I love social networking. I loathe homophobia.
Then sometimes I’m ashamed to be Australian. We remain one of the only modern countries still dragging the chain on marriage equality. Even our federal Labor Government kowtows to the vile stooges within the extreme right of the Christian lobby.
Then we have our citadels of Aussie blokedom — sportsmen. Overpaid yobs touted as role models, who behave like drug-addled meatheads and evidently feel when the missus plays up, it’s okay to give her a bit of a smack every now and then.
When news first emerged of the ADF ‘Skype’ sex scandal, and a young woman pursuing her dream of serving her country — this country — broke her silence over the misogynistic behaviour rife in our military, a small part of me died.
As recently reported by SSO, numerous military personnel signed up to (one of the many) homophobic Facebook pages designed to bully and malign gay and lesbian recruits — or, as so eloquently put by the bigots, the ‘poo pirates’ for their ‘filthy lifestyle decision’ and ‘pillow biting’ ways. Grand Theft Auto 4 games and YouTube clips were posted promoting the odious anti-gay movement.
So, let me get this straight, if you’ll pardon the pun. Already victims of homophobic bullying at school, our government teaches kids that “marriage is between a man and a woman”. Cue ‘role model’ sportsmen to remind us that you, too, can be paid the big bucks to behave like an asshole.
Sadly, the common denominator in all of this is social media. I recently saw someone refer to it as “a modern-day cancer”. Which is probably a little extreme. But certainly, there’s a duty of care online media have to ensure an end is put to this redneck fuckwittery.
Social networking also serves to reflect the society in which we live. To hold a mirror up to our behaviour. And this atrocious conduct has been endemic since day dot.
Is social media to blame?
Remember not to shoot the messenger. Unless the messenger has an agenda. And doesn’t like poo pirates. Which reminds me, I have a hot date with a very special pillow.
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why am i having so much troubles posting with the code thing at the bottom ? ALSO i hope the offenders are caught and dishonourably discharged !
and i really really hope the offenders are tracked down and caught and dishonourably discharged !
and i really hope the offenders are tracked down and caught and dishonourably discharged !
and i hope the offenders are tracked down and caught and dishonourably discharged !
and i hope the offenders are caught and dishonourably discharged !
true it is time to hang our heads in shame as a nation over things like this ! there are still so many anti gay facebook groups and websites and the people at the top do not care only about $$$
@ jallybear i saw that picture of the 2 guys and there was NOTHING wrong with it as it was just 2 normal looking guys kissing ! not naked or pornographic it could have been on a hallmark card if it was a man and a woman ! they take that down and then let these groups who are stirring haters up to the point of gay bashings go unquestioned ? no question in my mind that this is prejudice on facebooks part !
Here here !!
Sports men behaving like teenage boys out to get trashed,, bashing their women as they go. The only difference is these blokes are cashed up and instead of speed and long necks they’re on JD and ice
The Australian military and its boys club *culture* in which assault rape and prejudice do not surprise anyone. The intolerance from an institution that in many facets stands for our country where anti gay bullying is getting worse
The Gillard Govt refuses to budge on equality. She spoke up about the Skype scandal,, but her indignation is selective. Retarded poofter bashers from the military mock and torture gay and lesbian officers via offensive hate campaigns on Facebook….. and also are these games homophobic violence ?? Cos if they are why are we letting these guys near weapons ?!?! Miss Cartier I agree we should SACK them !!
I do not feel social networking is to blame. It plays an big part in perpetuating hatred and prejudice. They need to stand up and be accountable. Technology, online gaming and social networking are all making us less capable of successful lives in the REAL world. What chance do children of today stand in this backwards country?!?!
This article — Nail On the Head ! !
As you can see i hate football and sport Connie.
I am telling you right now no website/social media has anything to do with these thugs meat Heads breaking the law behaving badly like they do”. WHY!. THEY HAVE TO MUSH FREE TIME AND MONEY Given to them. I am sick to death of turning the TV on to find out that another football player has broken the law like rape, asult,drunk driving, drugs and many more. They need to stop paying them so much money and tell them to get a real job on week days like the rest of the world. I can not be leave they break the law Like they do and all that happens is there sent to an NRL AFL tribunal and not a court of law. The Only way To make Change is send Them to a court of law. Make then Get a job. Stop Paying them so much money and SACK THEM AFTER 3 STRIKES. And One more thing. Because they hit kick a ball around why does that make them any different to us if i broke half the laws they break i would be doing 5 years in a jail now Connie Cartier……
Media in general plays a major part in creating ‘issues’, its all a part of sensationalism, to get attention. Facebook has to take responsibility for discrimination. Love is love, and for them to allow straight and not gay interactions is discriminating. Pictures of 2 people in love, or enjoying the passion of an embrace, other than pornographic images is what being social is all about. Its social networking,,,,not discrimination. If people find any of this offensive, then delete the ‘gay’ friends, which is a freedom of choice we all have. Facebook needs to tidy itself up, and protect the rights we all have, equality. And, I too, have a date with a pillow, though not my first choice! I too have no ties, other than to myself and what I believe in, nothing to gain by standing and speaking…. I believe in equality and Facebook should be doing the same. Equal love is just that, love, not hate. Move forward Facebook.
Though I disagree Facebook is totally to blame. It is a bit like that old expression: “guns don’t kill people – people kill people!”
There is definitely an element of prejudice from the operators and moderators of sites like Facebook. They allow a lot of straight guy images like tarts with big tits washing cars etc but as soon as there are 2 guys or even a pic that looks vaguely homo erotic, it is removed immediately. I have even heard of drag queens having their entire profiles disabled. Plus what about all the religious pages they allow and things that we find offensive ?? Not good
Social networking needs to be held more accountable for facilitating this kind of stuff. Facebook for example just took down a very innocent and tasteful image of 2 guys kissing….. Meanwhile they turn a blind eye to the homophobic hate groups setting up pages which incite vilification and violence towards us. Every time you come across these groups REPORT THEM [usually a small link under profile pic]
Well said……. excellent article ! Thanks to The Star also for staying on the case with the ADF hate groups.