Things Lefty Just Doesn't Understand (Part 1)
So yesterday our laptop returned from it's very short stay in Texas for repairs. As I was checking to make that the problem was fixed (it was!), I was listening to Mrs. Lefty's conversation in the other room. She was chatting away on her original Xbox. She hosts a room for Bass Fishing several times a week. In this room she has people who are members on a website come and fish and they earn fictional money based on fishing weights.
Last evening, her match had ended and Mrs. Lefty was chatting one on one with a fellow Xbox Live member who fishes with the site. This Xbox member is gay, and Mrs. Lefty was unleashing her grief on the abuse she takes because she lets this member play on their site. Evidently there is one other member that is vehemently against fishing with the gay Xbox player. The venom this player has towards this homosexual gentleman is frightening.
I just don't understand why some people act this way towards another human being. While I can't excuse it, I can understand being homophobic or disagreeing with what rights that state should grant our fellow gay Americans. However, this type of seething anger towards someone is confusing and frightening. What makes a person this crazy? Are they lashing out over seeing something within themselves? Are they so frightened of their own sexuality they have to unleash such verbal abuse upon others? In the end what does it really matter if a person is gay or not over Xbox digital world of gaming?
I just don't understand.
Comments
Fear is powerful. Certainly, you've come across some fundies (and not just religious fundies) who believe that speaking ill of the President or speaking well of the poor is just OUTRAGEOUS. They have a world view and they want to interact only with like-minded people. Go to AOL or anywhere else where people discuss stuff online and you'll discover, before you upchuck, that there's a lot of bigoted people, and that them are VERY LOUD.
Posted by: ROG | October 25, 2007 12:45 PM
Why Chris, haven't you heard? Recently Scientists have discovered the cause of homosexuality. It turns out that it is a digital virus that is capable of biological interface. So, you know, that guy is just concerned about getting the gay bug. All he has to do, however, is wear rubber gloves when he plays Xbox and he should be fine.
Posted by: Anthony | October 25, 2007 04:30 PM
I guess I'm still trying to figure out how someone's homosexuality becomes a topic of discussion on a video fishing game. Like, when does it come up? I guess that's why they don't let me play xbox, I just don't know the protocols.
Posted by: Steve | October 25, 2007 05:38 PM
My experience is that a lot of people who are vocally anti-gay are afraid of their own feelings -- or attractions -- but have been so programmed by their church or society that they lash out at others. The presence of this other person who is comfortable with himself as a gay person is a threat to him -- or he feels an attraction for him.
Good post.
Posted by: Mustang Bobby | October 26, 2007 03:22 AM
what the hell does sexuality have to do with virtual fishing? why would anyone be upset that there is a gay person fishing there? and why would that even come up?
the second question is one that i really wonder.
Posted by: ed | October 26, 2007 05:32 PM
Lefty, you have been on Xbox Live....you know how much some of the ignorant people like to bash gay people and any other minority out there. It amazes me how some people feel that the anonominity given to them by things like Xbox Live gives them license to be ignorant F***S. In the Halo 3 match making, if you veto a game, you almost always hear things like, "You faggots." I once played in a game we talked about vetoing and someone said we were a bunch of ni**ers. The same happens in WSOP Tournament of Champions multiplayer. The bottom line is these people are ignorant and weren't raised right by their mommas. Your wife should block him from the game, if that is possible. If not, the gay person should start acting like a total flamer, make this ignorant F*** super uncomfortable, and hopfully he will quit.
Posted by: erhodes | October 29, 2007 04:54 AM