Homophobic Language
Catchy Headline or Offensive Slur?
Richard Kaplan, an editor for The Gleaner, wrote an article for the athletics section of the newspaper to discuss a recent offering of lessons for squash. Kaplan offers a short description of the sport and its history, but his use of the term "pansies" in the title of the article provoked heated responses from several different students.
Since the actual text of Kaplan's article does not include the problematic term and makes no other reference to queer people, we will look at how two different students respond to Kaplan and The Gleaner's use of the term.
Scott Mallinger's quotes from their Letter to the Editor titled "GLAR Rep Objects to Headline," will be displayed on the left side and Rich Trevino's quotes from their Letter to the Editor titled "Why People Hate Gays," will be displayed on the right side. Additionally, responses to Mallinger's criticisms are included at the end.
The word pansy is derogatory; it is as offensive as the words nigger, spic, kike and faggot. In fact, like the word faggot, it often refers to gays.
Only an ignorant individual would use the word "pansy" in a headline. (I wonder how the equally offensive headlines "Basketball, Not Just For Niggers Anymore" or "Karate, Not Just For Chinks Anymore" would have gone down on a racially mixed campus like Rutgers Camden).
Both Mallinger and Trevino assert that many who hate queer people oftentimes have never interacted with a queer person or have no idea what it means to be queer.
They had no idea what we are like, nor did they care to learn. They wanted to keep their stereotypes. They thought they knew all the answers; it made them comfortable to feel superior.
Heterosexism is borne out of ignorance. Most heterosexuals never have a positive experience with someone they know to be homosexual and thus they never have the opportunity to learn that their negative stereotypes are not based on fact.
People don't understand that being gay means more to us that what we do in bed. It is an orientation; a way of seeing yourself and the world. This is one message we want to get across to you.
Being gay or lesbian does not just imply what is done in the bedroom but also the non-sexual interactions: compatibility and emotional exchanges, etc. between two individuals of the same sex.
Mallinger and Trevino recognize that The Gleaner is a large platform, even if it just a campus newspaper. The editors need to be more contientious, but queer students will not stand-by.
You see, not all gays believe that we deserve whatever we get - violence, disease, rejection. We will not remain victims. And we will not all remain silent, even if it is just a case of a small college paper.
The reason we pick up the Gleaner is to be entertained, informed, or amused. Insultive comments fulfill none of these criteria. Yes, I admit I'm Gleaner bashing, but until the Gleaner acts more responsibly the bashing must continue.
Mallinger's piece is longer and more critical of the newspaper, garnering responses from both the editor and John, the Gay Correspondent.
Scott, I think you misunderstood the headline. We did not intend to offend anyone and we apologize if we did. A member of our staff who is gay wanted to respond to your letter. It follows. - Editor
Loosen up. Your anal retentive personality is a detriment to Gay Liberation. There is a big difference between saying fag or nigger out of hatred as opposed to saying pansy as a headline to attract readers. The reason so many people don't like gay people is because so many of us are picky pansies. If we loosen up a bit - laugh a little about this blessing - maybe we'll stop people from thinking about us as picky, pain in the ass people. -John, the Gay Correspondent