Pride Festival proclaims state is 'so gay'
Gay rights group hoping controversy over parks agency's ill-fated tourism ads will generate interest in this year's celebration
By MEG KINNARD
AP
Ryan Wilson (center), president of SC Pride, announces the group's plans for this week's Pride Festival and Celebration during a news conference Tuesday at the Statehouse in Columbia.
Additional story
Experts befuddled by S.C.'s reaction to ad, published 07/21/08
COLUMBIA — Members of a South Carolina gay rights organization said Tuesday they hope a recent controversy about ads proclaiming the state "so gay" will stir up interest in this year's gay pride celebration.
"We truly believe that this week, South Carolina is 'so gay,' " said Ryan Wilson, president of SC Pride.
The annual South Carolina Pride Festival and Celebration is being held in Columbia this week. Events include a film festival, parade and appearance by entertainer and female impersonator RuPaul. Wilson said he expects about 7,000 to attend.
The theme: "South Carolina will be so gay," a reference to an ad campaign that roiled the state this summer. The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism originally joined the campaign, which was to include posters overseas saying "South Carolina is so gay" and encouraging gay travelers to visit the state's historic sites and beaches. But the state agency dropped out in July, saying the project hadn't been properly reviewed, and a tourism department employee involved in the promotion resigned.
Now, Wilson says his group has raised more than $1,000 toward paying the state's $5,000 bill for the ads, receiving donations from across the country.
"We had one letter from a gay couple. They were getting married in California and they said their gift to each other was donating to gay organizations around the country, and $50 of that was for our organization," Wilson said. "Getting letters like that really show that an international movement is happening."
An intermediary agency hired by the state tourism department to market South Carolina abroad has not been paid back the $5,000 it laid out to pay for the ads, but Parks Department spokesman Marion Edmonds says the London advertising contractor has agreed to eat the loss.
"The contracted representatives have declined to accept payment in acknowledgment that it (the ad campaign) was not part of our marketing plan," Edmonds said. "So the money that's being raised by SC Pride, I guess they'll decide what to do with that."
At $16 billion a year, tourism is the state's largest industry.
Wilson also said he would present certificates to two politicians critical of the ad campaign. Gov. Mark Sanford said in July that taxpayer funds shouldn't be used for ads that promote any group with a particular social or political agenda, and David Thomas, a Republican state senator from Greenville, called for an audit of the state tourism agency after learning of the ad campaign.
"We feel that the governor and Sen. Thomas have proven that their homophobia is 'so gay,' " said Wilson, adding that he welcomed a dialogue on the issue with both men. "The best thing we could see would be the state actually paying their bill and the money that we've raised going to charity.
Thomas did not return a messages seeking comment left at his Greenville law office. He told Time magazine for an article in July that he thought the ad might mislead gay travelers about what is in South Carolina for them. "They'll get off the plane and say, 'Where are the gay beaches?' and no one will know what they are talking about."
A spokesman for Sanford reiterated the governor's comments about targeted advertising.
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DoaMM (anonymous) says...
No comment. I know exactly where these posts will end up.
September 17, 2008 at 6:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DanniD (anonymous) says...
"Gov. Mark Sanford said in July that taxpayer funds shouldn't be used for ads that promote any group with a particular social or political agenda"
I do have to agree with this statement....if we could have a sign that says "SC is So Gay", then we should have ones that say
SC is so straight
SC is so white
SC is so Black
SC is so Baptist
I think you get the point.
September 17, 2008 at 6:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gamecockwoman (anonymous) says...
Why do homosexuals feel the need to parade around proclaiming their sexual proclivities to the world and putting it on display? We don't have Heterosexual Pride Days where hetero couples walk around like this. I don't care what these people do in private but I just do not understand why they need Gay Pride days to run around and act like fools.
September 17, 2008 at 7:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Well ColdBeer, you & I do agree on something.,,, :)
I started to post on this earlier, but didn't know where to start.
This group seems to crave attention(as evidenced by the RuPaul poster) more than anything else.
They claim they want acceptance, tolerance etc, but it truly seems they enjoy using the "in your face" tactic & the shock response from others that stumping for their "cause" causes.
I say: Childish & Sad.
September 17, 2008 at 7:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
One thing I do not understand...why would one "proud" of something that supposedly one has no control over?
September 17, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DoaMM (anonymous) says...
Well, I wasn't going to continue to comment until "skeptic" roped me in...(damn you)...
abitskeptical:
You have brought to light something I have never thought of:
"...why would one "proud" of something that supposedly one has no control over?"
You went deep on that thought right there, but you're right. I guess you can be proud that you were "born" a certain way but, typically, humans don't get THAT proud (happy, exuberant, outspoken, etc.) unless they have, or want, and are able to have, some type of personal control over it.
Very interesting observation on your part.
September 17, 2008 at 7:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gamecockwoman (anonymous) says...
GayBeacher! Great, HIV floating around in the ocean for everyone to absorb....
September 17, 2008 at 8 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tammie (anonymous) says...
Myself personally, I love "tang". I don't knock anyone's lifestyle because only you have to deal with the consequences in the end.
But...
...with SC being in the Bible belt, I think calling SC "so gay" is a bad idea. I wish I knew RuPaul was gonna be there, I like him...her...whatever!
And CB...level with your buddy...two beautiful women smooching and wanting you to join in would still disgust you? Lol (No disrespect to Mrs Beer, of course!)
September 17, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gamecockwoman (anonymous) says...
Tammie,
You're kidding, right??.....level with your buddy...two beautiful women smooching and wanting you to join in would still disgust you?
Not comparable because this isn't something they would want to put on public display on a day to recognize this behavior.....
What's next, "Beastiality Fun Day" ? ?
September 17, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tammie (anonymous) says...
Gamecock, of course, I am kidding!!! I had to make light of the situation!! I love "tang", I dont "drink" it! Lol
September 17, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gamecockwoman (anonymous) says...
Tammie,
Awesome! You had me going there for a minute. Tang is kinda cool, isn't it :)
September 17, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tammie (anonymous) says...
Jimmy Creamcorn...Lmao!!!! I didnt know Ketner was a carpetbagger! She seemed to be brought up with such a "strict Christian upbringing". *shrug*
Yes Gamecock, tang is cool. I like going shopping with Tang but I cant stand those hags that wear makeup and look flawless. Ugh.
September 17, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tammie (anonymous) says...
CB..thanks for the clarification...lmao I dont like saying gay, I think "tang" is cuter. But that's just me.
Creamcorn...you owe me $1...I just lost my lemonade after reading this statement.."She is a hack and a phony, and yes she wears underwear with pee-pee holes in them like Rosie."
I'm done.
September 17, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
Back in college my girlfriend that I dated was bisexual and used to go to these rallies. She used to tell me about the bible thumpers and the sign that would hold up. We used to get a big kick from the "No Rights for Sodomites" sign. Nope RW, I have never had sex with a man, sorry, but you can stop having fantasies about me. All I have to say is bisexuals women have their advantages.
September 17, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sc4peace (anonymous) says...
I could care less if anyone is gay. I could care less if anyone is straight. Someone else's personal matters are their business, not mine. That being said- I don't think there needs to be a parade to promote gay tolerance. People are either going to tolerate gays or they aren't- that is their right. I just don't think it's appropriate to display your sexual orientation in a parade...if it were a black parade, a white parade, a straight parade, a "we love threesomes parade" or a swinger parade I would feel the same way- keep that stuff in the bedroom no matter what your preference- start a club or something but don't march down the street
September 17, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NativeSon (anonymous) says...
Do you know what is really sad?
This group takes pride in the fact that their only sexual outlet is inserting their penis into some ones rectum. This pathetic display of pride by sick, in-your-face "HETEROPHOBIC", sac religeous impotents is disgusting.
Women who consider themselves gay use dildos and fingers as substitute penises to have the same sexual experience. Also quite sick and "heterophobic".
Both groups are terrified of a real relationship with the opposite gendered.
However, since people cannot be happy without human contact, this type of person creates a fantasy in his or her head that justifies homosexual behavior as right in order to feel wanted.
I do not see this as an act for which one should take pride but rather to hang their head in shame for their filthy, disease causing behavior.
September 17, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gamecockwoman (anonymous) says...
I SO agree with CB. It's their perverted behavior that's so offensive. What's the need for all that. Also didn't Know Kentner was a lesbian - more reason she needs to be NOWHERE near lawmaking...enough of them pushing their lifestyles in our faces!
September 17, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
I agree that obnoxious behavior is annoying, whether it is a homosexual being obnoxious about their sexuality or a bible thumper being obnoxious about their religion. But there is a reason people are obnoxious, to piss people off that disagree with them.
September 17, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sc4peace (anonymous) says...
I don't think we should dismiss someone's crudentials because of their sexual orientation- as long as they keep their sexual preferencesa and lifestyle out of politics. Just because you are attracted to the same sex does not mean you are not capable of less. On the same note- I understand a person who's religious beliefs do not allow them to support a candidate who is homosexual. You can still be tolerant and have respect for someone who doesn't beleive what you do, without supporting it. Hating them is not going to make them change.
September 17, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gamecockwoman (anonymous) says...
sc4 - Agreed! Understand I do not HATE homosexuals - I hate their behavior. I also realize that, so far, I've never seen one running for public office that didn't want to use that as a platform to advance their causes and infiltrate our schools and public forums to force acceptance of their lifestyle. That's not appropriate by anyone.
September 17, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
I'm pretty sure this gay pride group knew they would get the good ole boys riled up with their ad campaign and they sure did.
I think Thomas' comments at the end of the article are hilarious, who in their right mind, gay or straight would think there are "gay" beaches in South Carolina. I've never even heard of a "gay" beach. Personally, I think any tourism is good for the state, so they should welcome them, they are spending their money here after all. They aren't going to turn anyone gay or rub their gayness off on you, so why do you care?
People are so ridiculous, I swear only in SC do we actually think we have a right to judge what honest, taxpaying people are doing with their lives. And for those of you who are like, "oh how they ACT offends me". Well that is just stupid. If that were the case, how regular hetero people act offends and annoys me on a regular basis.
Like it or not, most of these comments are dripping with homophobia and just plain old close-mindedness.
September 17, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tc1 (anonymous) says...
Does anyone realize that the word gay has been redefined in order to smoke screen that they are homosexuals?
gay used to be: cheery: bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer; "a cheery hello"; "a gay sunny room"; "a sunny smile"
Would you now use the word gay with anyone in it's original meaning?
* ____, meaning not normal, was used as a slur but still accurate in the context. If it was normal none of us would be here.
They might also be gay but they are homosexuals. Political Correctness does not change reality.
* Note from Mom when attemting to post:
"Watch your mouth! The words "q---r" are not allowed here."
September 17, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Comment on those posts regarding biogtry, close mindedness & the like:
Being open minded does not=agreeing with, or having no opinion about, all the various agendas coming down the pike & being pushed to a point of ridiculosity (yes, I know that is a made up word..we use it in my family when we want to make a point)
September 17, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
RW,
Here is some friendly advice about your comment to me.....
1st. Once you run something into the ground it no longer becomes funny and you have run the homosexual thing into the ground. As I have said before, I am heterosexual, yet if I was a homosexual, I would admit it; because I feel like these people are just being who they are and I feel that there is nothing wrong with it. Unlike many republicans that hide being homosexual and remain in the closet, because their bible thumping base might disapprove.
2nd. The LOL with several exclamation points is self gratuitous and really does not make something that is not funny, funny. It is just like laugh tracks on a bad comedy skit, it doesn't work.
3rd Coming from an idiot such as yourself, I take the name calling from you as a sort of badge of honor. I have realized that I have made your blood boil, and I get a bigger laugh from that than any name you could have called me. I have yet to see anything clever or witty coming from you, yet if you did, then truly I would be surprised and you would earn just a little respect from me. In fact I could easily post the same type of comment as yours with very little thought process because all you do is rehash the same tired crap.
Anyways, I am just giving you some friendly advice. :)
September 17, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NativeSon (anonymous) says...
Spankerbuns & Early
We are not talking about bedroom privacy, we are talking about in - your - face, public declaration of heterophobic behavior with public flaunting of bedroom behavior.
The fact that some women enjoy anal intercourse is not the issue. It is their business if they want to make an ASS of themselves.
September 17, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DoaMM (anonymous) says...
Are there "egg" whales? If not, then maybe the sperm whales are truly gay...
September 17, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mkris (anonymous) says...
gamecockwoman, you dont like a little muff munching? Poor hubby, missionary all the way, huh?
September 17, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
WOW! Homophobes much?
"...why would one "proud" of something that supposedly one has no control over?"
For the same reason I'm proud of my name, my ancestral language, the food and the music. I had no say about my racial/ethnic makeup. I revel in who and what I am and see no reason to be either embarrassed or ashamed by it.
The same goes for being gay. If someone is gay they shouldn't be made to feel ashamed of it. They should be proud of who and what they are. Homosexuality is actually a misnomer. Anyone can have any type of sex. Being gay is more about falling in love with someone of the same gender. Being committed in a relationship in spite of pitfalls faced by being gay.
Now with that said...
Militant or abrasive behavior is not warranted. Forcing an agenda onto to those who may not agree with you serves no purpose. This ad campaign was wrong and I wholeheartedly agree with its stoppage.
Mr. Wilson's grandstanding is actually doing a disservice to the thousands of South Carolinians who happen to be gay and are living their lives, loving their families, paying their taxes, voting Republican and Democrat.
Remember people, gays are everywhere, serving your meals, cutting your paycheck, caring for your children. You buy goods and services from gays. Those same filthy degenerate people performed your surgery or changed your bandages. Teach your children in school. They put out your house fires, stabilize you in an ambulance, arrests the criminal that broke into your home and put on a uniform to fight & serve in a desert so you have the right to hate and be disgusted by them.
Are there gays who are over-the-top, militant and even anti-American? Sure! And they are no better than the other extremists that sully the American reputation.
But to hate what you don't truly know or understand? Now that is prejudice and some of you are very guilty of it.
September 17, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
RW,
I never said that I was tired of your attacks, just what you say is tired (there is a difference), though I see your reading comprehension skills are also lacking. Actually I got get a big laugh from your post, how does it go RW? LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are constantly making yourself out to be an idiot and ignorant with out my help, so post all you want!
September 17, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
CrackingCorn Jonesy,
If RW was half as inteligent as he says he is, he would have already realized this.
"Stoopid is as stoopid does".
September 17, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
Abit & Doamm- Thanks for pointing that out. I never thought about it in that way as well.
Be proud and let it go!
September 17, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
westashleyboi (anonymous) says...
Here are some photos that could be Ryan Wilson and his buddies on vacation in San Francisco this summer. Is this the vision he has for South Carolina?
http://www.zombietime.com/up_your_all...
September 17, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Test2007 (anonymous) says...
Coldbeer - your posts are the most ignorant I've seen. First off, not all gay men are effeminate. A lot of gay men do not act this way. I would say MOST don't. Does every southerner have a "Twang" in their voice? wear wife beaters? wear camo to church and to work?? No, well that is what you just did to an entire group. People act like gay people just got here. There have been gay folks in the highest of positions since forever. The only difference is you never knew and still don't know.
They shouldn't have to TRY to be accepted. They should be accepted.
BUT I do find that some men who go above and beyond to express their displeasure at the lifestyle maybe hiding their own true selves. Think about it. Does thou protest too much?
Of course, I don't expect better from SC so there. Also, forcing agendas on people who don't agree with you is something SC and people on this board are good at . Living in SC I got a lot of "agendas" forced on me. People only complain if the "agenda" is not in line with their beliefs. I could give a damn either way.
September 17, 2008 at 2:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
ColdBeer I can show you many men who are afraid of homosexuals, mostly because they are not as ease in their own sexuality. Who cares how they act and if it's in a displeasing manner to you. (Also I have to interject, that while little gay boys may not be born with a lisp, or little lesbian girls cutting their hair short, many times these are feelings and actions they harbor their entire lives, that's why it was obvious to me growing up that a lot of my gay friends were well...gay)
Whatever you call it, you are trying to substitute a "personal" dislike for a group of people and how some of them behave for what it really is, bigotry and prejudice.
It's ok for them to be gay as long as they aren't "flaunting it in front of you" huh? Or as long as you don't have to be around them, or hire them, or have them around your children. Just admit you are judging them not only for how you perceive the most stereotypical of homosexuals behavior, but essentially who they are. Call it what you want, homophobia or not, it IS wrong. And YES if you inserted that same language into any other group of people or race, ethnicity or background everyone would be calling you a bigot. But because it's against homosexuals it's ok to box your world in and regard them as "disgusting."
I second what eyfigureoa said, they shouldn't have to be ashamed. Dislike people like Mr. Wilson all you want, but the only reason he exists is because of you and other people on this board. I suspect gay communities are tired of living in the darkest corners of our society and are celebrating the fact that our country, albeit slowly, is becoming more open to their existence and their equal value in our society.
September 17, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatmorecollards (anonymous) says...
Why would spankerbuns want to know where anyone meets thier gay friends at? Could it be that he has a vested interest.
September 17, 2008 at 3 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mkris (anonymous) says...
Homosexuality occurs here and there in many of Charleston's best homes(not that there's anything wrong with that).
Jerry Seinfeld
September 17, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Test2007 (anonymous) says...
commie pinkos?? Who are you? Archie Bunker reincarnated?
eh
September 17, 2008 at 4 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatmorecollards (anonymous) says...
We enjoy a lot of freedoms in this country. Advocating the overthrow or the government,aiding and abeting the enemy and treason arn't on the list. People that do this should be shot.
September 17, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
Newt,
RW starts to blow a fuse when I make him look stupid (like I did today), he hates the fact that a "liberal" is able to make him look so retarded...
You guys always bring up the most fringe extremist that you guys hear about on right winged propaganda radio, I personally haven't even heard of the Weather Underground you're talking about.
September 17, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mkris (anonymous) says...
Raise your hands all the above that registered as a result of a call from Brown's campaign manager to smear Ketner.
Isn't he the same guy that smeared McCain here in South Carolina during the Bush/ MCCain primary?
September 17, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
eyfigueroa :WOW! Homophobes much?
"...why would one "proud" of something that supposedly one has no control over?"
WOW! Looking to find fault much?
Please explain why that question has ANYTHING to do w/ "homophobia". It is interesting that of all the comments on this article, you chose to single that one out.
"Not ashamed" does not = proud. Those ideas have different meanings.
My point is that I do not believe it makes sense to be "proud" of things we have no control over. Most, if not all, homosexuals I have heard address this, state their homosexuality is something over which they have no choice.
Being heterosexual in orientation is who I am, but it never occurred to me to be "proud" of it.
Following your logic I should be proud that I am heterosexual, 5'6", brown eyed, & have 10 fingers & 10 toes, but that would seem absurd to me. Maybe I should be proud that my parents gave me a middle name. Should I be proud that my father graduated from Princeton before he even met my mother. Why should I be "proud" of that?
Likewise, if neither of my parents had gone to college, should I be ashamed? I think not.
There is a little boy who comes to play here often. His father is in the state pen because he had sex w/ the 12 yr old baby sitter. Whenever talk of dads came up he would look embarrassed.
Finally one day I said, "John, are you embarrassed about the situation w/ your dad?". He shook his head yes.
I said "Let me tell you something. Your dad,not you, did something wrong. Your dad is paying the price for his wrong & so are you because you miss him. But, that is the only price you should have to pay, since you did not have any control over whether or not your dad was going to do wrong. You are your own person. People who know you, know what kind of person you are & there is no reason for you to be ashamed. You can grow up to be a person w/ special understanding for others who have bad things happen in their life. YOU just keep making choices you can be proud of!"
So, that is how I see the proper context of proud, but clearly you & others use the word differently.
September 17, 2008 at 10:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
I will say this...my comments would be the same if this was a group who wanted to set up a parade or pride week or advertising campaign for heterosexuals, or asexuals...who cares?
Working to fight discrimination-I have respect for, but that hardly seems to be the goal of this group.
It seems that there are some who can see & define respect from only their own point of view....its kind of like a one way street...the respect is supposed to go in only one direction.
September 17, 2008 at 11:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
DontTaseMe: Well, I admit, sometimes I seem not to make myself understood. Maybe trying to multitask too many things. Also wasn't trying to sugar coat anything....
I responded to eyfig because it seemed she picked a neutral question to highlight & "analyze" as stemming from "homophobia".
I'll try again-
Personally, I do not think one's sexual orientation & feelings are legitimate sources of pride anymore than I think one's race, blue blooded ancestry, accomplishments of one's parents,spouse,ancestors, or physical beauty are.
She seemed to be indicating that if one is not ashamed of something, then one must be proud of it. I suppose I do not see life purely in matters of extremes.
I believe pride & shame over things comes into play when applied to our personal choices & actions. Actually, I do not even like the word "pride" & believe it is misused an awful lot.
My anecdote was supposed to serve as an example of how I apply the words "pride" & "shame"/embarrass.
September 18, 2008 at 6:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
I guess the anecdote, for the purpose of these posts, would have been more clear if I'd edited & paraphrased what I'd said to the child.
When I was talking to him I was trying to do several things-let him know I understood what he was feeling--that
1.he misses his dad but also is embarrassed by the situation
& that
2.we do not judge him by a wrong his dad committed-we accept him for himself
& that
3. regardless of what his dad did, he has the power to make his own choices that he can be proud of
September 18, 2008 at 6:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
Thank you Tase-me: I'm heartened to know you think of me.
abitskeptical: If my father had graduated from Princeton I would have been proud of him. If EVERYONE could get into much less graduate from Princeton then everyone would. But if you are not proud of your father for such an accomplishment then far be it for me to say you're wrong.
"She seemed to be indicating that if one is not ashamed of something, then one must be proud of it."
The operative word is 'seemed'. You made an incorrect assumption. To proud of one's self is not wrong and definitely not mutually exclusive of ashamed.
When I speak of 'proud' I don't mean boastful but 'having a proper amount of self-respect' which by the way is one of several recognized definitions of the word.
As far as your analogy of the young boy being ashamed of his father's criminal act, well, I certainly understand where you are coming from. Good point.
Anyhoo, how you personally may apply the words pride & shame may not reflect how others may apply them.
It was nice chatting with you and have a Glorious day.
You too don't_tasemebro!
September 18, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
eyfig-I see what you are saying about being proud of accomplishments-our own or those of people close to us. I guess I just express what you described in a different way.
However, I still do not understand why one's sexual orientation would be a subject of "pride", nor why anyone would feel the need to make a spectacle of what the orientation of a private & personal activity is. "Spectacle" because of the RuPaul poster & the verbiage--wanting to label all of SC as "so gay"..now you & I both know that not only is that ridiculous, it would certainly be false advertising! :)
They seem more interested in seeing what kind of reaction they can get & how far they can push an envelope. Then, when they push it past a point of common sense & respect they scream--"discrimination, homophobia, bigotry." That does not enlighten or bring awareness. It diminishes true discrimination--The crying wolf syndrome.
Like I said, working to end discrimination I respect, but it is difficult to think that is what this group is doing in this case.
Clarification:
I agreed w/ CB's 1st post on this relative to his disputing the term homophobe & how it is so often applied. However, I do not ascribe to his thoughts on his made up term "homo-disgusto".
Labeling as homophobic everyone who voices an opinion on sexuality different from that expressed by a homosexual is not productive,reasonable or even an accurate assessment many times.
September 18, 2008 at 1 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
" feel the need to make a spectacle of what the orientation of a private & personal activity is. "
You and I are in total agreement with that.
Unfortunately there were some on this thread who sought to call all gays disgusting. They either hate them or what they do. Some even fear them. I don't get that.
Should you sashay down a street and tell the world what you do in private? I wouldn't.
Should you try to force your way of life onto others? Certainly not.
"They seem more interested in seeing what kind of reaction they can get & how far they can push an envelope. Then, when they push it past a point of common sense & respect they scream--"discrimination, homophobia, bigotry." That does not enlighten or bring awareness. It diminishes true discrimination--The crying wolf syndrome."
Exactly!!!! If you read one of my earlier posts you would see that I was explicit in my displeasure of Mr. Wilson's attitude and his adamant desire to force South Carolinians to accept his platform. He isn't doing ANYONE any favors by behaving the way that he did.
I guess I get tired of those who feel homosexuality is wrong (certainly their right to feel so) and go out of their way to either to demean, diminish if not discriminate against gays. If your so-called religion describes homosexuality as a sin, so be it. You live your life as you see fit.
But far too often I'm seeing people putting actions to their prejudice, bigotry and fear. And that is what I fear most. So when I see some of these posters say the things they do, I'm imagining them bringing some harm (physical, emotional, psychological, professional or financial) to those they deign immoral & disgusting.
It's not my place to tell others how to feel and neither is it my place to try to 'protect' those who would be harmed. I have to remind myself of that every time I post on this board.
September 18, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
donttaseme: hee hee hee I FEEL SO LOVED! Besos!
September 19, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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