Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

How can I say this without being offensive?

I was reading the wikipedia entry for "heterosexism" and it said something like "the assumption that heterosexuality is the norm and therefore superior". I was wondering why saying its the norm implies that its superior? If I said that I would just mean its more common, and homosexuality is a minority, I don't for a second believe that either is superior.

I'm straight by the way, but homophobic bigots makes me embarrassed for all who share my sexuality.

Update:

Dani L...good point.

9 Answers

Relevance
  • Iggy
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    The fact that something is the norm does not have to mean it is superior, however, in a case like heterosexism, the fact that heterosexuality is the norm leads people to believe that it is therefore superior. This idea of superiority by majority is present in lots of groups, for example, the Nazi or KKK concept of a 'master race' which is better than any other race simply because it is the most populous in that area.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Funny thing ppl may not act on one form of sexuality or another but human beings are by nature extroidnarly sexual creatures and are capable by nature of any form of intimate pleasure.

    The way I see a so called straight person is simply one who has yet to experience something else,and in denying it as part of the human sensual sexual nature they are simply missing out on other pleasures.

  • 1 decade ago

    I agree with you. Neither is superior and homophobes are just stereotypical idiots.

    And I'm straight too. But then, since we're on that topic, why say straight? What are people trying to insinuate?!

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    It's the assumption that because heterosexuality is the norm, that makes it superior. It's the belief that the norm = superior. That's how I take it, at least.

    Being the "norm," doesn't make something superior, but in the heterosexist belief, it does. I'm so sorry if that's confusing, but it makes sense to me. =D

  • How do you think about the answers? You can sign in to vote the answer.
  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Saying something is the norm essentially says that there is a reason why it is that way, that is is natural and right, in other words.

    Not a big deal, and I can see why it's silly.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Ah...such is the folly of societies trained to believe in democracy. In all our pandering to populism, democracy, and all sorts of "the people rule" and "the greatest good for the greatest number," we've come to accept whatever is most common, and accepted, is the way to go. Sort of ironic if you think about what Democrats and Liberals stand for. I personally have issues with myself, supporting democracy and freedom for all at the same time.

    That's why I should become Victator of the world. Sort out all these silly squabbles.

  • 1 decade ago

    Oddly enough, I am taking a different look at that quote that leads to a more interesting thought (at least for me): It was not written by a heterosexual!

    If it had been written by a heterosexual person, the word assumption would not have been included. It would say that it is the norm and superior.

    So, what we have here is a cleverly worded phrase that actually tells heterosexuals they are wrong!

  • 1 decade ago

    They think if most the people are one way then logically that is the best way.

  • 1 decade ago

    =] doesnt sound offensive sounds like the truth

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.