Testing the Waters
April 26, 2009Eugene W. Lau + David Ou Texting is a convenient and quick way to shoot digital courier pigeons from cell phone to satellite to cell phone as a way to get short messages that are flirts and upskirts to buddies a navel near and across the hall. Texting may be a bothersome, but welcome distraction for students, but it offers a look into the type of talk that people immerse themselves in, and the reasons why. The Skyline population isn’t innocent as their text language shanks their brains and creates zombie students flapping out stiff and easily reusable phrases. A widespread phenomena has happened and the mentality that erupted from it needs to be proded and peered at for deep analysis. A fairly recent trend is the use of“No Homo” in everyday vernacular. We’ve all heard many of our male peers plainly say “no homo” after saying something like “Hey man, I’m really digging how you can rock those boxers when you sag”, the use of “No Homo” has to be used, because if not, the comment makes it certain that the viewing of a man’s cheeks has occurred. However with the power of “No Homo” the phrase, “You hella dumb ass gay, what the fuck is wit you looking at my ass for.” “No homo” avoids the entire awkward and violent conversation that may take place. Many would clain “no homo” as to have nothing against the LGBT community and most partakers of this phenomenon just desire to make sure that their male homosexual stereotype heavy context of a compliment isn’t taken the wrong way. It’s occurrence is mostly taken gently with controversy an unheard of connection. However, what one might not notice is that the prevalence of “No Homo” in their daily conversations can possibly have a deeper meaning. Is it possible that some students (Meaning You!) fear that they are in fact curious and say “no homo” to cover the fact that they could be a closeted homosexual? While most of us use it as a way to dodge the question of homosexuality, a small percentage of people might actually be closeted self hating homosexuals in a progressive society that’s gradually, and slowly more accepting of gays and lesbians. It may not even be that a small percentage of these “No Homo” connoisseurs are closeted homosexuals. These people could very well be metrosexuals that frequent American Apparel and Urban Outfitters and understand why a certain outfit works, going into detail about color choices and fit and what not. If a person can be nice enough to compliment a person of the same sex, why can’t people get pass the issue of sexuality to safeguard themselves against the fear of being called out gay. As long as people use “No Homo” to distinguish a compliment from being “gay” from“straight”, then there in lies an enormously large issue. Many will agree that racism hasn’t died, and neither has gay bashing. Prop 8 has passed, but not without a fight. As silly as it sounds, the phrase “No Homo” needs to be wiped out. People should be proud that they are kind and polite enough to compliment somebody else on how they look without being questions about their sexuality or not. Teenagers are noted for having a huge lump of self consciousness. All the love should be appreciated without retaliation. It may be all fun and games, but for many there is a small ball of hate and fear for homosexuals, and the faster we as a society can see how people are similar and ignore the differences, then the quicker as a whole and our future can learn to accept people because they are people and not see color. It is in human nature to differ and use that as a reason for violence and one-upping. As long as that occurs, universal acceptance will always be fought against. There is no shame in another Joe Average telling Bob Beautiful how sexy Bob’s eyes are and that Joe is jealous of Bob’s luscious eyes. A compliment is a compliment; there is a no need to worry about some kind of perceived sexual shame and self consciousness. However, if you see me walking around and I look like a Castro District model of epic success, you better whistle. No Homo.
