Comic Discussion > QUESTIONABLE CONTENT

Assumptions and Homophobia

<< < (3/19) > >>

Skewbrow:
ooooo-kay

So this is how it looks to the outsider, when I'm vehemently arguing a point while drunk. Marten and Steve seem to have made quite a first impression.

The only time (that I'm aware of  :roll:) when I was mistaken for a gay was very clearly my own fault. I was 19. Travelling by myself somewhere in Northern Germany. Eager for some brewskies (and to test my German at a counter) I went to this bar. I had lead a somewhat sheltered life (Hi Mom!), so I didn't realize that this particular watering hole caters in particular for the homosexual population. The truth only dawned on me shortly after some patrons came up to chat. I guess the look on my face told the whole story. They were probably amused more than anything else  :-). It was too awkward for me, so I left (after downing my beer - first things first), but nothing really unpleasant happened. Just a mistake you can laugh about after an hour or so.

Akima:

--- Quote from: El_Flesh on 21 Feb 2011, 16:07 ---I'm not gay, but I don't mind talking or interacting with someone gay - so long as they are at arm's length. But seeing two guys kissing/getting it on? Revolting. Is it my DNA? My conditioning? I don't know and I don't care. Slapping a label of 'Homophobia' on that would be wrong, too. Unlike my father's generation, I don't feel gay men should have the shit kicked out of them merely for being gay.
--- End quote ---

It is a bit depressing that disgust and revulsion towards homosexuals has to express itself as criminal violence before people feel that it rises to a level they are prepared to call homophobia. Apparently, anything short of that is OK. One encounters the same kind of thinking with regard to racism of course. There the principle is "I may regard <ethnic group> as sub-human, but I'm not a racist because I don't beat them up, lynch them, or set their houses on fire". It's a kind of ethical limbo-dancing, where the bar is moved up to make it easier to pass under, instead of down to make it more challenging. Still, I suppose the fact that some people actually do, in a few places at least, hesitate to "kick the shit out of them", has to be regarded as progress. :cry:

I was rather confused by today's strip.

pwhodges:
<Moderator comment>

People, be careful if you plan to continue the discussion of homosexuality and homophobia.  Akima has already properly challenged the idea that non-violent homophobia doesn't count (as the earlier quote from Merriam-Webster's dictionary also made clear: "Homophobia- irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals").  I would go further, and say that even remarks like "some of my best friends are homosexuals" (not a quote, thankfully) can easily still be offensive in this context because of the way in which they are placing people into that box as if it matters.  So far the discussion has been sufficiently civil, and with enough correction, for me to let it stand - but even a mere repeat of some earlier remarks would take it over the edge, so please think hard before posting on the subject again.

westrim:
Holy shucking fit, I just decided to read the rest of the comments and I really shouldn't have. PEOPLE!

chill out.

He reacted the same way most normal people approximately react to a query that is based on a relationship that doesn't exist, such as:
"Madam, would you like some help?" (Asked of a dude.)
"I already plugged in the AARP discount." (Said to a 45 year old.)
"So you guys are gay, right?" (two straight friends)
"So, how long have you two been dating?"(While sitting with your brother.)

I hope my point is made. It's not homophobic to be aggrieved that someone assumed you were homosexual, it's just not very mellow.

pwhodges:
If you are equally aggrieved at any  mistaken assumption about you, that could be true I suppose - but if you are that commonly aggrieved, you could find a more relaxed approach to life, and less misunderstandings, by simply correcting people's mistakes rather than getting upset by them.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page