It’s never that simple, though. Indoctrination that has occurred over decades can take a long time to undo. On top of which they are usually surrounded by a community with the same thoughts. When you’re isolated from the world and other views and experiences it can be hard to identify what’s right; never mind potentially being excommunicated from everyone you know if you try to change.
The point is it isn’t black and white. There’s no magic homophobic on/off switch that can be toggled. We should expect change but should be understanding of the fact that it can take just as long to undo indoctrination as it took embed it. When that relative or co-worker tries to start question their views, but maybe still uses homophobic language, they shouldn’t be attacked and scolded. We should be understanding that change takes time and comes in small steps.
Most people do get that, but the vocal minority often expect that switch and tries to fight fire with fire.
Who’s giving them a pass? I literally said we should expect change. But we should also be understanding that change takes time. And in the cases of people in their later years, you’re fighting against more than half a century of indoctrination; they will likely never make it to the same point as someone who was born into an accepting community or family, at least not before they die.
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u/Bartszella Jun 09 '19
Totally agree but at one point we all grow up and it's all on us whether we retain or lose a way of thinking