One final question to tstew and Mr. Smith. If the accusation against Bishop Long was "down low behavior" would that (down low) be a "black behavior" issue?
Forget everything else... is "down low" a black community issue? Did it start in the black community? Is it referred to by anyone as "a black community issue?"
Other men engage in sex with other men, that's not the issue I'm discussing, but is the "down low issue" a black community problem bringing HIV and Aids to the black community?
Thanks.
BeenThinkin TOO MUCH!
In short, down low is not a black behavior. It is a black term for a common behavior.
__________________
There are no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, Chuck Norris lives in Houston.
Either the United States will destroy ignorance, or ignorance will destroy the United States. – W.E.B. DuBois
...and by common I don't mean widespread, I mean it's not specific to any one race.
What about this statement,
Authorsden.com
“Down low” is the term used to describe the behavior of Black men who secretly have sex with other men while in marriages or relationships with other women. The men who do this do not consider themselves to be gay. The term “down low” originated in the Black community, and is used almost exclusively to describe Black men. But men of all races engage in this behavior. (Remember New Jersey governor James McGreevey?)
or this?
Media Examine African-American Men on "Down Low"
August 4, 2003
The Washington Post today examines black men on the "down low," an expression that describes black men who have sex with men but who never mention their male relationships to their female sex partners, friends or family members. In the black community, the topic of homosexuality -- "and anything else outside the heterosexual norm" -- conflicts with the "interlocking issues of race, religion and gender," Ron Simmons, executive director of Us Helping Us, an organization for black gay and bisexual men in Washington, D.C., said, according to the Post.
Oh well! At least I learned a new term in this debate. Had not heard of "down low" before except.... "Swing low sweet chariot...."
Been Thinkin
__________________
"From the time you're born, 'til you ride in the hearse, there ain't nothing bad that couldn't be worse!"
LIFE: Some days you're the dog and some days you're the hydrant!
I have ... Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia! The fear of long words.
"Prediction is very hard, especially about the future." - Yogi Berra
"I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave in reflection." - Thomas Paine
In short, down low is not a black behavior. It is a black term for a common behavior.
One final response and I promise I'm going to bed. Your statement I agree is a good one. But, it does not answer all of the questions I ask in the above post. Here they are again....
1) If the accusation against Bishop Long was "down low behavior" would that ("down low behavior") be a "black behavior" issue?
2) Forget everything else... is "down low" a black community issue?
3) Did it start in the black community? The term "Down low?"
4) Is it referred to by anyone as "a black community issue?"
5) Other men engage in sex with other men, that's not the issue I'm discussing, but is the "down low issue" a black community problem bringing HIV and Aids to the black community?
God bless you all! I respect all men of all races and I sincerely hope and pray that none of this is proven to be true about Bishop Long. Damage is already done and the enemy would love for this to completely destroy his church and ministry. God forbid!
BT
__________________
"From the time you're born, 'til you ride in the hearse, there ain't nothing bad that couldn't be worse!"
LIFE: Some days you're the dog and some days you're the hydrant!
I have ... Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia! The fear of long words.
"Prediction is very hard, especially about the future." - Yogi Berra
"I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave in reflection." - Thomas Paine
One final response and I promise I'm going to bed. Your statement I agree is a good one. But, it does not answer all of the questions I ask in the above post. Here they are again....
1) If the accusation against Bishop Long was "down low behavior" would that ("down low behavior") be a "black behavior" issuse
2) Forget everything else... is "down low" a black community issue?
3) Did it start in the black community? The term "Down low?"
4) Is it referred to by anyone as "a black community issue?"
5) Other men engage in sex with other men, that's not the issue I'm discussing, but is the "down low issue" a black community problem bringing HIV and Aids to the black community?
God bless you all! I respect all men of all races and I sincerely hope and pray that none of this is proven to be true about Bishop Long. Damage is already done and the enemy would love for this to completely destroy his church and ministry. God forbid!
BT
I have worked in education and HIV/AIDS for a number of years now. The term "Down Low" is used in the African American community. It is used because being gay in the black community is not generally acceptable. So, men who don't typically exhibit feminine behavior but particpate in sexual activity with men are termed as being on the "Down Low". Black men don't want to be called gay. Its just that simple. The stigma in the community for a gay black man is very bad.
Because black men don't want anyone to know of their sexual activity with other men, it is hard to disclose to their female partners. Therefore, it up to African American women to insist that their partners use protection to prevent transmission. They are simply not aware that their male partner is having sex with men.
To Really Answer Your Question: Only the term "DOWN LOW" is exclusive to the black community. You can find the behavior in every community and culture your think of.
I hope I answered your questions. I'm an African American who sees these issues everyday.
I have worked in education and HIV/AIDS for a number of years now. The term "Down Low" is used in the African American community. It is used because being gay in the black community is not generally acceptable. So, men who don't typically exhibit feminine behavior but particpate in sexual activity with men are termed as being on the "Down Low". Black men don't want to be called gay. Its just that simple. The stigma in the community for a gay black man is very bad.
Because black men don't want anyone to know of their sexual activity with other men, it is hard to disclose to their female partners. Therefore, it up to African American women to insist that their partners use protection to prevent transmission. They are simply not aware that their male partner is having sex with men.
To Really Answer Your Question: Only the term "DOWN LOW" is exclusive to the black community. You can find the behavior in every community and culture your think of.
I hope I answered your questions. I'm an African American who sees these issues everyday.
That is great. I was not aware of this.
I wish other races shared that stigma.
__________________ "It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity." Dave Barry 2005
I am a firm believer in the Old Paths
Articles on such subjects as "The New Birth," will be accepted, whether they teach that the new birth takes place before baptism in water and Spirit, or that the new birth consists of baptism of water and Spirit. - THE PENTECOSTAL HERALD Dec. 1945
"It is doubtful if any Trinitarian Pentecostals have ever professed to believe in three gods, and Oneness Pentecostals should not claim that they do." - Daniel Segraves
I have worked in education and HIV/AIDS for a number of years now. The term "Down Low" is used in the African American community. It is used because being gay in the black community is not generally acceptable. So, men who don't typically exhibit feminine behavior but particpate in sexual activity with men are termed as being on the "Down Low". Black men don't want to be called gay. Its just that simple. The stigma in the community for a gay black man is very bad.
Because black men don't want anyone to know of their sexual activity with other men, it is hard to disclose to their female partners. Therefore, it up to African American women to insist that their partners use protection to prevent transmission. They are simply not aware that their male partner is having sex with men.
To Really Answer Your Question: Only the term "DOWN LOW" is exclusive to the black community. You can find the behavior in every community and culture your think of.
I hope I answered your questions. I'm an African American who sees these issues everyday.
Hybrid Mode
