Spring Break
Heterosexism
What does it really mean?
Brent Paxton, Columnist, blemons@smu.edu
Issue date: 11/14/08 Section: Opinion
Have you ever heard of heterosexism? Do you know what it means? Chances are, you heard it in a diversity class and haven't approached the concept since. Heterosexism is defined as a prejudiced attitude or discriminatory practices against homosexuals by heterosexuals.
If you think it doesn't exist, think again. It happens everyday and is all around you. So, if I have to be reminded that the world is 'straight' then all of you heterosexuals should be too.
First let's examine what happens when straight people get curious about their gay acquaintances. Below are some common questions that gay (I'm using this as a short way of saying lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender-LGBT) people are asked.
When did you first realize/decide you were gay?
What do you think made you gay?
Do you think you're gay because of some traumatic childhood experience?
How do you reconcile being gay and being Christian? It clearly states that it's wrong.
The questions above are highly offensive, yet I have been asked a form of every single one numerous times.
Would you ever ask a straight person a version of these questions? How would a heterosexual respond to the following?
What do you think made you straight?
Most straight people would laugh and be completely confused. Why? Because society says being straight is 'normal' and gay isn't. No one should have to have an 'excuse' for their sexuality. Another offensive and heterosexist question I've received is:
Why do gay people get their own channel (LOGO)? Black people getting their own channel. I think it's reverse discrimination.
First of all, it's not reverse discrimination. African Americans and LGBT members need to have their 'own channel' for a number of reasons. The most obvious being that the vast majority of television revolves around white heterosexual families. Luckily, T.V. is catching up with the times and representation is much more fair than it used to be. How many famous openly gay actors/news anchors can you name off the top of your head? How many shows that have a gay couple as the main characters?
If you think it doesn't exist, think again. It happens everyday and is all around you. So, if I have to be reminded that the world is 'straight' then all of you heterosexuals should be too.
First let's examine what happens when straight people get curious about their gay acquaintances. Below are some common questions that gay (I'm using this as a short way of saying lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender-LGBT) people are asked.
When did you first realize/decide you were gay?
What do you think made you gay?
Do you think you're gay because of some traumatic childhood experience?
How do you reconcile being gay and being Christian? It clearly states that it's wrong.
The questions above are highly offensive, yet I have been asked a form of every single one numerous times.
Would you ever ask a straight person a version of these questions? How would a heterosexual respond to the following?
What do you think made you straight?
Most straight people would laugh and be completely confused. Why? Because society says being straight is 'normal' and gay isn't. No one should have to have an 'excuse' for their sexuality. Another offensive and heterosexist question I've received is:
Why do gay people get their own channel (LOGO)? Black people getting their own channel. I think it's reverse discrimination.
First of all, it's not reverse discrimination. African Americans and LGBT members need to have their 'own channel' for a number of reasons. The most obvious being that the vast majority of television revolves around white heterosexual families. Luckily, T.V. is catching up with the times and representation is much more fair than it used to be. How many famous openly gay actors/news anchors can you name off the top of your head? How many shows that have a gay couple as the main characters?
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Megnificent
Meg
posted 11/14/08 @ 11:07 AM CST
B-Pax I absolutely adore you and your bravery. It is important to discuss how homophobia really stems from a hate of women, which you have done by tackling the aversion to "effeminate" men. (Continued…)
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