Do you think teachers in the UK should tell kids off for using the word 'gay'?

Question

...when thay actually mean 'boring/naff/uncool'?

E.g., I'm not using that pen, it's gay
Maths is gay...

Or should they just ignore it as the kid isn't being directly homophobic to/about anyone?

Answer 1

I think it should be tackled. The kids shouldn't be told off as such, just told that that isn't an acceptable word to use. Best to tackle it young, make kiddies aware that it is an unnacceptable thing to say. Having said that, I'm bisexual and I've said it myself and am not bothered by people using it, but I'm sure many people would be offended.

Answer 2

No. It's just the "in word" of the moment. Try to ban it, and it will gain a power of its' own, the power of the forbidden. Kids will find new ways to insult each other.
However, as someone who suffers from a real phobia, I DO find the term "homophobia" offensive, as it is applied usually to people, who, for whatever political, moral, or religious reasons, do not approve of homosexuality. Remember that in "1984" by Orwell, language was used as means of social control, and calling someone a homophobe, or classifying someone as a racist, who maybe has concerns over immigration, are prime examples of how these tags are used to stifle debate, which is the sign of a failing democracy.
By the way, gay people are OK by me, I did not answer this question just to have a go at anyone.

Answer 3

I am gay and I don't find it particularly offensive, but I think it should be discouraged. However, kids shouldn't be told off, they should just be corrected. Section 28 doesn't exist anymore but teachers still seem reluctant to discuss the matter of homosexuality in class. They should just explain that it's wrong to use the word 'gay' in a negative way (especially considering its earlier more positive uses) and that it may hurt or offend people. Even better, provide the kids with a better vocabulary so they can express themselves using more impressive words.

Answer 4

They shouldn't discipline them because, as another answerer said, it'll only make it forbidden and rebellious to use the word in relation to anything perceived as negative. It would be far better, IMO, to just challenge them and say something like "can you explain to me how can Maths be gay?" or "what's wrong with being gay? Maybe that pen prefers it" (which, of course, will probably provoke much mirth but is still worth a try).

Personally, I would just show a disparaging attitude towards using the word "gay" in such a senseless and inarticulate manner. Why would anyone want to make themselves look like a bigot?

Answer 5

It's a problem in the US as well. I don't think kids should be told off, but they should just should say "Math's boring" or "Math sucks" instead of "Math is gay"

I'm 17 and I, unfortunately, say such-in-such or whatever is gay, but I'm trying stop it. I don't mean it to be homophobic or disrespectful because I have absolutely nothing against gay people. I'm all for their rights because they're just like me.

I think the issue here is that the term was just sort of picked up. I think it should be stopped somehow, because it's just as bad as going "That Jewish!!" when the teacher tells you to go to the principal's office.

It's a weird little thing though. I believe few people who pop off with "that's gay" actually mean it in some sort of derogetory manner. It's like when someone uses God's name in vain, like "Oh my God! The dog was huge!" or "And I was like 'My God' and blah blah blah" or however. To most people, saying God isn't too big of a thing, but being where I'm from I've had a couple of good friends come up to me and ask me if I would "stop using the Lord's name in vain".

This is where it's tricky. When they asked me that, I saw where they were coming from, being religious and all, but why did I have to change my mannerisms for their ears? Some kids will take offense when they're told not to use "gay" as "boring" or "uncool" or "stupid". It's part of their vocabulary and things like that are kind of hard to change. Like how when I talk and always say "like" every few words or when I'm thinking (instead of going "um" or just shutting up). I sound like a Valley Girl and it's pretty annoying, so it's part of my vocabulary I would like to correct as well. Wow...there's a lot of "likes" in those last two sentences, hehe.

Anyways, I think using "gay" in place of other words like "boring" should be stopped. I don't think telling kids off will help much, as it's likely (dammit! lol) to just make them more combative, especially among teens.

Peace & Best!

Answer 6

No because telling kids off for something that rediculous is so Gay!
You need to be less touchy - Gay has always meant happy and cheerful ,Queer has always meant odd.
Homosexuals hijacked the terms to make themselves feel normal ,less of an outcast.Wrong I know but my old Mum alwatys says :-
"Better Gay than miserable!"
I work with several gay men ,in my work environment you can`t avoid it ,and they`ve all got a sense of humour.
I said the other day ,after a long run of nightshifts ,to one of my colleagues that if I did anymore nights this week "i`d come over a little queer." he replied as quick as a flash "Lucky him"

Answer 7

I hate that word being used as an insult. I'm not gay but I have gay friends and it really offends me to hear kids calling each other "gay" or saying something is "gay" in a derogatory way.

There's no need of it. They should find another word to use.

Answer 8

I often wonder about this in the US. By punishing kids for using the word, It's like saying "Gay" is a bad word- and thats not right to say.
I think reminding them that there are several meanings to the word, "gay" and when they use it in a negative manner it makes them sound racist. Of course they know that but maybe they will think about it somedayand stop using the word.

Answer 9

the kids don't mean it's "naff" they mean it's not cool and when your in school ga's are not cool! so yes they are using the term to be offensive to gays but no they shouldn't be told off for it cuz then it'll really turn into something and then the teacher wont be able to say "go STRAIGHT to the principles office for saying the word GAY"

Answer 10

Why should they. the word gay is in the dictionary, when i was younger it meant happy, when the hell did gay mean boring/naff/uncool. Get real pal