The intent matters, and the fact that she is a person who has a global reach matters.



I disagree on the first count, obviously.



I hadn't noticed myself being upset. But, if you must know, I do work on other issues. I've traveled abroad and worked in orphanages, I volunteer regularly in a homeless shelter that focuses on youth, and I do my best to influence my legislators to move toward better policies for my city, county, state, and country.

The things that upset me are when I sit there and speak to a kid who was kicked out of his home because his daddy thought he was a faggot; when I put together a meal for a young woman who cries because it reminds her of what her mom used to make for her; when I see people hurting because of other people's hate, I do get upset. I've fed babies that were abandoned because their parents couldn't feed them. I've helped kids my age follow through on the processes that would get them off the streets, knowing they were only out on the streets because of stupidity and hate.

This swimmer's comments didn't upset me, though I chose to comment on them. Like I said, she's an idiot who needs to do some soul searching. She claims she's not homophobic, but what comes out of her when she's excited?

This woman is a public figure. Sure, she might not mean to hurt and insult millions of people, but how many people in her audience, the people following her will mean it when they call people faggots? When public figures use terms like that, they make it acceptable for their fans to use them as well.

If she had meant to redefine the word to simply mean they were douches, jackasses, or arrogant twits, she should say that; but she didn't say that. Instead she said "this is out of character for me..." and "I'm not homophobic..." If the things that slip out of your mouth when you're not in control are contrary to what you profess your values to be, you do need to do some searching, IMO.

I've come up against similar points in my life, and I expect most people do.