NationStates Jolt Archive

More and more, the word "Gay" is taken to mean rubbish, useless or nasty etc.

What I'd like to do is suggest that the word "Straight" is taken to mean; ignorance, unintelligence, lack of imagination etc.

I know this may offend some people, but here's the rub; the use of the word "Gay" to mean negative things is equally offensive.

What do you think? Should "Straight" be given alternative meaning?

More and more, the word "Gay" is taken to mean rubbish, useless or nasty etc.

What I'd like to do is suggest that the word "Straight" is taken to mean; ignorance, unintelligence, lack of imagination etc.

I know this may offend some people, but here's the rub; the use of the word "Gay" to mean negative things is equally offensive.

What do you think? Should "Straight" be given alternative meaning?
Sure. Lets make it mean..

Something that has no curves or bends in it!

It already has an alternate meaning: ---------------------

Well, "gay" originally meant happy, before it got itself another meaning. And "straight" has an archaic meaning of narrow... yes, like strait, only spelled straight. So if you want to set the clock back, by all means... ;)

More and more, the word "Gay" is taken to mean rubbish, useless or nasty etc.

What I'd like to do is suggest that the word "Straight" is taken to mean; ignorance, unintelligence, lack of imagination etc.

I know this may offend some people, but here's the rub; the use of the word "Gay" to mean negative things is equally offensive.

What do you think? Should "Straight" be given alternative meaning?
Where I live, "straight" carries connotations of up-tightness. Probably because the people who are most preoccupied with proving their straightness tend to be the type of person who walks around like they've got a stick up their bum. Which is kind of funny, when you start to think about it...

More and more, the word "Gay" is taken to mean rubbish, useless or nasty etc.

What I'd like to do is suggest that the word "Straight" is taken to mean; ignorance, unintelligence, lack of imagination etc.

I know this may offend some people, but here's the rub; the use of the word "Gay" to mean negative things is equally offensive.

What do you think? Should "Straight" be given alternative meaning?When you get frustrated with the loathesome lot, steal their wedding rings, burn a bible or two, or beat them 'round the head with a dildo.

No need to stoop to their level ;)

Jesus Christ... let's not do this

Jesus Christ... let's not do this

He isn't listening. He's watching American Idol. :eek:

He isn't listening. He's watching American Idol. :eek:
That and the double showings of house season 2

More and more, the word "Gay" is taken to mean rubbish, useless or nasty etc.

What I'd like to do is suggest that the word "Straight" is taken to mean; ignorance, unintelligence, lack of imagination etc.

I know this may offend some people, but here's the rub; the use of the word "Gay" to mean negative things is equally offensive.

What do you think? Should "Straight" be given alternative meaning?


Straight is just straight.
As in: normal.
As in: the way things are meant to be.

*resumes watching the Coldstream Guards*
LOTS of Geordies on parade!

More and more, the word "Gay" is taken to mean rubbish, useless or nasty etc.

What I'd like to do is suggest that the word "Straight" is taken to mean; ignorance, unintelligence, lack of imagination etc.

I know this may offend some people, but here's the rub; the use of the word "Gay" to mean negative things is equally offensive.

What do you think? Should "Straight" be given alternative meaning?


Heh shit man wot does it matter, things change, words change, meansings change it's life. Gay used to mean happy, then it meant homosexual, and now it means wot, happy, homosexual and whatever other meaning you want to tack on.

R&B aint rythem and blues anymore, swing definatly aint swing, thankfully punk is still punk, but I guess not everything changes. Get over it, the word only has the power you give to it.

More and more, the word "Gay" is taken to mean rubbish, useless or nasty etc.

What I'd like to do is suggest that the word "Straight" is taken to mean; ignorance, unintelligence, lack of imagination etc.

I know this may offend some people, but here's the rub; the use of the word "Gay" to mean negative things is equally offensive.

What do you think? Should "Straight" be given alternative meaning?

Here's the thing. You do this, you lose any right to complain, whatsoever. I, being a straight male who does not use gay as an insult, retain the right to call both you, and the people who use gay as an insult, stereotyping morons.

Here's the thing. You do this, you lose any right to complain, whatsoever. I, being a straight male who does not use gay as an insult, retain the right to call both you, and the people who use gay as an insult, stereotyping morons.Good answer, so just how often do you remind those stereotyping morons not to use the word gay to have negative connotations?

This thread is gay

According to the BBC, it is acceptable to use gay as 'rubbish', but 'faggot' is homophobic.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5049566.stm

More and more, the word "Gay" is taken to mean rubbish, useless or nasty etc.

What I'd like to do is suggest that the word "Straight" is taken to mean; ignorance, unintelligence, lack of imagination etc.

I know this may offend some people, but here's the rub; the use of the word "Gay" to mean negative things is equally offensive.

What do you think? Should "Straight" be given alternative meaning?

You can give 'straight' the additional definitions if you like, I reckon you might have a little trouble getting it to catch on though. Good luck in your crusade, I wish you a gay ol' time.

Voted for all.

Well, "gay" originally meant happy, before it got itself another meaning. And "straight" has an archaic meaning of narrow... yes, like strait, only spelled straight. So if you want to set the clock back, by all means... ;)

Wasn't it spelt like gaye then? may have been old english but i dunno.

Wasn't it spelt like gaye then? may have been old english but i dunno.

Nope, it's been spelt 'gay' for quite some time. It was spelt 'gai' in Middle English, and this particular meaning of the word came from Old French. So no, it was mever spelt 'gaye' nor was it Old English - but close.

Ideas like this are what spark hate crimes against homosexuals.
Just a little FYI.

Ideas like this are what spark hate crimes against homosexuals.
Just a little FYI.No! debates like this are what cause bigots to reflect on their ignorance.

No! debates like this are what cause bigots to relect on their ignorance.

I think perhaps he had a point though (although he wasn't very articulate in expressing it). I am in no way justifying hate crimes, nor violent responses in any fashion. However a thread like this does perpetuate the 'us' and 'them' mentality, which I'd imagine minority groups would be trying to dissolve rather than strengthen...?

No! debates like this are what cause bigots to relect on their ignorance.

I'm not saying I'm pro hate crime..
I'm saying that if you started to insult heterosexuality in public, what do you think would happen?
For example; In a sports bar.

I think perhaps he had a point though (although he wasn't very articulate in expressing it). I am in no way justifying hate crimes, nor violent responses in any fashion. However a thread like this does perpetuate the 'us' and 'them' mentality, which I'd imagine minority groups would be trying to dissolve rather than strengthen...?I also hope you see my point. To criticise only one type of prejudice is failing to appreciate other types. To my mind, a useful way of motivating people to reflect on innate bigotry (which may not affect them directly) is to suggest a scenario which does. Hence, that is why I think this post is fulfilling a useful function.

If indiscriminate use of terms can cause offence, then instead of being of the majority opinion where a term like "Gay", meaning something negative, promotes little thought. Ask yourself why a term like "straight" meaning ignorant may cause you to react very quickly.

Elsewhere on this forum are questions about a "Gay Holocaust", now that, I find deeply offensive.

Would it not be more productive to try and end the negative connotations of "gay", rather than just creating one more unneeded word used only to offend?

Or have I missed something here? :confused:

I also hope you see my point. To criticise only one type of prejudice is failing to appreciate other types. To my mind, a useful way of motivating people to reflect on innate bigotry (which may not affect them directly) is to suggest a scenario which does. Hence, that is why I think this post is fulfilling a useful function.

If indiscriminate use of terms can cause offence, then instead of being of the majority opinion where a term like "Gay", meaning something negative, promotes little thought. Ask yourself why a term like "straight" meaning ignorant may cause you to react very quickly.

Elsewhere on this forum are questions about a "Gay Holocaust", now that, I find deeply offensive.

I would disagree; I can't see any useful function stemming from this thread. I understand what you are trying to do, but you are losing the high moral ground by doing it this way.

I know in Australia a lot of young kids use the term 'gay' to mean something silly or useless, but use it in such a flippant fashion that I don't think they're intention is to criticise homosexuals.

I have seen the 'Gay Holocaust' thread, and am equally disturbed by it.

Would it not be more productive to try and end the negative connotations of "gay", rather than just creating one more unneeded word used only to offend?

Or have I missed something here? :confused:

touché

I would disagree; I can't see any useful function stemming from this thread. I understand what you are trying to do, but you are losing the high moral ground by doing it this way.

I know in Australia a lot of young kids use the term 'gay' to mean something silly or useless, but use it in such a flippant fashion that I don't think they're intention is to criticise homosexuals.

I have seen the 'Gay Holocaust' thread, and am equally disturbed by it.The very fact that this is being discussed proves how useful this thread is. Anger and frustration towards apathy, ignorance and bigotry is as good a reason to highlight using similar methods as the bigots. The only difference is that I do not have any intolerence towards heterosexuals, in fact some of my best friends are heterosexual.

Incidentally, the historical use of the term "Gay" stems from the Stonewall riots of the 60's when demonstators flew flags bearing the message "Good As You" (G.A.Y.)

Would it not be more productive to try and end the negative connotations of "gay", rather than just creating one more unneeded word used only to offend?

Or have I missed something here? :confused:Yes, I think you have missed the point :)

The very fact that this is being discussed proves how useful this thread is. Anger and frustration towards apathy, ignorance and bigotry is as good a reason to highlight using similar methods as the bigots. The only difference is that I do not have any intolerence towards heterosexuals, in fact some of my best friends are heterosexual.

Incidentally, the historical use of the term "Gay" stems from the Stonewall riots of the 60's when demonstators flew flags bearing the message "Good As You" (G.A.Y.)

Just because it is being discussed does not prove that it is useful. Low post counts show it is also not too interesting to the broader NS community. Anger and frustration towards apathy are a good reason to rise above bigotry rather than resort to it.

Perhaps that is the correct etymology for that new definition of 'gay'. Our discussion before was referring to the definition of 'gay' in regards to its original meaning: having or showing a joyous mood.

Ideas like this are what spark hate crimes against homosexuals.
And with good reason. :rolleyes:

As if there isn't enough language of hate in the world, without adding more. I think the OP needs to rethink what they are trying to achieve. Respect, or just more bitching?

More and more, the word "Gay" is taken to mean rubbish, useless or nasty etc.


No.

You're wrong.

Gay when not used to mean happy or homosexual, means corny.

It doesn't mean rubbish, useless, or nasty.

No.

You're wrong.

Gay when not used to mean happy or homosexual, means corny.

It doesn't mean rubbish, useless, or nasty.

It does where I come from. And in lots of other places. And NEVER starts a reply with "No". I HATE that. So disrespectful.

It does where I come from. And in lots of other places. And NEVER starts a reply with "No". I HATE that. So disrespectful.

No. :)

Where are you from?

Use it in a sentence.

Just because it is being discussed does not prove that it is useful. Low post counts show it is also not too interesting to the broader NS community. Anger and frustration towards apathy are a good reason to rise above bigotry rather than resort to it.

Perhaps that is the correct etymology for that new definition of 'gay'. Our discussion before was referring to the definition of 'gay' in regards to its original meaning: having or showing a joyous mood.If, even you are motivated to question the use of derogatory words, that it turn motivates you to come up with a sufficiently good justification for your argument. You do so, from a premise of believing you are correct in your view. i would ask that you allow me the same privilege. Or has it not occurred to you that you may in fact be unable to see the aproach I am making?

If so, then you are actually advocating that I shouldn't have the point of view I do, which is fine, exchange of ideas can develop this. On the other hand, if you are telling me to "shut up" and change my tack, then I would suggest this is limiting. For you to have a balanced point of view, it is necessary to at least acknowledge that someone else sees things from a differing perspective from you.

Anger does not just disappear when people are forced into silence. The status quo remains so, when people do/say nothing about bigotry.

I repeat that I consider this thread useful because it puts into perspective how damaging indiscriminate use of words can be. For those who are not immediately affected by it, thinking of how a similar prejudiced meaning of a "word" which represents their sexuality, brings into clear focus how offence to one is offence to all. The failure to deal with the offence of a minority is not mitigated by the desire to question the offence to a majority.

You will also note, that I have stated I do not call straight people ignorant, nor intend to.

My final question is to you directly. How often do you challenge people, whether on the internet or face to face, when the term Gay is used in a derogatory fashion?

And with good reason. :rolleyes:

As if there isn't enough language of hate in the world, without adding more. I think the OP needs to rethink what they are trying to achieve. Respect, or just more bitching?
Strange, that a thread like "Do we need a gay holocaust?" has been in this forum since the 13th June, yet you feel moved to question my motives within this thread.

Just let the words mean what they mean. I personally don't use gay as an insult. I also don't understand what gives you the right to complain. Gay did not originally mean homosexuality at all. Now, if I was to say that my friends plan for a bad party wsa homosexual THAT would be derogatory. unfortuantly you are the minority. I hate to break it to you but making a derogatory definition of straight will not happen. Try and focus your energy on stopping other things that are a lot more atrocious then using the word gay in its alternate definition. lots of words in english have more then one definition and lots of times they ahve completely opposite meanings. Deal with it.

Straight does have a bit of an alternative meaning

Look at straight-edge...

But meh. I'll keep using gay to mean crap, etc. Is it not PC? No. Would I use it if I were gay? Probably not, though maybe with my twisted humour. I'm too apathetic towards some things to change.

I don't like to use the word "straight" ... it implies the other side is "crooked".

unfortuantly you are the minority.

So it's ok to say something like "Man, that movie was totally ******" just because black folks are the minority?

When you get frustrated with the loathesome lot, steal their wedding rings, burn a bible or two, or beat them 'round the head with a dildo.

No need to stoop to their level ;)

Oh, the irony.