^^^there are some current differences as well. In an urban center like Toronto, white gay men don't experience nearly the same levels of overt systemic discrimination that Black men and women of any sexuality experience.
I gotta agree with Choopa_pardo on the influence of Jamaican culture though, obviously not every Jamaican is homophobic (many are not and rather actively challenge it) but this is a nation with a streak of overt homophobia.
My partner grew up in JA and we spend a LOT of time there. I love the country and the culture but the homophobia saddens me. Even my guy had a learning curve when he first moved here, growing up in Jamaica he simply had never been exposed to 'out' gay men. In Toronto seeing two men walking hand in hand is completely normal, whereas in Jamaica that can get you killed. Overt homophobia the case for much of the Caribbean; hell, in Barbados homosexual acts are still criminalized.
I'm not agreeing with your neighbor's views in any way (I think they're appalling) and I don't blame you for not wanting to be around homophobic crap, I'm just trying to give a perspective on where it's coming from. Issues of racism and issues of homophobia against white people ARE different (not in a hierarchical manner, just in the sense that different systemic forces are at work with each and produce different consequences in different ways) and beyond that your neighbor has obviously chosen not to critically examine some of the beliefs he grew up with as a product of a culture that is virulently anti-gay.
a shame about your neighbor, don't let him ruin your weekend.
|