SYP 3000, 5923 - Society & the Individual

Extra Credit Heterosexism Challenge

For the next week or so try one more of these 3 challenges and write a 1 page single-spaced summary of your experience for up to 2 points. Due by in class or by email (no attachments) onTuesday, 4/23.

   Challenge 1- Pay Attention

  • for the entire week, pay attention to how many times you (and your friends) use the word “gay,” “fag,” “homo,” etc.
  • notice the context in which the words is used (is it when you’re hanging out? In class? During sports & activities? Who is around? What are you talking about?)
  • each time its used, think of another synonym that could have been used instead (since many of you said you didn’t really mean “gay” what did you mean? What other words could have been used in the sentence? stupid? uncool? dumb?)

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       Challenge 2- Stop Saying It

  • remove the words “gay.” “fag,” “homo,” etc. from your vocabulary, just don’t use them, say something else instead
  • many of you said that you know that these words are hurtful to others and so you’re careful not to say it in front of others that you “know” are gay. Is it just a bad habit? Are you afraid that your friends might think you’re less cool if you don’t say it, like “everyone else” does?

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       Challenge 3- Speak Up

  • this challenge isn’t easy and not everyone is in a place in their lives where they are ready to do this. Depending on the situation, sometimes, speaking up is riskier than other situations (like it might be more difficult to speak up when you’re with your closest friends, because you don’t want to cause a conflict or something).
  • so, the next time you hear someone say gay,” “fag,” “homo,” etc. – speak up...
  • tell them you’re uncomfortable, ask them what they really meant and let them know that when they use one of those words when they really mean “bad” or “uncool” that they are making it seem like there is something wrong with gay people.
  • this may be really uncomfortable and awkward, but speak up– say whatever feels right for you, as long as you’re somewhat politely letting others know that you aren’t ok with using words like “gay” as general insult– and that most likely, they didn’t mean any “harm” by it, as so many of you said last night.
  • why is this so hard? Does a teeny tiny part of you maybe fear that if you speak up somebody might wonder if you yourself are gay or lesbian?
  • this challenge is certainly the most challenging... you may not be able to always speak up, but try it a few times and see how it feels.


    • By speaking up you are in a sense announcing that you’re not homophobic. You’re saying that you don’t think there is anything wrong with being gay or lesbian and that you wont tolerate perpetuating the idea that being gay or lesbian is somehow bad or wrong by using the word as a general insult.
     

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