So incase you haven't watch this episode of The Boondocks series I suggest you watch it to understand more of my point. Basically the younger brother, Riley Freeman, says that everything that is not "gangster" is "gay", other than his new homie Gangstalicious who is apparently a homosexual in this episode. Riley is always shown as someone who says that everything and everyone is gay.
This also shows how the younger generation is very similar to this cartoon character because of how the word "gay" is being over used from things, to people, to actions, to sayings, to even clothes. Not only this show but many other cartoons, music artists, and other form of media tend not to care about over using the word gay. The video we previously watched on how many artists such as Lil Wayne often use the phrase "No Homo" to tell the audience that he is not a homosexual.
I believe that using the phrase "no homo" is actually a waste of time since it implies that you're scared to expressing some sort of love to another man without being mistakenly judged by being a homosexual. If you know you aren't a homosexual then express it without saying the phrase. It is also sad that a lot of people are using it and not thinking that it is cool. I hug my guy friends and they know that I'm just a guy who shows love one way that's should be normal.
The thing is that when girls hug each other it is "normal", but when the guys do it other people tend to look think that the guys are not "normal". Some girls think that it is weird that guys do it. I asked some of my female friends why they thought me hugging my male friend out in the open was funny, they just replied with that they have never seen it happen before between straight guys.
Do you not agree how the younger generations, cartoons and actual people, act very similar and over use the word "gay" or do you guys think that it is just a phase until someone who has knowledge of this situation will come to teach them? Or do you think that the phrase no homo is being used when it's not suppose to? Why is it that celebrities tend to think that it is okay to use such phrases while not considering the feeling of gay men? Do they mean it or do they just use the phrases for endorsement for their form of media?
Personally, I just think the term "no homo" is used by people who either a) Want to fit in (i.e saying "YOLO") or b) Are so homophobic that they just need to distinguish themselves. It seems like they are scared to be judged. But who are they to tell you who or how you are?
ReplyDelete"When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself." - Wayne Dyer
I agree with you one hundred percent. The term 'no homo' is just an addiction that will pass on as some point, when something better and catchier comes up. Even homophobic people may stop using the term when they deem that the phrase has lost its popularity (as it won't attract attention to their message).
DeleteI don't know how the word gay changed its meaning but before gay meant to be happy. I agree that if girls hug each other it is natural and not something anyone would question but if two guys hug each other they get weird looks. I think just because a guy hugs another guy it doesn't mean he is homosexual, it is just a way of showing affection. So if a guy hugs his father he is gay? I think the word gay is used to often and now anything one does that another doesn't like is called gay. I don't think it is neccessary for anyone to prove whether they are homosexual or not, I think if one knows themself and excepts who they are that's enough.
ReplyDeleteNo homo is unnecessary for people to say. People should generally know about who you are and your sexuality. Saying no homo every time maybe actually imply the opposite that you're a homosexual and just hiding it.
ReplyDeleteThere are actual rumors that Lil Wayne might be gay due to his NO HOMO, LOVE MA N****S, NO HOMO. Of course you love them, in a non sexual way, but you don't have to point it out.
Do gay people have to say "no hetro" when they say they love someone of the opposite sex?
I believe that the younger generation are more influenced on the celebrities such as Lil Wayne and Gangstalicious in Riley's case. They consider the celebrities as idols and want to become like them when they grow up. When they hear a an idol say or buy something, they are more influence to do the same. In Riley's Case, he purchased the new line of clothes from Gangstalicious. The young teens wouldn't question on what their idols do because in their eyes, they are perfect to them. In this cartoon series Riley idols Gangstalicious, and in reality many of the worldwide teens also idol celebrities such as like Lil Wayne.
ReplyDeleteWhen men say “no homo”, what I think they’re trying to say is “Yes I may have said something in a gay subtext, but I don’t mean to imply anything in a homosexuality manner”. This term is used because men have the fear of being defined as “gay” and just in case anyone has doubts, saying this term confirms their sexuality. Nowadays, in my opinion there are no real rappers out there. They rape about unnecessary issues, and when they have nothing that rhymes, adding “no homo” will elaborate on the attention they tend on receiving. They are using this form of media to rival towards homophobia, and distinguishing themselves against it.
ReplyDeleteWhen two straight men are seen hugging or sharing a close “bromance”, society questions their sexuality. This has to do with the stereotypes linked to men. Men are portrayed as strong, independent and masculine where they often greet another with a handshake. Women seem to get down on a personal level with other women, which is why hugs are normal. However, hugs are a way of representing how you value someone, and to show affection, not a form of representing your sexuality. I think if men start hugging each other more (showing bro-affection), they can devour the questions that tag along with two straight men hugging. Only men have the power to change the stereotypes linked to men.
I agree with your point. The fact that the media shows straight males as athletic, manly, and superior to others, hugging is not one of them. That's one of many reasons why when people notice two guys hugging it could only mean one thing, they're gay. Majority of the time girls are being seen as the ones who hug each other, referring guys to being like girls, or homosexuals, is the only answer.
DeleteGuys should stop thinking like that and be more manly and start hugging to show how close the friendship is to one another.
I agree with Mohamed point about no homo, people who usually say no homo are scared that the people they hang out with or the people there talking to are going to get the wrong opinion about them. You shouldn't be embarrassed about the fact that you express your feeling, you should be happy because the only person it effect is you and also the person your showing your emotion too. Going back on the point where you hug your friends and its a male, you are "technically" gay? WRONG. What if you hug your dad are you also gay? Oh my dad doesn't count he family. Either way you look at it its two male showing affection in a different form then "props", high five or shaking hands.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. Guys now a days are just too shy to hug other guys because they're scared of how other people might mistake them for being a homosexual. Like how I was replying to Keshmi's point, when girls hug each other why is it that they are not being referred to being lesbians? That's because the media shows us that when they do it is normal, but when us guys do it, it is a whole different story.
DeleteI agree that the term "that's gay" is being over used. I'll use my brother as an example. Every single thing that he found lame and not his type, he's going to say "that's gay". I think that he keeps on saying that term without knowing what he's saying because he is being influenced by his surroundings.
ReplyDeleteBefore we arrived here all I knew is that the term "gay" means "happy" or "homosexual". I never thought that "gay" would mean "stupid, etc." It shows how media affects our language and also being a bad example for the young generations.
All I have to say is that the term 'that's gay' is so overrated and is getting very old. I have been guilty of using this term but I am trying to get out of the ghetto of my mind and embrace a more open minded way of thinking. Others should try and do this as well because it makes life much more easier and people can get along.
ReplyDelete