Forums > Social Discussion > group memberships and prejudice
Login/Join to ParticipateBRONZE Member
old hand
863 posts
Location: Berlin, Germany
old hand
863 posts
Location: Berlin, Germany
Posted:
Whilst doing a homework for my social psychology class about Effects of social categorisation (e.g. how group memberships can raise or lower your self-esteem), I found this:
Questions Implying that Group membership is abnormal and devalued
1. What do you think caused your heterosexuality?
2.When and how did you decide you were a heterosexual?
3.Is it possible that heterosexuality is just a phase you may grow out of?
4.Is it possible your heterosexuality steems from a neurotical fear of others of the same sex?
5.If you've never slept with a person of the same sex, is it possible that all you need is a good same sex lover?
6.To whom have you disclosed your heterosexual tendencies?
7.Why do you heterosexuals feel compelled to seduce others into their lifestyle?
8.Why do you insist on flaunting your heterosexuality? Why cant you just be who you are and keep quiet about it?
9.Why do heterosexuals place so much emphasis on sex?
10.There seem to be very few happy heterosexuals. Technices have been developed that might enable you to change. Have you considered aversion therapy?
11.Considering the menace of hunger and overpopulation can the human race survive if everyone were heterosexual like yourself?
12.Despite social support of marriage, the divorce rate is still 50 percent. Why are there so few stable relationships among heterosexuals?
Note: This questionaire has been used in sensitivity training workshops to provoke discussion.
*not that I think I need to remind people here but I found it interesting and wanted to share!!!*
Whilst doing a homework for my social psychology class about Effects of social categorisation (e.g. how group memberships can raise or lower your self-esteem), I found this:
Questions Implying that Group membership is abnormal and devalued
1. What do you think caused your heterosexuality?
2.When and how did you decide you were a heterosexual?
3.Is it possible that heterosexuality is just a phase you may grow out of?
4.Is it possible your heterosexuality steems from a neurotical fear of others of the same sex?
5.If you've never slept with a person of the same sex, is it possible that all you need is a good same sex lover?
6.To whom have you disclosed your heterosexual tendencies?
7.Why do you heterosexuals feel compelled to seduce others into their lifestyle?
8.Why do you insist on flaunting your heterosexuality? Why cant you just be who you are and keep quiet about it?
9.Why do heterosexuals place so much emphasis on sex?
10.There seem to be very few happy heterosexuals. Technices have been developed that might enable you to change. Have you considered aversion therapy?
11.Considering the menace of hunger and overpopulation can the human race survive if everyone were heterosexual like yourself?
12.Despite social support of marriage, the divorce rate is still 50 percent. Why are there so few stable relationships among heterosexuals?
Note: This questionaire has been used in sensitivity training workshops to provoke discussion.
*not that I think I need to remind people here but I found it interesting and wanted to share!!!*
What is psychology?- Looking for a black cat in a dark room. What is psychoanalysis? Psychoanalysis is looking for a black cat in a dark room -- in which there is no cat -- but finding one anyway.
BRONZE Member
Still wiggling
5,967 posts
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)
Still wiggling
5,967 posts
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)
Posted:
Ohhh. That's great. Thanks for sharing
No doubt it will provide lots of interesting discussion... but I'm off to work now, so will call in later
Ohhh. That's great. Thanks for sharing
No doubt it will provide lots of interesting discussion... but I'm off to work now, so will call in later
Getting to the other side 
SILVER Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,533 posts
Location: Hampshire College, MA, USA
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,533 posts
Location: Hampshire College, MA, USA
Posted:
ooo, i like 12. really cuts to the heart of the thing. as for ten, i haven't met many happy homos, most seam to be emo kids
ooo, i like 12. really cuts to the heart of the thing. as for ten, i haven't met many happy homos, most seam to be emo kids
-James
"How do you know if you're happy or sad without a mask? Or angry? Or ready for dessert?"
SILVER Member
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Posted:
I fully believe that we are a product of the society we are raised in, so I think these questions are great to get people to think.
We aren't born into this world being able to think or really act for ourselves, so it's up to us to decide how we wish to carry oursleves into the future. We look to others (our parents to begin with, our teachers and friends as we get older) for guidance and advice. We are not innately heterosexual or meat eaters for that matter. We can survive (quite happily I might add) in a homosexual or other style relationship as well as being a vegetarian. It is only through socialization and routine that we do otherwise becuase in my opinion heterosexuality is not 100% essential or mandatory.
I fully believe that we are a product of the society we are raised in, so I think these questions are great to get people to think.
We aren't born into this world being able to think or really act for ourselves, so it's up to us to decide how we wish to carry oursleves into the future. We look to others (our parents to begin with, our teachers and friends as we get older) for guidance and advice. We are not innately heterosexual or meat eaters for that matter. We can survive (quite happily I might add) in a homosexual or other style relationship as well as being a vegetarian. It is only through socialization and routine that we do otherwise becuase in my opinion heterosexuality is not 100% essential or mandatory.
BRONZE Member
old hand
863 posts
Location: Berlin, Germany
old hand
863 posts
Location: Berlin, Germany
Posted:
I dont think the main problem here is homo or hetero... and I dont think you can just substitute one word with the other!!!
I find it interesting how prejudice in general is shown... the human brain is great in categorizing that is actually a good thing it saves resources but it can also lead to dividing the world and people in it in groups...stereotypes, prejudice, moral exclusion and worse are the resultsor can be
nobody can avoid stereotypes like I said that is the way our brain works but maybe one can pay a bit attention and think about it
EDITED_BY: babajaga (1108055603)
I dont think the main problem here is homo or hetero... and I dont think you can just substitute one word with the other!!!
I find it interesting how prejudice in general is shown... the human brain is great in categorizing that is actually a good thing it saves resources but it can also lead to dividing the world and people in it in groups...stereotypes, prejudice, moral exclusion and worse are the resultsor can be
nobody can avoid stereotypes like I said that is the way our brain works but maybe one can pay a bit attention and think about it
EDITED_BY: babajaga (1108055603)
What is psychology?- Looking for a black cat in a dark room. What is psychoanalysis? Psychoanalysis is looking for a black cat in a dark room -- in which there is no cat -- but finding one anyway.
SILVER Member
old hand
768 posts
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
old hand
768 posts
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Posted:
okay, i'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt here and not leap to the conclusion that you're a raving homophobe, despite the fact that you refer to us as homos. however, the 'most seem to be emo kids' is a gross generalization and could be applied to many, many groups of people, not just gay people. i have, for example, known a great many straight boys of which the same thing could be said, but i would never say that most straight men are "emo kids."
consider that if you grew up in a society wherein a large portion of the population considered you to be subhuman, perverted, depraved, probably a pedophile, an affront to god and the natural order of things, etc. and that these things are taught in church and some schools and members of your group are targeted by bashers and murdered simply for being who they are and that the government of your country were actually considering amending the constitution to prohibit you from accessing the same rights that others take for granted -- how happy would you be, exactly? my point being that your perception of unhappy homos may be a result of societal attitudes towards them and growing up with those attitudes firmly embedded in their psyches, and not inherent in the condition of homosexuality.
as a self-identified queer, i can tell you that if i were living in your neck of the woods, i wouldn't be too happy either. (i grew up on the east coast, in columbia, md and marlton, nj.) come visit us in san francisco. we're very gay out here, in all senses of the word.
Written by: sparkey
as for ten, i haven't met many happy homos, most seam to be emo kids
okay, i'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt here and not leap to the conclusion that you're a raving homophobe, despite the fact that you refer to us as homos. however, the 'most seem to be emo kids' is a gross generalization and could be applied to many, many groups of people, not just gay people. i have, for example, known a great many straight boys of which the same thing could be said, but i would never say that most straight men are "emo kids."
consider that if you grew up in a society wherein a large portion of the population considered you to be subhuman, perverted, depraved, probably a pedophile, an affront to god and the natural order of things, etc. and that these things are taught in church and some schools and members of your group are targeted by bashers and murdered simply for being who they are and that the government of your country were actually considering amending the constitution to prohibit you from accessing the same rights that others take for granted -- how happy would you be, exactly? my point being that your perception of unhappy homos may be a result of societal attitudes towards them and growing up with those attitudes firmly embedded in their psyches, and not inherent in the condition of homosexuality.
as a self-identified queer, i can tell you that if i were living in your neck of the woods, i wouldn't be too happy either. (i grew up on the east coast, in columbia, md and marlton, nj.) come visit us in san francisco. we're very gay out here, in all senses of the word.
taken out of context i must seem so strange
~ ani di franco
GOLD Member
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales
Posted:
Well said Blueboy!
Well said Blueboy! Feed me Chocolate!!! Feed me NOW!
member
52 posts
52 posts
Posted:
I bet if you lived in the 1700's you wouldn't have met to many happy blacks either. Or if you were jewish for.. just about all of the jewish peoples history.
Written by: sparkey
ooo, i like 12. really cuts to the heart of the thing. as for ten, i haven't met many happy homos, most seam to be emo kids
I bet if you lived in the 1700's you wouldn't have met to many happy blacks either. Or if you were jewish for.. just about all of the jewish peoples history.
eye shifter
321 posts
Location: between my headphones
321 posts
Location: between my headphones
Posted:
i dont know whats more interesting.
the fact that the word 'heterosexual' substituted in for homosexual sounds funny or off
or that (and i may be wrong) some people here accedentally read homosexual instead heterosexual.
btw a little side note because i think i know where this thread is going...homosexuality can be caused by an imbalance of testosterone while in the womb and shortly after. a high level in women will show an aggresive (more malelike) behavior toward the same sex.
and no an imbalance doesnt have to be a bad thing.
i dont know whats more interesting.
the fact that the word 'heterosexual' substituted in for homosexual sounds funny or off
or that (and i may be wrong) some people here accedentally read homosexual instead heterosexual.
btw a little side note because i think i know where this thread is going...homosexuality can be caused by an imbalance of testosterone while in the womb and shortly after. a high level in women will show an aggresive (more malelike) behavior toward the same sex.
and no an imbalance doesnt have to be a bad thing.
If I could be granted one wish I would ask for all the questions of the universe.
enthusiast
247 posts
Location: Cork, Ireland at present
247 posts
Location: Cork, Ireland at present
Posted:
are we to actually answer the questions, or just discuss them???
I was going to answer the 1st 3, and in doing so, realised a couple of things about myself...... strange....
are we to actually answer the questions, or just discuss them???
I was going to answer the 1st 3, and in doing so, realised a couple of things about myself...... strange....
I used to be indecisive, but I'm not so sure now.....
GOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Posted:
I think they were posted to discuss rather than answer, and they are an excellent and thought provoking set of questions.
1. What do you think caused your heterosexuality?
genetics?
2.When and how did you decide you were a heterosexual?
didn't decide, was just apparent from very early on
3.Is it possible that heterosexuality is just a phase you may grow out of?
No
4.Is it possible your heterosexuality steems from a neurotical fear of others of the same sex?
No; I'm not afraid of men, I just don't have romantic or sexual feelings towards them.
5.If you've never slept with a person of the same sex, is it possible that all you need is a good same sex lover?
No.
6.To whom have you disclosed your heterosexual tendencies?
It's not something I talk about much.
7.Why do you heterosexuals feel compelled to seduce others into their lifestyle?
I don't.
8.Why do you insist on flaunting your heterosexuality?
I don't.
Why cant you just be who you are and keep quiet about it?
I do.
9.Why do heterosexuals place so much emphasis on sex?
Insecurity caused by social, media and peer pressure.
10.There seem to be very few happy heterosexuals. Technices have been developed that might enable you to change. Have you considered aversion therapy?
No; I'm happy as I am.
11.Considering the menace of hunger and overpopulation can the human race survive if everyone were heterosexual like yourself?
Maybe, maybe not. Heterosexuality isn't the problem- it's having children that contributes to overpopulation.
12.Despite social support of marriage, the divorce rate is still 50 percent. Why are there so few stable relationships among heterosexuals?
I think it's the nature of all relationships in our culture, both hetero and homo, that they tend to be difficult to maintain for many.
Written by: Bretch
are we to actually answer the questions, or just discuss them???
I was going to answer the 1st 3, and in doing so, realised a couple of things about myself...... strange....
I think they were posted to discuss rather than answer, and they are an excellent and thought provoking set of questions.
1. What do you think caused your heterosexuality?
genetics?
2.When and how did you decide you were a heterosexual?
didn't decide, was just apparent from very early on
3.Is it possible that heterosexuality is just a phase you may grow out of?
No
4.Is it possible your heterosexuality steems from a neurotical fear of others of the same sex?
No; I'm not afraid of men, I just don't have romantic or sexual feelings towards them.
5.If you've never slept with a person of the same sex, is it possible that all you need is a good same sex lover?
No.
6.To whom have you disclosed your heterosexual tendencies?
It's not something I talk about much.
7.Why do you heterosexuals feel compelled to seduce others into their lifestyle?
I don't.
8.Why do you insist on flaunting your heterosexuality?
I don't.
Why cant you just be who you are and keep quiet about it?
I do.
9.Why do heterosexuals place so much emphasis on sex?
Insecurity caused by social, media and peer pressure.
10.There seem to be very few happy heterosexuals. Technices have been developed that might enable you to change. Have you considered aversion therapy?
No; I'm happy as I am.
11.Considering the menace of hunger and overpopulation can the human race survive if everyone were heterosexual like yourself?
Maybe, maybe not. Heterosexuality isn't the problem- it's having children that contributes to overpopulation.
12.Despite social support of marriage, the divorce rate is still 50 percent. Why are there so few stable relationships among heterosexuals?
I think it's the nature of all relationships in our culture, both hetero and homo, that they tend to be difficult to maintain for many.
"You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it."
--MAJOR KORGO KORGAR,
"Last of The Lancers"
AFC 32
Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
SILVER Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,533 posts
Location: Hampshire College, MA, USA
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,533 posts
Location: Hampshire College, MA, USA
Posted:
i'm sorry, i didn't realize that anybody took offence in the term "homo" as it is an abreviation for homosexual. no offense was ment. and i didn't mean to generalize, i was simply makeing an observation that most of the homosexuals i meet in my town tend to be emo kids. sorry if offense was taken, none was ment
i'm sorry, i didn't realize that anybody took offence in the term "homo" as it is an abreviation for homosexual. no offense was ment. and i didn't mean to generalize, i was simply makeing an observation that most of the homosexuals i meet in my town tend to be emo kids. sorry if offense was taken, none was ment
-James
"How do you know if you're happy or sad without a mask? Or angry? Or ready for dessert?"
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
I'm not so sure about that. If homosexuality isn't a choice, then doesn't it follow that heterosexuality isn't, either?
Written by: spritie
We aren't born into this world being able to think or really act for ourselves, so it's up to us to decide how we wish to carry oursleves into the future. We look to others (our parents to begin with, our teachers and friends as we get older) for guidance and advice. We are not innately heterosexual or meat eaters for that matter. We can survive (quite happily I might add) in a homosexual or other style relationship as well as being a vegetarian. It is only through socialization and routine that we do otherwise becuase in my opinion heterosexuality is not 100% essential or mandatory.
I'm not so sure about that. If homosexuality isn't a choice, then doesn't it follow that heterosexuality isn't, either?
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
veteran
1,359 posts
Location: London/ Surrey
1,359 posts
Location: London/ Surrey
Posted:
Nice questionnaire! Would love to actually get some homophobes to seriously answer it...
Nice questionnaire! Would love to actually get some homophobes to seriously answer it...
The optimist claims that we are living in the best of all possible worlds.
The pessimist fears this is true.
Always make time to play in the snow.
SILVER Member
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Posted:
To me, yup it does. I don't believe there is any right/wrong to who you choose to love or why. If it's another woman (in my case), so be it. If it's a man, so be it. I don't think I'm predetermined to have to fall in love with (or want sexually) a man only, or a man first.
Written by: ...Lightning...
I'm not so sure about that. If homosexuality isn't a choice, then doesn't it follow that heterosexuality isn't, either?
To me, yup it does. I don't believe there is any right/wrong to who you choose to love or why. If it's another woman (in my case), so be it. If it's a man, so be it. I don't think I'm predetermined to have to fall in love with (or want sexually) a man only, or a man first.
GOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Posted:
Two ideas-
1. It would be good to see some responses to it from anti-homosexuals; I wonder if their's some kind on online group who oppose homosexuality, yet are capeable of some kind of rational debate on the issue- it would be interesting to send it to them and see what they make of it.
2. Is 'homophobic' a good word to use? It's obviously implying that anyone who disagrees with homosexuality does so purely because they are scared by, or of, homosexuals (and possibly implying they are scared of their own, buried, potential homosexualtiy?).
Now it may be the case that many are, but I don't think it applies to them all. The reasons they oppose homosexuality may be wrong, or based on mis-understandings, but they're not fear.
Perhaps more important- there's no better way to wind-up someone who disagrees with homosexuality, than to accuse him/her of doing so out of fear. Wrong as their beliefs may be, they are nontheless their beliefs, as important to them as ours are to us.
Does not the phrase 'homophobe' trivialise and belittle those beliefs, when it would be more constructive to challenge them in a more productive way instead.
Written by: polythene
Nice questionnaire! Would love to actually get some homophobes to seriously answer it...
Two ideas-
1. It would be good to see some responses to it from anti-homosexuals; I wonder if their's some kind on online group who oppose homosexuality, yet are capeable of some kind of rational debate on the issue- it would be interesting to send it to them and see what they make of it.
2. Is 'homophobic' a good word to use? It's obviously implying that anyone who disagrees with homosexuality does so purely because they are scared by, or of, homosexuals (and possibly implying they are scared of their own, buried, potential homosexualtiy?).
Now it may be the case that many are, but I don't think it applies to them all. The reasons they oppose homosexuality may be wrong, or based on mis-understandings, but they're not fear.
Perhaps more important- there's no better way to wind-up someone who disagrees with homosexuality, than to accuse him/her of doing so out of fear. Wrong as their beliefs may be, they are nontheless their beliefs, as important to them as ours are to us.
Does not the phrase 'homophobe' trivialise and belittle those beliefs, when it would be more constructive to challenge them in a more productive way instead.
"You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it."
--MAJOR KORGO KORGAR,
"Last of The Lancers"
AFC 32
Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
SILVER Member
old hand
768 posts
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
old hand
768 posts
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Posted:
Incidentally, I am familiar with these questions from my undergraduate days (nearly 20 years ago now--yikes!!). I'm not sure of the source, but these were used as part of sensitivity trainings by gay-rights organizations. These are questions that gay people get with some frequency, even to this day, which given the current state of affairs in my own country anyway, isn't really much of a surprise. By substituting "heterosexual" for "homosexual" it was intended to point out the ridiculousness of the questions.
Questions 11 and 12 are asked of gay people without the qualifying statements i.e.,
11. Can the human race survive if everyone were (homosexual) like yourself?
12. Why are there so few stable relationships among homosexuals?
And yes, I myself have been confronted with a number of these questions throughout my life, not in a rhetorical way (as they are presented here) but with all seriousness. One time at Thanksgiving my partner's family posed to us question 12. When it was pointed out that my partner and I had been together for 10 years which was longer than any of his siblings' marriages (including both of his brother's previous marriages combined), they shut up right quick.
Incidentally, I am familiar with these questions from my undergraduate days (nearly 20 years ago now--yikes!!). I'm not sure of the source, but these were used as part of sensitivity trainings by gay-rights organizations. These are questions that gay people get with some frequency, even to this day, which given the current state of affairs in my own country anyway, isn't really much of a surprise. By substituting "heterosexual" for "homosexual" it was intended to point out the ridiculousness of the questions.
Questions 11 and 12 are asked of gay people without the qualifying statements i.e.,
11. Can the human race survive if everyone were (homosexual) like yourself?
12. Why are there so few stable relationships among homosexuals?
And yes, I myself have been confronted with a number of these questions throughout my life, not in a rhetorical way (as they are presented here) but with all seriousness. One time at Thanksgiving my partner's family posed to us question 12. When it was pointed out that my partner and I had been together for 10 years which was longer than any of his siblings' marriages (including both of his brother's previous marriages combined), they shut up right quick.
taken out of context i must seem so strange
~ ani di franco
SILVER Member
old hand
768 posts
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
old hand
768 posts
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Posted:
You raise a good point here, OWD. I have often thought that homophobe is not the most accurate word to use, nevertheless it has become the default word applied to those who oppose homosexuals.
On the other hand, there is some degree of fear involved in that many such people are afraid that we will be out to seduce their children, automatically leaping to the assumption that homosexual = pedophile/sexual predator. There have also been studies involving questioning men about their attitudes towards homosexuality and then showing them pornographic images of various gender configurations (mm, mf, ff). They attached electrodes to the subjects...um, equipment, to measure responsiveness to said images. It was discovered that those who most vehmently opposed homosexuality demonstrated arousal when shown images of male/male couplings. So a fear of their own latent homosexuality is apparently at play, at least in some individuals that would be referred to as "homophobic."
Written by: onewheeldave
Is 'homophobic' a good word to use? It's obviously implying that anyone who disagrees with homosexuality does so purely because they are scared by, or of, homosexuals (and possibly implying they are scared of their own, buried, potential homosexualtiy?).
Does not the phrase 'homophobe' trivialise and belittle those beliefs, when it would be more constructive to challenge them in a more productive way instead.
You raise a good point here, OWD. I have often thought that homophobe is not the most accurate word to use, nevertheless it has become the default word applied to those who oppose homosexuals.
On the other hand, there is some degree of fear involved in that many such people are afraid that we will be out to seduce their children, automatically leaping to the assumption that homosexual = pedophile/sexual predator. There have also been studies involving questioning men about their attitudes towards homosexuality and then showing them pornographic images of various gender configurations (mm, mf, ff). They attached electrodes to the subjects...um, equipment, to measure responsiveness to said images. It was discovered that those who most vehmently opposed homosexuality demonstrated arousal when shown images of male/male couplings. So a fear of their own latent homosexuality is apparently at play, at least in some individuals that would be referred to as "homophobic."
taken out of context i must seem so strange
~ ani di franco
SILVER Member
old hand
768 posts
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
old hand
768 posts
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Posted:
Sorry for the multiple postings here, but the other interesting thing about the word homophobe is that "homo" technically means "same." Hence the word "homophobe," if we are to go by its linguistic roots, actually means "fear of sameness."
Sorry for the multiple postings here, but the other interesting thing about the word homophobe is that "homo" technically means "same." Hence the word "homophobe," if we are to go by its linguistic roots, actually means "fear of sameness."
taken out of context i must seem so strange
~ ani di franco
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
I'm confuzzled.
Are we agreeing or disagreeing?
I came here for a good fight, dammit!
Written by: spritieWritten by: ...Lightning...
I'm not so sure about that. If homosexuality isn't a choice, then doesn't it follow that heterosexuality isn't, either?
To me, yup it does. I don't believe there is any right/wrong to who you choose to love or why. If it's another woman (in my case), so be it. If it's a man, so be it. I don't think I'm predetermined to have to fall in love with (or want sexually) a man only, or a man first.
I'm confuzzled.
Are we agreeing or disagreeing?I came here for a good fight, dammit!
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
GOLD Member
ARRRR!
529 posts
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA
ARRRR!
529 posts
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA
Posted:
I have heard people ask some of those questions before simply out of curiosity. Granted, they were not the sharpest tools in the shed but they meant no harm. Homosexuality is completely alien to many people in the southeast U.S., mostly due to lingering outward hostility that causes people to repress who they are.
This reminds me of a close friend of mine who is STRONGLY homophobic. His wife left him for another woman which amplified his hatred. I can't help but wonder how things would have been different if the morals of the southeast had not kept her in the closet with fear. Now he has to deal with a messy divorce, bitter resentment towards homosexuals and shame stemming from other like minded homophobes. All that pain... caused by the ignorance of people who simply believe homosexuality is bad because their parents or the bible said so.
I have heard people ask some of those questions before simply out of curiosity. Granted, they were not the sharpest tools in the shed but they meant no harm. Homosexuality is completely alien to many people in the southeast U.S., mostly due to lingering outward hostility that causes people to repress who they are.
This reminds me of a close friend of mine who is STRONGLY homophobic. His wife left him for another woman which amplified his hatred. I can't help but wonder how things would have been different if the morals of the southeast had not kept her in the closet with fear. Now he has to deal with a messy divorce, bitter resentment towards homosexuals and shame stemming from other like minded homophobes. All that pain... caused by the ignorance of people who simply believe homosexuality is bad because their parents or the bible said so.
"My skin is singed but it heals my heart and with glowing pride I'll wear my scars." -Davey Havok
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
Sparkley, as for gays having more emotional problems...you're exactly right. This is documented.
Not surprising when you are raised in a society that tells you that it's wrong to be what you were born.
Sparkley, as for gays having more emotional problems...you're exactly right. This is documented.
Not surprising when you are raised in a society that tells you that it's wrong to be what you were born.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
SILVER Member
old hand
768 posts
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
old hand
768 posts
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Posted:
Lightning, you put it much more succinctly than I did.
Lightning, you put it much more succinctly than I did.
taken out of context i must seem so strange
~ ani di franco
SILVER Member
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Posted:
I honestly have no idea. Oops!
What were you trying to say, and then maybe I can figure it out?
Food fight, you say? Takes out the super soaker filled with chocolate pudding and aims Lightning's direction
Written by: ...Lightning...
I'm confuzzled.
I honestly have no idea. Oops!
What were you trying to say, and then maybe I can figure it out? Food fight, you say? Takes out the super soaker filled with chocolate pudding and aims Lightning's direction
NYC
9,232 posts
Location: NYC, NY, USA
9,232 posts
Location: NYC, NY, USA
Posted:
Same is true for any opressed group.
Written by: ...Lightning...
Sparkley, as for gays having more emotional problems...you're exactly right. This is documented.
Same is true for any opressed group.
Well, shall we go?
Yes, let's go.
[They do not move.]
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
YUMMM!!!!! PUDDING WRESLING!
*tackles Spritie*
YUMMM!!!!! PUDDING WRESLING!
*tackles Spritie*
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
SILVER Member
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Posted:
tickles Lightning cuz that's the only thing I'm any good at
tickles Lightning cuz that's the only thing I'm any good at
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
ACK!!! NOOOOOooooo!!!!!!
*tickles Spritie mercilessly while gleefully hijacking the thread into a tickle war*
ACK!!! NOOOOOooooo!!!!!!
*tickles Spritie mercilessly while gleefully hijacking the thread into a tickle war*
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
veteran
1,359 posts
Location: London/ Surrey
1,359 posts
Location: London/ Surrey
Posted:
OWD: In this case, I felt homophobic was the correct term to use, because these are the people whose answers to the questionnaire I would like to read, not, as you assumed, necessarily people who oppose homosexuality:
Phobias can be mild, many people who are 'slightly uncomfortable' in the presence of spiders would still consider themselves arachnophobic, albeit mildly arachnophobic. I feel that this principle can be equally applicable to the term homophobia. There are plenty of people out there who are not opposed to homosexuality, (for example do not oppose homosexual marriages) but would feel 'uncomfortable' in the presence of homosexuals.
This is my target audience. I would love to see what kind of answers were given, and would love to talk to the questionnee (not that that's a word, but hey) afterward to see if it made them think about why they feel uncomfortable, if it changed their way of thinking and/or if it made a difference to the way they felt in the presence of homosexuals.
Please correct me if you think this is an inappropriate use of the word, now I've made it clear to whom I was referring.
OWD: In this case, I felt homophobic was the correct term to use, because these are the people whose answers to the questionnaire I would like to read, not, as you assumed, necessarily people who oppose homosexuality:
Phobias can be mild, many people who are 'slightly uncomfortable' in the presence of spiders would still consider themselves arachnophobic, albeit mildly arachnophobic. I feel that this principle can be equally applicable to the term homophobia. There are plenty of people out there who are not opposed to homosexuality, (for example do not oppose homosexual marriages) but would feel 'uncomfortable' in the presence of homosexuals.
This is my target audience. I would love to see what kind of answers were given, and would love to talk to the questionnee (not that that's a word, but hey) afterward to see if it made them think about why they feel uncomfortable, if it changed their way of thinking and/or if it made a difference to the way they felt in the presence of homosexuals.
Please correct me if you think this is an inappropriate use of the word, now I've made it clear to whom I was referring.
The optimist claims that we are living in the best of all possible worlds.
The pessimist fears this is true.
Always make time to play in the snow.
GOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Posted:
Put that way yes, it makes sense.
If the group you're refering to is people who are afraid of, or uncomfortable in the presence of homosexuals, then 'homophobe' is entirely appropriate.
I misunderstood your context; sorry.
Put that way yes, it makes sense.
If the group you're refering to is people who are afraid of, or uncomfortable in the presence of homosexuals, then 'homophobe' is entirely appropriate.
I misunderstood your context; sorry.
"You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it."
--MAJOR KORGO KORGAR,
"Last of The Lancers"
AFC 32
Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
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