Kerry Mayes wrote:
On 12/01/07, Rik Tindall <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
No argument, just further observation.
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>>>
>>> Parent: "bedtime now"
>>> Child: "thats gay"
In other words: "no, i needn't respect you"
>>>
>>> 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
Says he who is willing to believe petrol-breathing, functional illiterates.
- yes, 'gay' (in this context) has been
negativised, but it has also lost all association with homosexuality.
Maybe.
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!')
It could be that this generation has truly shed all prejudice.
Good news, if so.
Kerry.
11pm TV3 last nite screened the movie from which this discourse seems to
have originated: 'Jay & Silent Bob' something-or-other. 'Suck on this,
dude' etc mockery repeated ad nauseum may just be Sodom & Gomorrah
retold - the new damn-nation.
Apart from appearing to deconstruct the innocent myth your kids would
have you perpetuate, the film reminded me how influential (& dumb)
faddishess is when growing up in NZ (US & UK too, I'm betting).
Oh, & tubby kids are still getting bullied too, I'm sure.
Haven't searched youTube tho.
--
Rik
