When there is disagreement, the more consistent perspective is the "better" one. Science has spoken.
Changing an opponent's mind is of minor importance compared to convincing the group that has the power of enforcement. In the context of homosexuality, gays probably couldn't care less whether you approve or not, unless you had the sway to change collective values. That's where debate is useful.
Oh, I agree absolutely.
In this context, however (a forum inhabited by about 50 regulars, give or take) there's nothing we can change, aside from a meager vote, if that is allowed us. Unless one of us is a United States congressperson, there's basically no point in trying to
prove one point is better than another... If this were the real world, absolutely the most consistent opinion would and
should be victorious, but as far as this forum goes, it's personal opinion all the way.
I happen to agree with Orangey's overall opinion, mind you. I just objected to the usage by another poster of the word "homophobia." Because in
my opinion the word "homophobe" is overused, and is often applied to those who don't necessarily fit the bill of a person who is "contemptuous" or "strongly averse" to gays. My thinking that it's overused doesn't change the fact that I agree with him, so you can put away your stakes and kindling, I'm no witch.
Besides that minor point, in the big issue (gay rights) does it
really matter what the definition of homophobe is? So long as gays gain equal status as other citizens, does it matter that
all people who feel
any degree of disapproval toward their stance are inaccurately labeled as being as bad as a KKK analog? The whole term smacks of "you're ignorant" and does not promote understanding, which is exactly what is needed when trying to make progress in this arena.
Just saying.
(I wish to apologize to the chagrined mods, as I am so heartily at fault for this continued derailing of a thread on feminism... My deepest regrets.
)