So I was talking to my preteen about her friend's YouTube short video about how we need people to not be homophobic and the comments got very controversial. Then her friend asked why it is a bad thing to want to support homosexuals.
So here's the thing. Technically homophobic means you are AFRAID of homosexuality. Just because someone doesn't believe that homosexuality is morally wrong, that doesn't mean that person is AFRAID of homosexuals.
Look at it this way:
If you choose not to drink alcohol (for whatever reason) that doesn't mean you are AFRAID of people who do. It also doesn't mean you can't be friends with people who do.
If you choose not to smoke cigarettes (for whatever reason) that doesn't mean you are AFRAID of people who do. It doesn't mean you can't be friends with people who do.
If you don't believe in God (for whatever reason) that doesn't mean you are AFRAID of people who do. It doesn't mean you can't be friends with people who do.
Society has turned the word homophobic into describing people who believe that homosexuality is morally wrong. They have lumped them into the category of people who have an unnational fear of homosexuality and with people who discriminate against people who are homosexual. That is simply not fair.
It is okay to like or love a person who does not have the same moral standards as you do. We have turned into a polarized society. We have turned into a society of siths where the motto is, "If you aren't with me, you're against me." It is possible to be friends with someone who has different beliefs or lifestyle than you do. In fact it makes the world a better place when you can talk to someone about their experiences in life. It helps you gain a different perspective of life and a better understanding of the world and people around you.
We need to stop being so close minded. We need to be open to hear the ideas and views of others. We need to stop being so offended. We need to listen to each other. We need to agree to disagree. Sometimes we can't convince another person to see things the way we see them but maybe we can help them understand why we see things the way we do. A little kindness never hurt anyone.