Mind Body Green
Most of the feedback was negative, having nothing to do with the actual article. This is just one response… "Really? Really?! Disappointed in this pic. I am not homophobic. The word itself is stupid. I am not afraid of homosexuals. I am just so damn sick of it being shoved down my throat and being told I am homophobic because I don't agree with it. I am not unnatural. I could care less what others do in their lives, but don't shove it in my face every time I turn around. I am not parading my heterosexual life in front of the world."
The following is my retort…
To the haters, I feel so sad for you – mournful for your lack of empathy and understanding. No one is shoving anything down your throat. This is reality. What's wrong with this photo? This is life! For every photo shown of gay people kissing, there are millions and millions of photos of heterosexuals kissing being shoved down our throats, which speaks to the lack of diversity in the media. I want equal time. So do African Americans, Asians, Muslims, Jews, transgender individuals, etc. Isn’t it about time?
Furthermore, if you have to say, "I'm not homophobic." – chances are, you’re homophobic (no chance, YOU ARE!). I don't care how many people you work with, know as neighbors or have as relatives that are gay, that one insensitive statement blows your cover revealing your disregard for humanity as a whole, and that scares me.
My interpretation of what MindBodyGreen stands for, it’s all about calmness, stillness, peace, joy, love and living your best life – healthy, happy and strong. It’s about balance and moderation. More than anything, it’s about being positive. The photo in question was not promoting anything other than love.
A reoccurring phrase – lifestyle – was mentioned too many times, which I found more than inappropriate. There is no lifestyle, no choice. This is who we are. This is who I am, a man that just happens to be gay.
The world can no longer deal with this form of crudeness, not anymore, and why should it? No longer are we living in the dark ages, and there is no going back. Never! Ever! All closets must be emptied, and soon. Come out! Come out! Wherever you are? Now is the perfect time. There is strength in numbers.
I was impressed with myself because I didn’t realize it was two women until I began reading the comments. The photo demonstrated bonding, joy and love, and was perfectly paired with the article – perfectly!
I can’t begin to tell you how confused I was after reading these tainted comments. They were like little bombs exploding in my heart, each one leaving me emptier than the next. Is that what we’ve become, so desensitized, bitter and angry to the point of becoming lethal?
Why are you following MindBodyGreen? They are not about labels. When I read their articles I don't think gay or straight, or anything in between. My focus is on healthy and that’s why I like this site. It helps me improve my daily game. These particular comments were an eye-opener.
I know hate all too well. What I thought we all had in common was balance, moderation and healthy. Now I realize, bigotry can hide out anywhere, even in a beautiful site like MindBodyGreen (in the comments section).
I want to thank MindBodyGreen because I don’t believe they were trying to make a statement, cause controversy or shove a "lifestyle" down our throats. They were keeping with what I think is part of their mission statement – harmony and peace. As always, thank you for being thoughtful, insightful and positive with your posts, always promoting healthy living through balance and moderation. – paerki
