Dorothy Riddle's Homophobia Scale

[aidanjm]

USING RIDDLE'S SCALE

Dorothy Riddle's scale of attitudes about homosexuality is shown here as a continuum divided into 8 positions, from acts of repulsion to acts of celebration. It can be used to help discern your own attitudes.

Where do you stand?
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Read all the following eight summaries of attitudes and then decide the best position that describes your position.

1 - Repulsion: Homosexuality is a 'crime against nature' and a sin. Gays are sick, crazy, immoral, wicked. Anything is justified to change them (ex-gay ministries, prison, therapy, and shock treatments.) People can be excused for gay-baiting, gay-bashing, or gay killing. They should not be expected to enforce various affirmative policies regarding jobs, housing, military, ordination, custody, or adoption of children, etc'

2 - Pity: Heterosexuality, as God's plan, is more mature and certainly to be preferred. Any possibility of becoming heterosexual (or living as a heterosexual person) should be reinforced. Those who seem to be born 'that way' are to be pitied, 'the poor dears'.

3 - Tolerance: Homosexuality is just a phase of adolescent development that many people go through and most people 'grow out of'. Thus, lesbian women / gay men are less mature than heterosexual persons and should be treated with the protectiveness and indulgence one uses with a child. Gay men and lesbian women should not be in positions of authority (because they are still working through adolescent behaviours).

4 - Acceptance: Gay men and lesbian women are to be accepted as in 'you're not gay to me, you're a person'. Or 'what you do in bed is your own business'. or 'That's fine as long as you don't flaunt it'.

5 - Support: Gay men and lesbian women deserve to have their civil rights protected, even though I may be uncomfortable about their life-styles. The irrationality, fear, and hatred in this country about homosexuality is inexcusable.

6 - Admiration: Being gay/lesbian in our society takes strength, whether a person is in or out of the closet. I am aware that I'm homophobic and that I need to work on my own understandings and attitudes.

7 - Appreciation: The diversity of people is a valuable thing. Gay men and lesbian women are a valid part of that diversity. Therefore I am involved in combating homophobia in myself and in others.

8 - Celebration: Gay and lesbian people are indispensable in society and the Church. They have valuable gifts to offer all of us. I have deep affection for particular gay and lesbian persons and I celebrate their individuality and their gifts. I work as a lesbian and gay advocate in society and in the church.


edit: this poll raised a fair bit of hostility, even among people who support gay rights. I'd say anything above a 4 or 5 is a score that will produce a healthy society where people who are different can live in peace, together.

 

[Ldir]

9 - Boredom: I am bored with all the threads about homosexuality.

It is fascinating to hate-mongers and homosexuals. It is not that important for the rest of us. Except for hot girl on girl porn, I do not care about sexual preference any more than I care about race or eye color. It is not a big deal. How does it justify dozens of separate threads?

 

[aidanjm]

Originally posted by: Ldir
9 - Boredom: I am bored with all the threads about homosexuality.

It is fascinating to hate-mongers and homosexuals. It is not that important for the rest of us. Except for hot girl on girl porn, I do not care about sexual preference any more than I care about race or eye color. It is not a big deal. How does it justify dozens of separate threads?

You're about a 3 to 4 on the Riddle Homophobia Scale.

 

[Ldir]

Originally posted by: aidanjm

Originally posted by: Ldir
9 - Boredom: I am bored with all the threads about homosexuality.

It is fascinating to hate-mongers and homosexuals. It is not that important for the rest of us. Except for hot girl on girl porn, I do not care about sexual preference any more than I care about race or eye color. It is not a big deal. How does it justify dozens of separate threads?

You're about a 3 to 4 on the Riddle Homophobia Scale.

The scale is BS. 4-Acceptance should be the best score. Maybe 5-Support at most. Anything more than that and you do not want to be equal. You want to be special. You are not. You are not retarded or suffering from a life-threatening illness. You are just an average guy who happens to prefer men instead of women. So what? Your sexual preference does not obligate me to be your cheerleader any more than your race or religion. I am happy to consider you unremarkable. I will not treat you as special.

 

[ciba]

Nice spectrum of thought! Anyone who disagrees with homosexual activity is automatically lumped in "bigot" territory!

Until the rainbow crowd can recognize the possibility of people disagreeing their actions while still loving them, they'll get little respect from me.

 

[Stunt]

6 - Admiration.
I have a couple of gay friends, namely from rural communities. It takes a lot of guts to come out to your friends and family. I admire the people who are able to determine who they are and embrace it even if is looked down on in society. One of my good friends was actually band from his family for 5 years...he is just now getting back in. This is his immediate family, his relatives would probably shoot him. Pretty disgusting...and this is in "liberal" Canada. There's nuts everywhere... The only reason he is able to start seeing his immediate family again is because his sister did a lot of convincing and he went through an amazing tough time when his longterm bf got in a car accident and died.

I cannot say appreciation as there are lots of gays who are very much in your face and flaunt it. I do think having gays in the world does create an initial instability, just as race, nationality does. This doesn't make it wrong or a bad thing, just another piece of diversity we all should accept and understand. I don't think we should appreciate being gay anymore than we should appreciate beastiality, swingers, pologamy, just for the sake of diversity. Because really when you get down to it, being gay is determined by an act and a mindset and belief rather than a physical element.

Celebration seems like we should all strive to be gay. Something that everyone should do. As i am not out there actively campaigning for gay rights and getting in people's faces, i can't say i celebrate it.

Good poll aidanjm :thumbsup:

 

[aidanjm]

Originally posted by: Ldir

Originally posted by: aidanjm

Originally posted by: Ldir
9 - Boredom: I am bored with all the threads about homosexuality.

It is fascinating to hate-mongers and homosexuals. It is not that important for the rest of us. Except for hot girl on girl porn, I do not care about sexual preference any more than I care about race or eye color. It is not a big deal. How does it justify dozens of separate threads?

You're about a 3 to 4 on the Riddle Homophobia Scale.

The scale is BS. 4-Acceptance should be the best score. Maybe 5-Support at most. Anything more than that and you do not want to be equal. You want to be special.

I am special.

Originally posted by: Ldir
You are not. You are not retarded or suffering from a life-threatening illness. You are just an average guy who happens to prefer men instead of women. So what? Your sexual preference does not obligate me to be your cheerleader any more than your race or religion. I am happy to consider you unremarkable. I will not treat you as special.

Everyone is special, in their own, unique way. Even you.

 

[aidanjm]

Originally posted by: ciba
Nice spectrum of thought! Anyone who disagrees with homosexual activity is automatically lumped in "bigot" territory!

Until the rainbow crowd can recognize the possibility of people disagreeing their actions while still loving them, they'll get little respect from me.

You're a 2 (Pity) I'd say

 

[bamacre]

I dunno, i liked the picture of the spider giving face to a woman.

 

[Zedtom]

Our perception of people is influenced by so many factors that these surveys are meaningless.

The problem with categorizing peoples attitudes towards any group is that appearance is the first criterion. Anyone can test this theory by dressing poorly at a formal function. I, personally have had different treatment in my life depending upon how I was dressed, how long or short my hair was, who I was with, ...the list is endless.

The gay community wants acceptance, but everyone else wants to be treated fairly too. If you are going to demand that people change their perceptions, then you are going to have to be willing to accept that all of us have our own personal struggles, and we don't have the patience to alter our way of life so that you can fit us into your little boxes.

 

[Tommunist]

I'm at about a 5 (without the any serious discomfort about the lifestyle). As someone already mentioned, if I went any further it would be putting some people ahead of others based on sexual orientation - this doesn't seem right to me.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Ldir
9 - Boredom: I am bored with all the threads about homosexuality.

It is fascinating to hate-mongers and homosexuals. It is not that important for the rest of us. Except for hot girl on girl porn, I do not care about sexual preference any more than I care about race or eye color. It is not a big deal. How does it justify dozens of separate threads?

:laugh::laugh::laugh:

Edit: I think I am an 8 :thumbsup:

8 - Celebration: They have valuable gifts to offer all of us.

It's true. We need gay women for porn, and without gay men, there would be NO secretaries/personal assistants for female executives.


Sorry, I meant to be funny, not mean. Hey, I'm a pothead, and smoking pot is illegal. But I'm not posting thread, after thread, after thread about it.

 

[aidanjm]

Originally posted by: bamacre

Originally posted by: Ldir
9 - Boredom: I am bored with all the threads about homosexuality.

It is fascinating to hate-mongers and homosexuals. It is not that important for the rest of us. Except for hot girl on girl porn, I do not care about sexual preference any more than I care about race or eye color. It is not a big deal. How does it justify dozens of separate threads?

:laugh::laugh::laugh:

Edit: I think I am an 8 :thumbsup:

8 - Celebration: They have valuable gifts to offer all of us.

It's true. We need gay women for porn, and without gay men, there would be NO secretaries/personal assistants for female executives.


Sorry, I meant to be funny, not mean. Hey, I'm a pothead, and smoking pot is illegal. But I'm not posting thread, after thread, after thread about it.

You're a 4.

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: Ldir
The scale is BS. 4-Acceptance should be the best score. Maybe 5-Support at most. Anything more than that and you do not want to be equal. You want to be special. You are not. You are not retarded or suffering from a life-threatening illness. You are just an average guy who happens to prefer men instead of women. So what? Your sexual preference does not obligate me to be your cheerleader any more than your race or religion. I am happy to consider you unremarkable. I will not treat you as special.

Heh, well said. Notice how anything less than putting him on a pedestal for his sexual preference makes you some type of bigot. You know a scale like this is a propaganda joke when a defined absence of phobia is still considered phobic.

 

[yllus]

Easily the worst quiz I've ever seen on the Intarweb.

 

[aidanjm]

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: Ldir
The scale is BS. 4-Acceptance should be the best score. Maybe 5-Support at most. Anything more than that and you do not want to be equal. You want to be special. You are not. You are not retarded or suffering from a life-threatening illness. You are just an average guy who happens to prefer men instead of women. So what? Your sexual preference does not obligate me to be your cheerleader any more than your race or religion. I am happy to consider you unremarkable. I will not treat you as special.

Heh, well said. Notice how anything less than putting him on a pedestal for his sexual preference makes you some type of bigot. You know a scale like this is a propaganda joke when a defined absence of phobia is still considered phobic.

Actually, appreciating a group for the attributes, skills, qualities they bring to the table != putting on a pedestal or treating as special

Just as one might appreciate the unique contributions made to our society by grandparents, or single mothers, it is possible to acknowledge and appreciate the unique contributions to our society and culture made by gays and lesbians.

You are barely a 4

 

[aidanjm]

Originally posted by: yllus
Easily the worst quiz I've ever seen on the Intarweb.

Well, it's certainly pushing the buttons of social conservatives such as yourself.

Did you know that the computer was invented by the brilliant mathematician and homosexual Alan Turing? Where would we be without his contributions, I wonder?

 

[Stunt]

It's just a relative scale.
While the upper ends may be excessive, i don't think that is want is to be accomplished.
Maybe Aidanjm can clarify where the population as a whole should be for gays to feel part of society and not feel oppressed.
I can see it being around a 4 or a 5 on the low end.

PS. You haven't recategorized me

 

[piasabird]

This is stupid because it assumes everyone is either homophobic or Gay. What it presumes is that if you dont accept being gay as perfectly normal then you are wrong. The great thing about the US is I have a right to be Gay and I have a right to be Straight. Some people are uncomfortable around people of faith and some people are uncomfortable around openly gay people. I have a policy of not flaunting any overly sexual relationships out in public. I dont want to know what people do in their bedroom.

I dont think being Gay is acceptable to God. Personally I think all Gay people are going to Hell. However a lot of straight people are worse in many ways. Those who abuse the poor and take advantage of the week, and live for greed, and the liars, stealers, and adulterers will all be there together.

Hey you can always repent and get baptised, so there is time to change.

Probably more than you want to know, isnt it?

Well, I dont want to know about all your Gay stuff either.

Dont Drink, Dont Smoke, and am hopelessly straight, however, I am comfortable with that.

Don't Drink Tea or Coffee Either.

Don't even like cafine laden soft drinks.

I maintain my Pro Lemonade agenda.

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: aidanjm
Actually, appreciating a group for the attributes, skills, qualities they bring to the table != putting on a pedestal or treating as special

Just as one might appreciate the unique contributions made to our society by grandparents, or single mothers, it is possible to acknowledge and appreciate the unique contributions to our society and culture made by gays and lesbians.

You are barely a 4

In your twisted poll, I am a complete 5, except that I am not uncomfortable with gays in the slightest.
Equal rights I want for everyone, including gays. Freedom IS my religion. I live and breathe libertarianism, and push my agenda for civil liberties by always arguing in favor of the rightful political underdog in every fight (compare with your sig). Notice how I haven't been arguing in your cause's favor recently? There's a reason for that. One you should think about. It's not because I oppose your cause (hardly) but because it is tipping to imbalance. No wonder you think me more a threat than those who would kill you for what you are. You need them to push your cause, while people like me will brake you right at being equal with the rest of us.

Sorry, pal, you want pedestal. How about straights? The entire human race would die off in one generation if not for straights. I think that's a pretty fscking valuable contribution. Shall we celebrate that?

 

[Stunt]

Actually caffine is recommended in small doses. The worst thing in sofdrinks is not the caffine but all the other crap

 

[cKGunslinger]

I voted 4, even thought 5 would be a "better" choice, IMO.

This is almost like a Bell-curve, right? With 4/5 being the "best" answers, and anything higher/lower leading into more "wrongness?" To me, 8 is nearly as bad as 1.

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: aidanjm
Well, it's certainly pushing the buttons of social conservatives such as yourself.

Did you know that the computer was invented by the brilliant mathematician and homosexual Alan Turing? Where would we be without his contributions, I wonder?

And how did his sexual preference contribute to his invention?

 

[aidanjm]

Originally posted by: piasabird
This is stupid because it assumes everyone is either homophobic or Gay. What it presumes is that if you dont accept being gay as perfectly normal then you are wrong. The great thing about the US is I have a right to be Gay and I have a right to be Straight. Some people are uncomfortable around people of faith and some people are uncomfortable around openly gay people. I have a policy of not flaunting any overly sexual relationships out in public. I dont want to know what people do in their bedroom.

I dont think being Gay is acceptable to God. Personally I think all Gay people are going to Hell. However a lot of straight people are worse in many ways. Those who abuse the poor and take advantage of the week, and live for greed, and the liars, stealers, and adulterers will all be there together.

Did you vote? You would be a 1 or a 2, I'd say.

 

[yllus]

Originally posted by: aidanjm

Originally posted by: yllus
Easily the worst quiz I've ever seen on the Intarweb.

Well, it's certainly pushing the buttons of social conservatives such as yourself.

Did you know that the computer was invented by the brilliant mathematician and homosexual Alan Turing? Where would we be without his contributions, I wonder?

An odd and incorrect assumption. I'm pro-abortion, pro-gay marriage, pro-legalization of marijuana, and an agnostic. Socially I'm as liberal as they come. It's foreign policy that I draw a hard line on.

Assumptions aside, the fact is this is a terrible quiz. The perfect quiz would ask carefully crafted questions and determine your score at the end, not ask you to pick and choose from an obviously biased set of positions. The fact that it uses numbers for each position alone is enough to taint the process.

Doctors, lawyers, psychologists etc. go through years of school to learn how to ask neutral questions in order to avoid soliciting tainted information from patients. The vast majority of Internet personality quizzes are bad enough to begin with - this just takes it a step further.