And Other Homophobic Verbal Faux Pas.
By Lauren Strapagiel
We hear it so often we barely even notice anymore. “That’s gay”, “you’re so gay”, “what’s up, homo?” When did blatant homophobia become okay? I know what most of you are thinking, that’s its become so common it doesn’t mean anything anymore. We’re all desensitized. It’s time to take a step back and consider what’s coming out of our mouths.
First, lets put things in perspective. What if instead of “that’s gay”, the new it-phrase was “that’s black”, or “that’s Muslim”. Still okay with you? We seem to have decided that it’s socially acceptable to be homophobic, but not racist. Aren’t we progressive. We deem it inappropriate to insult blacks and Muslims because we see them around us all the time, therefore its wrong. We may not be able to pick gays, lesbians, and bisexuals out of a crowd, but that doesn’t mean they’re not there. We even have two openly gay/lesbian teachers at our school. They’re indirectly insulted on a regular basis everyday. Also, statistics tell us that there are many closeted students at DMT. So, show some respect already! When you say “that’s so gay”, you’re not just reiterating a tired phrase, you’re insulting the people around you. In the end, you’re just making yourself look stupid. Homophobia is so passé.
If you’re one of the wonderful people that think that homophobic phrases shouldn’t be said, then stop letting them happen. Start calling your friends on it. To teachers, you do your part by stopping students from making racist comments, why not stop them from making homophobic ones? When you hear a student say, “that’s gay”, do something. When you don’t, you send a message to other students that it’s okay.
David and Mary Thomson is known for its multiculturalism and tolerance. Lets decide to bring our sexual diversity and anti-homophobia status to the same level. While the sad truth is that some people will always be intolerant of anyone who’s not straight, I think that’s its not much to ask to show some respect. So stop the hate. Remember that no matter how many times you say and hear “that’s gay”, it still means, “I’m ignorant”.
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3 comments:
I completely agree. I've even ranted about this before! People at our school are really ignorant about this, and it just really pisses me off. Personally, I find it much more effective to just call people whorefaces. :O Which is what the people that say that's so gay are.
that was a sick article. i admit i've said that many times, but now i'll think before i do. its so true and very well written.
Agreed. "Gay", "homo" and many other bad and offensive terms seem to have become very common nowadays and no one really cares. And unfortunately when u tell those ppl to stop using such words, u seem too "uncool", but I rather be this type of "cool"-ness, than use offensive words.Gud job DMT BTL!
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