On 12/01/07, Rik Tindall <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
No argument, just further observation.
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>>>
>>> Parent: "bedtime now"
>>> Child: "thats gay"
>>>
>>> Gay appears to be a word that has changed meanings at least twice in my
>>> lifetime. I am used to them changing once, but twice makes me feel old!
>> Just goes to show that homophobia is alive and well in the playground.
>
> I think you misunderstood what i said. It has moved (in the parlance of
> the young) from being a term to describe homosexuals to a general term of
> derision.
Yes, that was my point too.
Where 'gay' was a less discriminatory word than/for 'queer' (which was
then proudly embraced), 'gay' has now been negativised.
You're still missing the point - yes, 'gay' (in this context) has been
negativised, but it has also lost all association with homosexuality.
When it is pointed out to teenagers using this term that 'gay' meant
homosexual, they rubbish the idea that that has anything to do with
what they are saying. (Like trying to say phat = fat = bad, 'you're so
OLD!')
Kerry.
