I just don't like how it is used pejoratively;
It is not anyone's fault here as to how they use the word; it is usually just a force of habit.
I remember a friend apologizing to me about it once Lol. And I was just like, "Thanks, and its no big deal since you didn't mean it that way in the first place"
Homosexuality was only publicly accepted when humanitarian movements to equalize the homosexual identity took place. Spurred on by the racial crimes committed during WWII, they made sure that people of all genders, races, IQ levels, etc. should be considered equal. Prior to that, any word pertaining to homosexuality was commonly used to insult men acting lady-like or to force people to work harder (like in a gym or at war) since homosexuality is usually associated with a timid personality.
Present time however, much has changed and any biases against homosexuality attracts a shit-load of flaming by the community. However, use of the word is still pretty common. Like what Jake said, "It's in your system". However please don't think that it is an insult to you and any other homosexuals. It's gonna wear out soon anyway. The funny thing with words is that they change context as time passes.
I think people's religious beliefs factor in here (in the way that it is used as an animadversion), but that's just cuz I learnt about them in school... thoughts?
Religion has only slowed down humanitarian movements to equalize homosexuals and is what I think the reason why gay marriage is illegal in some states.
Overall, I say give it time to pass. It has only been a short while since humanitarian movements started anyway. Some people just find it hard to accept the changes.
Regarding to my view of gays... Much like Jake, I frankly don't care about their business. I wouldn't even mind if I had a gay friend. Although I'd hate it if I had been in the same situation as Jake had. I mean what straight guy wouldn't freak out if he got pinched in the butt by a man.
Edited by SimDairy, 14 May 2010 - 07:04 AM.