Homophobia 'more common than racism'

[Phantom]

Homophobia ‘more common than racism’ - from Pink News - all the latest gay news from the gay community - Pink News

A study has suggested that negative attitudes to gay and lesbian people are now more prevalent than racism.

The research, carried out by the British Psychological Society’s Division of Occupational Psychology, found that the 60 volunteers surveyed were more likely to show negative attitudes to gays and lesbians than towards any other area of diversity, such as race, gender, age or disability.

Lead researcher Dr Pete Jones said: "Prejudiced attitudes are incredibly difficult to measure, as in today’s society admitting to racism, sexism or ageism has severe consequences.

"So to discover people’s real attitudes we measured our participants’ ‘implicit’ attitudes - associations in our minds that we’re not aware that we have - using a set of computer-based tests."

Results from the tests classified seven per cent of the participants as being strongly anti-gay and three percent as being anti-lesbian.

A further 35 per cent displayed some anti-gay predilection and 41 per cent some anti-lesbian prejudice.

These negative implicit attitudes were stronger than those for age, gender, religion, disability or even ethnic origin, where 28 per cent of the sample showed some prejudice towards Asian people, 25 per cent against black people and 18 per cent against south-east Asian people.

Dr Jones added: "Without detracting from the seriousness of the prejudice that still exists against people because of their ethnic origin, the results of our study suggest that being gay or lesbian could be ‘the new black' when it comes to being a victim of prejudice."
================================================== ========

With all the recent spike of added prejudice against gays and lesbians, homophobia these days seems to be rated higher then ever before, its worrysome. It does seem to be the "new black" these days.

Discuss. Your throughts?

[Unknown Entity]

Heh, shoulda seen that one coming! It's true I guess. I've certainly noticed it.

*sighs*

We can only dream that there will only ever be one race. The Human Race. I know I will never see it.

[LaCkyy]

I can't believe it, what has happend to today's Society, it was just the other day i was walking down the road. And some young kids around 16 called a couple of guys 'Benders'.

I think there should be big action taken against these 'bullys' there should be a fine.

I'm not saying bieng gay or lesbian is correct, but it's there life there choice basically and i don't think they need to be given grief and abuse over there relationships.

It really does disgust me that people are given more and more abuse regarding this.

[Clint]

People fear what they are but don't want to be. With racism, people don't fear being another "undesirable" race, because it's clearly obvious that, for example, an African man isn't a Korean man. But with homosexuality, anybody can be gay. That scares the shit out of people, because they may have an occasional "gay thought," such as fantasizing about sleeping with a member of the same gender, but they don't want to be gay, so they become very homophobic. Of course, homophobia doesn't cross the minds of people who are comfortable with their sexuality, so if somebody isn't gay, it shouldn't be a problem.

[Unknown Entity]

People fear what they are but don't want to be. With racism, people don't fear being another "undesirable" race, because it's clearly obvious that, for example, an African man isn't a Korean man. But with homosexuality, anybody can be gay. That scares the shit out of people, because they may have an occasional "gay thought," such as fantasizing about sleeping with a member of the same gender, but they don't want to be gay, so they become very homophobic. Of course, homophobia doesn't cross the minds of people who are comfortable with their sexuality, so if somebody isn't gay, it shouldn't be a problem.

I didn't think of it like that! Nice one!

[Cheesevixen]

I am not going to really get into much here seeing as I do not base generalities on a few general tests with only a small group of people. (Such as the researcher that based a new hand disease on the mutilation of only one person). Things don't really work that way. Race is still a huge problem, and it's rank in our society is irrelevant. I personally see more people tolerating same sex couples or homosexual people than people of a different race, but I don't base generalities on me either. Until more studies are done I can't take this thread seriously. All I know is in life people hate something about someone at some point. Whether you're a black who hates the white man, a lesbian that hates penis, or a man that has something against woman with small dogs.

[Sasquatch]

The Gay News Network says people are homophobic? Then it must be true!

For one thing, you cannot have an accurate study with sixty people. Especially if they're all from the same area. For another, there's nothing here, or at the cite, linking or referencing the actual study. So we're taking the word of one person that twenty or thirty of these people think like this ... actually, no, we're taking the word of and extremely biased website that takes the word of one person.

People fear what they are but don't want to be.

And that has nothing to do with prejudice.

But with homosexuality, anybody can be gay. That scares the shit out of people, because they may have an occasional "gay thought," such as fantasizing about sleeping with a member of the same gender, but they don't want to be gay, so they become very homophobic.

Or maybe it could be that they realise homosexuality just ain't right?

Of course, homophobia doesn't cross the minds of people who are comfortable with their sexuality, so if somebody isn't gay, it shouldn't be a problem.

Hahahahahahah. The old "you're just mad because you're gay" argument.

Please, please show me some sort of credible evidence to back that up. I've had many a child try to argue that, and it's always fun watching them scramble to back up their own baseless -- and extremely moronic -- opinion.

[OceanEyes28]

Is homophobia associated with homosexual arousal? [J Abnorm Psychol. 1996] - PubMed Result

Haha. I don't know if you're homophobic or anything, I don't know you. You might, as you said, just think it's wrong. Or whatever. But there you go.

Also:

I've had many a child try to argue that, and it's always fun watching them scramble to back up their own baseless -- and extremely moronic -- opinion.

Oh, all the children. All the children who argue with Sasquatch with their itty bitty opinions. Shit, man.

As for this actual article/topic, I don't know about all THAT. I just don't feel right comparing the two, racism and homophobia, weighing one against the other. I suppose homophobia is more at the forefront of our minds; it's been getting a LOT of media coverage. But to say that it has overtaken racism... well, maybe in the politically correct US, but even then I don't know. Eh.

[Clint]

And that has nothing to do with prejudice.

No, it might not, but it has to do with homophobia.

Or maybe it could be that they realise homosexuality just ain't right?

Homosexuality seems fine to me.

Hahahahahahah. The old "you're just mad because you're gay" argument.

No, more like embarrassed that they are gay, or fearful that they could be gay. I never said anything about being angry. That's an idea that you came up with on your own.

Please, please show me some sort of credible evidence to back that up.

No, I don't answer to you.

I've had many a child try to argue that, and it's always fun watching them scramble to back up their own baseless -- and extremely moronic -- opinion.

My, my, how arrogant. Yes, your opinion is always right, and anybody who has a different opinion is "extremely moronic."

[Cheesevixen]

You're full of arrogance, you're full of pride, and you're an ego-maniac. Are you Espritduo? I thought having more then one profile was against the rules.

Name calling? No argument was ever solved with childish name calling.

If someone challenges something you feel strongly about I see no reason why there should not be a demand for more facts.There is no substantial evidence linking homophobic behavior to an inner sexual desire or fear. I of all people should be the most homophobic of them all if that was the case.

I also don't understand how people link homophobia to be a sign that you are gay. That is almost like saying that if I dis-like Mexicans that I MUST be afraid of being one.....or having sex with one..... but that of course is taking it to a whole nother extreme.

[Clint]

Name calling? No argument was ever solved with childish name calling.

I was just stating the obvious. The guy is arrogant. It's not like I was calling him an ass or anything.

If someone challenges something you feel strongly about I see no reason why there should not be a demand for more facts.

I'm not going to present more facts, because no matter how many facts I present, I can't change anybody's mind. No matter how many facts somebody presents to me, he or she can't change my mind. What's the point of a debate if it never ends? I didn't post my opinion to have a debate. I posted my opinion because that's what the thread was asking for.

There is no substantial evidence linking homophobic behavior to an inner sexual desire or fear. I of all people should be the most homophobic of them all if that was the case.

So why are you complaining about it?

I also don't understand how people link homophobia to be a sign that you are gay. That is almost like saying that if I dis-like Mexicans that I MUST be afraid of being one.....or having sex with one..... but that of course is taking it to a whole nother extreme.

I'm pretty sure I already explained this. This is the other problem I have with debate. People don't read, so I have to continuously repeat myself.

With racism, people don't fear being another "undesirable" race, because it's clearly obvious that, for example, an African man isn't a Korean man. But with homosexuality, anybody can be gay. That scares the shit out of people, because they may have an occasional "gay thought," such as fantasizing about sleeping with a member of the same gender, but they don't want to be gay, so they become very homophobic.

See, I did explain this.

[Furore]

Firstly, yeah it's definetely too small of a sample to get any respectable conclusive results. It might be an indicator of a possible bigger problem, but that's as far as it goes.

I wouldn't be surprised if homophobia completely dwarfs racism much of the time though as most insults I hear in general tend to be sexuality based which is pretty damn sad. As a security guard I get to tell antagonists who use such insults to STFU or GTFO as loud insults such as these are a supposed indicator of drunkeness and that cannot be tolerated due to Responsible Service of Alcohol guidelines here.

I love my job.

And that has nothing to do with prejudice.

I would think it was rather intrinsically linked personally. I mean if a person is prejudiced against something, the thought they may possibly fit the category themself must scare the living shit out of them.

Or maybe it could be that they realise homosexuality just ain't right?

Or maybe they're led to unquestioningly believe that for whatever reason.

Hahahahahahah. The old "you're just mad because you're gay" argument.

Please, please show me some sort of credible evidence to back that up. I've had many a child try to argue that, and it's always fun watching them scramble to back up their own baseless -- and extremely moronic -- opinion.

Where has your credible evidence to back up your words been? I don't recall seeing it too often if at all and we've had a few little bits of fun between the two of us.

God bless the children who can get past outdated prejudice.

Name calling? No argument was ever solved with childish name calling.

Correct to the best of my knowledge. No major conflicts I can think of anyways...

But that's why people should be cool and not resort to sexuality based slurs and harsh words/actions. It cannot help the problem and often only makes it worse. Better to use honey than a whip or something. Meh...

You're full of arrogance, you're full of pride, and you're an ego-maniac. Are you Espritduo? I thought having more then one profile was against the rules.

I thought being full of arrogance was a prerequisite to post here. But then I'm the most arrogant person here, HAH! So, I win.

[Sarah]

The truth is that too many people are bigoted in one way or another. We have a warring share of people being forced to be intolerant from outside sources (religion, culture, et cetera) and people being forced to be tolerant from outside sources (government, work, et cetera). It's never going to work out this way. People need to be able to come to conclusions on their own, through deep thought. People are never going to be tolerant if they can't be left to think about the humanity of the other group. If bombarded from both sides, they'll never have the chance to ask things like, "Are they really hurting me by being different?" "Are they really less human and less deserving of a good life than me?" "Do I need to treat them this way?" "What really is different?" "I wonder what it's like to be them." "I wonder if they think the same thing."

Everyone gets way too caught up in the stupidest things. It's simply become pathetic. Live and let live and treat others as you would want to be treated. No matter what. No excuses acceptable. We've all been dealt our share of shitty hands. People need to get over themselves and just try to make this life as easy for everyone around them as they would want it to be for themselves by not being bigoted assholes.


Oh, and Sasquatch... I have a question for you. What would Jesus do? You remember those children's books, right? Please, don't quote scripture on this. That's pointless. What would the person, Jesus, do? Jesus is supposed to represent love, forgiveness, and redemption, right?

[espritduo]

You're full of arrogance, you're full of pride, and you're an ego-maniac. Are you Espritduo? I thought having more then one profile was against the rules.

Quit being so immature. It's one thing to insult and accuse me of things to my face in a debate between us, but I'm not going to sit here and have you cowardly take pot-shots at me behind my back in threads I have nothing to do with. Do it again and I will be the one reporting you.

And for the record, I more or less agree with your stance that a lot of people who are homophobes tend to be so because of their own sexual insecurities, so don't make claims about what I think or who I am, please.

[Cheesevixen]

I'm not going to present more facts, because no matter how many facts I present, I can't change anybody's mind. No matter how many facts somebody presents to me, he or she can't change my mind. What's the point of a debate if it never ends? I didn't post my opinion to have a debate. I posted my opinion because that's what the thread was asking for.

Well I am going to use the abortion thread to represent my opinion on why your thread has no standing what so ever. On a thread like (abortion) there are so many fact, links, biblical references, and FOUNDATION to the thread that all you have left is opinions. Which makes for an interesting and heated debate. You can make a case and support it...no one wins, but the thread has substance and reason. how can people create a honest opinion about something that has yet to even be proved? It makes anyone's response uneducated....even mine

Just FYI most debates never end. Too many people have different opinions.

[Angantyr]

No

People have grown us questioning their sexuality all their life and most people have become understanding of it. However theres gay people who go too far such as yourself who force their thoughts onto everybody and if somebody doesn't agree with them then they're called homophobes like you are doing right now. I don't hate gay people, I used to not because of questioning my own sexuality but because it was territory I didn't want to go into.

Its people like you who cause all these problems, you're not solving anything by trolling TFF and acting extremely over immature over the situation. You're making things worse than they need to be, you need to realize other people have other views and other beliefs and won't always see eye to eye. I don't think you can grasp such a simple concept, it would be in TFF's best interest to simply leave it be and take your whining else where.

[Maridia]

In general from the people I've met they've all gone hand in hand. The people I've known who don't like minorities, hate gays and even a couple have been sexist. There's really not too much I can say about it I just never understood any of it. I've heard someone go into rants about why blacks are inferior, why women should respect the men who work while they clean and cook, and how gays should be killed. People who I've met that are around my age, more have been easy going and open to people's differences. But there's also people my age or even younger who like to think being dark or liking another guy is the work of "Da Devil".

But as some people have said to me dark people look the same cause they're all inbred and dirty. And that gay people were the first to get the AIDS virus because god is trying to wipe them out and show them they're wrong.

I shake my head more than you people know

[Phantom]

No

People have grown us questioning their sexuality all their life and most people have become understanding of it. However theres gay people who go too far such as yourself who force their thoughts onto everybody and if somebody doesn't agree with them then they're called homophobes like you are doing right now. I don't hate gay people, I used to not because of questioning my own sexuality but because it was territory I didn't want to go into.

Its people like you who cause all these problems, you're not solving anything by trolling TFF and acting extremely over immature over the situation. You're making things worse than they need to be, you need to realize other people have other views and other beliefs and won't always see eye to eye. I don't think you can grasp such a simple concept, it would be in TFF's best interest to simply leave it be and take your whining else where.

Angantyr why don't you just leave me the hell alone? I reported twice already, its starting to turn into harassment, I can understand why you don't like me but don't send me hate mail expressing how you think immature I'm and that I need to leave TFF, I get the frickin point but this is really hurting you in the long run not me, so please just leave me alone already.

Sorry for the thread derailment everyone.

[OceanEyes28]

Phantom, that could have been said in a PM. Don't hijack your own thread to talk back at him about something unrelated to the topic. If there is a problem the staff needs to get involved with, please PM us. esperitduo, same goes for you. That should have been a PM or a post report. Not an off-topic response to this thread.

Once again, PMs are there for a reason. Please, everyone, restrain yourselves from responding to off topic posts in this thread.

[Pete]

The way I see it, homophobia and racism are two very different things. Race is something that is blatantly obvious, while in some cases, homosexuality isn't. You can kind of spot races with ease, but unless you're in San Fran or the Village, gay isn't always as obvious.

I think that the biggest problem that people have with gays is that sometimes you just can't tell who is and who isn't. Your best friend in the whole world could be gay, and if he comes out to you, you might definitely look at him differently. "Does he like me?" "What if we're drinking and he tries to kiss me?" Or any other number of questions. It's almost like losing a sense of trust for a person, despite them being the same person. In a sense it is a little unfair, but at the same time, it is understandable to be wary. If one of my best friends had such a huge secret and kept it from me for years, I'd start wondering what else is missing or being kept secret. It would be a huge blow to the trust.

I don't think that it's right or wrong for people to be for or against homosexuality. People all have their reasons, and shouldn't be forced to change. Personally, I've always tried to look at every situation as "hate the sin, love the sinner."

And Phantom, I hate to be a douche, but with every thread like this that you start, you're just asking for the same thing to happen. I understand that you're a huge advocate for gay rights and are trying to bring the issues that concern you into light for everyone to see, and I think that's cool. It does take balls to do that. At the same time, you're setting yourself up for the same thing and the same attacks each and every time, and basically becoming known as the gay kid who won't let up.

[Phantom]

The way I see it, homophobia and racism are two very different things. Race is something that is blatantly obvious, while in some cases, homosexuality isn't. You can kind of spot races with ease, but unless you're in San Fran or the Village, gay isn't always as obvious.

I think that the biggest problem that people have with gays is that sometimes you just can't tell who is and who isn't. Your best friend in the whole world could be gay, and if he comes out to you, you might definitely look at him differently. "Does he like me?" "What if we're drinking and he tries to kiss me?" Or any other number of questions. It's almost like losing a sense of trust for a person, despite them being the same person. In a sense it is a little unfair, but at the same time, it is understandable to be wary. If one of my best friends had such a huge secret and kept it from me for years, I'd start wondering what else is missing or being kept secret. It would be a huge blow to the trust.

I don't think that it's right or wrong for people to be for or against homosexuality. People all have their reasons, and shouldn't be forced to change. Personally, I've always tried to look at every situation as "hate the sin, love the sinner."

And Phantom, I hate to be a douche, but with every thread like this that you start, you're just asking for the same thing to happen. I understand that you're a huge advocate for gay rights and are trying to bring the issues that concern you into light for everyone to see, and I think that's cool. It does take balls to do that. At the same time, you're setting yourself up for the same thing and the same attacks each and every time, and basically becoming known as the gay kid who won't let up.

And Phantom, I hate to be a douche, but with every thread like this that you start, you're just asking for the same thing to happen. I understand that you're a huge advocate for gay rights and are trying to bring the issues that concern you into light for everyone to see, and I think that's cool. It does take balls to do that. At the same time, you're setting yourself up for the same thing and the same attacks each and every time, and basically becoming known as the gay kid who won't let up

No your not being a douche, and your right, I know that each time I make topics like this people will come to that assumption that I'm some kind of persistent gay rights advocate or hell maybe even worse names that that, but despite that, that's not going to stop me from bringing stories like this into the light because I know its not just me that's concerned about the state the GLBT community is in. I know people are gonna continue to attack me for these topics but that's not gonna stop me from exposing whats going on.




I dont think of myself as bold or brave for making topics that cause these kinds of debates, in fact I think most people just dont want to hear about it, or talk about it, or are just afraid to let others know they're gay, or just concerned but dont want to make topics like these that expose the truth about people. I've witnessed alot of debate threads on TFF since I first joined, most were politics, racism, or Interracial marriage but I never saw not one topic that discussed the issues concerning gays and lesbians until I started making topics about our issues. I dont ask for the attacks on me or the topics I make but if they happen they happen, and I'm not going to be scared into never making these topics again.


@ Sarah:

Everyone gets way too caught up in the stupidest things. It's simply become pathetic. Live and let live and treat others as you would want to be treated. No matter what. No excuses acceptable. We've all been dealt our share of shitty hands. People need to get over themselves and just try to make this life as easy for everyone around them as they would want it to be for themselves by not being bigoted assholes.


Thank you I agree with you that people need to treat others the way they themselves want to be treated. Even if we have our disagreements that shouldn't stop everyone from showing respect for another living breathing human being.

[Sasquatch]

Is homophobia associated with homosexual arousal? [J Abnorm Psychol. 1996] - PubMed Result

Thank you. While that was an extremely small study and I'd like to actually see the results, it was SOMETHING -- which is more than the nothing that is usually provided by the idiots who make claims like "you think homosexuality is bad, so you must be gay!" I appreciate it.

Haha. I don't know if you're homophobic or anything, I don't know you.

That depends on your definition of "homophobic". If it's a fear or dislike of homosexuals, then no. If it's a disagreement with homosexuality, then yes.

Oh, all the children. All the children who argue with Sasquatch with their itty bitty opinions. Shit, man.

Opinions are one thing. Baseless accusations are another.

No, it might not, but it has to do with homophobia.

... which, without acting upon prejudice, there is nothing wrong with.

No, more like embarrassed that they are gay, or fearful that they could be gay.

Still bullshit.

No, I don't answer to you.

Translation: No, I WON'T provide evidence to back up my asinine claims! I don't have to!

My, my, how arrogant. Yes, your opinion is always right, and anybody who has a different opinion is "extremely moronic."

Thank you for realizing this. ... But really, no. Not everything that disagrees with reality is extremely moronic -- some is just slightly moronic.

I was just stating the obvious. The guy is arrogant. It's not like I was calling him an ass or anything.

And if I call you stupid, it's not an insult. You are stupid. It's not like I was calling you an ass or anything.

Do you see how idiotic that is yet, or not?

I'm not going to present more facts ...

To be able to present "more" facts, you have to first present one fact.

... because no matter how many facts I present, I can't change anybody's mind.

Because nobody's mind has ever been changed when confronted with facts, right? Why don't you try it?

No matter how many facts somebody presents to me, he or she can't change my mind.

So you bitch at me for supposedly thinking that I'm always right, then state that you refuse to change your mind, no matter what you're presented with?

Now, do you think you're always right? Or do you admit that you believe things that aren't right, but will believe them no matter what you're presented with?

What's the point of a debate if it never ends? I didn't post my opinion to have a debate. I posted my opinion because that's what the thread was asking for.

Then why are you still here?

I'm pretty sure I already explained this. This is the other problem I have with debate. People don't read, so I have to continuously repeat myself.

And you still didn't explain racism against people that don't look extremely different. Or prejudice against people of different nationalities. Try again.

I would think it was rather intrinsically linked personally. I mean if a person is prejudiced against something, the thought they may possibly fit the category themself must scare the living shit out of them.

For some, perhaps -- but that's after they already hold that opinion. It wouldn't be a case of, "I hate gays because I think I might be one," if they believed that there was nothing wrong with being gay.

Or maybe they're led to unquestioningly believe that for whatever reason.

Silly science, genetics, and morality.

Where has your credible evidence to back up your words been? I don't recall seeing it too often if at all and we've had a few little bits of fun between the two of us.

What do you need to be backed up? What claims have I made? I'll be happy to provide evidence for whatever you need.

The truth is that too many people are bigoted in one way or another. We have a warring share of people being forced to be intolerant from outside sources (religion, culture, et cetera) and people being forced to be tolerant from outside sources (government, work, et cetera).

I'll repeat that there's a difference between tolerance and acceptance. Very few religions preach intolerance, and very few first-world cultures condone intolerance. On the other side, it's not the forced tolerance that is the problem, it's the forced acceptance.

Oh, and Sasquatch... I have a question for you. What would Jesus do? You remember those children's books, right? Please, don't quote scripture on this. That's pointless.

So you're asking me to tell you what Jesus would do, but you're telling me that it's "pointless" to post evidence of what Jesus would do?

[Clint]

And you still didn't explain racism against people that don't look extremely different. Or prejudice against people of different nationalities. Try again.

You want my opinion? People who don't look extremely different are still racist against each other because their cultures are different. The same goes for people who are prejudice against different nationalities. My God, haven't you ever taken sociology? 98 percent of the course is talking about racism.

[Furore]

But really Sasquatch, what would Jesus do?

You never really answered that and I believe if religion comes into a person's beliefs, it's important that things like this are brought to light to aid in the understanding of those beliefs.

[Cheesevixen]

[QUOTE]

I was just stating the obvious. The guy is arrogant. It's not like I was calling him an ass or anything.

I am not saying that he isn't arrogant, but childish name calling and giving people bad rep is not making you look very good. This thread you brought up, I am only assuming,to speak up for the people in this world that get knocked down by others.....so to do it yourself slightly makes you a hypocrite that has no business talking about this subject.

I'm not going to present more facts, because no matter how many facts I present, I can't change anybody's mind. No matter how many facts somebody presents to me, he or she can't change my mind. What's the point of a debate if it never ends? I didn't post my opinion to have a debate. I posted my opinion because that's what the thread was asking for.

Well, to be technical this is posted in the "general chat" thread; not the "intellectual discussion" so we are technically allowed to "chat" about this. And if you are brave enough to post your opinion have the courage to stand up for it. Otherwise I will leave this thread just thinking you are uneducated. Like so many others on here that do nothing more but start fights they themselves can't handle.

So why are you complaining about it?

>**<

I'm pretty sure I already explained this. This is the other problem I have with debate. People don't read, so I have to continuously repeat myself.

I read, but I try not to pay too much attention to uneducated shots in the dark about a wide range of people. There is never just one reason to hate someone. There is never one explanation for a brand of racism or homophobia to occur.

I am sure you expect bad rep now, but I like to take the high road. So I will leave you to your childish arguing and stamping your feet because not everyone loves your opinions.

[Dan558]

Ok, I've been stuck in this loop before. Stop even trying to respond to Sasquatch, he is (in my opinion) an arrogant jerk who won't change his mind. It seems like he does this for the reason he has stated "to see people scramble to try and fight him" or something like that. Where in the same sense he does the same thing except he just seems to try and get on peoples nerves as he does it. No doubt he'll quote my post here with some annoying "counter-point" or comment (i.e. hes just jealous because I'm sure I've "beaten" him in an arguement before). Just trying to save you people some time. I'm not saying don't discuss this subject, just don't bother with him.

anyways for my personal opinion on this subject. A simple opinion of Yes, in my experience I have noticed more rude, arrogant and just plain mean actions towards gays/lesbians then other factors such as race. As for why, I'm not exactly sure but it is probably for a lot of reasons people have stated. The one opinion I do not totally agree with is:

People fear what they are but don't want to be.

Of course, homophobia doesn't cross the minds of people who are comfortable with their sexuality, so if somebody isn't gay, it shouldn't be a problem.

That just seems like a very childish claim trying to be presented as a reasonable arguement. "You're only making fun of me for being _______, because you're ________"
There are many reasons why people don't tolerate other people but I don't believe that is in any way close to the main reason why people don't tolerate or hate homosexuality. Some more likely candidates are: The way someone was brought up (parents opinion), Ignorance/misunderstanding (choice or not a choice?), religious teachings (some bible quote of "thou shall not lie with a man as he does a woman") and personal experience ie.

I think that the biggest problem that people have with gays is that sometimes you just can't tell who is and who isn't. Your best friend in the whole world could be gay, and if he comes out to you, you might definitely look at him differently. "Does he like me?" "What if we're drinking and he tries to kiss me?" Or any other number of questions. It's almost like losing a sense of trust for a person, despite them being the same person. In a sense it is a little unfair, but at the same time, it is understandable to be wary. If one of my best friends had such a huge secret and kept it from me for years, I'd start wondering what else is missing or being kept secret. It would be a huge blow to the trust.

[Clint]

I am not saying that he isn't arrogant, but childish name calling and giving people bad rep is not making you look very good. This thread you brought up, I am only assuming,to speak up for the people in this world that get knocked down by others.....so to do it yourself slightly makes you a hypocrite that has no business talking about this subject.

I really hate to debate, and this is one of the reasons. Somebody always bitches at me about something as ridiculous as calling somebody who literally is arrogant, arrogant. It's none of your business whatsoever what I say to somebody else, so butt out of things that don't apply to you. I didn't post to "speak up for the people in this world that get knocked down," I merely posted to speak up about why I think that homophobia is more common than racism, which is exactly what I did, before people began complaining at me.

Well, to be technical this is posted in the "general chat" thread; not the "intellectual discussion" so we are technically allowed to "chat" about this. And if you are brave enough to post your opinion have the courage to stand up for it. Otherwise I will leave this thread just thinking you are uneducated. Like so many others on here that do nothing more but start fights they themselves can't handle.

It isn't uneducated to turn down all the assholes that antagonize you until you're forced into an argument. Now I'm not getting into an argument with you, because quite frankly, I don't like your attitude. So bite me.

I read, but I try not to pay too much attention to uneducated shots in the dark about a wide range of people. There is never just one reason to hate someone. There is never one explanation for a brand of racism or homophobia to occur.

If you don't agree, then make up your own opinion, instead of challenging mine. Simple enough, right?

I am sure you expect bad rep now, but I like to take the high road. So I will leave you to your childish arguing and stamping your feet because not everyone loves your opinions.

No, not everybody loves my opinions, but considering the amount of positive rep that I got for posting that comment, a lot of people do.

[Cheesevixen]

[QUOTE]

I really hate to debate, and this is one of the reasons. Somebody always bitches at me about something as ridiculous as calling somebody who literally is arrogant, arrogant. It's none of your business whatsoever what I say to somebody else, so butt out of things that don't apply to you.

If you post something like that for everybody to see; how can you not expect a bit of backlash for it? It's naive to think you can just call someone a name, and not be questioned about. I am not going to say I am sorry for sticking up for another human being.

I didn't post to "speak up for the people in this world that get knocked down," I merely posted to speak up about why I think that homophobia is more common than racism, which is exactly what I did, before people began complaining at me.

Complaining about you or simply disagreeing?

Nice to see the people here still love posting their opinions based on incorrect/unfounded information.

It isn't uneducated to turn down all the assholes that antagonize you until you're forced into an argument. Now I'm not getting into an argument with you, because quite frankly, I don't like your attitude. So bite me.

I don't ever force anyone into argument. I encourage them to think before they post something that has no foundation.

If you don't agree, then make up your own opinion, instead of challenging mine. Simple enough, right?

IF it is true (Homophobia being bigger than racism). I would not think too much of it. People have their own opinions and beliefs. We can't all expect to be liked in a world with so many different cultures and belief systems. Some girls give me dirty looks because I am a bit more confident, African Americans don't like me because I am white, Ex-boyfriends don't like me because I kicked their lame butt to the curb,Customers don't like me because I gave them a scoop of something they didn't like. Oh well, nothing I can do about it. It's a part of life, and we all have to deal with it.

Now; if the rate of violence toward gays was proven to be getting higher then that amongst other races I would find that disgusting. It's bad enough to hear about blacks being dragged behind trucks by their throat, or Jewish synagogues being bombed, than to know that a whole other storm is fast approaching. I don't believe violence is the answer to any problem. Especially if its because of someone's choice in life. (That statement does not apply to murderers,rapists,or any other severe offender)

No, not everybody loves my opinions, but considering the amount of positive rep that I got for posting that comment, a lot of people do.

Now who is a bit arrogant? LMAO So Sorry I didn't give you a cookie for having an opinion. If that means I am being a big meany head (he he) than so be it.

[Clint]

If you post something like that for everybody to see; how can you not expect a bit of backlash for it? It's naive to think you can just call someone a name, and not be questioned about. I am not going to say I am sorry for sticking up for another human being.

If he thinks that I'm offensive and wants to stand up for himself, then he has all the right to call me out, which he actually already did, so butt out already.

Complaining about you or simply disagreeing?

Nice to see the people here still love posting their opinions based on incorrect/unfounded information.

No, not complaining about me, complaining at me. If you were complaining about me, I wouldn't be involved in this conversation.

It's nice to see that people still think that you need founded information to have an opinion.

I don't ever force anyone into argument. I encourage them to think before they post something that has no foundation.

You're an antagonist, plain and simple. I thought about my opinion before I posted it, as well as thought about it as I was typing it up, and then I posted it. So if you want me to do more thinking of something that I already though about, then what you're really asking is for me to repeat myself, right?

IF it is true (Homophobia being bigger than racism). I would not think too much of it. People have their own opinions and beliefs. We can't all expect to be liked in a world with so many different cultures and belief systems. Some girls give me dirty looks because I am a bit more confident, African Americans don't like me because I am white, Ex-boyfriends don't like me because I kicked their lame butt to the curb,Customers don't like me because I gave them a scoop of something they didn't like. Oh well, nothing I can do about it. It's a part of life, and we all have to deal with it.

Now; if the rate of violence toward gays was proven to be getting higher then that amongst other races I would find that disgusting. It's bad enough to hear about blacks being dragged behind trucks by their throat, or Jewish synagogues being bombed, than to know that a whole other storm is fast approaching. I don't believe violence is the answer to any problem. Especially if its because of someone's choice in life. (That statement does not apply to murderers,rapists,or any other severe offender)

There you go, my friend. Now no more complaining at me, right? You have your opinion, and I have mine, so let's leave it at that.

Now who is a bit arrogant? LMAO So Sorry I didn't give you a cookie for having an opinion. If that means I am being a big meany head (he he) than so be it.

Hey, don't be mad at me because of something you brought up. As for your opinion, have a cookie.

[Sasquatch]

You want my opinion? People who don't look extremely different are still racist against each other because their cultures are different. The same goes for people who are prejudice against different nationalities.

What happened to "they're afraid they might be like them"?

But really Sasquatch, what would Jesus do?

To what? Would He assault homosexuals? Of course not. Would He pretend that they're normal, or give them special rights? Of course not.

Ok, I've been stuck in this loop before. Stop even trying to respond to Sasquatch, he is (in my opinion) an arrogant jerk who won't change his mind.

Show me proof that I'm wrong, and I'll gladly change my mind. It's happened before ... just not from you.

It seems like he does this for the reason he has stated "to see people scramble to try and fight him" or something like that.

Where did I say that? Oh, that's right -- I didn't.

Where in the same sense he does the same thing except he just seems to try and get on peoples nerves as he does it.

I don't "try" to get on people's nerves. It's just that some people are stupid or overly sensitive, and hey, it happens.

No doubt he'll quote my post here with some annoying "counter-point" or comment (i.e. hes just jealous because I'm sure I've "beaten" him in an arguement before).

Hahahahah, yeah, I'm sure that's it ... Hey, I remember you now. You're the kid that gave me negative rep because I had firearms in my avatar.

Just trying to save you people some time. I'm not saying don't discuss this subject, just don't bother with him.

Because if you think I'm mean, I cannot have anything of value to add to the discussion.

That just seems like a very childish claim trying to be presented as a reasonable arguement. "You're only making fun of me for being _______, because you're ________"

Isn't it? I never understood that, either. "There's absolutely nothing wrong with being gay, it's perfectly normal and natural to be gay, being gay is just fine ... and if you don't agree, you're a fag!"

I really hate to debate, and this is one of the reasons. Somebody always bitches at me about something as ridiculous as calling somebody who literally is arrogant, arrogant.

Awww, you mad because somebody called you out on your childish insult?

It's none of your business whatsoever what I say to somebody else, so butt out of things that don't apply to you.

Actually, you posted it in the General forum. If you had posted it in a private message, it wouldn't be anybody else's business. But you didn't. So it's the business of anybody who reads it.

I didn't post to "speak up for the people in this world that get knocked down," I merely posted to speak up about why I think that homophobia is more common than racism, which is exactly what I did, before people began complaining at me.

You made the comment that "people fear what they don't want to be", and stated that the only people who are "homophobic" are people who are actually homosexual but don't want to be. If you're going to post something that stupid, expect others to tell you how stupid it is.

It isn't uneducated to turn down all the assholes that antagonize you until you're forced into an argument.

No, it's just ignorant and arrogant to assume that you can say whatever you want without having to -- or being able to -- defend it.

No, not everybody loves my opinions, but considering the amount of positive rep that I got for posting that comment, a lot of people do.

Attempted argument from authority? Nice try, kid.

It's nice to see that people still think that you need founded information to have an opinion.

Hahahahahah. Nice to see that people still think that you don't need any information at all to form an opinion -- and that if you form an ignorant opinion as such, it should be free from ridicule.

You're an antagonist, plain and simple.

Wow. What's next, are we ganging up on you and being big meanies?

I thought about my opinion before I posted it, as well as thought about it as I was typing it up, and then I posted it.

If that post was actually thought-out, you have some problems.