Dealing with homophobia on Atheist Forums

[Edwardo Piet]

Oh sorry, I guess I just made complete assumptions due to the fact that if you don't actually want anything practical being done, then I don't know why you mentioned the issue (I'm a consequentialist ). I'm open for your clarification if you wish to give me it.

[Existentialist]

I just said, if a homophobe sets up a soap box, anti-homophobes should set one up too. That's practical. I've already done it. I started a new thread. There is already a consequence. Support it or trash it. Your choice.

[Dotard]

You are name calling and abusing a group of people.....

Really? Where did I name call or abuse? YOU were the one who began the name calling, not I.

Why don't you lay down some reasons why you think my mere dislike of gay men equates to homoPHOBIA and not a simple prejudice and the whys you believe I'm irrational?

Nope, you, just like George T., come across as if you are taking some sort of high ground yet you take the low road to get there. That low road route cancels out your high ground position in my opinion.

Should we all meet at the table to discuss our differances? Or should we just let the nukes fly?

You, by starting up the name calling, already pushed the big red button.

You remind me of the last 20 seconds of this clip;

[youtube]3CdKuLRmg8k[/youtube]

[Existentialist]

Why don't you lay down some reasons why you think my mere dislike of gay men equates to homoPHOBIA and not a simple prejudice and the whys you believe I'm irrational?

Homophobia is a characteristic of a homophobe. This is because the homophobe is homophobic. It's really quite simple.

[Watson]

What other reason is there for disliking gay men than that they make you uncomfortable/slightly fearful, Dotard? Religious reasons obviously don't apply to you, so I don't understand what your problem with gay men could possibly be. If it is some trivial thing, then it can surely be applied to all people, not just gay people, and that would mean you dislike everyone.

[Paul the Human]

When I first began to hear the term 'homophobic', it was used to indicate someone that has an aversion to gay people caused by the fear of discovering his own "gayness". The word itself could also mean a fear of gay people, but I've never thought those were the only reasons someone might have an aversion to gay people. What about people that think homosexuality to be unnatural or simply repugnant? They aren't afraid, simply turned off. How does the word 'homophobic' apply to them?

[lrh9]

The best way to deal with homophobia is to ignore it. Get into positions of power and ensure that gay people aren't discriminated against and that they have equal rights and privileges under the law and eventually homophobia will die out in the same way that racism and misogyny are dying out.

When you are strong and powerful you can ignore your enemies. I know that progressive and gay people are strong and powerful enough to survive this and grow and for that reason none of what the bigoted small minded homophobes in the world say or do bothers me enough to do anything but to support and vote for the policies to protect gay people, enforce those policies, and watch homophobia wither and die.

[Cando]

The best way to deal with it is to tolerate it. Ironically, this approach works well.

[Anomalocaris]

The best way to deal with it is to tolerate it. Ironically, this approach works well.

Of course your perverted religion would have you not just tolerate it, but promote it.

[Cando]

The best way to deal with it is to tolerate it. Ironically, this approach works well.

Of course your perverted religion would have you not just tolerate it, but promote it.

I suppose so.