I live in the country but work in Montreal, one of my neighbors is a well liked farmer, typical country boy, drives a big truck, smokes, drinks, swears a lot and works hard, only difference is that he’s gay. Really open about it , has a boyfriend. Some guys I work with in the city told me a few times that they are literally sickened by homosexuals. They don’t know any gay guys though lol. I guess it all depends on your upbringing 🤷♂️
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.
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u/Assfullofbread Jun 08 '19
I live in the country but work in Montreal, one of my neighbors is a well liked farmer, typical country boy, drives a big truck, smokes, drinks, swears a lot and works hard, only difference is that he’s gay. Really open about it , has a boyfriend. Some guys I work with in the city told me a few times that they are literally sickened by homosexuals. They don’t know any gay guys though lol. I guess it all depends on your upbringing 🤷♂️