A question for the straight men.....

[NWB]

All of these responses are very commendable.

I'm very impressed with how far we've come to accept homosexuality.

For me, I'm pretty much ignored by both sexes. I think I may actually be invisible since people walk right into me in supermarkets and such. You should see the looks of amazement when they walk headlong into a person that's invisible. I think I would make for great reality TV. I wonder if I would show up on a TV? Maybe not.

I suppose if I were ever hit on by a guy, I'd probably flail my arms around and run away screaming "The squirrels are coming!". That should send a message. Just what sort of message, I have no idea.

 

[Fxpmusic]

If a persone is homophobic, that's a different story of course.

If it was a phobia, they would probably freeze, scream, cry, maybe pee their pants. In which case, I would love to watch!

 

[Munjibunga]

A question for the straight men:

Has a gay man ever developed a crush for you, and if so, how did you deal with it?

Not that I know of, and I've known quite a few. In the early '70s, the Costumer of the opera in which I was a supernumerary showed a mild interest until I introduced him to my girlfriend which, incidentally, was the way I dealt with it. At least half of the male chorus was gay.

 

[machine gewehr]

If it was a phobia, they would probably freeze, scream, cry, maybe pee their pants. In which case, I would love to watch!

Hah, I'd love to see them running away screaming "OH MY GOD PENIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!".

So called homophobes, racists, religious extrimists and all of those types can be called under one flag, "Jerks".

 

[Fxpmusic]

Hah, I'd love to see them running away screaming "OH MY GOD PENIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!".

So called homophobes, racists, religious extrimists and all of those types can be called under one flag, "Jerks".

I even give the benefit of the doubt to some and call it ignorance. This sweet lady who was my neighbor and I would consider her to be a jerk (quite opposite), is very religious and once we had a conversation and she felt very emotional and fearful that we as a society has something coming for allowing gay marriage. She said some of her family members were gay and she prayed for them daily. She truly believe Sodom & Gomorrah would repeat if we didn't change our ways. It was honest fear coming from her.

 

[machine gewehr]

I even give the benefit of the doubt to some and call it ignorance. This sweet lady who was my neighbor and I would consider her to be a jerk (quite opposite), is very religious and once we had a conversation and she felt very emotional and fearful that we as a society has something coming for allowing gay marriage. She said some of her family members were gay and she prayed for them daily. She truly believe Sodom & Gomorrah would repeat if we didn't change our ways. It was honest fear coming from her.

There's nothing more horrifying than ignorace. If ignorant people come together the havoc they may cause scare me a lot.

I've been in the middle of ignorant crodws before. They believe what they believe so deeply that they would do anything to defend it and there's no changing their minds.

 

[NWB]

I even give the benefit of the doubt to some and call it ignorance.

I can relate from personal experience. I'm ashamed to admit that in my teens and twenties I was a "jerk" about gay people. I made a lot of very bad jokes and ignorant statements about homosexuals back then. I looked upon gay people with derision. What an asshat I was back then.

And then I grew up and came to realize the sheer stupidity of my attitude. These days I see a gay person as a person and don't make the least judgment about their sexual orientation.

I'm a much better person for it.

 

[Fxpmusic]

I can relate from personal experience. I'm ashamed to admit that in my teens and twenties I was a "jerk" about gay people. I made a lot of very bad jokes and ignorant statements about homosexuals back then. I looked upon gay people with derision. What an asshat I was back then.

And then I grew up and came to realize the sheer stupidity of my attitude. These days I see a gay person as a person and don't make the least judgment about their sexual orientation.

I'm a much better person for it.

Ditto.

 

[mellowinman]

I can relate from personal experience. I'm ashamed to admit that in my teens and twenties I was a "jerk" about gay people. I made a lot of very bad jokes and ignorant statements about homosexuals back then. I looked upon gay people with derision. What an asshat I was back then.

And then I grew up and came to realize the sheer stupidity of my attitude. These days I see a gay person as a person and don't make the least judgment about their sexual orientation.

I'm a much better person for it.

Hey, a lot of us were. I made some of my gay friends feel pretty darned bad in those days.

They all have been big enough to forgive me, and even embrace my stupidity, and we've laughed about it. One of them was the Best Man at my wedding, and he is the closest and best friend I've ever had.

He is pretty macho, for a gay man, and even if his mannerisms seem a little more gay than mine, if you had us fill out a questionairre about stereotypical subjects, (dancing, musicals, Liza Minelli, etc) I would probably read more gay than he would. Except I never say, "oh my."

Plus, we fought once, as teens, and he kicked my ass.

Handily.

 

[RED J]

So called homophobes, racists, religious extrimists and all of those types can be called under one flag, "Jerks".[/QUOTE]

And what do we get to call people who lump everyone they disagree with under a broad brush judgemental condemnation, without regard for their principles or conscience or upbringing ?

 

[NWB]

You know, I'm under the impression that a large portion of this country has turned the corner on their attitudes about gay people.

With gay marriage being adopted by more states each year, it appears that we've come a long way towards acceptance in this country.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

So called homophobes, racists, religious extrimists and all of those types can be called under one flag, "Jerks".

And what do we get to call people who lump everyone they disagree with under a broad brush judgemental condemnation, without regard for their principles or conscience or upbringing ?

Are you saying your conscience, principles, or upbringing can make it acceptable to maintain racist and homophobic views? There is a point where one is entitled to their opinions but if their opinions are based on hatred they should not be considered acceptable. Religious extremist is kind of touchy one, since it could mean they pander about Jesus on your doorstep not necessarily blow people up, so I will give you that one.

You would call the people judging those that practice bigotry/homophobia/racism jerks as well I suppose, since they are kind of perpetuating the same judgmental behaviour. Although I think you would have a hard time convincing the general public of this argument.

 

[mellowinman]

So called homophobes, racists, religious extrimists and all of those types can be called under one flag, "Jerks".

And what do we get to call people who lump everyone they disagree with under a broad brush judgemental condemnation, without regard for their principles or conscience or upbringing ?

I think that's a stretch. "Everyone they disagree with" is a much broader assortment of people than "homophobes, racists, religious extrimists and all of those types."

I can't speak for the party quoted, but I disagree with a LOT more people than just homophobes, racists, religious extremists and all of those types.

I disagree with people who think the Twilight films are entertaining.
I disagree with people who think their cologne/aftershave/perfume smells good.
I disagree with people who think fast food is food.
I disagree with people who like Fords and hate Chevys, or like Chevys and hate Fords. (I drive a Mitsubishi, and a Jeep)
I disagree with dog people AND cat people, unless they are dog AND cat people, like me.
I disagree with people based on how they vote, what books they like, how they wear their hair, and I've lost many potential girlfriends by disagreeing with their taste in music. (don't even get me STARTED on music!)

So, I don't know what you call people who lump everyone they disagree with under a broad brush judgemental condemnation, without regard for their principles or conscience or upbringing, but I can think of one guy like that, and I call him "Ed," because he does NOT like being called "Edgar."

 

[mellowinman]

Are you saying your conscience, principles, or upbringing can make it acceptable to maintain racist and homophobic views? There is a point where one is entitled to their opinions but if their opinions are based on hatred they should not be considered acceptable. Religious extremist is kind of touchy one, since it could mean they pander about Jesus on your doorstep not necessarily blow people up, so I will give you that one.

You would call the people judging those that practice bigotry/homophobia/racism jerks as well I suppose, since they are kind of perpetuating the same judgmental behaviour. Although I think you would have a hard time convincing the general public of this argument.

The only thing you have convinced ME of is that I am confused. And I didn't need all that much convincing, to be honest.

 

[ShoeManiac]

And what do we get to call people who lump everyone they disagree with under a broad brush judgemental condemnation, without regard for their principles or conscience or upbringing ?

I think people are free to have their own personal feelings about gay people as much as they like. You cannot legislate thought or morality.

However, there is thought and morality, and then there's also the law. The United States Constitution has provisions for equal rights for EVERYBODY. More and more courts and state legislatures are recognizing that and are enabling gay and lesbian couples to marry because of the freedoms guaranteed by the US Constitution and the law. To deny a particular group their rights because of their sexual orientation seems inherently un-American. Still, the 1st Ammendment of the US Constitution guarantees the rights of those that disagree with this the opportunity to voice their dissent and practice their religion. However, I'm thinking that guaranteeing the rights of a minority tends to trump the social sensibilities of those who voice their dissent by right of the 1st Ammendment.

 

[RED J]

Are you saying your conscience, principles, or upbringing can make it acceptable to maintain racist and homophobic views? There is a point where one is entitled to their opinions but if their opinions are based on hatred they should not be considered acceptable. Religious extremist is kind of touchy one, since it could mean they pander about Jesus on your doorstep not necessarily blow people up, so I will give you that one.

Not at all. Racism is not justifiable under any circumstance. neither is bigotry. There is only one human race, a fact, a truth Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. However, homophobia and religious extremism is a subjective judgment that sadly subjects ones labeled as such to just as much bigotry and hatred as other groups. If a person has strongly held religious or conscientious views that don't allow them to accept or validate things generally held acceptable, they are just as entitled to maintain that viewpoint and exercise their conscience. To try to force someone to violate their conscience is the most hateful form of bigotry.

I can't speak for the whole world, but in democratic countries everyone has those rights. But we don't have license to persecute one another over what we disagree on in either direction. Or, what's good for the goose is good for the gander. Sadly, this is often forgotten by both sides and some individuals in their zeal become guilty of the same bigotry in reverse.

 

[ShoeManiac]

Which is the bigger offense? Being intolerant of a person's lifestyle? Or being intolerant of intolerance?

 

[mellowinman]

Which is the bigger offense? Being intolerant of a person's lifestyle? Or being intolerant of intolerance?

I am totally getting out the popcorn for this one.

One of my all-time favorite questions.

 

[RED J]

I think that's a stretch. "Everyone they disagree with" is a much broader assortment of people than "homophobes, racists, religious extrimists and all of those types."

I can't speak for the party quoted, but I disagree with a LOT more people than just homophobes, racists, religious extremists and all of those types.

I disagree with people who think the Twilight films are entertaining.
I disagree with people who think their cologne/aftershave/perfume smells good.
I disagree with people who think fast food is food.
I disagree with people who like Fords and hate Chevys, or like Chevys and hate Fords. (I drive a Mitsubishi, and a Jeep)
I disagree with dog people AND cat people, unless they are dog AND cat people, like me.
I disagree with people based on how they vote, what books they like, how they wear their hair, and I've lost many potential girlfriends by disagreeing with their taste in music. (don't even get me STARTED on music!)

So, I don't know what you call people who lump everyone they disagree with under a broad brush judgemental condemnation, without regard for their principles or conscience or upbringing, but I can think of one guy like that, and I call him "Ed," because he does NOT like being called "Edgar."

I disagree.

 

[mellowinman]

I disagree.

You've never met Ed.