That's so gay!

Recent article from The Guardian:
Using the word 'gay' to mean 'crap' is a form of bullying of gay people

Over the years, I've tried (unsuccessfully) to articulate this in a way that makes sense to others. I feel like Will Young does a good job of getting to the core of the issue and conveying why the use of this particular word in certain contexts affects some of us the way it does.

I disagree. Gay used to mean festive then it meant happy then it was hijacked by homosexuals to mean homosexual now it means uncool. Atheist tried to do this with the word bright ,but it never caught on.

The meaning of words change all the time that is no reason to get upset. I'd hate to live in a word were I have to constantly watch what I say for fear that I'm going to constantly offend someone.

On the flip side you could say you're bullying people's right to express themselves how they want.

South Park did a whole episode on this.

The word fag used to mean cigarette, and some people still use it in that sense....as vesha pointed out many words have an original meaning before being hijacked for a new meaning...dope= drugs, dope= fool, dope= cool...ill= sick, ill= awesome, ill= awful...

Language constantly evolves remember the movie idiocracy and the "fuddruckers" sign :laugh:

Well, as a LBGT rights supporter (and practitioner) I think that this has gone on long enough. I live in Texas, where some of the old ways are still seen quite clearly through the looking glass. "That's gay" is a favorite catchphrase of some people locally, and once I question why people use said word, I am usually met with such resistance as, "Why does it matter? It's just a word. Are YOU gay?" My reply to these people is simple;

"It matters because no matter how many times you may strike my body, words strike my soul.
It's not just some word. You don't hear me going around saying I'm going to murder someone. Because if I say that, someone can take it seriously. What happens if the police come to me, is it still just a word?
And no, I'm not gay, I am in fact a bisexual man and proud to be as such."

This is exactly my opinion, nothing more. I won't go over "language changes" bull crap. I live in the here and now, and if I am discontent with the present, then I will do what I can to change it.

I understand that language constantly evolves. That doesn't negate the fact that the usage of the word 'gay' in this sense has a negative psychological effect on me and many others.

Sadly, I don't think most people understand this if it doesn't affect them personally. I respect your views on this issue, but disagree with the general perspective.

I've always viewed words as just words,....they only have power over the listener if the listener chooses to give it power over them...I've been called all sorts of offensive things and simply laughed it off...I choose to not let a word, any word have power over me...I am the master of my mind,body, and spirit...as such I do not allow anyone or anything (words included) to have power over me....

If someone becomes offended it's because they chose to give something power over themselves and submitted to that power

This is a typically "ryujin" (thick skulled, barbaric and/or neanderthal-ic mentallity or thinking) attitude about this topic....

Things do change, and when not for the "arcade" (meaning better, excellent, good; a positive [thing]), and, when this is the case, we need to not "jestor" (meaning joking/silliness, or dimwitted) about it and take it serious....

No one likes it when they are used to be a negative description, insult or vesha (meaning an uncaring, or unthought out statement or comment; see [munson], or [mudd])....

Not only, does those "gay" members need to be less sensitive, but those who are not need to be more sensitive...

I hope my message is clear...

(All names used as example, and to illustrate a point.... None of the negative meanings I attached to names are seriously meant by me.... Of course, Arcade is fabulous, and I can be a bit foolish......)

EDIT: Not tjatvit matters, but imam a straight guy withva child who used to say "that's gay"... Until I pointed this out to him very similarly... I do however, have a few gay friends...

I think it's other people perception that needs altering. Many words of duel good and bad meaning like Redneck or Yankee. The best way to deal with this to own it.

Jestor wrote:
No one likes it when they are used to be a negative description, insult or vesha (meaning an uncaring, or unthought out statement or comment; see [munson], or [mudd])....
[/i]

My statement was a total Vesha. Tuff love guys tuff love.

Arcade wrote: the usage of the word 'gay' in this sense has a negative psychological effect on me and many others.

Maybe you should download this app 'Cade...

https://www.settingcaptivesfree.com/setting-captives-free-mobile-app/

Then you'll be "normal" and it won't hurt so much :lol:

:silly: :silly:

Nah seriously though, there's a Scottish (Fife) saying "That's Black as F*ck"... and I see it in the same context... people will say it when somethings really gross... "ewwwwww that's (etc)" I think it HIGHLY offensive and racist.

So I totally feel where you are coming from (no homo) :whistle:

*sorry couldn't resist*



I'd just come out with a sarky comment when people say it and make them feel as awkward as you do to get the point across... like "ohh thats so gay" .... just be "like me then yeah?", it'll put them on the back foot.

*it may not be the jedi way, but if through awkwardness they learn the lesson then surely it counts as "good in the long run"