Comments | virtuistic: On Homos, Negativity, and DADT.

virtuistic

On Homos, Negativity, and DADT.

Oct 25, 2010 16:47

Ok. I just need to get this off my chest right now before it bursts out of me like an hell-spitting wrath-demon in a less-appropriate online forum.

( I am sick and tired of the negativity and passivity in the LGBT community. )

angst, hate is for losers, waxing op-ed, politics, rant

Comments 6

matt_doyle October 26 2010, 17:25:40 UTC

I really feel that this is a characterization of the current views and actions of the LGBT movement & community, inasmuch as there is a single coherent group to refer to.

virtuistic October 26 2010, 18:14:21 UTC

It may very well be, but thanks to my job I hear this bitter anger from every corner of the country and I see reports of young gays especially saying they aren't even going to bother to vote, and it's really distressing to me and many others I know.

I understand the need for urgency and that it is important to stick to your guns and be stern, but I also believe that there is a productive way to respond and ways of response that are not helpful and alienating.

I also think it's important to note that our founding fathers -- wisely, in many respects -- made it difficult to enact quick and meaningful change, and I don't think it's fair to blame the head of the system for the system.

matt_doyle October 26 2010, 19:12:53 UTC

I also believe that there is a productive way to respond

Are you familiar with the concept of a tone argument?

virtuistic October 26 2010, 20:55:14 UTC

Yes, loosely. Basically, doesn't it suggest that say, someone is standing on your toes, you say, "get off my toes," and they get off without saying, "ask nicely"?

I'm not sure that it's analogous to the situation though, in which I am asking for a positive-thinking, forward-moving movement instead of an angry, disenfranchised mob that is more apt to be disappointed by little victories and therefore further enraged.

Now don't get me wrong. Human rights and equality violations are abhorrent, and it would be wrong to be complacent or noncommittal about them, but I don't think that immediately disqualifies the ability to be rational, reasonable and civil. "Do this or else," is not as productive as "While I agree that this is good, more must be done because of a, b, c, and d." I think the latter is always going to be better.

Although, I am fully prepared to admit I may be misunderstanding your take on the tone argument as it pertains to this scenario.

Thread 6