Re:For Female Astronomers, Sexual Harassment Is a Constant N...
by teddyh on Monday April 25, 2016 @04:18PM
(#11567011)
> Because there remain a generation that are still offended by them, we should probably lighten up on them
You’re missing the point. That is not the reason. The reason why one shouldn’t use the term “Gay”, even if one doesn’t mean anything actually homophobic by it, is that by using the term, one encourages actual homophobes and reinforces their belief that their hatred and/or fear of homosexuals is normal. You might think that everyone who hears you knows you don’t mean “Gay” as a homophobic slur, but I can assure you — you would be wrong.
You’re missing the point. That is not the reason. The reason why one shouldn’t use the term “Gay”, even if one doesn’t mean anything actually homophobic by it, is that by using the term, one encourages actual homophobes and reinforces their belief that their hatred and/or fear of homosexuals is normal. You might think that everyone who hears you knows you don’t mean “Gay” as a homophobic slur, but I can assure you — you would be wrong.