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The Kiss seen round the World - Why Everyone Should Examine Their Reactions To Men Kissing Men
Much has been said about the moment when Michael Sam kissed his boyfriend on national television, as they joyfully and spontaneously celebrated the news of Sam’s drafting by the Rams. They embraced and kissed just like many other happy heterosexual couples do when one of them receives life-changing, great news.
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If you’re someone who finds yourself repulsed by the idea or the image of two men kissing, ask yourself why that is. Ask how someone else’s love, and how they publicly express it, actually affects your life and the enjoyment of your freedoms and liberty. The visceral negative reaction many experience comes down to what I call the “ick” factor–seeing or thinking about something to which we are unaccustomed, and reacting with an “ick.” There are in fact lots of things in life that make people go “ick.” Broccoli, for example, is simply abhorrent to some. But “ick” is never a sound basis for public policy or law. Your own discomfort is just your own issue, and you can’t and shouldn’t make it other people’s problems.
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I’m fairly sure next time an NFL player kisses his boyfriend on camera, it’s not going to get so many people’s panties in a bunch. Then we can finally start talking about how well they play football, and not whether they happen to be gay. But so long as people think a simple kiss is going to end the world as we know it, we sadly do have to keep talking about it, until we finally kick the “ick” out of our public discourse.
– George Takei
originally posted by: Cuervo
a reply to: knoledgeispower
The "ick factor" is still very troubling for me. I fully support gay marriage and have never had an issue with it. I've had gay friends growing up and I've even entertained the possibility that I might be into dudes (turns out I'm definitely not) yet, when my friend and his husband comes to town and hangs out to play video games, I feel a little weird when I glance at them and see them share a quick kiss.
I can't explain it. It doesn't change the way I feel about the issue but I have to admit, I have a bit of that "ick factor" myself. Strangely enough, though, two dudes kissing actually bugs me far more than seeing them go at it all the way (don't ask). I think it's facial hair, maybe? I don't know.
Point is this: don't judge somebody if they suffer from the "ick factor". As long as the person isn't making a scene and saying "Ewwww, gross, dudes kissing!", then he should be allowed to feel how he likes privately. If dudes can be born gay, maybe some of us can be born with an ick factor embedded into us. It shouldn't change our values on equality but we also shouldn't force ourselves into trying to like it. Don't judge us for having an ick factor!
originally posted by: Justwatchingyou
That ick factor shouldn't be there..
Sadly, many commentators acted with revulsion. Newscasters in Dallas walked off the set in disgust. Conservatives blasted the networks for even airing that moment
originally posted by: Fylgje
a reply to: Justwatchingyou
Homosexuals are a microscopic minority living in a mostly heterosexual world. It would be naïve to think that most people wouldn't have an opposing opinion about it, particularly if they make out in public. And I don't ever see most people accepting it as the norm no matter how many marches, or how loud they shout, or how many Hollyweird movies/TV shows portray it as the new norm. There's always gonna be heterosexuals. Humanity depends on it. At one time, homosexuality was considered a mental illness and there were treatments for it. IDK, it's a complicated thing that's gonna stay controversial.