Do you think that people here don't know how to push your buttons with key words/phrases? (And no, you don't 'always' have to respond... for people to sense they have tweaked you.) Once a person has expressed and few opinions here, it isn't impossible to estimate where they'll be offended. There are certain feelings to be evoked in ALL human beings, and the way we treat others (communicate to them) is what will likely be reciprocated.
Frankly, I think you probably should have already known that the term "homo" was disparaging. I've never been cited by the mods for using the term "homosexual". Even so, I imagine it would be offensive if I used it in certain ways (such as to insult someone). You do make a lot of people angry; but I don't think the mods would allow you to be continuously abused, if you report such insults. There is some matter of 'perception' involved... but most people who use English and are adults, tend to know what is offensive where it comes to a setting such as this one. There are times where we can be offensive/insulting and not know it (as adults)... but I think those times are exceptional overall. No, everyone hasn't figured that out. But why would someone purpose to 'insult' someone on here? That has always been a waste of time/energy. Don't be coy about that word "homosexual"; it's not likely offensive, unless it is used offensively.
I frankly don't wish you any luck with that. It may seem silly, that "homo" used as shorthand for "homosexual" would be offensive. Silly, until we consider how it is most often used, which is indeed in situations where the intent is to be offensive. Words are just symbols that stand for something else, whether it's an actual object, or abstract idea. The length and letters contained therein don't determine whether or not a word is offensive. It's entirely determined by context and the history of the word's use as a means to offend. There may be contexts where "homo" and "homosexual" aren't offensive. If you're getting in trouble for using them, it's a fair bet that it's because you're acting like a jerk, trying to offend people. I'm not persuaded that you're the victim you claim to be here.
No Its silly for homosexual to be considered an insult when I had been told that "homosexual" was the proper term.
And when people try to insult me it does not. Because I dont go whine like a little titty baby to the moderaters when they do.
I really think this thread was more about you wanting to vent. We can't see the context in which you used it, and you just want someone to agree with you that calling someone a homosexual is not an insult, when we can't see the context. What I suspect is that this has more to do with you addressing the person rather than the subject. In other words if I were to call you a conservative fussbudget- I would be labeling you rather than addressing the subject. And that is what I have gotten dinged for.
I think perhaps that people who prefer partners of their own gender think we should use 'gay', but some of us still object to the theft of that useful word. The 'homo' bit in 'homosexual' is just Classical Greek for 'same', and I can't say that I've ever found people objecting to it once they gather I'm not prejudiced. I wonder if this isn't a building-up of drama out of nothing.
Seems to me that this thread is nothing more than a vent/flame bait. This is perhaps why people take your statements as derogatory rather than declarative.
Alright; I've expended enough time dealing with your little personal tantrum in this thread. Do what you will/must. Later.
Well, the obvious question is one of who has the authority to say what is or isn't proper. Clearly the moderator is the authority figure as far as the forum goes. That doesn't mean that I have to refrain from being honest in telling you that people may also feel insulted by the use of 'homosexual' as well. Did you want an honest answer, or were you just fishing for an answer you prefer?
Obviously missing the point in the first degree. Just because the scientific community uses a term in the context of doing science, that doesn't mean other individuals won't use the same word to offer up insults. Obviously missing the point in the second degree: You are never in a position to tell someone else what they should or shouldn't find insulting.
And some of us object to your characterization of the evolution of language as "theft". Nobody owns words used in everyday speech. If a word isn't your property, it can't be stolen from you. Your clear purpose in making such a characterization is to portray people of same-sex orientation in a negative light by implying that they are thieves. It's insulting, and you knew it was insulting when you wrote it. If you're not prejudiced then I'm a Vermiscious K'nid. Again, the context in which a word is used matters. The origin doesn't determine whether or not someone will find it insulting = the context does.
Moderaters. One that says "homosexual" is the proper term and another that says its an insult. Yes I did. I now must try to remember to never use the word homosexual when referring to someone on the forum, only gay is permitted.
I'm proud to be called a conservative. Anyway, why must we call you a homosexual, or gay or whatever? Why can't we just call you sfjeff? I could care less what you do in the bedroom any more than you could care what I do. What I do care is that you are a decent, law abiding citizen and hopefully anti big government
Or maybe you could stick to debating the issues and not the people discussing them. There should be very little need, if any, for you to refer to a fellow poster's orientation at all.
I would say that it's no one's place to tell me what I should or shouldn't find offensive, including moderators. It is, however, their place to keep order here, and that includes knowing what sort of thing is likely to start a flame war. That extends to trigger words that are likely to start a verbal brawl and disrupt the discussion. I'm sorry to hear that you're getting conflicting information from them. Your takeaway from the honest discussion in this thread shouldn't be so much which words to avoid. It should be the message of "don't act like a jerk and don't try to provoke people". Discuss the issues, not the people.
The above is both fair and reasonable. Too often people in these threads send out a negative or angry 'vibe'. I've been guilty of that myself (at times).
Using the full word is fine, but shortened "homo" has always been used as an insult and it sounds dehumanizing.
I've heard a few gay guys use it jokingly or affectionately among themselves... but in the main, you are correct.
