BYU student before the BYU-Mississippi State game held a sign that said "You can't spell sissy with Mississippi." Some members of the media are apoplectic.
Let's examine the premise of the media "sissy is a gay slur" folks. Is the state of Mississippi a well-known haven for gay people? Is there some connection between the gay community and Mississippi? Mississippi?
The sign may emphasize gender stereotypes, but women tend to be weaker (especially in terms of upper body strength) than men. If an average men's football team were to play against an opponent composed solely of women, would the men's team be more likely to win or less likely?
Some media types now claim to have the sole and exclusive right to interpret what the word "sissy" means, to misinterpret others, be outraged by that misinterpretation, and thus shut down others speech based on that misinterpretation.
I would take the sign to mean that Miss. State football players are weak, timid people, not that they are gay. The irony is that the "journalist" in this case is arguing that, if you call someone a weak, timid person, you are calling them gay. Wouldn't that be reinforcing the stereotype?
Let's examine the premise of the media "sissy is a gay slur" folks. Is the state of Mississippi a well-known haven for gay people? Is there some connection between the gay community and Mississippi? Mississippi?
The sign may emphasize gender stereotypes, but women tend to be weaker (especially in terms of upper body strength) than men. If an average men's football team were to play against an opponent composed solely of women, would the men's team be more likely to win or less likely?
Some media types now claim to have the sole and exclusive right to interpret what the word "sissy" means, to misinterpret others, be outraged by that misinterpretation, and thus shut down others speech based on that misinterpretation.
