Reply #10: I will have to admit [View All]

while many of my friends did vote for Kerry, they are not all - how should I say, enlightened? (I'm not referring to my immediate family btw - they are very open minded and tolerant - my dad and step-mom rented a trailer to a homosexual couple in the early 80's. They were family friends and occasionally baby-sat. We live in a rural area that is very sparse when it comes to minorities but, my Dad will fight for equal rights without batting an eye.)

But, some friends are homophobes and have used language that I don't approve of. I give them eye rolls or correct their unfortunate use of words, but the sad part is that in rural parts of America, racist remarks are sometimes overlooked and not seen for what they are. It breaks my heart sometimes that people I see as good hearted and caring can make statements that are so hurtful. Liberals should not write them off though, but should see that this is what they have grown up with and are able to change. My b/f has come miles since we started dating. I have a covert way of choosing movies for us to watch that points out how things really affect people.

BTW - this is in no way relegated to the "rednecks". My boss makes 6 figures, wears suits and makes statements that cause my jaw to hit the floor daily.