Friday, February 19, 2010
(photo: MotivatedPhotos.com)
Americans are becoming more comfortable with the idea of non-heterosexuals serving openly in the military—you just have to watch your language. A new poll conducted by The New York Times and CBS News found that 58% of respondents favor a plan to permit “gays” and “lesbians” to serve in the armed forces. But when the same question was asked about “homosexuals,” support dropped to 44%.
What’s the difference between gays and lesbians versus homosexuals? Probably the word “sex.”
Deb Price of The Detroit News says “the word ‘homosexuals’ conjures up offputting, even scary, images of sex-obsessed strangers. ‘Gay men and lesbians,’ in contrast, is more likely to bring up comfortable thoughts of the helpful guys next door or Ellen DeGeneres, the lesbian queen of fun.”
Price also notes other polling data from ABC News and the Washington Post indicating Americans are more supportive of gay rights issues, including same-sex marriages, if they know someone who is open about their homosexuality.
-Noel Brinkerhoff
Openness Driving Nation Forward (Creators.com)
Gays in the Military Poll (CBS News/New York Times)
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