the "age divide" vs. homosexuality ; very curious!

[Ashelen]

I saw something about this on a news site (i'm sorry I can't find the link to cite it...I hope I can still post because it's just a poll?) I'm incredibly curious about this. I've noticed certain inclinations on certain issues tend to relate to age.....for instance homosexuality. it's considered something more acceptable to the younger generations, versus the older generations who are GENERALLY more traditional and who do not find it as acceptable. But I'm curious to see if that's truly how the divide stands or if people really are all over the board about it regardless of age.

hence this poll.

PLEASE no inflammatory comments. I am not interested on personal opinions about homosexuality either for or against (I mean, I'm interested but that's not the point of the post, lol), merely "where you stand" in reference to your age. Not trying to be rude but in order to avoid getting this post deleted because I am truly very curious about this and I would love to know if my theory is true....I don't want to start any arguments or debates or insults....so please be nice everyone!

Thank you :)



How do you stand as far as personal acceptance or lack of acceptance of homosexuality in general?

[iam1butterfly]

I'm a 54 year old heterosexual female... and I have a 59 year old sister, who's a Lesbian.
As far as I'm concerned, it just means that there's more available straight men... for me!

[Sarajmt]

Interesting post and poll.  Thank you Ashelen.  My children and I have different attitudes towards many things.  But we need wise, experienced leaders.

[teko]

I am older, and my generation is still against certain, colors and lifestyles for various reasons, mostly due to how they were raised. I have 6 kids, all of which really do not understand what the hoopla is about. So, yes it is generational I think, and so is the way our politics works as a result. We need younger people leading.

[adgal]

I am really interested to see the outcome of this as well.  I happen to agree with you that younger generations seem to be more accepting in general of everything related to race, religion, sexual orientation, etc.  I do think a great deal of that has to do with countries becoming more mulitcultural, so your generation is growing up with those of different backgrounds, as well as easier access to global media.  It's a wonderful thing!!

[Ashelen]

You're absolutely right, and I agree that it's media exposure that has contributed to more "acceptability" among the younger generations...and I really don't think that we'll ever eliminate all intolerance or hatred, like you said. Ignorance is the seed of intolerance and we have a better chance of eliminating all diseases than we do of eliminating all ignorance....because ignorance is a CHOICE....and it's the EASY choice.

I think there's also this concept among younger people that...just because you don't agree with someone doesn't mean you have to affect their way of living. I know plenty of 20-30-somethings that DON'T agree with homosexuality, but they say "it's not my choice, it's not my life, why should I get involved?" whereas some of the older people who I've asked about it might say "I don't agree with it, it shouldn't be allowed". very curious, considering that very frequently these are also conservative people who want less involvement in their everyday lives by government, and yet they're encouraging government involvement in the regulation of marriage and unions.....it's all very interesting, to say the least. Now, there are younger and older people who defy the "usual" and I'm not trying to generalize or say that ALL older people are intolerant or that ALL younger people are accepting...I just need to put that out there so no one thinks I'm trying to target any age group.

We've ALL got our problems and pitfalls, and we all have our intolerances.

[brice1967]

I do think there is a bit of a generational divide when it comes to accepting homosexuality.  (I am 43, married with 2 kids)  I believe the reason for younger folks being more accepting is because of the movement within the homosexual community and the news media making things more available.  Older folks are less accepting because of the stigma's placed on homosexuality.  Take a look at all of the rascial issues and how far we've come along those lines.....I believe the generational divide comes a bit into play there as well.

The truth is, homosexuality has been probably since humans stood upright and took their first steps on 2 feet.  Folks are quicker to judge people on their character these days compared to judging things at face value as was more common in days gone by.

There is always going to be divides when it comes to sexuality and race.  I think the hatred towards gays and minorities is so inbred that it runs for generations.  If tolerance were taught as strictly as hatred there would be more tolerance.

I just think its a shame to judge someone by their sexuality, their race, or religion.  There is good and bad amongst all of us.