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Home , Coming out, Heterosexism, Homophobia, Paul Cameron

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English 475 be a powerful tool of persuasion. It appears that many anti- organizations are turning The Language of more and more to rhetoric and specifically- worded propaganda as a means of gathering : Word supporters. This paper will examine the Choice in Anti-Gay language used in publications and websites supported and/or distributed by several anti- Propaganda gay organizations in an effort to show how Britney Carey specific and calculated language is utilized as a means of persuasion by these groups. I. Introduction Blumenfeld (1992) defines II. Data/Analysis as “both the that II.i. Data Set 1: Focus on the is or should be the only “Answers” acceptable and the The Christian ministry Focus on the and of those who love and sexually Family (FOTF), an organization dedicated to desire those of the same sex” (p. 15). As the promotion and continuance of the nuclear a consequence of heterosexism and the family, maintains a website (focusonthefamily. manner by which it is spread (through fear com) which includes an “answers” page and hatred), and where website visitors may post questions against the LBGT (, bisexual, gay, concerning any aspect of family or Christian and ) community have become life (FOTFa, 2010, para. 1). The first sets of a modern phenomenon (Blumenfeld, 1992, data (see Appendix A for the full texts of each p.15). Heterosexism is perhaps most apparent question/answer set) examined in this paper in the propaganda of anti-gay organizations. come from this area of the website. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, In the first question/answer set, the or SPLC (2010), conservative Christian groups author replies to a question concerning have been among the most critical opponents for homosexuals (FOTF, of equal rights for gays and for the 2010b). In response the author writes, past thirty years (para. 1). The leaders of such “What if a pedophile ( abuser) could groups claim that the gay rights movement claim that he inherited his lust for kids?” is a threat to American society and culture; (FOTF, 2010b, para. 3). The use of the term some have even gone so far as to declare this “pedophile” suggests a sinister connotation struggle against gay rights a “second civil which evokes images of unspeakable actions. war” (SPLC, 2010, para. 2). Of the various Thus, when is coupled with the strategies the Christian Right has in its arsenal, idea of , even in a seemingly perhaps the most questionable has been the detached manner as in this case, the author of the LBGT community (SPLC, is equating pedophilia with homosexuality. 2010, para. 3). As the SPLC (2010) notes, Such a sentence, when broken down for its these individuals have been described as codification, carries with it an even deeper “‘perverts’ with ‘filthy habits’ who seek to assumption which insists, essentially, that snatch the children of straight parents and homosexuals are pedophiles and vice versa. ‘convert’ them to [homosexuality]” (para. 3). The rest of the passage is sprinkled There is no question that language can with word like “lust,” “offensive,” “Scripture,” and “God,” (FOTF, 2010b, para. 3). It may 78 be argued that these words, especially in the phrases “dominant mother” and “weak or Christian faith, all have some element of fear absent father” as a reinforcement of the family attached to them, and that the author has structure and values which the organization chosen these words for the specific purpose of supports. “Dysfunction,” “wounds,” instilling fear to elicit obedience. “damages,” and even “experimentation” again The author also uses “perversion,” paint homosexuality as an unnatural and risky “immoral,” “reprehensible,” and behavior which may lead to negative impacts “flawed” which suggest to the reader that on the health of the individual and those homosexuality is something devoid of around them. The use of the loaded word, morality; it is a state which is utterly appalling “epidemics” seems to go as far as to equate and should be avoided on all accounts. homosexuality with a disease. Perhaps with the exclusion of “flawed,” these Through the use of “conscious words also carry with them an element of fear, choice” and “cultivation,” it is implied that specifically a fear of punishment. homosexuality is something that requires The second question/answer set from maintenance; it is not the normal sexual FOTF is similar to the first. In response to a orientation for a human being so it must question about whether or not homosexuality be developed and encouraged. The use of is an inherited trait, the author writes, such terms seem to suggest that because homosexuality is a personal choice, not It is more likely to be related to one one that is inborn and unchangeable, LBGT or more of the following: (1) confusion individuals are not entitled to the same civil of role models seen in parents… not rights as those afforded to citizens on the basis limited to, a dominant mother and a of inborn characteristics such as race and weak or absent father…; (2) serious sex. This belief is also promoted by another family dysfunction that wounds Christian organization, the Family Research and damages the child…; (4) the Council (FRC; Sprigg, 2007, p. 3-4). influence of an older homosexual As seen with the first set, the terms during a critical period of ; “God” and “Scriptures” aid in the persuasion (5) conscious choice and cultivation; of the reader through fear, as do “abominable and/or (6) homosexual experimentation… sin” and “penalty.” The author’s mention Scripture refers to of the fact that homosexuality is listed in epidemics of homosexuality and the as “among the most despicable of lesbianism that occurred in specific human behaviors” is another effective tool of cultures… Men committed indecent scaremongering. acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their II.ii. Data Set II: Excerpts from perversion…I don't believe [God] of Homosexuality would speak of homosexuality in The second sets of data examined the Scriptures as an abominable sin in this paper are from Coming Out of and list it among the most despicable Homosexuality: New Freedom for Men and of human behaviors if men and women Women, a book by Bob Davies and Lisa bore no responsibility for engaging in it Rentzel, in which the authors attempt to show (FOTF, 2010c, para. 3) homosexuality is not set in stone; that one may be, effectively, cured of it. For instance, The use of the terms “confusion” Davies and Rentzel (1993) write, “For the and “influence” implies the idea that or woman struggling with homosexuality, homosexuality is something that only happens there is hope for healing and new freedom to weak-minded people. The author uses the in Christ!” (p. 14) The terms “struggling” and

79 “freedom” enhance the overall meaning of the wants its readers to believe) that same-sex sentence by implying that homosexuality is a “marriage” is not equivalent to heterosexual burden and an affliction to be overcome. marriage. In effect, the use of quotation marks The authors’ stance on the idea of love mocks the gay rights movement’s campaign in homosexual relationships is obvious in the for same-sex marriage; as far as the FRC is line, “Then Mike ‘fell in love’ with another concerned, even if same-sex couples were man and they began a long-term relationship” allowed to wed, it would still not constitute (Davies & Rentzel, 1993, p. 9). The fact that marriage. the phrase “fell in love” is in quotation marks Finally, the FRC (2010) insists that conveys the message that true and genuine “sympathy must be extended to those who love between two people of the same sex is struggle with unwanted same-sex attractions, not possible. and every effort should be made to assist Davies and Rentzel (1993) go on to such persons to overcome those attractions, claim that “For people getting out of drugs, as many already have” (para. 8). The use of alcohol, or even prostitution, Christian “sympathy,” “unwanted,” and “overcome” counseling and support were plentiful. For suggests to readers that all LBGT individuals the man or woman trying to break out of are in need of support and help. In this homosexuality such counseling was almost way, the FRC reaffirms its own belief that nonexistent (p. 14-15).” This sentence homosexuality is not a natural state of being; essentially equates prostitution and addiction the only reason one would feel sympathy with homosexuality, in effect deeming it a for, or give assistance to an individual is if social or even a disease. that individual is experiencing something undesirable and unfortunate. II. iii. Family Research Council’s Stance on Homosexuality II.iv. Family Research Institute, excerpt from On its website (frc.org), under the Public Policy Article “Can Anything Be Done headline “Issues,” one may find the FRC’s to Stop Gay-Rights?” position on homosexuality (see Appendix B The Family Research Institute (FRI) was for the full text). The statement reads, “Family founded by , a , in Research Council that homosexual 1987 (Schlatter, 2010, para. 55). The SPLC conduct is harmful to the persons who engage has labeled FRI as a “” in response in it and to society at large, and can never be to its anti-gay propaganda (Schlatter, 2010, affirmed. It is by definition unnatural, and para. 55-59). The FRI has posted several as such is associated with negative physical articles on its website which explain the and psychological health effects” (FRC, organization’s position on different issues (FRI, 2010, para. 8). The terms “harmful” and 2009a). In one such article, “Can Anything Be “unnatural,” along with the phrase “negative Done to Stop Gay-Rights?”, the FRI (2009b) physical and psychological health effects,” writes, constructs for the reader a specific picture of homosexuality: that it is a behavior which Gay rights is also a cause of civilization’s puts the health of homosexual individuals and decline. Homosexuality is a unique those around them at unnecessary risk. manifestation of hedonism. Instead of The FRC (2010) goes on to say that producing children, it preys on them. “attempts to join two men or two women in Instead of keeping to itself, it proselytizes. ‘marriage’ constitute a radical redefinition and Instead of promoting health and falsification of the institution” (para. 8). The stability (as does marriage), it thrives on fact that “marriage” is enclosed by quotation aggression, spreads disease, and destroys marks suggests that the FRC believes (and its

80 practitioners, emotionally and professional and research literature since physically. (para. 2) the late 19th century. What Research This passage is perhaps the most aggressive Shows reviews 125 years of clinical and antagonistic of those presented thus and scientific reports which document far. Instead of alluding to or shrouding their that professionally-assisted and intentions in rhetoric, the FRI’s message here other attempts at volitional change is straightforward. For example, “a unique from homosexuality toward manifestation of hedonism” informs the reader heterosexuality has been successful directly that homosexuality is something to be for many and that such change condemned by man, and even by God. continues to be possible for those who The third and fourth sentences of the are motivated to try. Clinicians and paragraph, which make begin with the phrase researchers have reported positive “instead of,” suggest to the reader that rather outcomes after using or investigating a than encouraging what is socially acceptable variety of reorientation approaches (procreation, modesty, and wholesomeness), (NARTH, 2009, para. 3). homosexuality will, essentially, be the downfall of modern society. The repeated use of this Although NARTH claims to be an sentence form is a very effective means of objective and academic organization based persuasion; the author uses this repetition to in science, there are obvious similarities drive the message of the sentence home. between its published materials and those of The word choice employed in more religiously motivated groups. The word this passage is also an effective means of choice employed in this passage, for example, persuasion. The use of “prey,” “proselytizes,” is reminiscent of many of the texts already and “aggression” depicts homosexuality as presented in this paper. The term “treatment,” a rampant monster bent on the conversion for example, is rarely used without relation to of all mankind. The author could have used some kind of disease, ailment, or condition. “recruits” instead of “proselytizes,” but the This tactic (equating homosexuality with former does not carry with it the same religious disease) is, as we have seen, repeatedly connotations. Again we see the term “disease,” utilized in all of the texts presented thus far. and “destroys,” both of which imply that “Unwanted” is another term repeatedly used homosexuality is something to be avoided. in these texts. NARTH, however, does supply three II.v. NARTH’s new terms: “potential,” “motivated,” and The National Association for Research “reorientation.” While these words are less and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH), emotionally charged, and (seemingly) more claims to be a “professional, scientific scientific than those previously discussed, organization that offers hope to those who the motives behind their usage are just as struggle with unwanted homosexuality” questionable. “Potential,” at first glance, (NARTH, 2008, para. 1). The organization seems like a positive word. Taken in context, produces a journal consisting of articles which however, we see that it is, in fact, dripping address issues of sexuality, especially that of with persuasive rhetoric. The idea that clients homosexuality (NARTH, 2009). In a summary may “develop their heterosexual potential” of one article, it is claimed that, tells the reader that homosexuality is a less-desired, perhaps even inferior, sexual Treatment success for clients seeking orientation than heterosexuality. to change unwanted homosexuality and “Motivated,” like “potential” is a term develop their heterosexual potential rarely attached to anything negative. In this has been documented in the context, however, it may be taken to imply

81 that LBGT individuals who do not seek III. Conclusion “treatment” are somehow apathetic about As Pennycook (2001) suggests, there is their lives. The idea that “change continues a definite connection between language and to be possible for those who are motivated power (p. 73). Conservative Christian groups to try” does not fairly address the issue: not and other anti-gay organizations are aware all LBGT individuals wish to change their of this relationship, and are using it to their orientations; this sentence does not allow for advantage. As has been shown, the language this possibility. used in texts published by several of these The use of the final term, organizations, as well as that of publications “reorientation,” asks the reader to assume listed as resources by these organizations, several things. First, it implies that there was contain elements of persuasiveness made a point at which an LBGT individual was a effective mostly through the fearful reactions heterosexual. According to the American which they elicit. Through the use of specific Heritage Dictionary, the prefix “re-,” means words and phrases, these texts paint an “again” or “back” (p. 696). To “reorient” extremely biased picture of homosexuality something, then, would mean to place it back that is obviously designed to satisfy a specific where it once was. This term also implies agenda. that because heterosexuality is the state to It is hard to know whether this which LBGT individuals must “reorient” linguistic manipulation is subconscious themselves to. In this sense, NARTH is or deliberate, but there is no question that implying that heterosexuality is the natural rhetoric is often misleading, and, at times, sexual orientation for all human beings, and entirely incorrect. The fact that so many homosexuality, therefore, is unnatural. people accept these statements as the truth is Although the language used in a testament to the power of language. NARTH’s publications is somewhat more neutral than those of the other organizations presented in this paper, the rhetoric employed serves the same purpose: to persuade readers that a homosexual orientation is unnatural and can, and, even should, be changed.

82 Works Cited National Association for the Research and Therapy of Homosexuality. (2008). Blumenfeld, W.J. (1992). Homophobia: How NARTH Mission Statement. Retrieved from We All Pay the Price. Boston: Beacon http://www.narth.com/menus/mission.html Press. National Association for the Research and Family Research Institute. (2009a). Public Therapy of Homosexuality. (2009.) What Policy. Retrieved from http://www. Research Shows: NARTH's Response to the familyresearchinst.org/category/public- APA Claims on Homosexuality. (Summary) policy/. Retrieved from http://www.narth.com/docs/ journalsummary.html. Family Research Institute. (2009b). Can Anything Be Done to Stop Gay Pennycook, A. (2001). Critical applied Rights? Retrieved from http://www. linguistics: a critical introduction. Mahwah: familyresearchinst.org/2008/12/can- Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers. anything-be-done-to-stop-gay-rights/. Re-. (2001). In J.P. Pickett (Ed.) The American Focus on the Family. (2010a). About Focus Heritage Dictionary (p. 696, 4th ed.). New on the Family: Helping Thrive. York: Houghton Mifflin Company. Retrived from http://www.focusonthefamily. com/about_us.aspx"http://www. Schlatter, E. (2010). 18 Anti-Gay Groups and focusonthefamily.com/about_us.aspx. Their Propaganda. Intelligence Report, 140(Winter). Retrieved from http://www. Focus on the Family. (2010b). Do you think splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence- homosexuals should be granted special report/browse-all-issues/2010/winter/the- rights? Retrieved from http://family.custhelp. hard-liners. com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1216. Southern Poverty Law Center. (2010). Anti- Focus on the Family. (2010c). Do you believe Gay. Retrived from http://www.splcenter. homosexuality is inherited? Retrieved from org/get-informed/intelligence-files// http://family.custhelp.com/app/answers/ anti-gay. detail/a_id/1217/related/1.

83 APPENDIX A: choice and cultivation; and/or (6) homosexual Question/Answer Sets from experimentation…How do these and other forces Focus on the Family Answers Page interplay in individual circumstances? I don't know. I don't think anyone knows… Scripture 1. Question/Answer Set 1: refers to epidemics of homosexuality and Question: “Homosexual activists claim their lesbianism that occurred in specific cultures… lifestyle, which in some cases includes thousands Men committed indecent acts with other men, of sexual partners, should be sanctioned, and received in themselves the due penalty for protected, and granted special rights by society. their perversion. (That final sentence sounds like Their rationale is that since their sexual nature is the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, inherited, it is involuntary and therefore should be doesn't it?)… God is infinitely just. I don't considered morally neutral. Would you critique believe He would speak of homosexuality in the this stance?” (FOTF, 2010b, para. 1). Scriptures as an abominable sin and list it among the most despicable of human behaviors if men Answer: What if a pedophile (child abuser) and women bore no responsibility for engaging could claim that he inherited his lust for kids? in it (FOTF, 2010c, para. 3, 4). He could make a good case for it. Certainly his sexual apparatus and the testosterone that APPENDIX B: drives it are creations of genetics. Even if his perversion resulted from early experiences, he 1. The following is the Family Research Council’s could accurately claim not to have chosen to be position on homosexuality: what he is. But so what? Does that make his Family Research Council believes that of children any less offensive? Should society homosexual conduct is harmful to the persons accept, protect, and grant special civil rights to who engage in it and to society at large, and can pedophiles?... No! The source of their sexual never be affirmed. It is by definition unnatural, preference is irrelevant to the behavior itself, and as such is associated with negative physical which is deemed to be immoral and reprehensible and psychological health effects. While by society. Being genetically inclined to do the origins of same-sex attractions may be immoral things does not make immoral behavior complex, there is no convincing evidence right. There are many influences at work within us, that a homosexual identity is ever something but they are irrelevant. I know of no instance in genetic or inborn. We oppose the vigorous Scripture where God winked at evildoers because efforts of homosexual activists to demand that of their flawed inheritance or early experiences homosexuality be accepted as equivalent to (FOTF, 2010b, para. 3). heterosexuality in law, in the media, and in schools. Attempts to join two men or two women 2. Question/Answer Set 2: in "marriage" constitute a radical redefinition and Question: “Would you indicate whether or not falsification of the institution, and FRC supports you believe it [homosexuality] is inherited? I state and federal constitutional amendments to have reviewed studies conducted in recent years prevent such redefinition by courts or legislatures. that seemingly indicate it is in the genes and is Sympathy must be extended to those who therefore involuntary. Do you agree?” (FOTF, struggle with unwanted same-sex attractions, 2010c, para. 1) and every effort should be made to assist such Answer: It is more likely to be related to one persons to overcome those attractions, as many or more of the following: (1) confusion of role already have. (FRC, 2010, para. 8) models seen in parents, including, but not limited to, a dominant mother and a weak or absent father; (2) serious family dysfunction that wounds and damages the child; (3) early ; (4) the influence of an older homosexual during a critical period of adolescence; (5) conscious

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