Abhainn
17th December 2009, 12:18 PM
Given the recent tensions around many of the different fora and social circles I frequent (sorry folks its totally not unique to "the gays" though we do have it down to an artwork) I wanted to take a chance and ask other peoples' views on the terms we employ as a sub-culture. The idea is that as a sub-culture or a culture within a larger cultural flow people often group together under labels and words to unite them, just as we do with clothes as symbols.
I think most people on here would be well aware of the wonderful array of styles people wear and how some make the styles unique to them and others don't, so I'd like this thread to focus on the words. Since words often contain all the power we give them they can be very potent for good or for ill, or at least so I believe...
To start off, I have trouble with some of the words used to describe GLBTQ people as a group such as "Gay Community", the reason for this is I don't feel segregated from the community around me. This one isn't going to get my back up much because if you replace the word gay with Pagan or with Jewish or some other culturally reflective group of individuals we can see it taking effect. Though I would propose those culturally reflective groups have traditions in place to help keep the community healthy as it respects its traditions and the larger community.
I do have major issue with the term "Scene" though. To me it implies everyone is acting or being false on some level. I have flashbacks to my mother telling me off for "causing a scene". Could this be part of the reason for the perceived unhealthiness in the group mind of the Gay Community? Perhaps we're not as well equipped to discuss and resolve issues we have with one another because we feel pressured to act/react a certain way to hostility?
I realise that many people will not be in a space to respond publicly but I do welcome other people's thoughts and ideas on this.
I think most people on here would be well aware of the wonderful array of styles people wear and how some make the styles unique to them and others don't, so I'd like this thread to focus on the words. Since words often contain all the power we give them they can be very potent for good or for ill, or at least so I believe...
To start off, I have trouble with some of the words used to describe GLBTQ people as a group such as "Gay Community", the reason for this is I don't feel segregated from the community around me. This one isn't going to get my back up much because if you replace the word gay with Pagan or with Jewish or some other culturally reflective group of individuals we can see it taking effect. Though I would propose those culturally reflective groups have traditions in place to help keep the community healthy as it respects its traditions and the larger community.
I do have major issue with the term "Scene" though. To me it implies everyone is acting or being false on some level. I have flashbacks to my mother telling me off for "causing a scene". Could this be part of the reason for the perceived unhealthiness in the group mind of the Gay Community? Perhaps we're not as well equipped to discuss and resolve issues we have with one another because we feel pressured to act/react a certain way to hostility?
I realise that many people will not be in a space to respond publicly but I do welcome other people's thoughts and ideas on this.