Reply #97: I think the focus is lacking in defense of these kids [View All]

After reading all the comments basically saying, "Hey gay people, it's just a phrase that isn't meant to insult, it's got a new meaning now," I'd have to say this... Just because the meaning is morphing, should we be allowing children or anyone else to use it unchecked?

Personally, when I hear someone say that phrase, I always ask, "What's gay about it? How's it like me?" This makes people think about what they're saying in the context of using it as an unintentional slur. I often get the reply, "Oh, I didn't mean anything by it," or "You know what I mean!" In turn, I say "No, how is what you're saying relating to me, I'm gay? So whatever it is you're talking about, how is it like me?"

We have to engage people in discussion, call them on this kind of BS because it is a slur to people who are gay and with so many children still killing themselves because of their sexuality you have to wonder if hearing this type of language on a daily basis is adding to their depression. You say something is gay because it's lame, so in turn kids not necessarily skilled at analytical thinking are going to equate what they're going through, on top of everything else, is lame. We should just ignore this? Get over it? I don't think so.

Too many straight people don't stop to think about how their seemingly innocent remarks can harm people and a lot of that has to do with lack of understanding of what a segment of the population goes through.