Being proud of the Olympic athletes makes sense to me. That’s an accomplishment! Great statement about us vs. them. I think that is very true.

I’m not against taking pride at all. I just don’t understand the concept of being prideful of one’s orientation, ethnicity, gender, race, etc., since we have absolutely no part of that. For me pride is something reserved for accomplishments, things I’ve actively earned or participated in and so on. I’m sure for many people it’s largely semantics, though.

Of course, TOO much pride can be harmful—but too much of a lot of things can be harmful….

Yes indeed! Silence can be deadly. I am extremely proud of those who have gone on before me and participated in things like Stonewall. I was even more proud of the Ugandans who recently marched for their Pride parade in spite of the “kill all the gays” attitudes and actions. Sitting back and waiting has never brought any group recognition or change. Totally agree.

Thank you. He is such a giving, compassionate sweetie. I’d like to say he takes after me, but he teaches me an awful lot.

It’s always a tricky subject, and I think Bret sums up a lot of issues in his comment when he talks about pride and prejudice often going hand in hand. “I’m a proud Christian so I’m going to hate you for being gay and just ignore what the rest of the Bible says to support my own prejudice”. That kinda thing.

By the way that’s SO cute about Tigger giving one of his toys to the little girl who thought she lost her doll. Aww!

Thank you! Yes, I’m happy to be American, too. Sometimes I feel extremely fortunate to be from there. But, yeah, I preserve pride for things I’ve actually accomplished.

Being born an American is not a choice. Remaining one certainly is.

Let’s hope it happens within 20 years. I never thought I’d see the day a black was elected as president and where same-sex marriage would be allowed in Iowa, so positive surprises DO happen!

I wish that in the 21st century these kinds of discussions didn’t need to occur. Sadly, they do.

I read your posts but very rarely comment, sorry for disagreeing with the argument you make here. I think you are interpreting the word ‘pride’ too literally. It is certainly not the same context as saying “i am proud of my mom” (pride in achievements). The minority pride movement is simply a stance taken against the day-to-day struggles that the minorities face. It’s a pride that stands facing its antonym, that of shame and suppression. It’s a revolt against the “normative” majority who would otherwise shut the minorities down without even realizing it.

I understand that one’s sexual orientation or race are not necessarily the primary factors of one’s identity but when that factor is used to isolate and prosecute you, it starts to matter. Sexual orientation cannot be chosen – its not like wearing red shoes instead of white – yet discrimination against minorities is fundamentally woven into society whether consciously or subconsciously. (PS: Being a US American is a choice btw, you can change your passport; it is also a human-imposed system not a natural system.)

Your arguments are justified in a utopian world but we are far from it today. Maybe in another 20, 30 or 50 years, one’s sexual orientation or ethnicity won’t matter and at that point the pride movements will automatically become redundant. Until then we could use some toned down exhibitionism during the parades, but that’s a separate discussion.

cheers, Priyank