tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5100747061833336603.post7014519186692545030..comments2023-05-12T01:10:00.164-07:00Comments on Scrum Central: I Don't Feel Burdened, Don't Treat Me That WayRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992194211469009236noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5100747061833336603.post-87397254911135188182010-05-19T17:26:33.034-07:002010-05-19T17:26:33.034-07:00This is part of their intentional disinformation c...This is part of their intentional disinformation campaign. If they can portray us as pitiful cripples, "struggling with same-sex attraction", then they have more power over us. Members can content themselves with feelIng condescending sentimentality they mistake for "compassion" for LGBT folks who submit to their "struggling" characterization. <br /><br />They prefer this over story lines based on equal rights, human rights, or civil rights — the idea that we are being true to ourselves, to the powers imbued by our creator to live freely, fall in love, form stable relationships, and be happy. <br /><br />It's about controlling the narrative.Sentient Meathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01412741511422661389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5100747061833336603.post-82135177093742283012009-02-26T19:20:00.000-08:002009-02-26T19:20:00.000-08:00I felt the same way about the article. I think it'...I felt the same way about the article. I think it's good to get a positive perspective on homosexuality out there in the BYU mindset, but I really hate the word "struggle." However, it might be necessary to say "struggle" at first just to get them used to the idea that gays aren't evil. I think we'll find that there are a LOT of people at BYU who are very much against homosexuality to the point that they won't even begin to listen to a pro-gay argument. If we add the word "struggle" in there, maybe we'll at least get some pity. Haha.Captain Midnighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15748442057711647404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5100747061833336603.post-64721476796924188492009-02-26T02:38:00.000-08:002009-02-26T02:38:00.000-08:00Alan, thanks so much for your feedback, and also I...Alan, thanks so much for your feedback, and also I love you blog! Interestingly enough, it was one of my gay friends here at BYU who recommended I change phrases like "experiences SGA" in my first draft to "struggles with SGA" since that is his preferred terminology. In a way, it's part of the big debate among church members about words concerning homosexuality: do we want to use the word gay or homosexual, should it be an adjective or a noun, same gender attraction or same sex attraction, and so on.<BR/><BR/>However, I do agree with you that use of the word "struggle" is particularly troublesome because it does connote a problem on the gay person's part. Looking at one's homosexuality as a burden isn't a healthy (or accurate) way to look at it, I agree. It's very difficult, though, to tread the line. Most (all?) of my gay friends who are still in the church do see their situation as a struggle, whether that's to not act on homosexual attractions or to suppress them or try to be accepted in Mormon culture for who they are or some combination of the above. Most of them aren't at the point you are at, where they can see their homosexuality as something they don't want to get rid of, much less something they can cherish. I'm not exactly sure how to respond to them, because I think their feelings stem from a desire to stay completely active in the church. And as I've read on your blog, although your faith in Christ and the Atonement is stronger than ever, you mentioned that it's hard to stay active in an institution that believes so differently on the nature of homosexuality. I don't want to undermine their efforts to be 100% committed to the church, even when I completely sympathize with your concerns, and to a lesser extent (probably because it's less personal for me) feel them myself.<BR/><BR/>The point is, I think I'll remove/re-word that phrase at least some of the times I used it for my final version (they haven't published it yet, but the editor says they're going to). Thanks so much for reading it, enjoying it, appreciating my good intentions, and even caring enough to offer an honest response. I hope this long comment makes at least some sense!austinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16710012254870960445noreply@blogger.com