Sex education and other things . . .
Thanksgiving is over and the Christmas season is here. I am happy to report that Operation Save America's boycott of Wal-Mart was a big bust. From what I understand, they only boycotted in a few places and many were not responsive to their message.
They didn't even bother to boycott at any Wal-Mart in South Carolina, which I am kinda upset about. This state seems to always miss the fun.
Now the Christmas season is here, which means it is time for the phony "War on Christmas," brought to you by the anti-gay industry in yet another attempt to spin a conspiracy theory that "nameless, Godless hordes" are attempting to take the "Christ" out of Christmas.
For a good perspective on what utter nonsense this is, I turn to my friend Joe Brummer - (http://joebrummer.com/WordPress/)
Now in Maryland, there is a situation that has been taking place for a long time regarding objections to sex education. The Washington Blade gives a good cover to this story - (http://www.washblade.com/2006/11-24/news/localnews/curriculum.cfm)
But to make a long story short, it is basically the same problem when it comes to sex education and homosexuality. Anti-gay industry groups do everything they can to see that homosexual orientation is either not covered in sex education classes or covered in a way that they see fit, which generally is:
homosexuality is a "dangerous lifestyle" that should be avoided because gay men have lots of anal sex and it causes them to get diseases, take drugs, and engage in all sorts of evil behavior.
In this particular case, anti-gay industry members have helped some form a group called Citizens for a Responsible Curriculum.
CRC is yet another group attempting to force their negative view of the gay community on others. A good look at their resource page tells the entire story - (http://www.mcpscurriculum.com/resources_related_links.shtml)
The grubby hands of our friend Peter LaBarbera and other assorted so-called "pro family" groups are there. Some of their links are filled with errors. For example:
A. 15 Good Reasons to Oppose ‘Sexual Orientation’ (Homosexuality) Codes in Schools.
This piece, linked from the CRC webpage is from our friend Peter LaBarbera. Even the title is a distortion. No school operates a "sexual orientation" code. I am not even certain that this phrase even exists. From the onset, it is plainly seen that LaBarbera is engaging in propaganda and fear tactics. This is further demonstrated when one reads the piece.
His first point is a distortion:
"Homosexual behavior is wrong (and illegal in some states) . . ."
The first problem with this is that LaBarbera has not established what exactly is "homosexual behavior." Secondly, he is incorrect about the legality of it. Clearly LaBarbera is leading the reader to think that "homosexual behavior" is a description involving solely sexual behavior. His piece was written in 2002 (before Lawrence vs. Texas) made sodomy laws illegal. But even if somehow Lawrence vs. Texas had ruled the other way, his assertion of homosexual behavior being illegal is incorrect. Most of the sodomy laws had to do with sexual acts, heterosexual or homosexual, and not whom the acts were being committed with.
LaBabera continues his distortions with point two:
"Homosexual actions are unhealthy - especially for males. Like smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse, they should be discouraged. Dangerous behavior that shortens a person’s life should never be promoted to impressionable students."
Again, LaBarbera does not give a description of what exactly are "homosexual actions," leading the reader to think that "homosexual actions" can only be defined by sexual behavior by two people of the same gender. Also, his second point regarding "homosexual actions" shortening a person’s lifespan is an out and out distortion. No legitimate researcher has ever said that homosexuality shortens someone’s lifespan. The Centers for Disease Control has gone on record saying that they have never conducted studies saying that homosexuality "shortens" someone’s lifespan. - The Washington Blade, June 17, 2005
The only two sources LaBarbera and his groups can cite comes from a distorted Oxford study (http://ije.oupjournals.org/cgi/content/full/30/6/1499) and a discredited researcher by the name of Paul Cameron (remember him). Among other things, Cameron had his membership in the American Psychological Association taken away because he was found guilty of distorting the work of other researchers.
The rest of LaBarbera’s piece is just pure propaganda. He throws out incredibly bizarre hypothetical situations but does not quantify them with proof as to whether or not they will ever take place.
This is the caliber of "responsible curriculum" that CRC wants to force on Maryland.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Boycott dropped?
The word of the day is that the American Family Association has dropped their boycott of Wal-Mart. Apparently Wal-Mart has made some sort of promise to the AFA.
However, it is obvious that Wal-mart's promise to AFA to "avoid unrestricted donations that might be used for causes Wal-Mart did not endorse" is just a ridiculous conglomeration of words that really doesn't change the store's position. (http://www.localnewswatch.com/benton/stories/index.php?action=fullnews&id=28303)
That lovingly radical group, Operation Save America is obviously still not happy. (http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/384701564.html)
Take a tip, Operation Save America. Obviously AFA realized that it was biting off more than it could chew and is trying to exit this situation gracefully.
It's not working but still, it's nice to watch.
God and Us
I wish all of my readers all of the joy and happiness this Thanksgiving season.
I also want to give you all food for thought.
One of the most dangerous lies that is spread by the anti-gay industry is the idea that God disapproves of our community.
Supposedly we are an abomination and a stench in His nostrils.
What nonsense.
It took me years to reach my point of clarity regarding my God and my sexual orientation. I know the Biblical verses by heart that supposedly condemns homosexuality and I know what has been said publicly.
I, like so many of us, have gone through the wringer wondering whether or not God hates me. I have wondered many times that if God hates homosexuals, then why did he make me one.
It all stopped one day when I did something I should have done from the start.
I simply asked him.
Part of the problem with religion, particularly Christianity in the United States, is that it is conducted like a typing class.
In typing class, the location of the alphabet keys are drilled into your head until you could reach them without looking at them.
Like typing class, Christianity is done the same way.
We follow a set of rituals until they are drilled in our head. We are told not to question what we are being taught. But how can you have answers to questions without asking?
I think we lose perspective when it comes to who we are supposed to ask. The pastor of your church don’t have the answers. God does.
It is He who we should ask.
I think that when we let others, be it the pastor of a church, a family member, or a televangelist, tell us what God thinks, we are just setting ourselves up for a fall.
My homosexuality taught me to have a closer relationship with God. Dealing with my sexual orientation forced me to close out all other voices who was telling me what God felt about me because only He could give me the correct answer.
And he told me that I am His creation and delightful in His sight.
So when someone throws the Good Book at you, do what I did.
Consult the original author.
The word of the day is that the American Family Association has dropped their boycott of Wal-Mart. Apparently Wal-Mart has made some sort of promise to the AFA.
However, it is obvious that Wal-mart's promise to AFA to "avoid unrestricted donations that might be used for causes Wal-Mart did not endorse" is just a ridiculous conglomeration of words that really doesn't change the store's position. (http://www.localnewswatch.com/benton/stories/index.php?action=fullnews&id=28303)
That lovingly radical group, Operation Save America is obviously still not happy. (http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/384701564.html)
Take a tip, Operation Save America. Obviously AFA realized that it was biting off more than it could chew and is trying to exit this situation gracefully.
It's not working but still, it's nice to watch.
God and Us
I wish all of my readers all of the joy and happiness this Thanksgiving season.
I also want to give you all food for thought.
One of the most dangerous lies that is spread by the anti-gay industry is the idea that God disapproves of our community.
Supposedly we are an abomination and a stench in His nostrils.
What nonsense.
It took me years to reach my point of clarity regarding my God and my sexual orientation. I know the Biblical verses by heart that supposedly condemns homosexuality and I know what has been said publicly.
I, like so many of us, have gone through the wringer wondering whether or not God hates me. I have wondered many times that if God hates homosexuals, then why did he make me one.
It all stopped one day when I did something I should have done from the start.
I simply asked him.
Part of the problem with religion, particularly Christianity in the United States, is that it is conducted like a typing class.
In typing class, the location of the alphabet keys are drilled into your head until you could reach them without looking at them.
Like typing class, Christianity is done the same way.
We follow a set of rituals until they are drilled in our head. We are told not to question what we are being taught. But how can you have answers to questions without asking?
I think we lose perspective when it comes to who we are supposed to ask. The pastor of your church don’t have the answers. God does.
It is He who we should ask.
I think that when we let others, be it the pastor of a church, a family member, or a televangelist, tell us what God thinks, we are just setting ourselves up for a fall.
My homosexuality taught me to have a closer relationship with God. Dealing with my sexual orientation forced me to close out all other voices who was telling me what God felt about me because only He could give me the correct answer.
And he told me that I am His creation and delightful in His sight.
So when someone throws the Good Book at you, do what I did.
Consult the original author.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Gay Penguins and evolution
It's been a madhouse around here as I work to complete my book. Apparently I am going to have to copy edit myself as the nearest copy editor will charge me up to $200, which wouldn't be a problem except that I have no budget.
Also, this is Thanksgiving week, so all minds are geared to traveling and such. However, I did notice something interesting about a recent incident.
In Illinois, some parents aren't happy about a library book that centers on two male penguins taking care of an egg and the offspring that comes from it. To make them even more angry, school officials are reluctant to remove the book from the shelves. (http://www.gay.com/news/article.html?navpath=/channels/families&date=2006/11/20/2)
Apparently the book is talking about a natural occurence in the animal kingdom and the parents are all geared up to think its "dirty gay sex." Bear in mind, the penguins aren't having sex or anything like that; they are just taking care of an abandoned egg.
What is so interesting about this are the comments I have read regarding the article. I went on Huffington Post and read a few of them. Of course there are some whining about "homosexual indoctrination" and the like.
But the comments that impressed me were from gays who are raising children and felt that there is nothing wrong with book or their families. I liked the way they stood up for themselves with dignity and resolve.
It got me thinking because I remember a time when gays raising families was not talked about or even considered. I remember a time when realizing that you were gay meant whatever dreams you had of raising a family would eliminated from your life's goals.
And you know what? I am pretty damned proud of my people. We are evolving. Many of us are no longer falling for the lie that if you are gay, your life is over or that you are doomed to a selfish hedonistic existence.
Many of us are not falling for the illusion that if you are gay, then you are disqualified from the normal basic functions of humanity; those being civility, love, dignity, and a desire to make a positive impact on the world
Of course we have a long way to go and people like Lou Sheldon and Peter LaBarbera won't make it easy for us, but we are strong and resilient.
And most of all, we have God on our side.
So I guess I am saying that in this Thanksgiving season, I am not only proud of being gay, but I am also proud of my lgbt brothers and sisters.
And I can't wait to see what the future holds for us.
It's been a madhouse around here as I work to complete my book. Apparently I am going to have to copy edit myself as the nearest copy editor will charge me up to $200, which wouldn't be a problem except that I have no budget.
Also, this is Thanksgiving week, so all minds are geared to traveling and such. However, I did notice something interesting about a recent incident.
In Illinois, some parents aren't happy about a library book that centers on two male penguins taking care of an egg and the offspring that comes from it. To make them even more angry, school officials are reluctant to remove the book from the shelves. (http://www.gay.com/news/article.html?navpath=/channels/families&date=2006/11/20/2)
Apparently the book is talking about a natural occurence in the animal kingdom and the parents are all geared up to think its "dirty gay sex." Bear in mind, the penguins aren't having sex or anything like that; they are just taking care of an abandoned egg.
What is so interesting about this are the comments I have read regarding the article. I went on Huffington Post and read a few of them. Of course there are some whining about "homosexual indoctrination" and the like.
But the comments that impressed me were from gays who are raising children and felt that there is nothing wrong with book or their families. I liked the way they stood up for themselves with dignity and resolve.
It got me thinking because I remember a time when gays raising families was not talked about or even considered. I remember a time when realizing that you were gay meant whatever dreams you had of raising a family would eliminated from your life's goals.
And you know what? I am pretty damned proud of my people. We are evolving. Many of us are no longer falling for the lie that if you are gay, your life is over or that you are doomed to a selfish hedonistic existence.
Many of us are not falling for the illusion that if you are gay, then you are disqualified from the normal basic functions of humanity; those being civility, love, dignity, and a desire to make a positive impact on the world
Of course we have a long way to go and people like Lou Sheldon and Peter LaBarbera won't make it easy for us, but we are strong and resilient.
And most of all, we have God on our side.
So I guess I am saying that in this Thanksgiving season, I am not only proud of being gay, but I am also proud of my lgbt brothers and sisters.
And I can't wait to see what the future holds for us.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Reaping benefits of helping yourself
I spoke to my publisher today and my book is on deck for sometime in May/June 2007.
This entire progress has been tiring and I have gone through many "changes" so to speak. As this two-year odyssey of writing and publishing my first book comes to an end, I am been having a few epiphanies. These epiphanies are also because of the recent passage of the anti-marriage equality amendment in my state of South Carolina, something I fought to prevent.
While I have been writing this book, I have received some support from those who understand why a book like this is important.
Unfortunately, there have also been some who cannot understand why the gay community needs to chart and record the distortions of the anti-gay industry. This is the set of people I like to call "old school."
When I say "old school," I mean those activists who think that anything that causes attention to our cause is a good thing. They seem to be stuck in past, where tactics of direct action was appropriate. During those times, loudly bringing attention to our causes was needed.
But now is the time for pragmatism and planning, building our base, and giving our community spiritual and psychological boosts against the slings and arrows of ignorance some throw against us.
It is also time that we distinguish between the purveyors of anti-gay propaganda and those who fall for their lies. We should confront people like Lou Sheldon and organizations like Focus on the Family with dignity and control of our image. Our fight is not against those who think that homosexuality is a sin, but with those who exploit those beliefs.
With that in mind, the following is a draft of the back cover of my upcoming book. Feel free to tell me what you think:
Why do the Traditional Values Coalition continue to use studies against the gay community that it has acknowledged as being incorrect?
Why did Robert Knight, James Kennedy, and other religious conservatives cite a Netherlands study to make the case against same sex marriage even though the study had nothing to do with marriage at all?
Why do religious conservative pundits continue to claim that gay men have short line spans, even though their claim has been refuted several times, including by the originators of a study they continue to cite?
Why have several researchers and professors gone on record claiming that religious conservatives either distort their original work or take their findings out of context?
Why do religious conservative groups continue to cite the work of Paul Cameron, even though he has been censured and rebuked by several legitimate organizations including the American Psychological Association?
In their attempts to prove the worst about the gay community, so-called “pro-family” groups have created a house of pseudo-scientific studies made up of distortions, lies, and legitimate studies taken out of context.
These studies are then pushed by fake experts and Ph.D.s and repeated by conservative columnists and ignorant people of faith all willing to sacrifice their integrity on the altar of an alleged higher calling.
For the very first time, a book analyzes these deceptive tactics of Concerned Women for America, the Traditional Values Coalition, the American Family Association, and other so-called “pro family” groups as they not only demonize the American gay community but exploit the beliefs of people of faith.
I spoke to my publisher today and my book is on deck for sometime in May/June 2007.
This entire progress has been tiring and I have gone through many "changes" so to speak. As this two-year odyssey of writing and publishing my first book comes to an end, I am been having a few epiphanies. These epiphanies are also because of the recent passage of the anti-marriage equality amendment in my state of South Carolina, something I fought to prevent.
While I have been writing this book, I have received some support from those who understand why a book like this is important.
Unfortunately, there have also been some who cannot understand why the gay community needs to chart and record the distortions of the anti-gay industry. This is the set of people I like to call "old school."
When I say "old school," I mean those activists who think that anything that causes attention to our cause is a good thing. They seem to be stuck in past, where tactics of direct action was appropriate. During those times, loudly bringing attention to our causes was needed.
But now is the time for pragmatism and planning, building our base, and giving our community spiritual and psychological boosts against the slings and arrows of ignorance some throw against us.
It is also time that we distinguish between the purveyors of anti-gay propaganda and those who fall for their lies. We should confront people like Lou Sheldon and organizations like Focus on the Family with dignity and control of our image. Our fight is not against those who think that homosexuality is a sin, but with those who exploit those beliefs.
With that in mind, the following is a draft of the back cover of my upcoming book. Feel free to tell me what you think:
Why do the Traditional Values Coalition continue to use studies against the gay community that it has acknowledged as being incorrect?
Why did Robert Knight, James Kennedy, and other religious conservatives cite a Netherlands study to make the case against same sex marriage even though the study had nothing to do with marriage at all?
Why do religious conservative pundits continue to claim that gay men have short line spans, even though their claim has been refuted several times, including by the originators of a study they continue to cite?
Why have several researchers and professors gone on record claiming that religious conservatives either distort their original work or take their findings out of context?
Why do religious conservative groups continue to cite the work of Paul Cameron, even though he has been censured and rebuked by several legitimate organizations including the American Psychological Association?
In their attempts to prove the worst about the gay community, so-called “pro-family” groups have created a house of pseudo-scientific studies made up of distortions, lies, and legitimate studies taken out of context.
These studies are then pushed by fake experts and Ph.D.s and repeated by conservative columnists and ignorant people of faith all willing to sacrifice their integrity on the altar of an alleged higher calling.
For the very first time, a book analyzes these deceptive tactics of Concerned Women for America, the Traditional Values Coalition, the American Family Association, and other so-called “pro family” groups as they not only demonize the American gay community but exploit the beliefs of people of faith.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Support Wal-Mart
No, I am not getting a cut of proceeds from advising you all to support Wal-Mart.
I have a more practical reason to ask you this.
Apparently some anti-gay organizations are all up in arms because the store has not only "dared" to support the gay community but is also selling items that cater to the gay community (http://www.savewalmart.com/):
"On August 21, 2006, the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce” (NGLCC) announced a “partnership” with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart is now a corporate member” of the NGLCC.
Wal-Mart gave a one time $25,000 gift to join the NGLCC.
A Wal-Mart vice-president will serve as an advisor to NGLCC.
Wal-Mart will now sponsor (pay for) some programs of the NGLCC."
Oh the horror!
All Wal-Mart is doing is catering to a segment of the buying public. And we, the gay community, are a segment of the buying public.
But according to groups like Operation Save America:
"Wal-Mart is being blackmailed by the abortion industry and the radical homosexual agenda. That’s right! After being lambasted for years by the anti-family, pro-abortion, pro-homosexual, radical left, Wal-Mart is caving in. This former “family friendly store” is bowing to, and being extorted by, the demands of those who hate God, marriage, family, children, and America!"
There they go again with the conspiracy theory and the dire consequences technique (see yesterday's post.)
I am all for people not shopping at Wal-Mart because they disagree with the store's policy but that is not the case here. This boycott is not to improve worker conditions or store conditions, but to make Wal-mart adhere to their moral code.
Apparently these groups (and our friend Peter LaBarbera has a small hand in the circus) have picked November 24th, the day that Christmas shopping really starts, to put their campaign in full blast.
What their campaign means is more lies. In other words, if it even seems like Wal-Mart is not making as much money over the Christmas shopping season as the store has predicted, these groups are going to take credit for it.
I personally think that our community should go out of our way to support Wal-Mart if the store is truly going to bat for us. And not just Wal-Mart. If anyone or any store is willing to take a hit for us, then we should show some level of support.
As luck would have it, my mother's birthday is on November 24th. Thanks to Operation Save America and our friend Peter LaBarbera, she will be receiving something besides a cash gift of $50.
She will be receiving a nice set of gifts from Wal-Mart.
No, I am not getting a cut of proceeds from advising you all to support Wal-Mart.
I have a more practical reason to ask you this.
Apparently some anti-gay organizations are all up in arms because the store has not only "dared" to support the gay community but is also selling items that cater to the gay community (http://www.savewalmart.com/):
"On August 21, 2006, the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce” (NGLCC) announced a “partnership” with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart is now a corporate member” of the NGLCC.
Wal-Mart gave a one time $25,000 gift to join the NGLCC.
A Wal-Mart vice-president will serve as an advisor to NGLCC.
Wal-Mart will now sponsor (pay for) some programs of the NGLCC."
Oh the horror!
All Wal-Mart is doing is catering to a segment of the buying public. And we, the gay community, are a segment of the buying public.
But according to groups like Operation Save America:
"Wal-Mart is being blackmailed by the abortion industry and the radical homosexual agenda. That’s right! After being lambasted for years by the anti-family, pro-abortion, pro-homosexual, radical left, Wal-Mart is caving in. This former “family friendly store” is bowing to, and being extorted by, the demands of those who hate God, marriage, family, children, and America!"
There they go again with the conspiracy theory and the dire consequences technique (see yesterday's post.)
I am all for people not shopping at Wal-Mart because they disagree with the store's policy but that is not the case here. This boycott is not to improve worker conditions or store conditions, but to make Wal-mart adhere to their moral code.
Apparently these groups (and our friend Peter LaBarbera has a small hand in the circus) have picked November 24th, the day that Christmas shopping really starts, to put their campaign in full blast.
What their campaign means is more lies. In other words, if it even seems like Wal-Mart is not making as much money over the Christmas shopping season as the store has predicted, these groups are going to take credit for it.
I personally think that our community should go out of our way to support Wal-Mart if the store is truly going to bat for us. And not just Wal-Mart. If anyone or any store is willing to take a hit for us, then we should show some level of support.
As luck would have it, my mother's birthday is on November 24th. Thanks to Operation Save America and our friend Peter LaBarbera, she will be receiving something besides a cash gift of $50.
She will be receiving a nice set of gifts from Wal-Mart.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Six Distortion Techniques of the Anti-Gay Industry
Over a two year period, I looked over various research papers, studies, and claims that the anti-gay industry has written pertaining to the gay community. I found a disturbing pattern of deception that can be broken down to six distortion techniques.
Let me preface my claim by saying when I make mention of "the anti-gay industry," I am not talking about Christians and other people of faith in general. The anti-gay industry are the organizations and groups who claimed to stand for "traditional values" or "morality," such as Concerned Women for America, Focus on the Family, the Traditional Values Coalition, etc.
I am also referring to people like James Dobson, Lou Sheldon, Peter LaBarbera, DL Foster, or any person who seek to exploit the religious beliefs of people of faith for their own personal agendas.
I refer to them cynically as an "industry" because their very existence relies on fears, lies, and stereotypes about the gay community. And fears, lies, and stereotypes are not indicative or any group or persons who claim to stand for morality and values. I have gone into detail about these propaganda techniques in other writings and will continue to do such in my upcoming book.
At least two of these techniques are present in almost every "religious right" claim or study about the gay community.
Distortion Technique 1 - Using nonrepresentative or out of date studies to make generalizations or distorting legitimate to give misleading conclusions
Anti-gay industry studies often rely on convenience samples (individuals who are easy to reach for the research being done) in order to stigmatize the entire gay community. Many of these studies consist of gays in STD clinics or foreign research, such as those from the Netherlands. So-called "pro family" groups often push the incorrect idea that the Netherlands is the most gay-tolerant place in the world and subsequently, if they could take studies from that area and show that "promoting homosexuality" there has caused problems, and then it would demonstrate that homosexuality on the whole is a bad concept. Lastly, the anti-gay industry routinely manipulate the findings of certain studies to reach a conclusion that had nothing to do with the studies’ original objective.
Distortion Technique 2 - Repetition
In addition to distorting legitimate studies, so-called "pro family" groups are also aided by the constant repetition of these distortions. Once they find something that can be construed as a negative fact about the gay community, it is repeated over and over again. These "facts" are often repeated in front of legislative bodies or on media interviews. One of the most dangerous avenues that these lies can channel is being cited by well-meaning people of faith or by television program commentators as proof of the so-called dangers of homosexuality.
Distortion technique 3 - Conspiracy Theory
The anti-gay industry have on many occasions accused the gay community of being the masterminds of a huge plot to overturn "American values." In the absence of concrete proof, they create theories linked together by the strings of paranoia. So-called "pro family" groups claim to speak for and to people of faith. Unfortunately many of these people of faith are not familiar with the gay community. All the anti-gay industry has to do is pull up a "questionable" quote from at least one gay or lesbian leader to exploit this ignorance and they easily have these people of faith convinced that an "agenda" is afoot.
Distortion Technique 4 - Dire Consequences
One of the most effective tactics of the anti-gay industry is to claim that pro-gay laws will lead to dire consequences. They say that laws created to protect gays would either a: cause homosexuality to be "forced" on everyone, particularly children or b: cause those who supposedly speak out against homosexuality to be jailed. Possible coercion by an "aggressive homosexual lobby" is a constant theme in anti-gay industry data.
The "dire consequences" argument is an old fear tactic that was used in other battles. Just as white racists claimed that any elimination of Jim Crow laws would lead to mixed couples and "mongrelization," the anti-gay industry claim that any law or ordinance that protect gays and lesbians from discrimination or give them any form of visibility is a capitulation that would lead America down a pathway to destruction.
Distortion Technique 5 - Phony Experts
The anti-gay industry generally don’t recruit third, unbiased parties in their fact gathering. They create their own experts on the subject of homosexuality. And these phony experts, usually in-house employees or some with affiliations to so-called "pro family" groups, already have anti-gay biases. Certainly everything they say and do will put homosexuality in a bad light, whether deserved or not, because that is what they are getting paid for. These so-called experts (i.e. Timothy Dailey, Robert Knight, Peter LaBarbera, etc.) have no training or background in what they claim to have expert opinions in. It seems that their titles are dependent on how well they look in the media, or how adept they can apply spin.
Distortion Technique 6 - Dehumanizing Semantics
In order for their arguments to gain more power, the anti-gay industry seeks to strip gays and lesbians of their humanity in the eyes of the public. To them, it is not enough to declare that homosexuality is against God’s will. These organizations manufacture illusions of cabals and invisible enemies; nameless and faceless gay legions out to "destroy" American values and morals.
To further this incorrect notion, members of the anti-gay industry often use sound bites that are repeated until they become part of the verbal lexicon. They skillfully employ phrases that covertly push the idea that gays are outside of the mainstream. This serves to dehumanize their opposition. The following phrases have been used over and over again to describe the actions of the gay community and those viewed as their supporters:
"promoting homosexuality"
"marketing homosexuality"
"endorsing homosexuality"
"teaching homosexuality"
"homosexual activists"
"radical gay agenda"
"activist judges"
"forcing their agenda on us"
"pro homosexual"
"sodomy advocates"
"sodomy lobby"
"sexual anarchists"
"special rights"
"homosexual behavior"
"legitimizing their lifestyle"
"lifestyle"
"deadly lifestyle"
"death style"
"counterfeit marriage"
I invite anyone to look at any study, quote, or research paper by any member of the anti-gay industry. See if any of these distortion techniques are present.
Over a two year period, I looked over various research papers, studies, and claims that the anti-gay industry has written pertaining to the gay community. I found a disturbing pattern of deception that can be broken down to six distortion techniques.
Let me preface my claim by saying when I make mention of "the anti-gay industry," I am not talking about Christians and other people of faith in general. The anti-gay industry are the organizations and groups who claimed to stand for "traditional values" or "morality," such as Concerned Women for America, Focus on the Family, the Traditional Values Coalition, etc.
I am also referring to people like James Dobson, Lou Sheldon, Peter LaBarbera, DL Foster, or any person who seek to exploit the religious beliefs of people of faith for their own personal agendas.
I refer to them cynically as an "industry" because their very existence relies on fears, lies, and stereotypes about the gay community. And fears, lies, and stereotypes are not indicative or any group or persons who claim to stand for morality and values. I have gone into detail about these propaganda techniques in other writings and will continue to do such in my upcoming book.
At least two of these techniques are present in almost every "religious right" claim or study about the gay community.
Distortion Technique 1 - Using nonrepresentative or out of date studies to make generalizations or distorting legitimate to give misleading conclusions
Anti-gay industry studies often rely on convenience samples (individuals who are easy to reach for the research being done) in order to stigmatize the entire gay community. Many of these studies consist of gays in STD clinics or foreign research, such as those from the Netherlands. So-called "pro family" groups often push the incorrect idea that the Netherlands is the most gay-tolerant place in the world and subsequently, if they could take studies from that area and show that "promoting homosexuality" there has caused problems, and then it would demonstrate that homosexuality on the whole is a bad concept. Lastly, the anti-gay industry routinely manipulate the findings of certain studies to reach a conclusion that had nothing to do with the studies’ original objective.
Distortion Technique 2 - Repetition
In addition to distorting legitimate studies, so-called "pro family" groups are also aided by the constant repetition of these distortions. Once they find something that can be construed as a negative fact about the gay community, it is repeated over and over again. These "facts" are often repeated in front of legislative bodies or on media interviews. One of the most dangerous avenues that these lies can channel is being cited by well-meaning people of faith or by television program commentators as proof of the so-called dangers of homosexuality.
Distortion technique 3 - Conspiracy Theory
The anti-gay industry have on many occasions accused the gay community of being the masterminds of a huge plot to overturn "American values." In the absence of concrete proof, they create theories linked together by the strings of paranoia. So-called "pro family" groups claim to speak for and to people of faith. Unfortunately many of these people of faith are not familiar with the gay community. All the anti-gay industry has to do is pull up a "questionable" quote from at least one gay or lesbian leader to exploit this ignorance and they easily have these people of faith convinced that an "agenda" is afoot.
Distortion Technique 4 - Dire Consequences
One of the most effective tactics of the anti-gay industry is to claim that pro-gay laws will lead to dire consequences. They say that laws created to protect gays would either a: cause homosexuality to be "forced" on everyone, particularly children or b: cause those who supposedly speak out against homosexuality to be jailed. Possible coercion by an "aggressive homosexual lobby" is a constant theme in anti-gay industry data.
The "dire consequences" argument is an old fear tactic that was used in other battles. Just as white racists claimed that any elimination of Jim Crow laws would lead to mixed couples and "mongrelization," the anti-gay industry claim that any law or ordinance that protect gays and lesbians from discrimination or give them any form of visibility is a capitulation that would lead America down a pathway to destruction.
Distortion Technique 5 - Phony Experts
The anti-gay industry generally don’t recruit third, unbiased parties in their fact gathering. They create their own experts on the subject of homosexuality. And these phony experts, usually in-house employees or some with affiliations to so-called "pro family" groups, already have anti-gay biases. Certainly everything they say and do will put homosexuality in a bad light, whether deserved or not, because that is what they are getting paid for. These so-called experts (i.e. Timothy Dailey, Robert Knight, Peter LaBarbera, etc.) have no training or background in what they claim to have expert opinions in. It seems that their titles are dependent on how well they look in the media, or how adept they can apply spin.
Distortion Technique 6 - Dehumanizing Semantics
In order for their arguments to gain more power, the anti-gay industry seeks to strip gays and lesbians of their humanity in the eyes of the public. To them, it is not enough to declare that homosexuality is against God’s will. These organizations manufacture illusions of cabals and invisible enemies; nameless and faceless gay legions out to "destroy" American values and morals.
To further this incorrect notion, members of the anti-gay industry often use sound bites that are repeated until they become part of the verbal lexicon. They skillfully employ phrases that covertly push the idea that gays are outside of the mainstream. This serves to dehumanize their opposition. The following phrases have been used over and over again to describe the actions of the gay community and those viewed as their supporters:
"promoting homosexuality"
"marketing homosexuality"
"endorsing homosexuality"
"teaching homosexuality"
"homosexual activists"
"radical gay agenda"
"activist judges"
"forcing their agenda on us"
"pro homosexual"
"sodomy advocates"
"sodomy lobby"
"sexual anarchists"
"special rights"
"homosexual behavior"
"legitimizing their lifestyle"
"lifestyle"
"deadly lifestyle"
"death style"
"counterfeit marriage"
I invite anyone to look at any study, quote, or research paper by any member of the anti-gay industry. See if any of these distortion techniques are present.
Monday, November 13, 2006
The Top Three Headless Monsters
The anti-gay industry operates from the Biblical standpoint of homosexuality is a sin. However, knowing that moral reasonings are sometimes not the sole reason to make laws that would deny the gay community common rights (such as being able to work freely, buy homes, etc.), they push forth the theory that homosexuality is a "dangerous and empty lifestyle" that robs families of their vitality. Working from this stance, these groups propagandize current events, rely on bad studies, and cherry pick portions of legitimate studies in order to prove this point.
I have talked many times about "headless monsters" or stereotypes about the gay community that have been proven wrong, but still continue to be pushed as truth by people like James Dobson, Peter LaBarbera, Andrea Lafferty, and Lou Sheldon.
Let's talk about the top three "headless monsters." I have mentioned them in other posts, but they bear repeating.
Headless Monster #1 - Gay men account for a higher percentage of child molestation cases.
Truth - This idea comes from an incorrect notion that if a man molests a boy, then the man must be gay. No legitimate study has ever said that gay men account for a high percentage of child molestations. In fact, several studies have proven that the majority of men who molest boys have no attraction to adult males. The American Psychological Association, the National Association of Social Workers, the American Academy of Child Psychiatrists and the Child Welfare League of America, all say that the homosexuality and pedophilia are not linked.
Headless Monster #2 - Gay men have a short life span
Truth - This lie comes from two sources. The first source is the work of discredited researcher Paul Cameron. Cameron has been censured and rebuked by many researchers due to his tendency to distort his colleagues' work. In 1984, he was kicked out the American Psychological Association for that very offense. - http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/rainbow/html/facts_cameron.html
The second source comes from a distortion of a 1997 Canadian study. In 2001, the researchers of the original study went on record claiming that "religious right" groups were distorting their work - http://ije.oupjournals.org/cgi/content/full/30/6/1499
Headless Monster #3 - Gays account for a large number of sexually transmitted diseases and many of these diseases are unknown to the heterosexual population. They make up "gay bowel syndrome." Gays also have a problem with depression
Truth - First of all, there is no such thing as "gay bowel syndrome." Many of these diseases are present in the heterosexual population. The Center for Disease Control does not even recognize the term.
In some cases, gays are susceptible to a high number of sexually transmitted diseases and do have problems with depression. But in cases such as the Robert Garafalo study(Boston doctor says ads distorted his work on gays, The Boston Globe, August 4, 1998) and the article, Health Care Screening for Men Who Have Sex with Men, it has been proven that it is society's negative reaction to homosexuality that fuels much of this behavior, not the orientations of the gay men themselves.
Tomorrow, I will talk about the six distortion techniques used by the anti-gay industry to demonize the gay community.
The anti-gay industry operates from the Biblical standpoint of homosexuality is a sin. However, knowing that moral reasonings are sometimes not the sole reason to make laws that would deny the gay community common rights (such as being able to work freely, buy homes, etc.), they push forth the theory that homosexuality is a "dangerous and empty lifestyle" that robs families of their vitality. Working from this stance, these groups propagandize current events, rely on bad studies, and cherry pick portions of legitimate studies in order to prove this point.
I have talked many times about "headless monsters" or stereotypes about the gay community that have been proven wrong, but still continue to be pushed as truth by people like James Dobson, Peter LaBarbera, Andrea Lafferty, and Lou Sheldon.
Let's talk about the top three "headless monsters." I have mentioned them in other posts, but they bear repeating.
Headless Monster #1 - Gay men account for a higher percentage of child molestation cases.
Truth - This idea comes from an incorrect notion that if a man molests a boy, then the man must be gay. No legitimate study has ever said that gay men account for a high percentage of child molestations. In fact, several studies have proven that the majority of men who molest boys have no attraction to adult males. The American Psychological Association, the National Association of Social Workers, the American Academy of Child Psychiatrists and the Child Welfare League of America, all say that the homosexuality and pedophilia are not linked.
Headless Monster #2 - Gay men have a short life span
Truth - This lie comes from two sources. The first source is the work of discredited researcher Paul Cameron. Cameron has been censured and rebuked by many researchers due to his tendency to distort his colleagues' work. In 1984, he was kicked out the American Psychological Association for that very offense. - http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/rainbow/html/facts_cameron.html
The second source comes from a distortion of a 1997 Canadian study. In 2001, the researchers of the original study went on record claiming that "religious right" groups were distorting their work - http://ije.oupjournals.org/cgi/content/full/30/6/1499
Headless Monster #3 - Gays account for a large number of sexually transmitted diseases and many of these diseases are unknown to the heterosexual population. They make up "gay bowel syndrome." Gays also have a problem with depression
Truth - First of all, there is no such thing as "gay bowel syndrome." Many of these diseases are present in the heterosexual population. The Center for Disease Control does not even recognize the term.
In some cases, gays are susceptible to a high number of sexually transmitted diseases and do have problems with depression. But in cases such as the Robert Garafalo study(Boston doctor says ads distorted his work on gays, The Boston Globe, August 4, 1998) and the article, Health Care Screening for Men Who Have Sex with Men, it has been proven that it is society's negative reaction to homosexuality that fuels much of this behavior, not the orientations of the gay men themselves.
Tomorrow, I will talk about the six distortion techniques used by the anti-gay industry to demonize the gay community.
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