You don't really want to know, do you?  Did you want to say to everybody, let's you and him fight?  Meaning prospective commenters, that is. 

What do you think of my avatar, hmmmm? 

This is hilarious! Thanks for brightening my Tuesday everyone....hehe!!

Darn, the breakfast I just puked up cost me six bucks. Yuck. And it does not show love, it shows foreplay. Tongue kissing is foreplay, regardless whether it is homo- or heterosexual, but the fact that it is two men is still not socially accepted. As freethinker said, some people have a problem with homosexuality, and nothing will change their minds. I happen to be one of those.

In some cases, where people are only out looking for a raise, the internet is the perfect medium for it, because there's an anonymous layer between you and the people you taunt on that shields you from many of the repercussions of doing that in real life, so the initial thrill of getting the rise you want is awesome, and the attention is delicious.

Eventually though, it usually wears off and you become just another person who's grown past that phase going *shrug* when others are observed doing it.

That said on the general topic of doing something simply to get a reaction:

Live and let live. Which includes leaving the baiters alone if you don't want to be baited, and not poking and prodding at people who don't want to be drawn into discussing whatever topic may currently be bubbling through your conciousness to the exclusion of everything else.

People have lives beyond the issue of the day, no matter how important ( rightly so ) that issue may be to others, and it is a bit immature to kick up a fuss and insist that everybody else get worked up as much about the issue as you yourself by waving it in their faces.

catpaw made a good post with some good points, in my opinion.

And yeah, it is avAtar.

Yuck, I don't like it, so you succeeded in your mission Rob, shock value and all. Whoopie. Now post something useful.

BTW, I don't like learnem's avator either.

To each his/her own.

It's a provocative image, hence the discussion it has provoked.  It doesn't bother me.  I wouldn't choose any couple (straight or gay) making out for my avatar, but that's just me.

I bet you go to the store in women's clothes just to get attention.  If you really need constant attention, get yourself a dog. 

I'm shocked, horrified . .. . actually, who cares?  It's a picture, and I've seen more acting in LA.  It's lonely being the only straight guy in the dressing room.

Hazleygirl wrote: "You cannot MAKE people change. Only INSPIRE them to change."

I love it when plain old common sense crops up in the middle of a heated battle. Thanks.  As I opined last night on this issue, this avatar is most like to UNDO any inspiration we've drawn from one another. It's the kind of thing you see on gay personnals/dating web sites. It's just eroticism and soft porn shoved into the face of people for no other reason than to provoke them.  I think the best rule of thumb is to behave here like you do in real life.  That's the reason I put my real name online. When you sign your own name to what you say, unless your some kind of neurotic sadist, you'll not want to dishonor the name you carry with you every day of your life.

It's easy to be mean and cruel when you can hide behind a persona. But just sign your real name to what you say and you'll see online the kind of character you are in the real world where people pass judgement on you based on your name. I'd guess Rob doesn't stand on the city streets and swap slobber with his partner just to get in people's faces. So why do it here?

Ray Harwick

Murphy-Jason says your a baaad boy, I say your voicing your opinion, afterall the guy that wrote this blog asked for opinions.

So, I'm assuming the avatar of 2 men swallowing each other is appropriate to him?

The picture reminds me of unexpectedly stepping on a snake barefoot in the dark. Who but perverts would want this kind of "snake" suddenly appearing anywhere unexpectedly, particulary where children might see it? Jason should keep that in mind. Apart from it being repulsive and revolting to sexually normal people not given to perversion.

I personally have no issues with the avatar, but I do think it's a little too racy for a family forum. Think Disney when you choose an avatar.

The only thing this person has done was accomplish before the election in Nov.    What most of us already know    Their going down ane I thank him   other wise some votes might have been in their favor

Ron

HusbandMaterial - As I opined last night on this issue, this avatar is most like to UNDO any inspiration we've drawn from one another. It's the kind of thing you see on gay personnals/dating web sites. It's just eroticism and soft porn shoved into the face of people for no other reason than to provoke them.

I agree. Placing such pictures up is not a way of inspiring people to agree with you on ANY matter. And it DOESNT belong on a site like this. Everything has its place and time. Nobody likes someone who pushes their orientation on people any more than anyone likes a 'bible thumper'. Just because theyre opposite doesnt mean one is better than the other...

Kudos to HM for exemplifying the fact that not all gays are pushers on straight people. It makes me feel better, at least.

Sincerely, a fellow gay NON-pusher.

A co-worker of mine met her husband for lunch today. When he left he gave her a kiss I didn't think they were pushing their sexuality on anybody, but now that I think about it...

mtndewrob - While I'm not homosexual, I support the right for people to be who they are sexually without discrimination.

However, as many have stated, the photo in your avatar is provacative and does not show love as much as it shows an act of sexuality.  While it's obvious that sexuality in general seems to be much more out in the open today, that doesn't mean that it's always appropriate.

For example, I love my wife, but I would never kiss her like that in a public place, nor would I post such a photo, because it is a private show of affection that goes beyond what others need to be exposed to. 

Rob, was it a tongue kiss? No, and you're a liar if you say it was.

Yours is the attitude that got Matthew Shepard killed. The men who killed him would have ended up in prison sooner or later, so it's just as well that they accomplished that by taking him out.

Johnburns..., so you're saying Matthew Shepard deserved to be killed. If you're saying that I disagree 100%.

Since the subject of Matthew Shepard was brought up, I would like to share the words Dennis Shepard, his father said to the court and one of the killers. We all could learn a lot from his wisdom:

"...I would like nothing better than to see you die, Mr. McKinney. However, this is the time to begin the healing process. To show mercy to someone who refused to show any mercy. ..Mr. McKinney, I’m going to grant you life, as hard as that is for me to do, because of Matthew...You robbed me of something very precious, and I will never forgive you for that. Mr. McKinney, I give you life in the memory of one who no longer lives. May you have a long life, and may you thank Matthew every day for it."

I wasn't going to post again, but I really think you're missing the point, Mtndewrob.  I have to lesbians coming to my house to lunch tomorrow and I'm in no way put off by their sexuality.  Hell, I took pictures of one of them naked when she was pregnant (because she wanted them).  I let my kids watch the session if they wished because I don't think nudity or pregnancy is something to hide.  However, I did have to respect the child who did NOT want to see this stuff.  He was uncomfortable with seeing a woman naked.  I respected his position because forcing ANYONE to view things that they don't care to see, regarding sex, is inappropriate.  It would've sent the message that I cared more about the photos than his open disclosure that it would make him uncomfortable.

You've done something similar.  Your picture is artistically gorgeous.  I think it's very well done.  But, it is most definitely erotic.  Heck...I look at it and want to kiss my husband. :)  But, like with my son, it's not your place to judge other people for not wanting to witness an intimate moment between two people.  Not two guys.  But, two PEOPLE.  And, honestly, I think you're objectifying them to shock some people who you knew couldn't handle this.  That doesn't say much about them,....it says loads about you. 

I'm not going to bust Rob's chops anymore on this. Possum just reminded me of something that is implicit in this kind of image. It does have the element of sexual objectification about it.  This picture clearly captures a moment of sexual heat. This isn't the standard peck on the lips given by gay people upon greeting each other. And in the present day, you'd have to have been in a cave to not know this photo is lust personified by two gay people.  I'd say that as recently as 10 years ago, but definitely 15 years ago and before, this very image would have only been seen in a gay porn video or magazine.  A whole lot of people saw Brokeback Mountain and the difference between those two cowboys and these is the context  was clearly about people in love and depth of emotion that was apparent. With this photo, the only thing I can can conclude about it is its RAW sexual objectification framed on a context called Bakersfield community, not Brokeback Mountain.

mtndewrob, 

     I am in absolute awe of your courage in posting your avatar!  I applaud you, big time.  I can totally understand why you would want to post such an 'in your face' photo, and I'm a heterosexual female.  When I heard the California Supreme Court's decision lifting the ban on gay marriage, I was so proud to be a California native and so touched by the historical significance of this victory for human rights that I cried!  I grew up in Los Angeles and had many homosexual friends, all of whom were always more than willing to answer my (probably silly) questions.  Through them, I learned that their sexual preference was, as mine, not a choice.  Not everyone understands this yet, but as a result of the court's decision... we are part of a kinder, gentler California with human rights at the top of our agenda!  Congratulations!

If gay people handled themselves like HM, I wouldn't have a problem with it.

Its the mtndewrob's of the world that (for whatever reason) are just seeking  to sensationalize, objectify, and  "shock jock in your face"  the issue that get my goat.

HM's reasonableness and mature approach is all for naught when those with ulterior motives (and God only knows what they might be) are torn asunder by avatar's and blogs like mtndew's...

They only serve to intensify the divide between the tail ends of the bell curve (both diametrically opposed standard deviations which are NEVER going to agree), and deepen the divide between same.

Those in the middle then are left to either come to some reasonable accommodation to their position for the sake of just  "getting along", or  "choose a side". Those not in the  "tail ends of the bell curve" may well be forced to become hardened into a  "no concession" position on the issue or wander aimlessly in the  "to each his own, just keep it out of my face" alternative (where they probably were to begin with.

NOTHING IS SERVED FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER BY BLOGS LIKE THIS!. (nothing save the elevation of the HM's of the blogging world who, by virtue of the stark contrasts between approaches [HM vs. mtndew's] that those to whom this issue is important make manifest).

mtndew reminds me of a carnival barker on the Tilt-a-Whirl where there are several bolts left over after the carnies have assembled it and the patrons are left to wonder  "Hmmm...... I wonder if those were REALLY needed for anything?" ..........

The question is, whether you'd have a problem with a heterosexual couple doing the same thing.  If you can honestly say you would, then you're not homophobic. 

Your premise is so presumptive it deserves no direct response RF.

The real question is  "was this entire blog proffered simply to elicit emotional responses to no good end, or just to titillate and provoke?"??

That is the REAL question.

Your premise is so steeped in  "I'm OK -- You're not" motivational milieu that it self relegates to absurdity cum irrelevance.......

RF, several of us said exactly that.  I don't want to watch ANYONE make out with that kind of sensuality.  Giving someone a quick kiss and moving on is one thing but I don't want or need to be privy to anyones private moments.

This is clearly a post/avatar to get people riled up.

Thank you for your agreement. 

If you have a problem with *ALL* "advanced" public displays of affection, you've probably got some sort of hangup about sex.  If you have a problem only with same-sex PDA's, you've probably got a case of inflamed homophobia.  It's a handy rule of thumb.

You obviously have a case of  "inflamed situational self-esteem elevating rhetoric" designed to perpetuate your own sense of "I'm OK - You're Not"  interpersonal transactional analysis.

Does your  "rule"  even have opposable thumbs?

I'm not opposed to thumbs.  But I *DO* enjoy the sight of folks trying to justify their homophobia, despite the barnyard aroma.

I'll have to disagree about this part..."If you have a problem with *ALL* "advanced" public displays of affection, you've probably got some sort of hangup about sex."

I don't have hangups about *sex*, I just don't don't want or need to be a voyeur when it comes to someones intimate moments and feel it's inappropriate for a blog like this one.  Further,   I would hazard a guess that if an onlooker enjoys "intimate" moments of others, they might be the one with some sort of hangup.

 ..."If you have a problem with *ALL* "advanced" public displays of affection, you've probably got some sort of hangup about sex."

If the subject were eating, and you couldn't stand to see someone eat in public, I'd say you've got a hangup about eating.  Not believing you have a hangup doesn't make it go away.  I did say "probably."

 Maybe we better do sheep..........

Ewe first.

I'm not really sure if you're are trying to convince fellow bloggers or just yourself of your  "hang-up free"  status  RF.

In either case you're sure working at it.

Playing at it.

It's obvious the original post was meant to provoke a response.  It worked beautifully.

Random

I'm not homophobic.  I find the picture too offensive for a public forum.  I would find a picture of a heterosexual couple engaged in french kissing too offensive too.

The bigger question is, why mntdewrob found it necessary to create an entire blog just to ask our opinion of his avitar.   He knew what our responses would be in advance so I can only guess that his point was to stir a pot that already been stirred to death.  

His "in your face"  attitude does the gay cause no good.  In fact, it was decidedly detrimental to the the years of hard work that responsible gay men and women have put forth to gain equality in America.  I can only guess that this blog addresses issues he struggles with aside from his sexual orientation.

I can only guess that this blog addresses issues he struggles with aside from his sexual orientation.

My thoughts exactly. He has a pathological need to flaunt this, which tells you more about him than all of his posts combined.

elepitt, you say you are in awe for mtndewrob's courage for posting this avatar? It does not take much courage to create a profile name and post something when no one knows who you are.

 I'm not homophobic.  I find the picture too offensive for a public forum.  I would find a picture of a heterosexual couple engaged in french kissing too offensive too.

I believe that's what I said. 

So if I get irritated when two teenagers are petting heavily in the row in front of me in the movie theater, I have a hang up about sex.  If I go on a double date and the other couple begins pawing each other at the restaurant and I feel awkward, I have a hang up about sex.  If I'm watching TV with my kids and a sex scene comes on and I change the channel, I have a hang up about sex.  If a total stranger tells me a graphic sex joke and I get offended, I have a hang up about sex.

Thanks for the unelicited psychobabble, Random!  Off to the therapist I go!

Random

I saw the seamy side of life in my twenties when the hippies "discovered" free love (again).  I won't describe what went on at the parties I attended.  I didn't judge them then and I don't judge anyone's sexual behavior now (as long as it's legal). 

But, there is a time and a place.  If someone is too ignorant to figure that out on their own, they need to be told.   Honestly,  I wonder who it is that has a hang up here?

From Terms of Service:

1. You agree not knowingly submit any false, defamatory, abusive, obscene, threatening, racially offensive, sexually explicit or illegal material to the Web site.

Where is the oversite.

How about offensive to the majority here?  Jason..where are you. 

Thanks witbee for posting the terms of service. I had not read them in a while. Now I know why I always piss Jason off.

Perhaps Jason's current friend update about wishing that people would read the Terms of Service is an indication that people should clean up their own acts instead of waiting to be punished from the authority figures. Not that I can read Jason's mind or anything, but having been an admin of a public site before, I know I have done something similar in the past to give people one last chance to self-correct.

I agree whole-heartedly with the sentiments voiced here regarding a need for attention and a deliberate intention to inflame the annoyance of others. Maybe the answer is to ignore this person's posts until he changes that disgusting avatar and stops trying so hard to piss everyone off. This is one of the reasons I have a problem with homosexuality. I hate the current in-your-face-accept-our-lifestyle-dammit attitudes that gay activists are adopting these days. Apparently mtndewrob is one of those activists.

Hope all are happy that I've changed my avatar. I didn't change it to appease anybody. Like I said before, I'm going to continue to change my avatars from time-to-time.

My avatars are intended to provoke discussions. I did that with a kiss:)

DO NOT interpret this avatar as a reaction to the negative responses regarding my previous avatar. It's one I have used on several different sites over the years. I hope nobody was injured or killed my my last avatar.

For the person who said I should get a dog, I have two, Dewey and Mary.

Happy-??, satisfied-YES.   I also like how you spelled avatar correctly this time.  No ones commenting anymore because you changed it, good job  :)

oldblue and gohstriter-be careful when throwing around that foul language! You could get spanked by the "blog police" for obvious obscene language.   "P@$$"