Blog #3

It is without question that the meaning behind words such as "queer" and "dyke" has evolved since the 1950’s. I believe that time has allowed those words to become less taboo. In the 1950’s, if you were labeled as a "queer," that meant you were strange, unnatural, or of questionable nature. These days, it seems like everyone is coming out of the closet…and more power to ‘em! It seems as though society is more accepting of the gay community than ever before.

In my opinion, "queer" and "dyke" can be hateful words, but because of American culture today, they can also be positive affirmations. My older brother came out during his senior year of high school, and I can’t even begin to tell you how disgusted I would be if I ever heard someone hatefully called him a "queer." So many people have been brutalized or even killed behind words like "fag" or "queer" that it is very difficult to see them as anything but hateful.

However, those words can still be seen in a positive light, depending upon the circumstances in which they are used. New terms like "queer theory" or "queer politics" are affirmations that being gay is becoming more culturally acceptable, and that feeling of acceptance is something that everyone wants to feel (like it or not).

It is also interesting to note the cultural stigma that goes along with gay men and women. If you’re a gay man, many people assume you’re very feminine. Most people who meet my brother (who is a handsome, physically fit, police officer) would never have assumed he was gay. Likewise, many people put lesbians in the category of "butch" which is hardly the case for many lesbians.

I believe it is true that if you do not identify yourself as being gay, you must be careful when using the words "queer" or "dyke." If there is any question in your mind as to whether or not you should be saying them, then don’t! You never know who you could be offending.