I have an idea.
It is a generally accepted truth that perception is reality. Oftentimes, people have power because we give them power. Words, especially, have power because we perceive that they have power. Who determines the definition of an insult? Society does. So what would happen if we took that power away?
I've been thinking a lot lately (a dangerous pastime, I know) about some very odd stuff, like gay marriage and respect and bullies and verbal abuse (I blame my English project for that last one), and this post is the culmination of all those thoughts. I have an idea, guys. I want to change our perception of insults - more specifically, of one sometimes-insult, sometimes-adjective: gay.
People throw the word "gay" around like a Frisbee. What started as a synonym for "happy" has turned into a raging monster, representing religious and social conflict, hate, prejudice, school-yard bullying, and injustice. It also is a humble adjective, used to describe people who are attracted to members of their own sex. According to this last definition, it should hold no more meaning as an insult than "European" or "Pennsylvanian." Why doesn't it? More importantly, why shouldn't it?
While I am straight myself, I have had friends who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or who have been taunted by being called "gay". It's really not ok to use someone's sexuality against them. Let's change that.
This movement that I'm hoping to inspire here is not about gay rights or gay marriage. It's not about your political beliefs or what religion you follow, or even if you follow a religion at all. It's about respect for everyone, everywhere, no matter how you define yourself. People of tumblr, if we are able to unite over memes and gifs and fandoms, surely we can unite over this.
Let's make the world a better place. Welcome to Project Perception.