On the Homosexuality in HP Thread

[Dicentra spectabilis]

No: HPFGUIDX 105136

Hi folks:

Dicey Elf here, jumping in to prevent what looks to be a flame war
(pardon the pun).

Here's the thing:

• As long as people are analyzing *canon*, the subject of who might or
might not be gay is appropriate for the main list.

• When speculating on who might comprise these pairings, the SHIP
prefix should be used.

• Speculating on whether JKR would or would not address homosexuality
is on topic.

• _All_ of us see what we want to see in the novels.  While some
elements of the novels are more clearly deliniated, more obscure
patterns are also legitimate topics of debate.  Some of those patterns
really aren't there ::coughMarkEvanscough::, but until we know for
sure, it's OK to wonder.


If we forbade discussing slash (gay) pairings, we'd have to forbid all
shipping discussions.  If we forbade speculation on whether JKR would
address the topic of homosexuality, we'd have to forbid speculation on
whether she would address a lot of other topics.

The problem is that the debate over homosexuality is highly charged in
RL discourse, so addressing the issue on HPfGU has the potential to
evoke extremely strong emotions.

For some people, the mere suggestion that any of the characters might
really be gay is offensive.  For other people, the assertion that
children should not be exposed to same-sex parings is equally
offensive.  This offense is rooted in deeply held, usually
well-motivated beliefs on both sides.  

It is imperative that you NOT characterize those who disagree with you
as evil or stupid.  Unless you're a skilled Legilimens, you can't see
into someone else's heart, so you don't know what their motives are.

On HPfGU, engaging in polite, respectful discourse is more important
than being *right*.  It's a tough balancing act, especially given that
so much of the discourse in real life (RL) on this issue is neither
respectful nor measured nor dispassionate.  If you can't join the
debate without getting hot under the collar, we invite you to withdraw
from the thread.

This is how you properly discuss hot-button topics on HPfGU:

• Stick to canon.  You may speculate as to who might be paired up, but
you need to give examples from canon to support your theory.  You may
also use canon to refute those speculations.  Do NOT use your own
personal ideology or your Biblical interpretations to support your ideas.

• Check your emotions at the door.  We're here to discuss topics that
arise from reading HP, not to resolve RL issues.  Save your passion
for letters to your legislator.

• Do not engage in ad-hominem attacks.  Never, never, never, imply
that your opponent is stupid or evil.  This applies to all posts, BTW.
 Dispute ideas but don't insult individuals.

• Don't recite your credentials as a Christian or spiritual person or
gay-rights activist or whatever.  Your background is not the issue
here: HP is.

• Do NOT try to use this list to win ideological battles.  That's for
other forums that are designed for that purpose.

• If the subject bothers you, avoid the thread.  You're not obligated
to read all posts.

• If you insist on reading the thread anyway and it's pissing you off,
please don't fire off an angry reply, not even off-list.  Write the
message if you must, but hit "save" instead of "send."


It is extremely important that we treat each other with respect and
keep an open mind on all subjects.  Here's how you know if you have an
open mind:

• You recognize that you can't tell who is moral or intelligent by
where they land on the political spectrum.  People have their reasons
for believing what they believe, and those reasons have to do mostly
with personal experience.  We all have different experiences; ergo, we
all have different beliefs.  If you were raised differently, you'd
probably believe differently, too.

• You recognize that some of the people on *your* side of the issue
are stupid and immoral, just as some of your opponents are intelligent
and moral.

• You recognize that everyone is making judgments based on incomplete
information.  None of us is omniscient.  In the future, you or your
opponent might switch sides upon learning something new.

• You cut other people the same break you want them to cut you.  If
you want people to thoughtfully consider your point of view, you have
to thoughtfully consider their point of view, too, even if you still
disagree in the end.

• You recognize that your opponents have much to teach you because
they are different from you; see what you can learn from them, even if
you ultimately decide not to agree fully.

BOTTOM LINE:

Anyone who persists in stoking the fire of contention (which is
different from mere debate) will face disciplinary action from the
List Elves.  This applies to all threads.


--Dicey "you can't enlighten people by first alienating them" Elf