I have I guess a dumb question

[dreamaker]

I was watching TV today, and on three different programs, during the discussions and they said it is wrong to be homophobic.  It just doesn't sink in my head why it is wrong, I don't like guys straight or otherwise touching me, and to think two guys entwined grosses me out. Why is it wrong that it bothers me, reminds me of the movie 1984, I believe it was wrong to have feels, bad or otherwise.

[MP]

I was watching TV today, and on three different programs they discussions and they said it is wrong to be homophobic.  It just doesn't sink in my head why it is wrong, I don't like guys straight or otherwise touching me, and to think two guys entwined grosses me out. Why is it wrong that it bothers me, reminds me of the movie 1984, I believe it was wrong to have feels, bad or otherwise.

Because it has become politically incorrect.

It amazes me how the Muslims get such a pass on this.  They say  Kill gay people.  And, none call them on it.

[Moonshot_1]

You can pretty much live any kind of lifestyle you wish. I will not be held to a standard where I have to approve of it, respect it, or be compassionate of it if I choose not to agree or approve of it.

[dreamaker]

You can pretty much live any kind of lifestyle you wish. I will not be held to a standard where I have to approve of it, respect it, or be compassionate of it if I choose not to agree or approve of it.

I think may be you hit it on the nose, Its not the gay thing that bothers me. I use to work with several  gay people and I looked at them the same as anyone else.  I guess the thing that bugs me is, having to except and approve of things I don't feel comfortable with. Like I am required to except everyone and everything that  chooses to be different. Does that make sense

[da prez]

  We were raised to hug both men and women. There is often a kiss on the cheek. I have no problem with a hug. It does not make you less of a man and if it bothers you , then do not do it.
  I have gay and lesbian friends. I have no problem greeting or saying good bye with a hug. They are not contagious or are they afraid to greet me or my wife.  Like I said earlier , if it bothers you ,do not hug. It does not make you less of a man.
   ALSO , the only dumb question is the one that you do not know and do not ask!

                                       da prez

[Davemn]

What's real scary is that you ask guys on here to help you with your personal issues. They sure know about oil and tires though.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I was watching TV today, and on three different programs, during the discussions and they said it is wrong to be homophobic.  It just doesn't sink in my head why it is wrong, I don't like guys straight or otherwise touching me, and to think two guys entwined grosses me out. Why is it wrong that it bothers me, reminds me of the movie 1984, I believe it was wrong to have feels, bad or otherwise.

I'm not an expert on the subject but I think homophobia means you fear or hate gay people. I don't know if that's how you feel. I think the important thing is how you treat gay people. To answer your question though, I think it would be irrational to fear or hate gay people. So yes it would be wrong to be homophobic. But it's a free country and you can be if you choose as long as you don't act against them.

[8Track]

I am not gay. The thought of committing the act grosses me out too. But, if that's what other people want to do, I'm totally fine with it. I don't think people should be marginalised and discriminated against because they like something I don't. Just because they are different to me doesn't make them bad people, and I have no right to judge them.

It doesn't bother me one bit that gay people are in my world.

That's my 2 cents on the subject.

Cheers,

Mark

[cookiedough]

I'm with most on here.  Doesn't bother me one bit, as long as they keep whatever they do to themselves and don't try touching me in a sexual way. 

A senior boy in our high school is best friends with my daughter who is a junior.  He is openly gay and even at the time, invited his boyfriend from another local town to Homecoming dance in high school.  Am sure it was sort of weird, but the public school really can't do anything about it nor should they.  He is also an Eagle Scout and community leader with other youngsters that could take a few lessons from him and overall a very nice kid been to our house dozens of times and although he may speak a little differently, is a very nice kid. 

Not going to judge my daughter's friends unless they become boyfriends.  Then it gets personal. 

Even my daughter, for now, has given up on boys and that is a good thing as far as I am concerned, way too emotional.  She says she wants to be a lesbian - I'm cool with that for now. 

[Jess from VA]

I don't mind the condition, but I'm pretty unhappy with their vendetta against Christianity and christian values.  Not enthusiastic about gay marriage either.  

[mrtappan]

They probably said it for the same reason Christians say "You should believe in God."  Just because it's what people think doesn't make anything right or wrong/true or false.

[crow]

I'm a firm believer in the golden rule that says.   Don't impose your trip on anyone else.

[DIGGER]

Just curious.......if the "rainbow" is the gay and lesbian symbol.....what is the homophobic symbol?

[MacDragon]

Well, my .02 cents. I've had and have many friends that I've accumulated in my 58 years.  Some of those friends are gay... both men and women.  The ones I call friends are caring and considerate people that don't advertise that they are gay, although, some, you can just tell right off. Back in the early 70s, my wife and I lived in an apartment in a big victorian house in Norwich, Ct. before buying our first home.  Downstairs there were two apartments that housed a gay couple in each. These guys were the nicest people you could meet.  Many partys in the back yard and in each others apartments, even at times, joking about straight and gay dfferences and similarities.  
I guess the point I'm trying to make is... Straight, gay, bisexual... It just doesn't matter to me.  I don't care what your preference is. What you do behind closed doors is not my business.  What kind of person you are is what will bring you into my personal fold or keep you out.  My wife and I have never "ventured to the other side" ... But that doesn't mean we can't have some truly remarkable and great people as friends that have.  To each their own.  

[bagelboy]

I don't quite understand it, and probably never will. I'm sure God put them on this planet for a reason. I've met and been around many in my years, and never gave it much thought. I don't believe people of any kind should be looked down upon, and maybe the world, being more tolerant now, will become a better place because of tolerance. Be a good, compassionate, person. Share with others and worry about helping others, and I don't care if you're black, yellow, gay, or green. By the way, I do feel the race baiting that we are seeing these days, set up mostly by corrupt preachers and politicians, along with the press, is not tolerance. It's a matter of trying to keep our eyes off the big issues going on, and stirring the pot to create discontent, which is a completely different subject altogether!

[dreamaker]

I defiantly did not get my point across on that one, the reason I used homophobic is because the people on the TV shows were damning people that were homophobic. I guess I gave you the wrong impression, I doubt very much that I am homophobic, I don't hate anyone, I have no fear of gay people, I couldn't care less if they moved in next door. If they pay their taxes and keep hands off me, where golden! As you can see I am not, Mark Twain, so did not get my point out there.

 I guess its if you are homophobic, or a raciest, or if you discriminate, or if you are predigest, or if you have anger, or if you have negative feelings, you are cursed and have no right to feel this way, even if they are your private feelings, because it is not Politically Correct. The people that have more faults than yourself, are telling you how you should and should not feel towards anything. Today, society is dictating that you do not have the right to have negative human emotions.  
Hope that puts me back on the right track. I am a thinker, more that I am an explainer, things are very clear in my head, but when I try to explain what I think, I guess it doesn't come out clear.

[G-Man]

There a millions who agree that one or more of these "special" groups are wrong and these groups want you to change your thoughts.  Even if you committed no anti actions towards them, you still aren't allowed to voice your opinion without being ridiculed for your thoughts.  And they are vicious!  Look what happened to the pizza store.  A "news" crew went into that store because they new there were religious symbols all over the place and asked the opinion of the young girl behind the counter.  Well, she gave an opinion on a hypothetical situation and the death threats began.

[Spirited-6]

Sorry but "SHUT THE F/N DOOR ! Go back in time, but that`s insane, right ??? 

[dreamaker]

Sorry but "SHUT THE F/N DOOR ! Go back in time, but that`s insane, right ??? 

You lost me!!

[Chrisj CMA]

Hate the sin; love the sinner.  The problem is that in today's society were being reprogramed to believe homosexuality is not a sin.  It is certainly not illegal anymore or at least if still is somewhere its not enforced. However, if you believe the Bible (I happen to very much) then homosexuality is very much a sin as is adultery and a few other things that we have the legal right to do if we choose.

I don't hate anyone but I hate what some people do

Being "gay" well there's many ways to define that, but the desire towards one own sex in and of itself is no crime or sin if you cant really do anything about having that desire.  Acting on it is a whole different thing.  Its just like, I have desires (sometimes) towards beautiful women that I am not married to.  I cant help that, but I don't chase them to try to act on that desire, that would be a sin.

I think Homophobia by definition is an IRRATIONAL thing, its pretty hard to love the sinner if you have an irrational fear of them.

[Gryphon Rider]

The term "homophobia" is, in itself, misleading because when today's society uses it, they don't mean "an irrational fear of homosexuals," but they mean, "opposition to the full integration within our societies, cultures, religions, and politics of any non-traditional non-heterosexual behaviour whatsoever, without any negative judgment whatsoever."

On another note, for Christians who are interested in a rational and compassionate response to the challenges of this issue, there are two books that I have recently read and would recommend.  Both have their flaws, but both provide helpful perspectives to the discussion:

For a relational viewpoint:
Homosexuality and the Christian: A Guide for Parents, Pastors, and Friends, by Mark Yarhouse, PsyD

For a theological viewpoint:
Welcoming But Not Affirming: An Evangelical Response to Homosexuality, by Stanley J. Grenz

[DarkSideR]

Mankind was made in the image of God, and we are called to love and respect all of mankind because of that. (<---- that's a period there).

Christians however are called to lead people to Christ. Contrary to popular belief we are called to judge! But not out of hatred or spite. We are to tell people what is sin, and when they are sinning. We should do this with the love and grace that Christ had.

Sadly in this politically correct world where everything goes, and who are you to say otherwise, Christians are often labeled as "Bigoted", or "Homophobic". The Bible says Homosexuality is a sin, Man didn't say that, God said that. It is not Homophobic to have a belief in this nor is it anything else to believe that Homosexuality is a sin.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I defiantly did not get my point across.

 I guess its if you are homophobic, or a raciest, or if you discriminate, or if you are predigest

Does this mean you are defiant in your ability to predigest your food while racing on your Valkyrie ?  just messing with you 

[MP]

I defiantly did not get my point across.

 I guess its if you are homophobic, or a raciest, or if you discriminate, or if you are predigest

Does this mean you are defiant in your ability to predigest your food while racing on your Valkyrie ?  just messing with you 

I am getting to an age where that "predigest" thing sounds good!

MP

[dreamaker]

Man!!! Did I open up a can of worms or what!!!

I just not understand peoples logic these days, the past days was simpler.

[Gryphon Rider]

Man!!! Did I open up a can of worms or what!!!

Good for you; they're easy to predigest.  I hope it's a small can.  

[Willow]

The term homophobic was first created by those promoting the universal acceptance of homosexual behavior.  They claimed and believed that the only reason heterosexual people were opposed to homosexual behavior is because those apparently heterosexual people feared that they had homosexual tendencies within themselves.  Thus, in their view, anyone opposed to homosexuality was obviously fearful of homosexuality, homophobic.

They have certainly won the initial rounds of the conflict they created.  Those opposed to homosexuality have mostly been convinced to use the term, gay, to refer to the practitioners of homosexual behavior.  The use of that term confesses that it is what a person is, not what a person chooses to do, that it is genetically acquired.  One would have to be pretty stupid to believe the trait is genetic.  Were it genetic it would have by nature died out within the first few generations of the human race.   At best it would have diminished to almost no incidence at all.

There are some dangers to taking a position that homosexual behavior is to be accepted because it is obviously genetic.  That argument is only a nudge away from justifying extreme philandry, beastiality and pedophilia, not to mention kleptomania.  

[BF]

They have certainly won the initial rounds of the conflict they created.  Those opposed to homosexuality have mostly been convinced to use the term, gay, to refer to the practitioners of homosexual behavior.  The use of that term confesses that it is what a person is, not what a person chooses to do, that it is genetically acquired.  One would have to be pretty stupid to believe the trait is genetic.  Were it genetic it would have by nature died out within the first few generations of the human race.   At best it would have diminished to almost no incidence at all.

There are some dangers to taking a position that homosexual behavior is to be accepted because it is obviously genetic.  That argument is only a nudge away from justifying extreme philandry, beastiality and pedophilia, not to mention kleptomania.  

I guess I'm stupid. 

I believe that nature does indeed make mistakes and creates different versions of the same thing. 

I grew up with a kid named Danny.  He was different.  We all knew he was different, but as little kids back in the late '50's and '60's, we had no idea what homosexual or gay was....we just knew Danny was different. 

Back then, baseball was king.  Danny never wanted to play in little league like the rest of us.....he wanted to be in chorus with the girls.  He hang out with the girls and all of the girls liked him.  He didn't hang with the guys and had no guy friends. 

Danny grew up to be a women's lingerie designer living in New York and died in the '80's from aids (his mother later bought and moved into the house directly across the street from my mom). 

I believe that people are born they way they are born.  I don't believe that people chose to be homosexual. 

[old2soon]

Sorry but "SHUT THE F/N DOOR ! Go back in time, but that`s insane, right ??? 

You lost me!!

     I M H O he wants all the homosexuality back in the closet. You see on the news where hollywood types have 'come out". I myself prefer the company of women. I DO NOT understand homosexuality nor do  care to learn about it. As long as the folks that practice it keep it to themselves and NOT try to indoctrinate me. In the 60s when I was in the Navy in boot camp they caught 7 guys In a daisy chain all from a southern state I will not name. They caught them at it at about 0330-by 0350 they were GONE. Had a similar incident on the ship-2 guys were caught wee hours of the A M and within an hour they were on the outbound C O D and GONE. RIDE SAFE.

[BF]

Sorry but "SHUT THE F/N DOOR ! Go back in time, but that`s insane, right ??? 

You lost me!!

     I M H O he wants all the homosexuality back in the closet. You see on the news where hollywood types have 'come out". I myself prefer the company of women. I DO NOT understand homosexuality nor do  care to learn about it. As long as the folks that practice it keep it to themselves and NOT try to indoctrinate me. In the 60s when I was in the Navy in boot camp they caught 7 guys In a daisy chain all from a southern state I will not name. They caught them at it at about 0330-by 0350 they were GONE. Had a similar incident on the ship-2 guys were caught wee hours of the A M and within an hour they were on the outbound C O D and GONE. RIDE SAFE.

Ewww. 

[DarkSideR]

I believe that people are born they way they are born.  I don't believe that people chose to be homosexual. 

With the utmost of respect, Putting "I believe" in front of a statement doesn't make it more truthful or meaningful. You are simply stating your opinion.

Facts are that science has found that there is nothing other than social, and environmental factors that pertain to Homosexuality. Please find so in the link to the article below.

http://www.psychiatry.org/lgbt-sexual-orientation

As Willow stated.. If people were just born that way then brace yourself because soon will be a day that a Pedophile, or a Necrophiliac, etc moves in across the street from you. And because they were just born that way you will have to accept them the same as everyone else. I am glad science has proven this one because I and the rest of our society are not ready for that day to come.

[BF]

I believe that people are born they way they are born.  I don't believe that people chose to be homosexual. 

With the utmost of respect, Putting "I believe" in front of a statement doesn't make it more truthful or meaningful. You are simply stating your opinion.

Facts are that science has found that there is nothing other than social, and environmental factors that pertain to Homosexuality. Please find so in the link to the article below.

http://www.psychiatry.org/lgbt-sexual-orientation

As Willow stated.. If people were just born that way then brace yourself because soon will be a day that a Pedophile, or a Necrophiliac, etc moves in across the street from you. And because they were just born that way you will have to accept them the same as everyone else. I am glad science has proven this one because I and the rest of our society are not ready for that day to come.

Yep, it's my opinion....nothing more.  However, I've witnessed it first hand.  I knew Danny from when we were toddlers.  He was the way he was from birth. 

Danny's social, and environmental factors were no different from the rest of us that grew up in small town America where mom, baseball and apple pie ruled the day.  His mom was a church going god fearing woman, his sister was veeeery hetro  as was his brother and his dad was a man's man sorta guy.  He couldn't have been any different from the rest of his family if he tried.  He grew up going to vacation bible school in the summers. 

Yes, it's my opinion, but Danny was born the way he was born.  He definitely didn't chose to be different....he just was. Little kids don't know enough to chose to be different.  It's just the way he was. 

You can find "facts that are science" to support any point of view.  Science is not always correct....it's just science and it makes mistakes.....just like nature does. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

I BELIEVE they can no more choose their orientation than I can. There is no way I could choose to be gay. I'm pretty sure they can't choose to be straight. Whether its a sin or not, I don't know. As far as saying that we will soon have to accept child molesters and bestiality. There is a HUGE difference between what 2 consenting adults do and that.

[dreamaker]

Have you ever heard a saying or something similar to the effect, “If you tell someone something enough, whether it is right or wrong, they will eventually begin to believe it” or except it, which ever you choose?  Now keeping that thought in mind, and let’s talk a little about TV, do you believe in mass hypnosis? Not talking about acting like a chicken, talking about getting you to believe what you are watching. I am just giving you the short answer!!  But if you noticed in the last several months on TV, it has been a tidal wave of them on TV shows, like it is the new fashion statement to be on a show. To me I don’t really care as long as they entertain me on the show, but I understand one thing you do not. You are being conditioned for acceptance, to be the NEW NORMAL. Think back, may be a year ago, and it may not have been as common then, as it is now.  May be I am wrong!! Its just my opinion!!!

[Willow]

Just so we don't get off on a tangent that some will try to take us upon ...

We can argue for a bit on whether people are or are not born with the inclination to be sexual with people of their own gender.  Logic dictates that were that trait genetic, even were it a recessive genetic trait it would disappear as a result of people with that trait producing far fewer offspring.  We can argue for a while on that but you do need to know I'll be laughing at your lack of understanding.

Now, what we should be sure to stay away from.  People get into a tizzy over whether the Christian Bible identifies being "gay" as sinful.  I am very, very familiar with what the Christian Bible has to say.  Sins are defined within the words of that Bible as conscious, chosen behavior, not inclinations.  I think someone earlier corresponded that he had an inclination to mate with women to whom he is not married.  To do so, the Bible describes as sinful.  Honestly, even to choose to mentally pursue that desire the Bible describes as sinful.  That said it is not the desire but what is done with it that is behavior.  

As I understand it the Christian Bible clearly identifies homosexual sexual behavior as wrong.  It does not identify having the inclination as wrong.  That is an important difference.  We all have to deal with our temptations.  We all have to make our own choices.  I don't think there is anyone still walking this earth that has no inclinations but to do good all the day long.      

[The emperor has no clothes]

Have you ever heard a saying or something similar to the effect, “If you tell someone something enough, whether it is right or wrong, they will eventually begin to believe it” or except it, which ever you choose?  Now keeping that thought in mind, and let’s talk a little about TV, do you believe in mass hypnosis? Not talking about acting like a chicken, talking about getting you to believe what you are watching. I am just giving you the short answer!!  But if you noticed in the last several months on TV, it has been a tidal wave of them on TV shows, like it is the new fashion statement to be on a show. To me I don’t really care as long as they entertain me on the show, but I understand one thing you do not. You are being conditioned for acceptance, to be the NEW NORMAL. Think back, may be a year ago, and it may not have been as common then, as it is now.  May be I am wrong!! Its just my opinion!!!

There was also a time when you didn't see black people on TV. I'm glad we have evolved a little.

[dreamaker]

Have you ever heard a saying or something similar to the effect, “If you tell someone something enough, whether it is right or wrong, they will eventually begin to believe it” or except it, which ever you choose?  Now keeping that thought in mind, and let’s talk a little about TV, do you believe in mass hypnosis? Not talking about acting like a chicken, talking about getting you to believe what you are watching. I am just giving you the short answer!!  But if you noticed in the last several months on TV, it has been a tidal wave of them on TV shows, like it is the new fashion statement to be on a show. To me I don’t really care as long as they entertain me on the show, but I understand one thing you do not. You are being conditioned for acceptance, to be the NEW NORMAL. Think back, may be a year ago, and it may not have been as common then, as it is now.  May be I am wrong!! Its just my opinion!!!

There was also a time when you didn't see black people on TV. I'm glad we have evolved a little.

I am 67yrs and as far as I can remember there were always black people on TV. Amos and Andy, Little Rascals, Bowery Boys and many movies I use to watch. May be they only showed in Detroit area. We never looked at them as being different that anyone else.

[Momz]

Man!!! Did I open up a can of worms or what!!!

I just not understand peoples logic these days, the past days was simpler.

Yeah,....back in the old days. 

[Jess Tolbirt]

Have you ever heard a saying or something similar to the effect, “If you tell someone something enough, whether it is right or wrong, they will eventually begin to believe it” or except it, which ever you choose?  Now keeping that thought in mind, and let’s talk a little about TV, do you believe in mass hypnosis? Not talking about acting like a chicken, talking about getting you to believe what you are watching. I am just giving you the short answer!!  But if you noticed in the last several months on TV, it has been a tidal wave of them on TV shows, like it is the new fashion statement to be on a show. To me I don’t really care as long as they entertain me on the show, but I understand one thing you do not. You are being conditioned for acceptance, to be the NEW NORMAL. Think back, may be a year ago, and it may not have been as common then, as it is now.  May be I am wrong!! Its just my opinion!!!

There was also a time when you didn't see black people on TV. I'm glad we have evolved a little.

I am 67yrs and as far as I can remember there were always black people on TV. Amos and Andy, Little Rascals, Bowery Boys and many movies I use to watch. May be they only showed in Detroit area. We never looked at them as being different that anyone else.

not only shown in the detroit area,, the little rascles was my favorite, the bowey boys, the east side kids,, loved em all and that was in south Tx.

[BF]

For those that feel that people aren't born one way or another but have learned or chosen their behavior from their social and environmental factors....or whatever, I can't help but wonder how you'd feel if one of your children were homosexual. 

Knowing how you brought them up, would you still feel that they learned that behavior or are they born that way?