Posted: Thu May 10, 2001 9:10 pm
@Fable...LMFAO.. 
Originally posted by EMINEM:
<STRONG>You're right, to a point. The question you must answer, however, is whether or not being homosexual is a lifestyle choice, or even a lifetime decision. I happen to think that it IS a conscious decision one makes, and a decision that may also be reversed. I know a few gay men who are now ex-gay, meaning they had numerous same-sexual relations, but are now commited heterosexuals who have married and started families of their own. How do you explain their motivations? ]</STRONG>
Eminen, do you believe that heterosexuality is also a conscious life style choice that may be reversed? And what do you think about homosexual relationsships among other species? Is this also a conscious decision? If not, what do you think if the difference here between humans and other species?
I know this was to Fable, I hope you don't mind me answering. Btw, why is Fables examples of gay men living in heterosexual marriage (I also told you I have friends who do) more narrow and particular that your examples?I wholeheartedly disagree with your statement, however, that actions are NOT a mirror to inner intent. If out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks, how much more do our conscious actions? Although your examples may be true, it is far too narrow and particular to apply as a general rule among human beings. Regarding bisexuality or homosexuality, you simply cannot know at what point in a person's life he or she "became" gay. I do believe, however, that what you do is what you are, and that if what you do is unacceptable to the majority, you can justify it by claiming that you have always been like this since you were born, like those who have claimed infidelity to be part of their genetic make-up.
I have a different view than you on to what extent overt action reflects inner intent. To me, the idea that what we do is what we are, is an oversimplification. We are sometimes more than what we act, and sometimes we are not at all what we act.
Think of all the people living during much more restricted times or more restricted cultures than modern US/Europe. And think of the lack of economic resources that affect most of the people living on our planet.
Not everyone is as privilegied as you and I. Oscar Wilde was sent to prison for being homosexual just a bit more than 100 years ago. A friend of mine's husband got executed for spreading unsuitable information about their country's regime. Traveling around the world, I've met people who sold their children to prostitution because they could not support themselves in any other way. To what extent do you think peoples outer action reflect their inner intent and will when social and physical health is in danger because of factors in a society that the individual has not choosen? I think that unfortunately, peoples actions are limited by a lot of factors.
I believe that my actions reflects my inner intent and will to a very large extent. Obviously, you feel the same about yourself, which is good. That's what I view as optimal for the well being of the individual. But I think we should not forget we are in minority in this world.
Eminem, I hope you do not feel provoked that I do not share your views, and I hope my English is good enough to transmit that I don't want to disrespect you in any way, I just want to explain why I don't share some of your opinions. I hope you, like me, think discussion and debate is interesting
[ 05-11-2001: Message edited by: C Elegans ]