I was in NY, but the people I was with were from where I'm from, Northern Ireland. I dunno if we're more sensitive about that kind of thing, but I have heard of some really anti-gay older members of the community, but that would come from the religious background of the country.sanquin said:What is it with America and the whole racism/sexism sensitivity? I've been in a gay relationship, and I make fun of painfully bright pink shirts as well. I joke about immigrants and black people. About women and men. Heck, about everything. I really don't get why Americans can't seem to take a joke when it comes to 'sensitive' topics. =/ Or at least, I say Americans because I've yet to encounter that problem here in Europe.
As for how to prove that you're not a racist, you can't really disprove a negative. -They- are the ones that should be proving you are one, since they're accusing you. So I usually go with "you don't know me" or "prove it". They sound douchy, but being called a racist for no good reason is worse, imo.
Okay, so it's cliché, so what? Being a cliché makes it no less true (assuming it is true when spoken). What the phrase is saying, whether the friend(s) in question are gay, hindu, chinese, black, whatever, is that we have accepted a person of the given minority into our circle of friends. That we have demonstrated our ability to look past skin colour, faith, etc and are not therefore racist/homophobic as evidenced by being able to count minority members amongst our closest contemporaries and confidants.Headsprouter said:Can you, even? This might be really simple to do, but I can't find any way to guard against being accused of being either of these things unless you're an ethnic minority or gay.
We've all heard that argument "My best friends are gay...", and we've all laughed at it, I've even tried using it after admitting it was cliche
...and I'm left wondering what exactly you mean by this. Adding a qualifier like "in a hateful sense" gives the impression that you're saying you are racist or homophobic, just not in a way that implies you want to harm anyone."[I'm] not racist or homophobic in a hateful sense..."
Pretty sure I never spoke about homophobia in that sense. I'd like to think that my current self isn't homophobic at all.Vigormortis said:You keep saying...
...and I'm left wondering what exactly you mean by this. Adding a qualifier like "in a hateful sense" gives the impression that you're saying you are racist or homophobic, just not in a way that implies you want to harm anyone."[I'm] not racist or homophobic in a hateful sense..."
I'm assuming this is not what you mean, and I'd like to think you aren't racist or homophobic in any way, but if that be the case why add that qualifier so often?
We all know stereotypes, when black people, for example, aren't commonplace when I live, I'll only have my stereotypes to think about.GundamSentinel said:I'm under no delusion that I harbor absolutely no racist or homophobic views. Everyone has prejudices against people who are not like them (yes, that includes black and homosexual people), but not everyone expresses them. I try not to express them either. Not out there to prove something that just isn't true.
People who say they truly aren't racist have never taken a proper look in the mirror.
Oh, I never implied you were. I was just pointing out that, at least to me, that extra little qualifier you kept adding to your statement seemed odd. That's all.Headsprouter said:I'm not that stupid.
You have a funny idea of what the word 'consent' means. Dogs can't consent because they're not sapient. Corpses can't consent because *gasp* they're dead. Only adults in control of their faculties can consent. I seriously hope you're trolling, because the idea of comparing homosexuality to bestiality and necrophilia of all things makes me sick.Trippy Turtle said:By that logic, you wouldn't mind me and a consenting dog to have sex? How about a few dead bodies, they won't mind?Gundam GP01 said:Good for you. However, how can you be against something that does not negatively effect you or anyone else in any way?
Just because something seems fine to you, doesn't mean others don't see it as wrong.
I'm still with you about it not affecting them so it should be fine, but people can have opinions.
No. You're not entitled to your opinion. You're entitled to what you can argue for. There is no rational argument for not liking homosexuals or lesbians. What's a word for an irrational dislike of something? Oh, that's right: PHOBIA. The word stands.Meriatressia said:Personally, I don't like the concept of 'homophobia'. Not liking homosexuals or lesbians is a opinion. Everyones entitled to their opinion.
I wasn't implying you meant I'm stupid, either.Vigormortis said:Oh, I never implied you were. I was just pointing out that, at least to me, that extra little qualifier you kept adding to your statement seemed odd to me. That's all.Headsprouter said:I'm not that stupid.
of coarse notHeadsprouter said:I was just trying to clarify that I have racial prejudices, but I'm not silly enough to truly believe that all black people will love watermelon and fried chicken, for example.
Damn right!Vault101 said:of coarse notHeadsprouter said:I was just trying to clarify that I have racial prejudices, but I'm not silly enough to truly believe that all black people will love watermelon and fried chicken, for example.
EVERYBODY loves watermelon and freid chicken
and if they don't they arent to be trusted...
QFTVault101 said:of coarse not
EVERYBODY loves watermelon and freid chicken
and if they don't they arent to be trusted...
Doesn't matter. I am still against it. I consider it to be immoral.DirgeNovak said:But it's got nothing to do with you. There's nothing there for you to be for or against. So fucking what if two people who love each other get married and do butt stuff in the privacy of their homes? No skin off your back.
Again, "tolerate" wasn't the best word to choose. I am not against their right to marry. I am simply against the act itself. Me being against that doesn't affect them; I treat them with respect and compassion.Vault101 said:I'm sorry but you can't have it both ways, you can;t say you like them as people yet be against their basic human rights (as in the right to marry and love whom they wish without persecution)
that kind of thinking is the very height of condescending "I know whats best for you" rationalisation that led to gay conversion camps and all the bullshit therein
I definitely would not want my kid to be gay. But if they were, I would still love them.StarsintheBlood said:One of the dumbest, most deluded things I've ever read, alongside "I don't mind gay people, I just don't want MY kid to be one" and "I'm not racist, I just don't agree with inter-racial marriage". Woooow.