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Re: beautiful people
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Posted by Bob Belloff on 3/06/2008 10:32: IP: c027.host.mprdc.com
In Reply to: beautiful people posted by jack on 2/26/2008 15:26:
I've considered this post very carefully since I read it, trying to make sense of the issue at hand.
Milltown certainly is not a community that has had a lot of experience with openly gay couples. Many of our residents are older and have lived most of their lives in a time when that was simply not a part of their life experience. Many others are of a sensibility where their beliefs do not resonate with that lifestyle. And certainly, there is the reality that many people, whatever their philosophical or religious beliefs, simply have no experience with that situation.
I am not sure if it is realistic to expect unconditional acceptance from people who hold a deeply-rooted set of lifestyle beliefs. Those beliefs are very personal and people have as much right to them as you have to yours. Nor can you force acceptance on anyone; that further breeds the situation which pains you.
I also think that a certain amount of curiosity or discomfort with how to act/react is present when people are exposed to something they have not seen much of. Any stares or odd reactions may simply be unfamiliarity or normal human confusion when confronted with a new set of circumstances. I consider myself very socially liberal and still sometimes catch myself staring or preoccupied when I see something different than what I usually encounter in my everyday life, whether it is a lifestyle choice or simply a style of dress. Rude? Perhaps. Human nature? Certainly.
What you do have a right to expect is courteous and respectful treatment, freedom from discrimination, and an equal chance to be of service to your community and receive service from it.
People must look in their own hearts and minds for the rest.
Welcome to Milltown.