tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395959113568829045.post3893574263795290630..comments2024-03-27T07:39:32.341-04:00Comments on Veteran AF: "Gay" in the MilitaryNeil Gussmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04667154945595202472noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395959113568829045.post-43833678373597184232009-10-28T22:35:52.149-04:002009-10-28T22:35:52.149-04:00When I was in public school in the late 70s & ...When I was in public school in the late 70s & into the mid-80s "that's so gay" was a very common slang term totally unrelated to homosexuality. We meant uncool, not hip, not trendy, out of style clothes, old fads gone out of fashion, babyish, substitute for 'a loser', silly and a number of other things. We'd refer to music as gay (uncool), last year's fad clothes as gay, acting odd as 'being gay' and lots of stuff.<br /><br />We all knew what gay/homosexual was but the term was nothing to do with that.<br /><br />I have no clue if the term is used like that now. There is so much use of the term gay for homosexual now I wonder if kids still use the term in the other ways?ChristineMMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17388497877158577422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395959113568829045.post-8015187177946439862009-10-27T17:21:36.829-04:002009-10-27T17:21:36.829-04:00Interesting observationsInteresting observationsEric Bierkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07254015460080334662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395959113568829045.post-1474893563309511302009-10-26T19:59:29.650-04:002009-10-26T19:59:29.650-04:00The same kind of language is prevalent even among ...The same kind of language is prevalent even among elementary school children, despite all the diversity training they get, though they are still perhaps too young to understand the implications of the remarks. We all hear phrases that by some means or another have become commonly used or minutely socially acceptable in the mainstream, and then repeat them without forethought. A common slam among children and teens even today is "Oh that's so gay!" when someone does something that is outside the confines of the socially-accepted behavior for a particular group, and sometimes it's simply used arbitrarily to garner giggles and laughter. Another example, I used to tell lawyer jokes a lot, but I'm more sensitive to those and others as I have many valued friends and business acquaintances that are attorneys, men and women whose opinions, though sometimes contrary to mine, I still value. <br /><br />To the soldier concerned about the competition for the job opening, I don't think he need be concerned. Mankind is called to exercise compassion one for another and I don't think that considering the other person's feelings is "gay" but rather a character trait of a mature and compassionate mind. I think he would be doing the other soldier a disservice, however, to concede a position because he's worried the other soldier would be emotionally hurt, for whatever reason. Competition is tough business. The idea is to improve the quality of the company overall by selecting the best person for the job, the person with the right skill set and focus to do the best job. If he feels he is the best man for the job then he should do what he can ethically and honestly to secure that job.<br /><br />I am curious, since Obama's stated intent to repeal the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy, is this subject of gays in the military being more openly debated or has Mr. Obama's decision made soldiers even more hesitant to discuss it and voice their opinions? Has the level of discomfort for all notched up a bit? Are the jokes and jibes increasing since his announcement or has it made others even more sentitive to the issue? <br /><br />In the interest of full disclosure, I should tell you that as a Christian I believe the homosexual lifestyle is morally, spiritually, and in a broader sense, socially destructive ultimately. From a biblical perspective, nothing good has ever come of it and the bible is clear on God's view of sexual immorality in whatever form it takes. It is with no little discouragement that I watch the news and see how the contentions here at home concerning gay marriage are increasing, and one cannot help but wonder what the social and even financial implications of legislation being enacted upon state and local governments and private businesses will do. There is also the concern over the fundamental condition of the family unit. And though I disagree strongly with those who choose that lifetyle, I am reminded that I am to do my job to the best of my ability, honestly and completely, irrespective of another person's beliefs or lifestyle choices.Susan Cronkhttp://show-me-op-ed.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.com