I agree Rosalind.
And if it was just a bunch of homeboys talking crap around a campfire, I could care less about wasting my time.
When it comes to a public forum where thousands see the one-sided attitude displayed, then I personally feel that if nothing else is said, it does tend to display to others that this is the norm. I understand others who have quit beating their heads against the wall when it comes to ignorance, bias, racism, and anything one could throw in. I see it in my own family. They hide behind certain values in their mind, some based on what was taught, some religious, and will never consider the impact of what they say.
Maybe if just one at a time, but a group, we can take the time to openly debate or discuss these attitudes and opinions, it may mean nothing to the ones I have been chatting with. It may be more along the lines of just letting others know that there are those out there with the same views. It does over time, take it's toll when it's just 20 guys are all making snide off colored jokes, and nobody cares enough to respond.
My gripe didn't even start as an opposing view. My point was....why does anyone feel they need to come to a open forum such as this and espouse their ideas here. To promote ethnic separation and use such terms by calling others queer, to me just seems wrong on so many levels.
And if each group being denigrated, and I'll use M.B. as example since he commented on it....knows that nobody is willing to say a thing, then I think we are all less for it.
Yes, we can all ignore it. I guess that is why some feel the need to go public with such personal feelings. Their neighbors, coworkers, and past friends, probably quit listening long ago. :-D
All are welcome in my house. But sit down in front of my family at dinner, and start calling people queer, nig---s, and gooks, and you will not be invited back. That is my take on it.
What amazes me, is the lack of respect for those who simply do not want to read about such things on a forum. And their apparent lack of concept that this forum contains folks from all walks of life. And that perhaps a better approach or restraint should be, or could be, used.