From Marc Ambinder:
Great job by the folks at the CBS News and New York Times polling department. They've uncovered a classic example of how language influences perceptions in polling. 59% of Americans agree that "homosexuals" ought to be able to serve in the U.S. military. But 70 percent believe that "gays and lesbians" ought to be able to serve in the military. So what are we to make of these confused Americans? "Homosexual" has become a pejorative term, too clinical, associated with a medical condition. But "gays and lesbians" are our friends -- all around us, part of the community.
I mentioned the "choice" mantra in connection with this -- if it's just a behavior, we choose to do it and it's nothing to do with genetics or identity -- but this is, I think, even more relevant: it's dehumanizing to refer to a person as a clinical condition. But then, for the anti-gay, "criminalize hommasectionals" right wing, that's the whole point. Wouldn't do for Americans to think we're actual people.
What's even more interesting is that, no mater what term is used, clear majorities favor allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly. For Bam Bam Barber and Porno Pete: how does it feel to be a loser?
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