"Gay Androids" at Pride Parade Chicago

[IOWA]

I do see what you're saying about homophobia. Maybe I was a bit too quick to throw that and racism into the same pot. I guess I never thought of being a homophobe as something that the person couldn't help, mainly because I don't have it. But I can definitely understand the road you're coming from.

Hence the beauty and flaw of human nature in general. One of the great things about humanity, is we can overcome physically programmed barriers.

One of the biggest ones? Monogamy. We are not programmed to be Monogamous. But it is one of the best things our brains allow us to overpower. But for most, something like homosexuality is a wall to great to climb, (even myself), and will never be broken through completely, just like Monogamy.

We can fight our physical nature, but it doesn't mean it's still not there lurking in the shadows.

 

[G.Armour]

I think that we are a good 10 years at the least before gay people are accepted in a more well rounded work environment. And no, races and homosexuals is 2 totally different things. And I don't think it is right to even try to compare the 2.

 

[mpw]

No, this is wrong. Completely wrong

 

[Vihzel]

Close this thread already, moderator. Now I feel like I'm being bashed for some "illness".

What has first started as a thread about a t-shirt, gay pride, and two green Androids has resulted in insults and bashing.

As Kelmar stated before: "KEEP IT CIVIL! No rude comments. If you don't have anything polite to say, move along."

 

[mpw]

Close this thread already.

We've already been given the meaning of life because of this thread; surely it should be kept open in case it cures cancer*!


*I would've said AIDS, but that's not an illness, just natural selection
***BEWARE: CHASM of SAR***

 

[ThorSkaagi]

No, this is wrong. Completely wrong…

That’s quite a lesson in being tolorent of other’s views.

…People are hardwired to revolt in disgust when they see homosexual action, that's just the way it is…

Bugger me! I must’ve been getting it wrong all this time, because it doesn’t make any real difference to me.

…It is very true, and physical reactions aren't something you can argue with…

Oh noes! Now, with IOWA, being so deffinate and absolute in his claims that I should react just as he expects, and any argument not being acceptable I have to question whether I even exist!!

…Homosexuality, due to it's anti-natural nature…… …We are hardwired to attract to the opposite sex, and just because homosexual hardwiring is misfirin

…as the meaning of life is procreation of the species…

Wow, isn’t the internet wonderful; how long has man searched for the meaning of life? And IOWA’s cleared the whole matter up for us

…Homosexuality is not normal, is not natural, and something is definitely wrong with that person, be it emotional, biological, abuse, something we don

You don’t really understand much of this do you IOWA?



You make me smile, in the same way that I smile at those videos of a toddler trying to pick stuff up by bending over, and then dropping the last thing they picked up; it's like they're trying, but just can't grasp what they're getting so wrong.

Thank you! Magnificent post. In IOWA's post, in my opinion, almost everything was way off-base.

I mean, how does he think that homosexuality is caused by abuse in any way!? Lol.



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[Vihzel]

Homophobia is a legit condition, Racism is not.

ho

 

[Frisco]

..races and homosexuals is 2 totally different things. And I don't think it is right to even try to compare the 2.

There are elements of racism and homophobia that are in common with one another.

Both are seated in fear/loathing of the targeted group, for example.

However those terms part company at the point of the groups themselves, although remain similar in the heart of the bigot.

Gays are a sub-group of all races on Earth.

And what's all this about procreation being the meaning of life? That notion caused the Nazis of Germany to lock up and destroy human beings who were homosexuals based on their supposed inability to breed (homosexuals breed just as well as heterosexuals do, but that fact seems lost on people with a conveniently narrow view of things).

If there is one meaning of human life I doubt if it has nearly as much to do with people replicating as it has to do with our relentless, deep seated urge to find happiness, love and peace throughout our alloted time on Earth.

 

[Slug]

Close this thread already, moderator. Now I feel like I'm being bashed for some "illness".

I apologise if that's how it's developed. I truly thought that this thread was constructive and open-minded. It would be unfortunate to allow a few ill-advised words spoil that. The thread was started to highlight Google's awareness of the gay community and its non-discriminatory policies after all, something that fits in very well with the ethos here at Android Forums.

Let's see if we can continue in the spirit shown previously, without any dogma and illogical assumptions about "right" and "wrong". As always, normal Forum Rules apply, so think carefully before pushing that 'submit' button. If in doubt, don't!

 

[BubbaHotepUK]

My tuppence's worth - hope it isn't controversial:

I must confess that I wasn't overly concerned about gay issues until I found out my (now) brother-in-law was gay. I can't say I found the thought of two men kissing 'stomach churning' ever, but did think it a bit odd. Of course, the thought of two women kissing is quite another story, so I don't buy into any of this genetic conditioning that's been mentioned.

Anyways, I think that once you get to know gay people on a personal level, any prejudices soon disappear. This is why I think the "don't ask, don't tell" policy is daft. If you let people be themselves in the army, I'm pretty sure that most of the few remaining prejudiced people would soon change their minds after getting to know people as individuals rather than just labels.

 

[Frisco]

I think that once you get to know gay people on a personal level, any prejudices soon disappear.

If you let people be themselves in the army, I'm pretty sure that most of the few remaining prejudiced people would soon change their minds after getting to know people as individuals rather than just labels.

It is odd how harmless people merely "being themselves" can cause such rancor.

I still think it stems from an ancient group-think remnant of times in human history when tribes had to fight for resources just to survive; anybody not of the group needed to be either vanquished or assimilated into the group on that group's terms. Even different belief systems, religions and social rules among the same race of people have caused long, bloody wars.

But no matter homophobia's origins, it is being isolated world wide now as a sort of disease, a disorder, which is ironic in a sweet sort of way given the primitive, wrong-headed diagnosis of homosexuality itself as a condition sometimes curable and sometimes not.

 

[OfTheDamned]

There are elements of racism and homophobia that are in common with one another.

Both are seated in fear/loathing of the targeted group, for example.

However those terms part company at the point of the groups themselves, although remain similar in the heart of the bigot.

Gays are a sub-group of all races on Earth.

And what's all this about procreation being the meaning of life? That notion caused the Nazis of Germany to lock up and destroy human beings who were homosexuals based on their supposed inability to breed (homosexuals breed just as well as heterosexuals do, but that fact seems lost on people with a conveniently narrow view of things).

If there is one meaning of human life I doubt if it has nearly as much to do with people replicating as it has to do with our relentless, deep seated urge to find happiness, love and peace throughout our alloted time on Earth.

People do seem to forget the fact that there is nothing wrong with the reproductive system in gay people. I myself have 2 children. I wonder how that happened. Just because someone is gay doesn't mean that they can't procreate. It just means that it requires some outside assistance with conception. If the whole world was made up of gay people then sperm banks and fertility doctors would just be that much more in demand.

As far as racism and homophobia I believe they are both learned behavior. It can come from parents, friends or just environment, but I don't think that there is any sort of natural or biological to homosexuality. If there were, lesbians would not be appealing to so many men. Lesbians are still gay.

As far as something being wrong with me or anyone else who is gay....I can say that I started to understand my feelings at a pretty young age (girls do mature faster than boys though ) and I never suffered any abuse or emotional trauma. I had a wonderful childhood with a loving and understanding family. I have read the studies that say that the majority of gay people suffered some sort of sexual abuse and while I have met plenty of people that agree with it (gay and straight) I have also met enough gay people that state they have never had anything of the sort happen to them.

As has already been stated, this wasn't really a topic for arguing the rights or wrongs of people being gay. Some healthy back and forth in the question and answer department is one thing, but trying to declare homosexuality as right or wrong is just inappropriate. Let's keep this thread positive and not try to offend anyone, gay or straight.

To get back on the original happy topic:

Does anyone know where to get the shirts? My girlfriend really wants one and I wouldn't mind one either.

 

[twospirits]

Good posts so far (on both sides of the issue) but lets not take it too far folks.

Anyway, going back to the military don't ask don't tell issue for just a moment if I may. If you really want to hear a messed up story hows this...
I was in the Army, top of the class both in Basic and Advance training. Went up the ranks. Finally shipped to Germany. During my years there I developed really close friendships with my buddies. Eventually it came out that I was gay among my closet buddies. My buddy accepted me. Even went along to some gay bars in Frankfurt, much like I went to straight bars with him. We were like brothers (as it should be).
One fateful day, we come out of the gay bar. Who so happens to be near by, but the homophobic Lieutenant. We both were brought up on charges. (Mind you this was before "Don't Ask Don't Tell"). Long story short, after pleading with them that he was not gay, that I was and that I should be the one discharged, they refuse to listen and he too was given a dishonorable discharged along with me and kicked out. It didn't matter whether we were continuously complemented for our service and had outstanding records. We were not holding hands, kissing, we just come out of a freaking gay bar together and wham bam, gone from our life long commitment to our nation and the belief that that we hold these truths to be self evident that all men (and women) are created equally. Bullshit.
For a long time I was so pissed off at the Army for that and although we kept in touch until his death from an automobile accident, I still up to this day regret that our friendship and wanting to hang out together cause him his military career.
That army rule should be stricken plain and simple.

As for the t-shirts, although its been going on for quite some time now, I am surprised that no one has mass marketed them to sell. I guess one can make their own.

TS out

 

[twospirits]

I guess you can make your own using their design...

GoogleGayAndroidDesign1

GoogleGayAndroidDesign2

GoogleGayAndroidDesign3

Images courtesy of Erica Baker Executive Whiteboard Engineer at Google

 

[OfTheDamned]

TS that is truly messed up. It really goes to show the bond that soldiers have and the complete lack of tolerance or understanding that others have. I'm glad he didn't blame you and the two of you were able to remain friends. I can't imagine that would be all that common if you were talking about any other bond.

The way I have always looked at "don't ask don't tell" is that when you are in the middle of combat and fighting for your life, does it really matter what the sexual orientation of the person fighting along side you is?

 

[Vihzel]

The way I have always looked at "don't ask don't tell" is that when you are in the middle of combat and fighting for your life, does it really matter what the sexual orientation of the person fighting along side you is?

Exactly. If a woman can be by your side, what more of a distraction is that than a gay man. Is that gay man all of a sudden going to start hitting on you in the fox hole? A soldier isn't afraid to give up his life for his country but he is afraid of a gay man being next time him trying to save their lives? Is he going to be worse than a straight man in combat because he likes men?

"Speaking in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee on February 2, 2010, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen denounced the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy.[44] A March 2010 poll by the Military Times asking over 3000 servicemembers "do you favor or oppose allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military?" resulted in 51% oppose votes, with 24% in favor and the remaining neutral or declining to answer." - Marine Corps Times

That speaks for itself. If the vast majority of the army is fine with it, are you going to stop them because of your homophobia?

Also... this: "In December 2007, 28 retired generals and admirals urged Congress to repeal the policy, citing evidence that 65,000 gay men and women are currently serving in the armed forces and that there are over 1,000,000 gay veterans. On November 17, 2008, 104 retired generals and admirals signed a similar statement." - NYT

 

[Vihzel]

I guess you can make your own using their design...

GoogleGayAndroidDesign1

GoogleGayAndroidDesign2

GoogleGayAndroidDesign3

Images courtesy of Erica Baker Executive Whiteboard Engineer at Google

Do you mean that I can make my own T-shirt?

 

[twospirits]

I guess for your self I don't see why not, but to mass produce and sell to others... hmmm i think you have to get permission first from both Google and the creator of the design, which I really do not know who that is yet.

If for your self i guess you can try zazzle.

btw, they have tons of good designs on there, but no Google Gay Android one.

TS out

 

[Frisco]

That's pretty sad stuff about the Army, Twospirits.

 

[Vihzel]

That's pretty sad stuff about the Army, Twospirits.

At least times have changed dramatically since then. Time is always on the side of groups fighting for their rights. If history is bound to repeat itself, then it's only in due time. African American fought for their rights for how long? Women fought their rights for even longer? The gay rights movement is still quite young and we have a ways to go. We certainly have gotten farther in the same amount of time when compared to African American people and especially to women.

 

[Frisco]

The only sexual orientation related memory I have of the Army was a fellow in the barracks in AIT who was basically avoided by everybody because there was a story going around about him getting drunk and offering sex to some guy in the old Silwell Hall bar at Ford Ord.

This was back in the late 60s, and I was not aware of any official policy about gays then.. no "don't ask don't tell" as a matter of regulations.

Maybe they were getting discharged right and left for all I know; I just never heard anything at all, there were a lot of other things on our minds in those days as a soldier.

 

[mpw]

I've got a question (which may be dumb, but I'll admit to very little knowledge of military affairs);
As I understand it there are British troops in Afghanistan fighting along side, and perhaps under the command of US forces, and possibly vice-versa. What happens then if an openly gay British soldier is stationed within a US base for example?

 

[IOWA]

Thank you! Magnificent post. In IOWA's post, in my opinion, almost everything was way off-base.

I mean, how does he think that homosexuality is caused by abuse in any way!? Lol.



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Because Psychological studies support that. Just like psychological studies show people who are sexually abused are more likely to abuse.

If you can't accept the truth, fine, but it's not my problem.

 

[IOWA]

That’s quite a lesson in being tolorent of other’s views.


Bugger me! I must’ve been getting it wrong all this time, because it doesn’t make any real difference to me.


Oh noes! Now, with IOWA, being so deffinate and absolute in his claims that I should react just as he expects, and any argument not being acceptable I have to question whether I even exist!!

Wow, isn’t the internet wonderful; how long has man searched for the meaning of life? And IOWA’s cleared the whole matter up for us


You don’t really understand much of this do you IOWA?

You make me smile, in the same way that I smile at those videos of a toddler trying to pick stuff up by bending over, and then dropping the last thing they picked up; it's like they're trying, but just can't grasp what they're getting so wrong.

(Points) Bahahahaha... haha.. ha.. baha.. ha....'

I suppose you believe mulder's sister was really taken by aliens too.. sometimes (ok most of the time) Your denial of reality can be quite hilarious.

Oh, and the meaning of life thing? It is reproduction. It's the only logical answer. Take a look at every other species on the planet, and our strongest basic urges. The meaning of life, is reproduction.

 

[Frisco]

Because Psychological studies support that. Just like psychological studies show people who are sexually abused are more likely to abuse.

If you can't accept the truth, fine, but it's not my problem.

Have you cited any of these studies?

You post links to those and then I'll post links to studies as to those driven via abuse from their natural homosexuality to living as heterosexuals.