Slog
News & ArtsWednesday, December 16, 2009
Homo / ??!! / Media Should Gay People Be Put to Death?
Posted by Dan Savage on Wed, Dec 16, 2009 at 12:37 PM
The BBC asks its readers. Some people think the question is offensive. Let's play a thought experiment: would the BBC ask its readers if Jews should face execution? Gee... that's a tough one...
1
Not relevant. Jewish rights are not in question.
So what if it's offensive? GLBT have a lot of enemies. Why not get a ballpark figure of how many there might be?
So what if it's offensive? GLBT have a lot of enemies. Why not get a ballpark figure of how many there might be?
3
Jesus... they couldn't have said "What do you think of the proposed Ugandan legislation?" and accomplished the exact same thing (starting the discussion about the issue on their discussion board)? They had to ask "should homosexuals face execution"? Really?
4
P.S. Should women be stoned to death for adultery? Does the law in southern Somalia go too far? What do you think?
5
uh, that's extremely insensitive and disgusting...not ANY different than asking if ANY human group should be put to death; Palestinians, Shi ites, Gypsies, investment bankers, mimes or children aged 9 and 1/2. By asking that question you essentially say that there is an OPTION on whether or not these people should be killed.
And, if a gay killing ban law was enacted in the UK, the BBC would be left with about 7 employees...
And, if a gay killing ban law was enacted in the UK, the BBC would be left with about 7 employees...
8
Uganda's proposed legislation, is offensive.
The fact that the question needs to be asked, is offensive.
The proposed systemic extermination of any group is ground work for genocide, and it is offensive.
So is the "they're a soverign nation" and should thus be permitted to inflict atrocities and violate human rights as evidence of their individuality, is offensive as well.
The inability of the collective human race to learn that benign acceptance leads to violence, is offensive.
It's all fucking offensive.
I'll shut up now.
The fact that the question needs to be asked, is offensive.
The proposed systemic extermination of any group is ground work for genocide, and it is offensive.
So is the "they're a soverign nation" and should thus be permitted to inflict atrocities and violate human rights as evidence of their individuality, is offensive as well.
The inability of the collective human race to learn that benign acceptance leads to violence, is offensive.
It's all fucking offensive.
I'll shut up now.
10
Or maybe: If you were in a room with a loaded pistol and with Barney Frank and Joe Lieberman, whom whould you shoot?
13
Notice that they have now closed the comment thread.
@1: The struggles of the Jewish community and the LGBTQ community are similar to a large degree - including to the extent that members of each can blend in with the majority culture at large without notice - causing some haters (antisemites or homophobes) to feel "tricked" or "betrayed" when they find out that someone they thought was "normal" (Xtain or straight) was really "one of those people".
This is one of the reasons that as Dan has said many times (and Harvey Milk, long before him) that the most substantial political act that a person can perform is to come out.
Fearing the 'unfamiliar' or different is a common human reaction - once people realize that many of the people that they know, respect, and count as friends and loved ones are members of a group that they have considered to be 'other' - the fear begins to disappear, and a chance of dialogue and understanding begins.
@1: The struggles of the Jewish community and the LGBTQ community are similar to a large degree - including to the extent that members of each can blend in with the majority culture at large without notice - causing some haters (antisemites or homophobes) to feel "tricked" or "betrayed" when they find out that someone they thought was "normal" (Xtain or straight) was really "one of those people".
This is one of the reasons that as Dan has said many times (and Harvey Milk, long before him) that the most substantial political act that a person can perform is to come out.
Fearing the 'unfamiliar' or different is a common human reaction - once people realize that many of the people that they know, respect, and count as friends and loved ones are members of a group that they have considered to be 'other' - the fear begins to disappear, and a chance of dialogue and understanding begins.
14
@3 Did you even follow the link?
The question the BBC asks and the question reworded by Dan differ in precisely the manner you describe.
The question the BBC asks and the question reworded by Dan differ in precisely the manner you describe.
15
@10: Really all you have to do is lock Barney Frank in a room with Joe Lieberman and things will sort themselves out - just make sure that you unlock the door after 5 minutes - wouldn't want to keep Barney waiting too long after he's dealt with Lieberman.
(footnote: Comparing how each has used their political power - Frank is the only one of the two who is adhering to the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam - "to repair the world" or make things better)
(footnote: Comparing how each has used their political power - Frank is the only one of the two who is adhering to the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam - "to repair the world" or make things better)
18
Which woud you rather have? Mass tansit or mass murder?And which would be more evironmentally friendly?
19
Whenever something disgusting like this comes up the haters have a way of turning the logic around in their favor. just waiting for the..."at least we only want to imprison homosexuals and not have them executed" after the 2010 election winds up being 1994 all over again.
22
@10: Barney Frank. No hesitation whatsoever. He's earned it over the last fifteen years of being a dickcheese to queers that don't meet his calibre of social approval.
At least Lieberman hasn't expressed that kind of contempt.
At least Lieberman hasn't expressed that kind of contempt.
24
@14 - Um, "Should homosexuals face execution" was taken directly from the link. It's the first sentence, actually. They also say "Has Uganda gone too far"? My point is, you can start a discussion on this topic in other (less ridiculously offensive) ways than literally saying "Should gay people be killed? Send us your views."
25
@22: Actually, Lieberman is not above that level of contempt.
Like I said before, the two communities have lots in common - including individuals who try to decide if you're the "right kind" (of Jew or queer) to "meet his calibre of social approval." And in each case, that kind of thinking can lead to disasterous social and political results.
Like I said before, the two communities have lots in common - including individuals who try to decide if you're the "right kind" (of Jew or queer) to "meet his calibre of social approval." And in each case, that kind of thinking can lead to disasterous social and political results.
26
@24: "Jesus... they couldn't have said "What do you think of the proposed Ugandan legislation?"
They did.
But just so we can have a point of agreement here - RARRRGGGHHHH!!!!! OUTRAGE! HOW DARE THEY?!?!
They did.
But just so we can have a point of agreement here - RARRRGGGHHHH!!!!! OUTRAGE! HOW DARE THEY?!?!
27
My favorite comment as got to be this one:
"Homosexuality is not natural. It makes me very uncomfortable when you consider what it involves, although the death penalty is probably a little harsh."
rob d, northampton
Gee thanks ROB, death is just a 'little' harsh, just a tad, just a smidge, just a wee bit?
"Homosexuality is not natural. It makes me very uncomfortable when you consider what it involves, although the death penalty is probably a little harsh."
rob d, northampton
Gee thanks ROB, death is just a 'little' harsh, just a tad, just a smidge, just a wee bit?
28
@26 - They asked a series of questions about the legislation, but they started with "Should homosexuals face execution" and "Has Uganda gone too far". It's my view that it was only necessary to ask the "what do you think"-type questions, not the "should the gays be killed" questions.
Anyways, someone should probably point out that this was for a program called "Africa, Have Your Say", so presumably the audience might actually include some people for whom the answer to this question is not a foregone conclusion.
Anyways, someone should probably point out that this was for a program called "Africa, Have Your Say", so presumably the audience might actually include some people for whom the answer to this question is not a foregone conclusion.
29
As usual Dan distorts the facts in order to inflame. The faggot's Glen Beck.
The proposed law calls for the death sentence where the offender has HiV or the other person is under 18.
What should the penalty be for intentionally giving another person AIDS?
For child rape?
discuss amongst yourselves....
The proposed law calls for the death sentence where the offender has HiV or the other person is under 18.
What should the penalty be for intentionally giving another person AIDS?
For child rape?
discuss amongst yourselves....
30
@29, you left out the part where it says they also get death for being a, "repeat offender."
Which most gay people are.
Not to mention that intentionally giving someone AIDS and having AIDS and being gay are two completely different things.
And two 17 year old gay guys having sex is plenty different from child rape.
Who is it that's distorting the facts again? I'm getting confused.
Which most gay people are.
Not to mention that intentionally giving someone AIDS and having AIDS and being gay are two completely different things.
And two 17 year old gay guys having sex is plenty different from child rape.
Who is it that's distorting the facts again? I'm getting confused.
31
@27: Northampton is a nasty little provincial town. Been there a few times when my brother was a student there. Lots of ugly concrete, rain and feral teenagers. I'd expect nothing less.
32
Phony outrage. Since the death penalty was reinstated in this country 1188 people have been executed, and stil couting, yet, "Gee"... the 'indignatination' needs to be focused at another continent.
33
@ 28 - hoorah! well spotted, this is a BBC program for AFRICA. Yes, the web site has gotten picked up all over the place, but it is intended for Africa. The questions/views may seem abhorrent to a lot of people, but then plenty of other things in Africa would as well.
Next week's question - should you go to the witch doctor when you get the AIDS?
No it isn't right, but sadly it's where things are. The BBC is creating content for Africa.
Next week's question - should you go to the witch doctor when you get the AIDS?
No it isn't right, but sadly it's where things are. The BBC is creating content for Africa.
34
Well I think a few homosexuals should be.. Heck Seattle has at least 3 (drag queens) I'd like to see drawn and Quartered (after being tarred, sequined and feathered of course)!..
35
In case nobody noticed, let me point out that Loveschild is equating murderers who have killed people with people who are just gay...
What psycho negro-hypocrite planet are you from LC? Y'all r retarded!
What psycho negro-hypocrite planet are you from LC? Y'all r retarded!
36
No one noticed because she's just displaying her normal levels of crazy. It slips right under our radar.
37
It is impossible to have a conversation with Loveschild, and it is illegal to stab her. It is what it is.
38
I think the more pertinent question is: "If BBC execs are shot off-premises from Broadcast House, is it considered poaching?"
I mean, that's a perfectly legitimate question, right?
I mean, that's a perfectly legitimate question, right?
39
Loveschild, are you really outraged about capital punishment in the US? Do you think it's a problem on par with what Uganda is proposing?
Who exactly are you accusing of being phony?
Who exactly are you accusing of being phony?
41
@39 I call it phony outrage because it seems all that's needed for some to get all worked out and appalled, is for some post to mention an African nation, self governance, and gays. That's all it takes. But they don't get so appalled at what goes on here in this country, when europeans nations have banned the death penalty, you'd think that the same people who love to label the African continent and its people as "uncivilized" would care more about cleaning their house first before pointing and threatening others and shaping them into their own "model".
42
No, this is phony and hypocritical. Good for a laugh, if the inhumane offensiveness of it doesn't turn your stomach.
"I DO NOT SUPPORT executions of any sort, unless it concerns pedophiles or rapists, but neither you nor I have any right to place our believes or "model" our image and ideology upon Ugandan society."
Comment # 33: http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archive…
Such a filthy house could use some bleach.
"I DO NOT SUPPORT executions of any sort, unless it concerns pedophiles or rapists, but neither you nor I have any right to place our believes or "model" our image and ideology upon Ugandan society."
Comment # 33: http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archive…
Such a filthy house could use some bleach.
43
Wait- am I no longer allowed to be appalled by both the death penalty AND treating the governmental murder of gays as a legitimate option?
However will I choose?
However will I choose?
44
The death penalty is a bible based concept Hateschild- An eye for an eye... a tooth for a tooth…
Exodus 21:17 “Anyone who strikes a man and kills him shall surely be put to death… if a man schemes and kills another man deliberately, take him away from my altar and put him to death. “Anyone who attacks his father or his mother must be put to death. “Anyone who kidnaps another and either sells him or still has him when he is caught must be put to death. “Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.
The bible even thinks it’s OK to own and beat slaves- a subject I’m sure Hateschild is sensitive to since she is the descendent of slaves.
Funny how Hateschild likes to apply bible doctrine in regards to homosexuals but bible doctrine flies out the window when it comes to the death penalty...
So what part of the bible do you actually believe in? Clearly it's a case of selective bible belief on your part...
Exodus 21:17 “Anyone who strikes a man and kills him shall surely be put to death… if a man schemes and kills another man deliberately, take him away from my altar and put him to death. “Anyone who attacks his father or his mother must be put to death. “Anyone who kidnaps another and either sells him or still has him when he is caught must be put to death. “Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.
The bible even thinks it’s OK to own and beat slaves- a subject I’m sure Hateschild is sensitive to since she is the descendent of slaves.
Funny how Hateschild likes to apply bible doctrine in regards to homosexuals but bible doctrine flies out the window when it comes to the death penalty...
So what part of the bible do you actually believe in? Clearly it's a case of selective bible belief on your part...
45
Yeah, Loveschild, in case you hadn't noticed, a good portion of liberals are against the death penalty here in this country. There is, indeed, a fair amount of 'indignatination' on this exact topic.
Are you actually viewing killing homosexuals as a "self-governance" issue (they have the right to do whatever they want) not a human rights issue? What if they had decided to kill any who practiced Christianity? You'd still be irritated that we get all "indignatinated" about those darn African countries and what they do with their self-rule?
I'm starting to go back to my earlier opinion that you're just a made-up troll.
Are you actually viewing killing homosexuals as a "self-governance" issue (they have the right to do whatever they want) not a human rights issue? What if they had decided to kill any who practiced Christianity? You'd still be irritated that we get all "indignatinated" about those darn African countries and what they do with their self-rule?
I'm starting to go back to my earlier opinion that you're just a made-up troll.
46
@42- Kim_in_Portland, you are one cracker-jack researcher!! If I ever go to grad school, will you help me with my Master's Thesis?!?
49
@45: Ever notice that Poe and LC seldom show up together in a thread? In fact, this may be a first.
Just sayin'.
Just sayin'.
50
As we know from genetics, every person on this planet is a child of Africa. So we absolutely have a duty to stop the government of Uganda from killing our gay brothers and sisters.
51
Should gay people be put to death?
Sure. If they commit capital crimes and are duly convicted in a court of law, just like anyone else.
The question really is, should homosexuality be a capital offense? And to that, I can give an unequivocal NO. If your opinion differs, then you suck.
Sure. If they commit capital crimes and are duly convicted in a court of law, just like anyone else.
The question really is, should homosexuality be a capital offense? And to that, I can give an unequivocal NO. If your opinion differs, then you suck.
56
@ Julie, your comments about the "should gays be executed" sentence would make sense if you believe that most news readers are aware of the proposed Ugandan legislation. I've only seen this really covered by gay friendly blogs, however, so I think that it WAS necessary for the BBC poll to include that in order to draw attention to what it was all about.
58
Oh my - The person with love in their name is angry because Dan is defending gays again; defending them against being killed for being born. For shame on Dan! Picking on those poor Ugandan bigots who get money from gay American taxpayers. Can’t he see that he should just pay his taxes and leave them alone so they can have the freedom to execute gay people? Can't he focus on more important forms of oppression like the execution of serial killers?
Seriously Lovechild, you are an awful person.
Seriously Lovechild, you are an awful person.
59
The actual question posed by the BBC:
"Should Uganda debate gay execution?
Should homosexuals face execution? Yes, we accept it is a stark and disturbing question. But this is the reality behind an Anti-Homosexuality Bill being debated on Friday by the Ugandan parliament which would see some homosexual offences punishable by death."
Interesting that 189 out of 633 comments were rejected.
"Should Uganda debate gay execution?
Should homosexuals face execution? Yes, we accept it is a stark and disturbing question. But this is the reality behind an Anti-Homosexuality Bill being debated on Friday by the Ugandan parliament which would see some homosexual offences punishable by death."
Interesting that 189 out of 633 comments were rejected.
60
That's where you're wrong, 41. Lots and lots and lots of people are appalled at what goes on in the US: illegal wars; execution and life imprisonment of children; blatant violations of the Geneva Convention; public referendums on minority rights; the stranglehold of churches on government. I could go on. But that doesn't mean there's not cause to be outraged about what happens in other places too.
62
Hmmm. In the bible, God says he hates sin. He says all sin is equal.(Yes, even those little white lies we tell our boss). I guess we should all be put to death. We're all going to hell in a hand basket. (I've never really understood what a hand basket was, but it better be big.)
63
The Have Your Say messageboards at the Beeb are famed in Britain as being the only mainstream media outlet more bigoted, reactionary, and over-representative of minority views than the Daily Mail's comment sections.
There's just something about it that induces froth-flecked raving malcontents to bitch, whine and moan about Britain not resembling an idealized parallel reality version of 1953 anymore. Bonus points given for nonsensical contortions of logic such as, 'If homosexuality is natural, as we are forced to believe, how can they sustain the species?' and random and irrelevant criticisms of New Labour/Gordon Brown in completely unrelated debates, i.e 'Brown's Marxist band of lying fascists killed my puppy.'
I really hope these abhorrent views aren't interpreted as being representative of the opinions of the great majority of Brits, because the reaction of most of us to people like Rob from Northampton is to point and laugh. Because he's a twat. And lives in Northampton. Which is, indeed, a dump of the highest order.
There's just something about it that induces froth-flecked raving malcontents to bitch, whine and moan about Britain not resembling an idealized parallel reality version of 1953 anymore. Bonus points given for nonsensical contortions of logic such as, 'If homosexuality is natural, as we are forced to believe, how can they sustain the species?' and random and irrelevant criticisms of New Labour/Gordon Brown in completely unrelated debates, i.e 'Brown's Marxist band of lying fascists killed my puppy.'
I really hope these abhorrent views aren't interpreted as being representative of the opinions of the great majority of Brits, because the reaction of most of us to people like Rob from Northampton is to point and laugh. Because he's a twat. And lives in Northampton. Which is, indeed, a dump of the highest order.
64
Answering Dan's question, I suspect if any group was being threatened with capital outlawry and the policy was considered controversial within the first world, the BBC might put the question to the viewers. During the 1930s and '40s, scapegoating of the Jewish peoples extended far beyond Germany but through Europe and the US.
I would like to imagine they were hoping for pervasive sentiments of incredulity. Of course, the fourth comment down, dated Wednesday, 16 December, 2009, 08:21 GMT 08:21 UK by Aaron P. of Freetown and his 70 approvals (so far) indicates it's not as clear cut as we'd like.
I find it shameful that in our era any group could be singled out as capital outlaws; blanket sentencing of execution to even as despicable a group as child predators comes to question if we can find means to rehabilitate them, or are in danger of widening the envelope of child predation to include extremely common, non-harmful behaviors (i.e. a young twenty-something in an agreeable, responsible sexual relationship with a late teen, which occurs in every high school).
Of course, so long as we accept that the society is responsible for exacting revenge of victims, and that revenge is a justifiable basis for recourse, this is a topic that will continue to resurface with each new scapegoat.
I would like to imagine they were hoping for pervasive sentiments of incredulity. Of course, the fourth comment down, dated Wednesday, 16 December, 2009, 08:21 GMT 08:21 UK by Aaron P. of Freetown and his 70 approvals (so far) indicates it's not as clear cut as we'd like.
I find it shameful that in our era any group could be singled out as capital outlaws; blanket sentencing of execution to even as despicable a group as child predators comes to question if we can find means to rehabilitate them, or are in danger of widening the envelope of child predation to include extremely common, non-harmful behaviors (i.e. a young twenty-something in an agreeable, responsible sexual relationship with a late teen, which occurs in every high school).
Of course, so long as we accept that the society is responsible for exacting revenge of victims, and that revenge is a justifiable basis for recourse, this is a topic that will continue to resurface with each new scapegoat.
66
News alert: Western ideologies are not observed throughout the world. What may seem alien to you is not so for other cultures, especially those that are way much older than western culture. If you acknowledge that simple fact then you can have the better sense to know that those in the west have no right to dictate upon cultures that predate you by thousand upon thousands of years.
There's one thing that those soo indignant by African sovereign governments can do tho, it's called granting asylums. I'm so glad that instead of making threats at African nations and their people most posters here will instead start to organize and petition their representatives to grant immediate asylum to those Ugandans who label themselves as being gay, I mean if people like Dan care so much about this, it seems only natural for them to champion for easy access for 'gay' Ugandans to the States or in Dingo's case to Canada or the UK. I can't wait to see this new campaign from mr Savage himself. I may join him.
There's one thing that those soo indignant by African sovereign governments can do tho, it's called granting asylums. I'm so glad that instead of making threats at African nations and their people most posters here will instead start to organize and petition their representatives to grant immediate asylum to those Ugandans who label themselves as being gay, I mean if people like Dan care so much about this, it seems only natural for them to champion for easy access for 'gay' Ugandans to the States or in Dingo's case to Canada or the UK. I can't wait to see this new campaign from mr Savage himself. I may join him.
67
Places like Canada and the UK and yes, even the US, already do grant asylum to gay people from countries where gays are persecuted and subject to state-sponsored violence.
And again: acceptance of homosexuality in Africa predates colonization.
And since your only concern is for "African sovereign governments" to be self-determining and to return to pre-colonial culture, I'm sure you'll be advocating for the excision of Christianity from such states, since traditional African religions are henotheistic rather than monotheistic.
And again: acceptance of homosexuality in Africa predates colonization.
And since your only concern is for "African sovereign governments" to be self-determining and to return to pre-colonial culture, I'm sure you'll be advocating for the excision of Christianity from such states, since traditional African religions are henotheistic rather than monotheistic.
70
I'm just looking forward to the day when "issues" such as sexual orientation (or skin color, or appearance, or any number of other things) become non-issues, because that's what they should be. Isn't a person's character the most important? I can't wait until who someone has sex with is boring because it's so ordinary - which is exactly how it ought to be.
71
Oh dear - once again the person with love in their name is indignant that people are speaking out on gay rights and imposing on the predates us people of Uganda. Gee, it must be hard to realize that after thousands of years people world wide were wrong about gays and now they are being called on it and there is no place for them to hide. Not even in fucking Africa. Well some news, for thousands of years Europeans had multiple cultures that did not include Christianity, was hostile to it’s arrival and many Europeans were killed defending their way of life against the arrogant Christians. This went on for some time. So lets follow the logic, when can Europeans start persecuting Christians?
72
Oh, and by the way, where does this stupid notion come from that because somthing has been around for a long time it must be respected. Thousands of years of wrong is just thousands of years of compounded wrong. An old Nazi is an old Nazi.
Lovechild, you are defending gays being killed for being born with some very stupid arguments. You are simply an awful person.
Lovechild, you are defending gays being killed for being born with some very stupid arguments. You are simply an awful person.
74
Considering antisemitism still runs rampant in Europe I wouldn't be all that surprised if that question was asked.
77
So are many of us, Frangipani, so are many.
While the gay equality issues are in the news, being address openly by both sides, so many other fringe groups wait their turn in the limelight.
Non-Christian and liberal Christian charity efforts, for example, are summarily rejected for the White House Faith Based Initiative grants (set up by George W. Bush and typically going to his political supporters) while those who do get the money frequently spend it on religious and political activities unchecked. Neopagans in conservative counties are still subject to harassment by community and law enforcement, are detained under charges of witchcraft (which is no longer illegal, but is grounds for arrest, and can get students suspended) and have had their children seized for no other reason than their open practice of a non-Christian faith.
Hoarders and clutterers are only barely gaining recognition in the mental health community, where hoarding is still typically regarded as a character flaw (not unlike addiction) except where it is an acknowledged symptom of a previous diagnosis (such as major depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder). Only hoarding is significantly more common than their related disorders, and typically begins much earlier in life (i.e. at 6-10 years). Hoarders are commonly ostracized by family and community, and harassed by landlords, even when regulatory practices to reduce hazards (i.e. fire safety and vermin control) are met.
I don't even need to get into drug addicts, including those of legal drugs. No matter where you are in this country you can easily find someone who actively thinks we should let non-functional addicts rot in the streets without rehabilitation or assistance, and in the same numbers, addicts who drive while intoxicated.
If we listen to the conversations around us, prejudice comes in the words (though not limited to) stupid, lazy and crazy. These are the sounds by which folks get disregarded on the basis they should be something they're not, should have known better, should be stronger in some virtue or characteristic they lack. The truth is, people who are plenty smart, industrious and sane still have problems, can still make grievous errors, can still have runs of luck leaving them homeless or stuck in a rut, just as people who are plenty smart, industrious and sane can still be black, atheist, gay, of ambiguous gender or not in love with capitalism.
More...
While the gay equality issues are in the news, being address openly by both sides, so many other fringe groups wait their turn in the limelight.
Non-Christian and liberal Christian charity efforts, for example, are summarily rejected for the White House Faith Based Initiative grants (set up by George W. Bush and typically going to his political supporters) while those who do get the money frequently spend it on religious and political activities unchecked. Neopagans in conservative counties are still subject to harassment by community and law enforcement, are detained under charges of witchcraft (which is no longer illegal, but is grounds for arrest, and can get students suspended) and have had their children seized for no other reason than their open practice of a non-Christian faith.
Hoarders and clutterers are only barely gaining recognition in the mental health community, where hoarding is still typically regarded as a character flaw (not unlike addiction) except where it is an acknowledged symptom of a previous diagnosis (such as major depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder). Only hoarding is significantly more common than their related disorders, and typically begins much earlier in life (i.e. at 6-10 years). Hoarders are commonly ostracized by family and community, and harassed by landlords, even when regulatory practices to reduce hazards (i.e. fire safety and vermin control) are met.
I don't even need to get into drug addicts, including those of legal drugs. No matter where you are in this country you can easily find someone who actively thinks we should let non-functional addicts rot in the streets without rehabilitation or assistance, and in the same numbers, addicts who drive while intoxicated.
If we listen to the conversations around us, prejudice comes in the words (though not limited to) stupid, lazy and crazy. These are the sounds by which folks get disregarded on the basis they should be something they're not, should have known better, should be stronger in some virtue or characteristic they lack. The truth is, people who are plenty smart, industrious and sane still have problems, can still make grievous errors, can still have runs of luck leaving them homeless or stuck in a rut, just as people who are plenty smart, industrious and sane can still be black, atheist, gay, of ambiguous gender or not in love with capitalism.
Advertisement
Most Commented on Slog
-
Confidential to Conservative Christians: Keep Doubling Down On Hate, Assholes by Dan Savage
-
SL Letter of the Day: Show This Woman Some Love by Dan Savage
-
Dharun Ravi Sentenced to 30 Days by Dan Savage
-
Hating People Doesn't Make Them Thinner by Jen Graves
-
Seattle's Forthcoming Waterfront Ferris Wheel by David Schmader
-
NOM's Brian Brown Said I Could Name the Time and the Place by Dan Savage
-
Why KeyArena Won't Work by Goldy
-
Fill in the Blank by Grant Brissey
-
SL Letter of the Day: Anti-Gay Sister-In-Law Getting Her Kink On by Dan Savage
-
SL Letter of the Day: Putting It In by Dan Savage
RSS
Facebook
Twitter
Comments (78) RSS