Just asking for opinions, do you think that sexual orientation has taken the place of race in discriminations?

Answer 1

To me it isn't as extreme as race discrimination has been in the past, but at this point in time there are more government sanctioned discriminations against homosexuals than other groups. I think that due to the time we live in, we don't have to be as concerned about that our orientation will affect us in an extremely negative fashion. In a lot of ways, we do have to worry as far as marriage, military service, insurance, hospital visitations, inheritance (you know, basic rights), hate crimes and things of that nature. I wouldn't say that our experiences are close to that of other groups that have been the target of discrimination (black, native americans, etc). I think the reason for this is the time we are in. If there had been many openly homosexual people living in the time where there was slavery or massive, massive discrimination I think those people (the openly homosexual ones) would have dealt with much worse treatment. As it is now there isn't as much free range to do as you please. People are governed in a much more strict fashion and therefore are much more unlikely to do something horrific. Now if people feel inclined to string someone up based on their color/orientation/etc they would not be met with a cheering crowd like in the past, but by people who would help and law enforcement that would stop the event from taking place. I sometimes worry that what has happened in the past we are almost doomed to repeat because we don't seem to learn as a country. If we did homosexuality wouldn't even be an issue right now. It's pretty sad.

Answer 2

That's a very good question.

I think sexual discrimination (S/D) is different. S/D is more of a social battle, whereas racial discrimination (R/D) is a battle of humanity. R/D is rooted in feelings of self-superiority; S/D is about what is/isn't acceptable/moral behavior.

Having said that, the battle over S/D will never be as fierce as R/D. S/D will not covered by the media with the same intensity as R/D has been, because generally the public sees S/Orientation as a lifestyle, a choice if you will. And because R/D attacks the core of a people's physiological makeup, something that none of us has a choice on, R/D is considered more abhorrent than S/D.

Yes, there is a belief that S/O is a born trait, as race is. But again, it's hard to instill the same kind of sympathy that people have toward victims of R/D because these victims are persecuted for their appearance. There are still many people out there who feel that homosexuals and bis can simply turn off a switch, change their behavior, and make things "right." So unfortunately gays will not garner as much support as their R/D counterparts do.

Anyway, that's my analysis. I hope this makes sense. Thanks for the question. Good discussion.

Answer 3

I think they could be looked at as even. But, it is all a matter of personal experience. Anything that is different will get discriminated...but then you gotta ask what is normal? People just need to get their heads outta their butts and realize that eveyone is equal... people should only have to be judged on personality and and not on sexual orientation , race, religion, heritge and what have you

Answer 4

No. The answers and questions that I read on here convince me that racism in the US is a huge problem. I don't think that you can compare sexual orientation on that level...I mean that discrimination is discrimination...no matter what the reason --it shouldn't exist.

Answer 5

Now "THAT'S" food for thought.....good question.
You could have a very valid point here.
Now that racism and racial slurs against visible minorities etc. are not considered "politically correct," and some people just aren't happy unless they're making someone Else's life miserable, I'd say, your assumption is probably correct. The gay marriage issue has perhaps contributed to shifting their focus and they've moved on to the next group to belittle!

Answer 6

It used to be accepted in society to look down upon another person of a different ethnicity or race, but in today's society people who behave in such a way are viewed as a social outcast.

It is now accepted in society to look down upon another person of a different sexual attraction, and in today's society people who behave in such a way are viewed as a political candidate.

George Wallace became a political figure by pandering to those who said that a person of another race should not be equal to others; George Bush became political figure by pandering to those who say that a person of another sexual orientation should not be equal to others.

Although racism still exists, it is not sanctioned by the government and individuals who are racist are usually viewed as ignorant and backward. Gay people are discriminated against by both individuals and the government, and people who dislike gay people often are elected to office by saying that they will work against gay people.

Answer 7

I believe racial discrimination is more prevalent because not all homosexuals fit a particular 'stereotype' in terms of their mannerisms.

Of course for some it is extremely apparent, especially for the flamboyant guys and extremely masculine women.

Answer 8

Taken the place of? No.

Has been lumped in with? Yes.

Are gays born that way? I really dunno

Is there a question in that regards to latinos or blacks? Not a chance.

Answer 9

It has definitely moved up the list, but I think race is still the bigger hang-up many people have.

Answer 10

Yes. The gay marriage debate is the new Civil Rights debate.