i think there should be an archives forum

[Calandale]

Yeah, but can one control HOW they
react to such a touch? I'd probably get
goose bumps. Either that or punch them,
depending.

Whether you hit them because you are homophobic or you lean towards them with an open mouth makes a difference in what they do next, it seems.

I don't think it's a homophobic reaction,
since I've lashed out at females in the
same manner. If I'm not expecting to
be touched, I react violently.

[DirtDawg]

I didn't mean you specifically were homophobic. Only that ONE, any one of us, might react violently, as you suggest, when touched and homophobics would react violently even more often when touched by a person of same sex. What if you were waiting for someone to touch you there? It would not be a surprise when it happened. Would you shoo it away or would you lean into it? Too many variables, but that is why I think the touch is a test or a confirmation.

I'm curious to know if it was a localism or if it is universally done in the gay community. I'm a little short on gay friends at the moment - actually, I'm out of friends completely. Maybe someone else has noticed this.

                 

[Lucifer]

...homophobics would react violently even more often when touched by a person of same sex.

in a number of cases, cos they're sublimating their fears about their own sexuality.

[Calandale]

...homophobics would react violently even more often when touched by a person of same sex.

in a number of cases, cos they're sublimating their fears about their own sexuality.

So, in my case, it's just my fears of my possible humanity?

[Lucifer]

heaven forfend.

part what, then?  i'm part fae.  the nasty part, natch.

[Calandale]

My psycho ex accused me of that,
for my reaction to ferrous metals.

But, the way that I fly, I don't think
it's the case. Nor am I truly evil enough.
As proven tonight.

[Lucifer]

i don't actually believe in good and evil.  to me, that's just abdicating responsibility for oneself and one's actions: "oh, it was an evil thing s/he did - the devil made her do it,"  etc., etc.  suggests an external locus of control.  people aren't good or evil, but they do do either appropriate or inappropriate things.  and appropriate is on a sliding scale, obviously: from saying something hurtful, to Mugabe.

oh dear - i've woken up with thinky head on...

[Lucifer]

i do believe in right and wrong. though.

[Calandale]

Evil was the wrong choice of words.
I'm not cruel enough.

[Lucifer]

"cruelty" requires intent, and an implicit morality (of some generally-held consensus).  the fae (or any other elemental force) can't be cruel, as they have no human morality.  don't get me going - my first novel was about exactly that...

[Calandale]

Torture for pleasure is cruel,
regardless of awareness.
Cats are cruel. Faries are
as well. Even to one another.

[Lucifer]

Torture for pleasure is cruel,

not necessarily.  one has to be aware of the concept of "torture" - or, at least, pain - and again, that comes down to a sense of right and wrong.  you can't accuse a young child of being cruel for pulling the wings off flies if they don't realise it hurts the fly, or that it's wrong to do so.  (i wouldn't, anyway - i fucking hate flies).  otherwise, where does "diminished responsibility" come from?

[Calandale]

You're asking entirely the wrong person.
If I saw some child tearing the wings off
a fly, I'd want to rip it's fucking arms off.
And there, I'd feel that I wasn't cruel,
but rather just.

I do give a bit more leniency to cats,
but not much. If it's weaker than I am,
and cruel, I feel obliged to deliver my
sense of justice.

[Lucifer]

You're asking entirely the wrong person.
If I saw some child tearing the wings off
a fly, I'd want to rip it's fucking arms off.
And there, I'd feel that I wasn't cruel,
but rather just.

and i agree absolutely.  notice that you said "want to", though - there's a difference between our feelings/thoughts and our actions, and that difference could probably be defined as "civilisation".  (or, possibly, the fear of consequences if caught  ).  but there is a difference between impulse and comission.

as for cats... well, they're cats, and it's in their job description to be evil-minded, cruel bastards, which is precisely why i love them so.   

sorry - do you feel i'm picking on you a bit?  just wanting a debate, and this one (and the others, elsewhere) has been v. stimulating so far.

[Calandale]

Definitely an issue of consequence.

I must not mind. I'm pausing from
my work, in order to answer. Plus,
I'm an attention whore.