My philosophy teacher was talking about equality the other day and he said everyone should be equal regardless of their sexual preference. I was about to say ":dry: Oh shut up, it's not a choice" but a friend (who's lesbian) asked the teacher about before I could. The teacher was kind of in a bad position so he corrected himself and said sexual orientation instead. He's was rather uncomfortable about what he just said and was talking gibberish. He obviously didn't want to start an argument about sexuality. This got me thinking, how would you react if someone said sexual preference instead of orientation?
I'd get very upset, but I probably wouldn't say anything. It's not uncommon to hear homophobic jokes or sexual preference where I live. So I have to deal with that almost everyday. :dry:
Depends. In this case, the teacher was talking about equality, right? So why be annoying and correct him in front of everyone? In this case, i would agree with him or just stay quiet. Peraphs, after the end of the class, i would speak to the teacher privately: "Hey, thanks for supporting equality, just remember the correct term is "orientation", not "preference"! Of course, people need to learn eventually that this isn't about "choice", but, if someone already supports equality (even if they think it is a choice), being annoying and getting mad at the person isn't going to help. Being friendly and avoiding correcting people that accept equality (one way or the other) in front of everyone goes a long way. I would agree with your friend's attitude if the teacher was talking about how he was AGAINST equality. Then i don't think it would be bad to correct him in front of everyone.
I guess I don't get that upset when people say sexual preference. It's not like they're saying "sexual choice" or "chosen lifestyle." The lifestyle one bothers me. I guess "preference" doesn't as much because, yeah, it's true. I do prefer to be with girls. Because I'm a lesbian.
I dont see how 'sexual preference' is offensive... it does not indicate its a choice at all. Its true...you prefer the same sex.
You are right blueberrykisses, "preference" doesn't imply "choice" but if feels as if it did. I don't know why it feels that way to me though. In fact, if I had to debate the use of that term with my teacher, I wouldn't know how to explain it. When the subject of LGBTs is brought up in a conversation, I try to spot every little "mistake" people make. Like using "preference" instead of "orientation". I'm probably a bit too critical though.
I don't see why it would upset me... I always thought of "sexual preference" and "sexual orientation" as having the same basic meaning.
Personally, I have no issue with it. That said... I can see why, 'sexual preference' is potentially problematic. It leaves a little wiggle room, for folks to say, even if it is a preference, you can still choose to "be ___".
Yeah, "sexual preference" does not imply choice. Think about the other ways in which we use the word "preference". We talk about "preference" when it comes to what someone finds attractive: race, body type, hair color, etc. we use it when we talk about someone's favorite foods, etc. Do we choose what food we like and what body type we find attractive? No, so the same applies to the gender we're attracted to. It's both a preference and an orientation.
I am very much in favor of 'orientation' over 'preference'. I posted a similar question recently, if you would like to see the thread:http://emptyclosets.com/forum/gender-identity-expression/148974-term-sexual-preference.html
I use the term sexual preference all the time. I also say I have a preference for girls who wear glasses, am I choosing to like that or is it a part of my lifestyle? No. Preferences aren't choices.