QuoteReplyTopic: Tolerance: A womans perogative? Posted: 11-May-2006 at 21:41
TOLERANCE: A woman's perogative?
Samira Kulenovic and an American soldier; TOLERANCIJA campaign
I'm
not entirely certain that what I'm about to say is true, but in the
interest of debate I'm going to confine myself to a single position.
Historically speaking, as well as in the modern sense, women seem more
tolerant of those who are different than men are. Women seem to have
more friends of different classes, religions, races, and sexualities.
There are very few straight men who are as comfortable with homosexual
men as straight women are, for example; and the same could be said of
straight men and lesbians as well.
Women seem more likely to experiment, emotionally and even sexually, in
more various situations than men are. Organizations based in tolerance,
compassion, and understanding seem to be influenced more by women than
by men. Is there a male Mother Theresa, for example? Is there a male
Oprah, even - more women seem to reach this level of tolerance and
acceptance than men.
I was sharing my thoughts about homosexuality somewhere else but I'll post them here:
We don't have many gay rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina but things have
improved a great deal. During the communist era, it was considered a
social service for the police to rape known lesbians. You don't see
this sort of ignorance and indifference anymore.
A lot of people think homosexuality is a disease of the West, that it
arrived here with capitalism - but the younger generation is more open.
There are a few Gay Muslim organizations, mostly lesbians (men are
still timid to reveal such things about themselves) and there is
probably going to be a gay parade next year.
Things will improve but the gay men will have to be very careful. They
will have to step lightly, even if forcing them to do this is wrong. It
is the same with women. We had to earn our rights without
confrontation. If we had burned bras and insulted men, we'd still be
veiled housewives. We had to simply work twice as hard for a few
generations, earn respect, and then demand compensation for our
contributions respectfully.
I think that's the only way gay rights will truly be realized here.
It's not enough in Bosnia to just be gay, to just be "Hey, I'm the gay
man!". You have to be a politician, or an artist, or a doctor, or a
shoemaker, or a goldsmith - a respected and admired man in the
community - who happens to be gay - and then, with a few generations of
that, you will see gay rights here.
For example, Gazi Husrev-bey - one of the most important Ottoman
governors of Bosnia and Herzegovina, was bisexual. His tomb at the
largest mosque in Old Town Sarajevo includes a smaller tomb for his
male lover.
Fuad Backovic, "Deen" who represented us with "In the Disco" in 2004,
is a gay, Muslim man. He's never said so publicly, but everyone knows -
obviously. When people think of gay men, sometimes men like Gazi
Husref-bey and Fuad Backovic come to mind and since these two men are
widely adored, it becomes not a strange thing anymore. That's what I
think we need more of.
Interesting post, Mila. Here, in the USA, although some will never admit it, gays and lesbians are looked down upon in some areas. Few will admit that they don't want i.e. gay/lesbian teachers teaching their children, or to watch gays/lesbians making out and holding hands everywhere. I've often heard women commenting that there are less and less straight men for them to date nowadays. Most unattached straight women that I know have commented to me that the first question they ask a potential "victim" date is if they are gay or bi-sexual. Most straight women said they will not date a bi-sexual man, and often comment that if a guy is extremely good-looking, he's bound to be gay....most of the time, they are right!
I, for one, don't care about anyone's sexual preferences. Just as I am sure that I am not lesbian, others are sure that they are and they should have the right to express same and live their lives in the way that makes them happy.
My motto: Live and let live.
"Morty
Trust in God: She will provide." -- Emmeline Pankhurst
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum