Random opinion on "framing the debate."

[livinginphotographs]

I'll admit it: I don't like the term "homophobia." Too many times I've had people come back at me and say, "I'm not scared of homosexuals, I just don't like them."

I prefer "bigot", etc. But I wish there was a word with as universal a negative connotation such as "racist." Any ideas?

[latteromden]

1. Seconded, although I don't have any ideas. I tried to use

'remarks against gay people' last night. Hahaha, THAT didn't work out so well.

[Zep]

2. Why use high-falutin' psychobabble jargon ...

... the word "bigot" fills the bill just fine.

[livinginphotographs]

3. Bigot is fine, but I was looking for a less general term.

"Bigot" can mean one is bigoted towards a variety of groups. I would like something similar to homophobia, specific to the gay community, with more of an impact than "homophobia."

[Touchdown]

4. Bigot is fine, but they're still liars.

Yes they are afraid, because you have to dissect their words.

Ask them these...

If gay marriage passed, what are you afraid will happen?

What do you fear will happen to unit cohesiveness if gays are allowed to seve openly in the armed forces?

If gays move into your condo complex, what do you fear will happen if they are accepted by your neighbors? Why are you afraid more would move into the complex? Why is that something to be fearful of?

Of course it's based on fear, but then again so is bigotry, so they both work.

[livinginphotographs]

5. That's a good point,

I may try those next time I'm presented with this.

I think it comes down to straight people so fearful of homosexuals hitting on them. Of course, you should see the people I talk to about this. They're lucky to have a woman hitting on them, much less a gay man. ;)

[renaissanceguy]

6. That's because they're secretly gay themselves

and find themselves looking at the men while watching porn.

[Tony_Illinois]

7. And children . . .

Please never forget that there are a vast number of uninformed, under-educated people out there. (I believe the election results will affirm that view).

Many of these people believe that every gay person on the planet has a mission of "recruiting" children into the "gay lifestyle". And, sadly, there is also a large number of these ignorant people who confuse pedophilia with homosexuality. This pains me to state, but that is the unfortunate reality out there--and knowing that will help understand why some of the outrageous hatred and bigotry exists.

[Touchdown]

8. Notice it's always the bald, greasy guys...

who think we want them all the time? Brad Pitt and Keanu Reeves don't worry about it, but Vinnie, the fat sauce cook at Angelo's Restaurant thinks we lust after his...uh'...virility. :eyes: