Dealing with homophobia on Atheist Forums

[thesummerqueen]

It creates an ugly environment.

I think I see what you're trying to say, Ex.

For the person who skims through the postings and gives only a cursory glance to what's inside, the titles and lead post certainly do suggest a negative atmosphere. I'm sure we'll both agree that the title of that particular thread was designed to attract attention, and it certainly accomplished its mission.

Keeping everything all in that thread, rather than just starting a new one to fight it, gives a chance for anyone else who actually reads the thread to find out just how many people disagree with that particular poster and the vehemence of their disagreement leads to insight for an observer that wouldn't exist in a different sort of thread. Not that I'm saying don't start the new one - the splinter threads that form from the more heated discussions are damn interesting.

But I've noticed we always call the theists out when they don't support or respond in their disagreement with us - I don't think we should be any different if someone says "I think this or this about such-and-such group".