Quote:
Originally Posted by browser2920
While Im doing that I'd like to hear everyones thoughts about labeling other posters with labels like that. If someone called me a racist, I would take great personal offense at that. I wouldn't expect a moderator to allow what I consider a serious insult to stand. But if I were a racist, I might take pride in that. But openly racists comments will get you banned anyway. So peeling this onion is exposing additional layers.
I think you should consider how racists who don't want it pointed out they are racist should be treated.
I'm very willing to describe the Republican Party as a racist political party. People who identify as Republican might take great personal offense at that, since they perceive an attack on Republicans as an attack on them. Racist Republicans might not want it acknowledged that they belong to a racist party because it makes it harder for them to be effectively racist.
Quote:
Originally Posted by shortstacker
However, it is vital that those words only be used where they are factually accurate, and not just
used as a rhetorical device to shout down those who aren't in lock-step with the Secular Left's interpretation of what constitutes racism, homophobia, etc.
Politics is boring without rhetorical devices.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chillrob
I think there really needs to be a better word than "homophobia" to express what is normally meant. A phobia is by definition an "irrational fear" of something, and not something that anyone would normally pass judgement on. Someone who has claustrophobia certainly isn't happy about it, and doesn't have the fear by choice. If someone really is homophobic, that should mean he is irrationally afraid of homosexuals, and will probably try to avoid being near them, but not because of any real reason, and it shouldn't imply that he wishes harm on them or wants to take away their rights.
The concept of homophobia should include the irrational fear that the active and open presence of gay people in society, especially around children, will make children become gay (with the implied belief that this is a bad thing). It doesn't have to mean that you are scared to be around homosexuals, although part of it is that some people seem to fear that exposure to gays might turn themselves gay.