a smart man, a wise man, a knowledgeable man. He seems small and petty. I would love to introduce him to some LGBTQ folks who are warriors who have had to be warriors our entire life just to live our lives openly as who we are.”

Milk, written by Black and directed by Gus Van Sant, depicted Milk’s political ascendancy in San Francisco, where he became the first publicly gay man to be elected to public office when he won a seat on the city’s board of supervisors. He was assassinated along with mayor George Moscone by former city supervisor Dan White in 1978. White was convicted on two counts of voluntary manslaughter and served just five years in prison.

The USNS Harvey Milk was initially named in 2016 during the administration ofBarack Obama. According to the leaked memo, Phelan is also considering new titles for vessels named after such civil rights icons as Thurgood Marshall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Harriet Tubman and Cesar Chavez.

“Harvey Milk is an icon, a civil rights icon, and for good reason,” Black said. “That’s not going to change. Renaming a ship isn’t going to change that. If people are pissed off, good, be pissed off – but take the appropriate action. Do what Harvey Milk had said we need to do, and it’s about bringing back together the coalition of the ‘us’-es that helps move the pendulum of progress forward. Stop the infighting and lock arms again. That’s what Harvey would say.”

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Source: The Guardian