Are gay people born that way or is it simply a lifestyle choice?
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 | 36 votes (63.15%) | ||
| | 21 votes (36.84%) |
57 members have voted
June 13th, 2012 at 12:06:31 PM
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I have been following a recent thread which started out as the suitability of gay people as parents. It has brought up different thoughts and they've been expressed, sometimes eloquently. But it caused me to wonder, how many people believe one side or the other? Hence, the poll.
Of course it isn't fair to ask and not express my belief. And since I rarely post here you don't really know much about me. Well, here goes.
I'm 58 and live in Austin, Texas. The bluest city in one of the reddist states. I'm neither blue nor red, I'm more purple. I believe in a woman's right to choose and support no form of gun control. I also support the whole gay marriage thing. Why not, who's it gonna hurt? The government should stay out of our bedrooms and our business. If it isn't hurting me, I don't care. I work for the City Of Austin and we already have equal benefits for same sex partners and it hasn't caused any problems. I also have friends who are gay and some of them are raising children. Rather well, I might ad. Oh yeah, I'm also an atheist.
In spite of having friends who are gay and living in a city where we have a very large and politically powerful gay community I still believe it is a lifestyle choice. And that's ok, I have no problem with your choice. Hell, I'll be the first in line to support you in your freedom to make that choice. And I'll go down defending your right to make that choice. But bottom line, I believe it is a choice.
You may not agree and I'm ok with that too. I don't have to be "right" in your eyes. That's one of the many things that makes this country great! And hopefully if you're gay and don't agree you didn't just get offended. If you did, well, I'm not going to apologize for something I believe. I just hope you get over it soon.
Of course it isn't fair to ask and not express my belief. And since I rarely post here you don't really know much about me. Well, here goes.
I'm 58 and live in Austin, Texas. The bluest city in one of the reddist states. I'm neither blue nor red, I'm more purple. I believe in a woman's right to choose and support no form of gun control. I also support the whole gay marriage thing. Why not, who's it gonna hurt? The government should stay out of our bedrooms and our business. If it isn't hurting me, I don't care. I work for the City Of Austin and we already have equal benefits for same sex partners and it hasn't caused any problems. I also have friends who are gay and some of them are raising children. Rather well, I might ad. Oh yeah, I'm also an atheist.
In spite of having friends who are gay and living in a city where we have a very large and politically powerful gay community I still believe it is a lifestyle choice. And that's ok, I have no problem with your choice. Hell, I'll be the first in line to support you in your freedom to make that choice. And I'll go down defending your right to make that choice. But bottom line, I believe it is a choice.
You may not agree and I'm ok with that too. I don't have to be "right" in your eyes. That's one of the many things that makes this country great! And hopefully if you're gay and don't agree you didn't just get offended. If you did, well, I'm not going to apologize for something I believe. I just hope you get over it soon.
Stupid is a choice
June 13th, 2012 at 12:28:25 PM
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I don't think it is quite that black and white. Although you have the twins-separated-at-birth studies that show that homosexuality is not pre-determined absolutely, you also have the harder to prove case of the 'gay genes' providing a certain propensity. It's possible mitochondrial dna is involved. I'm ready to believe some people are born very likely to be homosexual, and that something early on can trigger it. Personally, I think being overcharged in sex drive can be a factor, a statement that upsets some.
The "early on" thing can become just too close to "being born that way" to matter to me. However, I don't believe there is anyone who needs to go down the path of a destructive lifestyle .
The "early on" thing can become just too close to "being born that way" to matter to me. However, I don't believe there is anyone who needs to go down the path of a destructive lifestyle .
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
June 13th, 2012 at 12:42:34 PM
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When do straight people choose to be heterosexual? Is it a conscious decision that they make each morning?
Someday, joor goin' to see the name of Googie Gomez in lights and joor goin' to say to joorself, "Was that her?" and then joor goin' to answer to joorself, "That was her!" But you know somethin' mister? I was always her yuss nobody knows it! - Googie Gomez
June 13th, 2012 at 12:54:34 PM
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Why would anyone choose to be gay? Homosexuality is most likely a genetic deformity.
If that is upsetting, then maybe it's better to look at it as being born left-handed. I'm not sure what that is categorized as, but I'm left-handed, and I probably could have been made a righty, but I would probably never be quite as strong a thrower right-handed as I am left-handed no matter how much I tried.
If that is upsetting, then maybe it's better to look at it as being born left-handed. I'm not sure what that is categorized as, but I'm left-handed, and I probably could have been made a righty, but I would probably never be quite as strong a thrower right-handed as I am left-handed no matter how much I tried.
June 13th, 2012 at 1:03:32 PM
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Quote: FinsRuleWhy would anyone choose to be gay? Homosexuality is most likely a genetic deformity.
Are you comparing homosexuality to down sydrome???
Personally, I think sexual preference is social conditioning, and I'll leave it at that.
Gambling calls to me...like this ~> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Nap37mNSmQ
June 13th, 2012 at 1:05:48 PM
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Talking about gayness, may I recommend The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
where Tom Wilkinson played a gay high court judge.
where Tom Wilkinson played a gay high court judge.
June 13th, 2012 at 1:24:13 PM
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Quote: TIMSPEEDAre you comparing homosexuality to down sydrome???
There's a lot of genetic deformities. But obviously, being homosexual can't be normal. I don't know the answer of whether it's a deformity more like down's syndrome, or more like being left-handed.
June 13th, 2012 at 1:30:16 PM
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I wish people would understand the difference between congenital and genetic.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
June 13th, 2012 at 1:41:48 PM
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It is a known fact that the percentage of homosexuals increases in populations (whether human or animal) with a heavy imbalance of the two sexes. There is also a lot of correlation with the cultural value systems of a particular society (a lot more gays in ancient Greece or Rome for example, than in contemporary Sweden). Given these and other facts, I find the theory of the genetic nature of homosexuality to be highly unlikely.
As far as I know, there is no and has never been a conclusive reputable study demonstrating (or even suggesting) the congenital nature of homosexuality. Absent that, I see no reasons to believe that it is genetic. I can see why some people like to believe it, but, kinda like with religion, this is nothing more than an unfounded theory, that makes some us feel good.
Absent conclusive proof, I think, the belief in the congenital roots of homosexuality is actually harmful rather than neutral to the society. Therefore, even though, I agree, that the opposite theory is not exactly proven beyond all reasonable doubt either, it is a much more rational alternative to choose unless and until the genetic cause is proven conclusively.
Your wish is granted.
As far as I know, there is no and has never been a conclusive reputable study demonstrating (or even suggesting) the congenital nature of homosexuality. Absent that, I see no reasons to believe that it is genetic. I can see why some people like to believe it, but, kinda like with religion, this is nothing more than an unfounded theory, that makes some us feel good.
Absent conclusive proof, I think, the belief in the congenital roots of homosexuality is actually harmful rather than neutral to the society. Therefore, even though, I agree, that the opposite theory is not exactly proven beyond all reasonable doubt either, it is a much more rational alternative to choose unless and until the genetic cause is proven conclusively.
Quote: NareedI wish people would understand the difference between congenital and genetic.
Your wish is granted.
"When two people always agree one of them is unnecessary"
June 13th, 2012 at 1:46:59 PM
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Quote: FinsRuleWhy would anyone choose to be gay?
Any number of reasons.
Girl troubles;
A friendly gay neighbor
Homosexual parents
Wrong kind of porno watched at a young age
General appeal of the "pride"
etc.
"When two people always agree one of them is unnecessary"
June 13th, 2012 at 1:59:28 PM
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Genetic predisposition but societal influences and brain trauma exert an effect. Many species produce offspring according to resource availability. Females often are born to new mothers because its easy to care for a female than a male. Alligator eggs produce males or females according to incubating temperature which is related to water availability. With all these "selection" mechanisms its likely that things can go awry from time to time.
Behavior? Many women adapt to the Gay For the Stay atmosphere of women's prisons though for most people behavior is usually a choice.
Sexual behavior and sexual orientation are each probably subject to environmental trauma as well, there being anecdotal evidence of brain trauma affecting behavior as well as desires. So far no pathogens have been found that affect sexual orientation but few researchers have looked for any. T. gondi can infect a host and cause the host organism that would normally fear cats to be attracted to the cat's urine, thus aiding the T. gondi lifecycle but killing off the rat.
Behavior? Many women adapt to the Gay For the Stay atmosphere of women's prisons though for most people behavior is usually a choice.
Sexual behavior and sexual orientation are each probably subject to environmental trauma as well, there being anecdotal evidence of brain trauma affecting behavior as well as desires. So far no pathogens have been found that affect sexual orientation but few researchers have looked for any. T. gondi can infect a host and cause the host organism that would normally fear cats to be attracted to the cat's urine, thus aiding the T. gondi lifecycle but killing off the rat.
June 13th, 2012 at 2:01:15 PM
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Quote: NareedI wish people would understand the difference between congenital and genetic.
I have no idea - please enlighten me if you'd wish.
June 13th, 2012 at 2:07:00 PM
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In that order? So Ricky Martin is gay for what reason on that list exactly?Quote: weaselmanAny number of reasons.
Girl troubles;
A friendly gay neighbor
Homosexual parents
Wrong kind of porno watched at a young age
General appeal of the "pride"
etc.
Someday, joor goin' to see the name of Googie Gomez in lights and joor goin' to say to joorself, "Was that her?" and then joor goin' to answer to joorself, "That was her!" But you know somethin' mister? I was always her yuss nobody knows it! - Googie Gomez
June 13th, 2012 at 2:22:20 PM
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Quote: s2dbakerIn that order? So Ricky Martin is gay for what reason on that list exactly?
Ricky Martin just needed a easy way to justify his bad music
A flute with no holes is not a flute, a donut with no holes is a danish
June 13th, 2012 at 2:22:56 PM
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Quote: s2dbakerWhen do straight people choose to be heterosexual? Is it a conscious decision that they make each morning?
No more than my preference for the colour green, long legs on girl or the fact I enjoy The Pixies over Pearl Jam.
I think there's a false dichotomy being posed here. It's saying there is a concious choice OR no choice at all. This ignores nuture, environment, predispositions, psychology and a whole gamut of other things that make YOU you. Whether that be who wanna screw or your preference of music or political party.
I don't believe it's a "born that way" OR a concious "lifestyle choice". I don't chose to be attracted to brunettes girls with tattoos. But I am.
I am sure my gay friends didn't wake up one morning and go "hey, I know, I think I'll go try and kiss guys now". But he does. Cos he finds them attractive, the same way some guys here find girls with big chests and low cut dresses attractive. Or did you choose that as a lifestyle choice as well?
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
June 13th, 2012 at 2:36:34 PM
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Quote: s2dbakerIn that order? So Ricky Martin is gay for what reason on that list exactly?
No, no particular order.
I have no idea about Ricky Martin, sorry. Also note, the list is not exhaustive (you might have missed the "etc." in the end - it is there to indicate that).
"When two people always agree one of them is unnecessary"
June 13th, 2012 at 3:21:39 PM
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Quote: FinsRuleI have no idea - please enlighten me if you'd wish.
Congenital means present at or before birth. Genetic means related to the genes.
For example, the color of your skin is genetic, that is to say determined by your genes. A birthmark is congenital.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
June 13th, 2012 at 3:31:02 PM
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Quote: NareedCongenital means present at or before birth. Genetic means related to the genes.
For example, the color of your skin is genetic, that is to say determined by your genes. A birthmark is congenital.
'Determined' by your genes probably emphasizes it being hard and fast too much - "influenced by" is a truer defintion. Gene expression is not a black and white thing in all cases. Two people with the same set of genes for one particular trait my have them expressed in different (though similar) ways.
It also should be noted that the DNA you have in one set of cells today may not be exactly the same as it is in another set of cells in the future. Especially in cancerous growths, but generally overall this is true. Gene expression also changes. Your DNA is not static (something that surprised me when I learned it). Sequencing a persons genome now and later may have different results... this has interesting repercussions for genetic medicine and testing.
The "gay gene" (if such a thing exists) is unlikely to be anything to do with Mitochondrial DNA... Mitochondria is the cellular power plant that deal with cell life/death. Then again, it might have a bigger effect as the way the complex chemistry and biology of proteins in the cells work means emergent behaviours can come from very abstract stuff.
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
June 13th, 2012 at 3:42:08 PM
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Quote: thecesspit'Determined' by your genes probably emphasizes it being hard and fast too much - "influenced by" is a truer defintion. Gene expression is not a black and white thing in all cases. Two people with the same set of genes for one particular trait my have them expressed in different (though similar) ways.
You're right. But that's still a step above the people who think everything is determined by genes
Quote:Gene expression also changes. Your DNA is not static (something that surprised me when I learned it). Sequencing a persons genome now and later may have different results... this has interesting repercussions for genetic medicine and testing.
Also true. And something where researhcers are just begining to make progress. It's even possible for some acquired traits to be passed on to offspring through some changes to the genome (though Lysenkoism is still bunk).
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
June 13th, 2012 at 4:12:23 PM
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Quote: NareedYou're right. But that's still a step above the people who think everything is determined by genes.
I am going to do something uncharacteristic and go with my gut, without doing any research.
It seems to me that women are more likely to go with environmental factors than men. It just seems to me that there are a lot of women who have experimented with gay sex, or seem to become gay later in life. Similarly there are more women that drift back and forth.
June 13th, 2012 at 4:21:53 PM
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My short answer.....I believe it to be a CHOICE, 100%. Here's a question, take a straight male and throw him into prison for years.
I am NOT talking about rape or being 'passed around' (because your life depends on it) so lets leave that out.
How/why would a straight guy ALL OF A SUDDEN.....want to TAKE IT or GIVE IT? I'll tell you why....he CHOSE to.
Its a damn choice he made. Let me guess, doing gay stuff in prison isn't really GAY because....well.....its in prison. Different definitions? (lol)
Ken
I am NOT talking about rape or being 'passed around' (because your life depends on it) so lets leave that out.
How/why would a straight guy ALL OF A SUDDEN.....want to TAKE IT or GIVE IT? I'll tell you why....he CHOSE to.
Its a damn choice he made. Let me guess, doing gay stuff in prison isn't really GAY because....well.....its in prison. Different definitions? (lol)
Ken
June 13th, 2012 at 4:50:16 PM
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Quote: pacomartinI am going to do something uncharacteristic and go with my gut, without doing any research.
It seems to me that women are more likely to go with environmental factors than men. It just seems to me that there are a lot of women who have experimented with gay sex, or seem to become gay later in life. Similarly there are more women that drift back and forth.
One gal from high schol had the definition of this. Called herself a trisexual. Said she would try anything.
I heard this several years after she gave me her number and I never called. Not sure if I missed some wild nights or a George moment when I would have learned about her metamorphosis.
My thinking is the women try it for the emotional support. Lockup and similar shows say it is the emotional support that drives the lesbian games in the can.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
June 13th, 2012 at 5:02:39 PM
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Quote: AZDuffmanOne gal from high schol had the definition of this. Called herself a trisexual. Said she would try anything.
I heard this several years after she gave me her number and I never called. Not sure if I missed some wild nights or a George moment when I would have learned about her metamorphosis.
You only missed out on the burning sensation during urination.
100% risk of ruin
June 13th, 2012 at 5:30:31 PM
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Quote: FinsRuleWhy would anyone choose to be gay? Homosexuality is most likely a genetic deformity.
Hmm. If that's the case, and those who possess said genetic deformity have a difficult time procreating, one would think it would eradicate itself from the face of the Earth eventually.
June 13th, 2012 at 5:41:54 PM
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Quote: NareedI wish people would understand the difference between congenital and genetic.
Congenital? Is that Spanish for "with genitals"? As in "Los homosexuales les gusta el sexo congenital hombres"?
"Poker sure is an easy game to beat if you have the roll to keep rebuying."
June 13th, 2012 at 5:54:29 PM
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Quote: weaselmanAny number of reasons.
Girl troubles;
A friendly gay neighbor
Homosexual parents
Wrong kind of porno watched at a young age
General appeal of the "pride" etc.
No way. No amount of girl troubles would ever make me want to take it in the ass, sorry. Or the mouth. I would never chooooose that. If I did choose that, then the girl troubles I'd been having were because I was gay the whole time.
I could never chooooose to be gay, anymore than I could choose to be black, or short, or anything else that I'm not. You can choose to be fat, choose to be Jewish and choose to be antisocial. You're not born Jewish, you choose. Gay is nothing anyone would ever choose if you didn't already roll that way.
"Poker sure is an easy game to beat if you have the roll to keep rebuying."
June 13th, 2012 at 6:03:24 PM
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The same thing could be said for bumblebees. It could be a good thing as far as evolution is concerned to have some members of the human family not reproduce and instead expend their energies on making fabulous Broadway shows.Quote: QuadDeucesHmm. If that's the case, and those who possess said genetic deformity have a difficult time procreating, one would think it would eradicate itself from the face of the Earth eventually.
Someday, joor goin' to see the name of Googie Gomez in lights and joor goin' to say to joorself, "Was that her?" and then joor goin' to answer to joorself, "That was her!" But you know somethin' mister? I was always her yuss nobody knows it! - Googie Gomez
June 13th, 2012 at 6:04:12 PM
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Quote: zippyboy
I could never chooooose to be gay,
Never? How do you know?
Just curious ...
Quote:You can choose to be fat,
Ummm ... Some people actually insist that is genetic too ... (oh, sorry, Nareed, I mean congenital).
"When two people always agree one of them is unnecessary"
June 13th, 2012 at 6:10:41 PM
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Quote: zippyboyYou can choose to be fat, choose to be Jewish and choose to be antisocial.
I'd say some people have a predisposition to be anti-social. People might be painfully introverted, and 'choose' (consciously or unconsciously) to tend towards that behaviour. Other people will make a effort to be social. Other people will be anti-social when it suits them. And these things will change over time.
Some people are sociopaths, and probably are "born that way" though.
And for fatness... same again... you may well be someone who has a lower metabolism, and an overall lower predisposition to be active. Buddy over here is a mile-a-minute guy. Person A is less active, and there gets fatter. Person B is more active, and burns the calories.
Are these 'choices' or nurtured behaviours or environmental factors or congenital or genetic predispositions? I -suspect- all of the above and then some. Trying to pigeon-hole human psychology of action into simple boxes of nature/nuture seems... well... like your going to get nowhere fast.
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
June 13th, 2012 at 6:15:41 PM
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Quote: s2dbakerIt could be a good thing as far as evolution is concerned to have some members of the human family not reproduce and instead expend their energies on making fabulous Broadway shows.
Because when the insect-thing space aliens arrive from space, annihilate Earth's armies, it turns out their one true weakness is musical theater.
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
June 13th, 2012 at 6:26:03 PM
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Have you considered a career as a screen writer. Your plot is better than the dribble playing in theatres today !
June 13th, 2012 at 6:27:55 PM
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Gotta agree with Z-Boy. My OPINION is that there is some type of genetic predisposition towards homosexuality. Societal (sic) influences? Maybe, but human sexual preference goes way deeper than" Damn, Suzy dumped me, I guess I'll see if Johnny wants to play "hide the salami".Quote: zippyboyNo way. No amount of girl troubles would ever make me want to take it in the ass, sorry. Or the mouth. I would never chooooose that. If I did choose that, then the girl troubles I'd been having were because I was gay the whole time.
I could never chooooose to be gay, anymore than I could choose to be black, or short, or anything else that I'm not. You can choose to be fat, choose to be Jewish and choose to be antisocial. You're not born Jewish, you choose. Gay is nothing anyone would ever choose if you didn't already roll that way.
On a related note, I've formed the OPINION that one reason the Christian right is so adamant(sic) that gay is a choice is that if a 'gay' gene is discovered, that means the deity created people 'that way', and doesn't that throw legions of foxes into myriad henhouses.
I should point out that I live in Colorado Springs; one of the cardinal points on the evangelical compass. Home to Doc Dobson, Focus on the Family, AND Pastor Ted"Meth and Man-ass" Haggard, formerly of the NewLife Megachurch. So I've had a healthy dose of this arguement in the past.
"Win with a smile, lose with grace."
June 13th, 2012 at 6:31:41 PM
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There you go. As good a reason as any.Quote: s2dbakerThe same thing could be said for bumblebees. It could be a good thing as far as evolution is concerned to have some members of the human family not reproduce and instead expend their energies on making fabulous Broadway shows.
"Win with a smile, lose with grace."
June 13th, 2012 at 6:40:17 PM
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Quote: PeteMSocietal (sic) influences? ... so adamant(sic)
I am sorry, I have to ask ... what (do you think) "(sic)" means in this context?
"When two people always agree one of them is unnecessary"
June 13th, 2012 at 6:42:02 PM
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Quote: QuadDeucesHmm. If that's the case, and those who possess said genetic deformity have a difficult time procreating, one would think it would eradicate itself from the face of the Earth eventually.
Many gay people have children. But I think as society becomes more tolerant, gay people will be more open, thus adopting more, thus lowering the percentage of gays.
June 13th, 2012 at 6:43:05 PM
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Means I'm to lazy to check my spelling as I type And I think my spelling may be wrong. Nothing to read into.Quote: weaselmanI am sorry, I have to ask ... what (do you think) "(sic)" means in this context?
"Win with a smile, lose with grace."
June 13th, 2012 at 6:43:29 PM
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Quote: thecesspitAnd for fatness... same again... you may well be someone who has a lower metabolism, and an overall lower predisposition to be active. Buddy over here is a mile-a-minute guy. Person A is less active, and there gets fatter. Person B is more active, and burns the calories.
...and being less or more active is a choice is it not? Metabolism can be changed with a little exercise, which is a choice. Drinking water or sugary Coke is a choice. Eating vegan or McDonalds is a choice, one that you make several times a day month after month, year after year until your good or bad choices are obvious to others.
I might make another argument though. Some might say being a smoker or a junkie is a choice. Some might argue "why would anyone consciously choose an unhealthy habit that's annoying to others and shortens your own life?" I'd tend to agree; however, if his mother was a smoker while pregnant, that nasty shit is down in his molecules while he's being made. It's likely that when he takes his first puff at age 15, he wonders "where have you been all my life?". Same for heroin. Is it a choice, or not?
"Poker sure is an easy game to beat if you have the roll to keep rebuying."
June 13th, 2012 at 6:46:36 PM
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Quote: PeteMMeans I'm to lazy to check my spelling as I type And I think my spelling may be wrong. Nothing to read into.
I see ... Get a spell checker.
"Sic" is usually used to mean "sic erat scriptum", latin for "thus was it written" ... Nothing to do with lame excuse for poor spelling as you can see ...
"When two people always agree one of them is unnecessary"
June 13th, 2012 at 6:48:18 PM
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Quote: FinsRuleMany gay people have children. But I think as society becomes more tolerant, gay people will be more open, thus adopting more, thus lowering the percentage of gays.
... or highering it. I guess, that could be one way to settle the dispute.
"When two people always agree one of them is unnecessary"
June 13th, 2012 at 6:49:36 PM
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Quote: weaselmanI see ... Get a spell checker.
"Sic" is usually used to mean "sic erat scriptum", latin for "thus was it written" ...
That right? I always thought it meant "spelling is correct".
"Poker sure is an easy game to beat if you have the roll to keep rebuying."
June 13th, 2012 at 6:52:02 PM
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Quote: thecesspit
And for fatness... same again... you may well be someone who has a lower metabolism, and an overall lower predisposition to be active.
Yes, you can. But in that case you'd spend less energy and require less food.
Unless, of course, you just choose to eat a lot, and are looking for an excuse. That couldbe genetic ... errr... congenital.
"When two people always agree one of them is unnecessary"
June 13th, 2012 at 6:56:11 PM
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Quote: zippyboyThat right? I always thought it meant "spelling is correct".
Nope. The spelling is actually usually wrong :)
When you are quoting some source, and the spelling (or, sometimes, factual content) is correct, there is not much to be said about it beyond the actual quote. But when the spelling is wrong, and you for some reason want to preserve it (perhaps, to ridicule the author), you quote it as is, and then use "sic" to indicate, that the error is not yours. The literal translation is "thus", short for "thus was it written", the common meaning is "this is how it is in the original".
"When two people always agree one of them is unnecessary"
June 13th, 2012 at 6:57:42 PM
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I was under the impression it meant Spelling Incorrect. Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, Mea Maxima Culpa. Can we now return to the thread? An interesting discussion, and fairly civil for such an incindiary topic.Quote: zippyboyThat right? I always thought it meant "spelling is correct".
"Win with a smile, lose with grace."
June 13th, 2012 at 7:14:09 PM
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Quote: weaselmanNope. The spelling is actually usually wrong :)
When you are quoting some source, and the spelling (or, sometimes, factual content) is correct, there is not much to be said about it. But when the spelling is wrong, and you for some reason want to preserve it (perhaps, to ridicule the author), you quote it as is, and then use "sic" to indicate, that the error is not yours. The literal translation is "thus was it written", the common meaning is "this is how it is in the original".
Doesn't have to be for ridicule. Just used to show not your error, prose, or even expletive. Also used in formal papers to show you did not quote in error but the error was the person being quoted.
Thanks for the translation. Even though I knew what it meant I never knew what it meant.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
June 13th, 2012 at 7:17:11 PM
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Quote: AZDuffmanDoesn't have to be for ridicule.
Right. I said "perhaps" :)
"When two people always agree one of them is unnecessary"
June 13th, 2012 at 7:34:36 PM
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I think people who think homosexuality is a choice should make a wager.
Offer this to all gays: Just admit homosexuality is actually a choice and we'll vote for your rights issues.
My prediction: heterosexuals won't have to vote for any rights issues.
Offer this to all gays: Just admit homosexuality is actually a choice and we'll vote for your rights issues.
My prediction: heterosexuals won't have to vote for any rights issues.
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
June 13th, 2012 at 7:58:29 PM
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Quote: FinsRuleBut obviously, being homosexual can't be normal.
I suppose it depends on the definition of 'normal'. I recently read where scientists have identified more homosexual behavior in different animal species. A 1999 study observed homosexual behavior in 1500 species, ranging from primates down to worms. I don't know the specifics, but it could be argued that homosexual behavior is a natural occurrence in some species.
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June 13th, 2012 at 8:03:24 PM
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Quote: rxwine
Offer this to all gays: Just admit homosexuality is actually a choice and we'll vote for your rights issues.
My prediction: heterosexuals won't have to vote for any rights issues.
Yeah, probably true ... Would show how much they really care about those "issues".
"When two people always agree one of them is unnecessary"
June 13th, 2012 at 8:43:37 PM
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A bit late to the party.
Neither. It's pretty clear that sexual preference isn't genetic, so no one is just born that way. And it isn't just choice, I can't get hard-on on another man without using my imagination. Current evidence appears to point to early-mid childhood development as the dominant factor in establishing sexual identity, although not excluding possible predisposition and conscious choices as influences.
While psychological, it's no more a lifestyle choice than being agoraphobic is a choice.
That said, I haven't seen any reasons to consider bisexuality a separate condition. Bisexuals are the ones who actually have a choice. Myself, I'd probably indeed work both sides of the borderline if I could, but this falls under choices, as humans can choose not to have sex with something they are attracted to.
Neither. It's pretty clear that sexual preference isn't genetic, so no one is just born that way. And it isn't just choice, I can't get hard-on on another man without using my imagination. Current evidence appears to point to early-mid childhood development as the dominant factor in establishing sexual identity, although not excluding possible predisposition and conscious choices as influences.
While psychological, it's no more a lifestyle choice than being agoraphobic is a choice.
That said, I haven't seen any reasons to consider bisexuality a separate condition. Bisexuals are the ones who actually have a choice. Myself, I'd probably indeed work both sides of the borderline if I could, but this falls under choices, as humans can choose not to have sex with something they are attracted to.
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June 13th, 2012 at 9:06:41 PM
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Please, I joined this forum to discuss gambling related stuff. I don't mind an off-topic once in a while but now it's turning in the direction of a forum about homosexuality. And how are heterosexuals entitled to comment about that anyway. It's the same as saying that heterosexuality is a lifestyle choice and that everybody could find a member of the same sex attractive if they wanted to. Why cannot people leave it alone and start focusing about the important things in live.
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