Ide say you pretty much proved my point and agreed with what I said.
I'll settle for a handshake though

 

Saturn, one of the hardest things to open is a closed mind............you've done your best but I think you've hit the wall.

I think everyone's been heard on this. I still think a ban was excessive and a PM pointing out the offense would have been sufficient, sometimes a word in the ear is all it takes...........

That said, I think a lot of information was brought out in this thread, so well done all......

 

something something minds work like parachutes

 

So when someone has a different opininon on something you are saying they have a closed mind? Hmmm.......that sounds.......closed minded

 

I think the reference is, 'minds are like parachutes... they work best when open.'

 

I know that. You know that. Figured I wouldn't waste my time posting the whole thing for those who wouldn't get it anyways

 

Yes, BOTH ways .

 

Amen!

 

Figured you did! I just filled in the blanks in case an intellectually challenged person might wander in to this thread by accident. Not likely to happen, but just in case...

 

Actually... I've been seeing a lot of evidence that states that sexual preferences are genetic...

Homosexuality is not something that's exclusive to the human race. It happens at every level in the animal kingdom and I'm not sure that vultures and chimps are sentient enough to be able to make a conscious decision about weather they're going to choose male or female life partners. It's certainly not about morality for them. So why do they "choose" that "lifestyle"?

I don't believe that homosexuality is an alternative lifestyle. I think that saying so is offensive to homosexuals. I think that if you're gay and you could choose otherwise and still be happy, you certainly would. Being gay and out of the closet is one of the most difficult paths to take in life and I don't know a single homosexual who would wish that choice on anyone given all of the hatred that they have to wade through just to get to their car in the morning.

It's sort of like saying that people can choose what color their skin is and then blaming them for making the wrong call.

That said... opening closed minds is one of the hardest things to do. Often times, it's not worth the trouble because closed-minds tend to want to stay that way. Rather than truly being open to new ideas, they prefer the comfort and safety of the old ones.

 

Very well said RamdonGemini!
Not only do we have to put up with daily reminders that we don't share the opportunities for equal rights as heterosexual people, we had to battle our own demons growing up gay. That's what eventually makes us stronger than most people. That being said, if I had the chance to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a damn thing! I enjoy the diversity that forums such as these bring together, to share one tiny thing that we all find so remarkable and that's our Minis. I by far am not looking to change the world, and as far as opening eyes, I've done more than my share throughout the years of educating homophobic people about what it's like to walk a mile in a gay persons shoes. Sometimes you can teach old dogs new tricks, other times it's better just to sit and watch themselves bite their own a$$es!

 

Though I'm straight I've always found the "that's so gay" pejorative offensive, but unfortunately it's so ingrained in some generations that it is accepted. I think a warning would suffice. It's ignorance, just like people who say "I jewed him down," or "jewish lightning," or even "chinese fire drill" (theatre term for moving all the furniture offstage, a reference to Chinese people being so cheap they'd risk fire to save property).

I think a ban sends the wrong message, if people really sit and think of what calling something they don't like "gay" really means, maybe they'll stop. ("Ghetto" is the same way, though it's more of a class thing than racial.) I think a warning can go a long way.

 

Could not agree more with what you wrote.......

And didn't Iowa legalize same sex marriage this week?

Imagine that, one of the flyover states gets it right! Good for them!

 

**** Soapbox Alert ****
I think this thread may have been hijacked! I don’t think it was intended to be a discussion of the merits, validity, trials, source, or anything else about homosexuality. Please stop reading here, if you disagree.
[
To me, it is pretty easy to determine if a comment is offensive. If it s intended to be or sound offensive, it is offensive. If it was NOT intended as such, maybe it was made out of ignorance, is acceptable, or is irrelevant. How we interpret the intent should define the response. In this case, I believe it was intended to show disrespect, and as such, it is offensive. It may have been intended sarcasm, but it is still intended to convey disrespect. Who was Truthfully, the idea that Krut specifically singled out the opinion of QoC members is a bit disrespectful (but not offensive!) to those of us non-members. I’m pretty sure Krut didn’t intend it that way, and he knew that non QoC members would weigh in on this one even though he didn’t solicit our opinions and we might be less important on the political correctness scale. Disrespect of others at any level, is truly offensive unless it is earned!

The fact that terms such as these are becoming more common is not reflective of their degree of offensiveness. It speaks to a far bigger issue where we are all asked to be more and more tolerant of poor behavior. This is to accommodate or respect those that are inconsiderate and disrespectful of others! The problem is, more tolerance demands worse behavior to achieve the same level of attention that is an inherent need of the inconsiderate. This of course, demands more tolerance to accommodate, and on and on. Are we to the point where we actually encourage self centered behavior, at the cost of encouraging consideration and understanding of those around us? It sounds self defeating, to me. No wonder you get heated threads like this one!

Tolerance of boorish behavior is a VERY slippery slope, but no more so than political correctness! Respect of others is a key to life, in my humble opinion.
**** End of Soapbox Alert ****

 

This is a website for folks who share a common interest (MINIs) to share information.
This site prides itself on its friendly members.
If a member considers another's remarks to be offensive, then one would expect an apology and acknowledgment of the offense (and a general agreement to lay off the original offending word, phrase or sentiment). That's being friendly. What is irritating is a preference for some to argue the subjectivity of what should be considered offensive. Someone in your family was offended-it's your job to make it right, not go on the attack. I think the original question was answered; the term is considered offensive by at least some members. If anyone has a problem with that, at least show some class by respecting the offended. Should someone offend you one day you will be demanding the same respect.

 

I'm a gay man and I agree 100% with R56ED, though I didn't choose who I'm attracted to, I do choose the way I behave. That is THE only "choice" I have to make. The majority of my best friends are straight as I don't agree with most of what the Gay community tries to force upon straight people. Sure I'm for gay rights, but some people in my community don't have to be militant about it.

The way I see it, gay people should be glad enough at the fact that most straight people "tolerate" gay people, even when they may not accept our lifestyle. Instead, some gay people cry out that we're not being treated fairly because of a few words being thrown around by ignorant people. I just have to disagree.

I have more friends where I'm the only gay person they know, and guess what, they like me for me, and the way I am as a person, nothing else. Being gay has nothing to do with our friendships. I guess I'm just not as sensitive regarding terms like "That's so gay" or "Don't be a homo". To me this is just how the younger gen is using the words, again JUST words. I've never been offended by them because I know they're not directed right at me.

I'm a very patient person by nature, but trust me on this, IF you offend me as a gay man, you WILL know you've offended me. My 2 pennies. Nuff' said.

 

thank you sir for having common sense. You are obviously confident and comfortable with your decisions in which you made in life.

 

I made an infrequent trip here to the QoC to wish everyone a Happy Pride and stumbled upon this thread.

My $.02

Growing up in a completely non-diverse southern Florida City, It was accepted to use the term "Jew them down." I had no clue as to it's reference. When I was a little older and understood the term, I made a conscious decision to no longer use that phrase. It's a choice just like participation on this forum. You choose.

Do I feel a warning should have been given? Yes.
Do I feel the Mod did the right thing by reversing his decision? Yes.
Do I feel others should tell me I should suck it up and deal with it because they can't be bothered with all this P.C. BS. No.
Do I feel those that can't follow the rules should go elsewhere where they don't have these rules? Don't let the door hit you on the way out!


I'm sorry but, to me, this is equivalent to saying "As African Americans we should be glad enough that most Caucasian Americans tolerate us at the back of the bus.....at least we got a ride."