Why Do Teenagers Mock LGBTQ Individuals?
Recently, there has been a significant shift in public awareness regarding LGBTQ rights, which has led many people to believe that younger individuals are more socially aware and accepting than their elders. However, the reality is far more complex. While the influence of societal changes and education has indeed fostered a more accepting environment among older generations, there are still instances where teenagers make fun of LGBTQ individuals. Why does this happen?
Why Target the Smaller Group?
Unfortunately, a significant portion of youth seem to mimic their surroundings without much critical thinking. This behavior is prevalent regardless of the individuals' own beliefs or identities. For instance, I was never part of the LGBTQ community, yet on occasion, I faced the label of being 'gay.' This wasn't based on any factual reason; my actions or characteristics didn't justify such a label. However, my experience occurred in a charter school, where a considerable number of students came from 'religious fundamental' families. Any mention of scientific concepts, such as evolution, made me a target for ridicule.
Interestingly, these students echoed what they heard at home and from their churches, parroting the stories of 'Darwinists' being led astray by 'evil atheists' and 'Satanists.' When I attempted to explain the reasoning behind my belief or dispel their many misconceptions, they were not receptive. It appears that the same pattern often plays out in teasing and mocking LGBTQ individuals; the teens are simply repeating what they've been told or heard.
Not everyone is inclined to think for themselves. Instead, they find a 'tribe' and adhere to the ideology shared by that group. This tendency, unfortunately, has been prevalent throughout human history, from the days of hunter-gatherers to the modern era. However, it is encouraging to see that culture itself is evolving, and many are left behind by the forward movement of human progress.
Social Dynamics and Power Hierarchy
As a teacher, I observed that the issue of mocking LGBTQ individuals is not solely about being 'different' or not accepting homosexuality as a normal social behavior. Instead, it is primarily about picking on the weakest individuals, those who are the easiest targets. In the context of social hierarchies, individuals seek to establish dominance and gain status. Thus, they naturally target the individuals at the bottom of the hierarchy.
So, why are these individuals at the bottom? They often lack the ability to effectively defend themselves, which makes them less threatening. In hyper-social settings like classrooms and most workplaces, people who cannot defend themselves often find themselves without allies and social pariahs. These individuals can vary in characteristics but may include those dealing with questioning their sexuality or coming to terms with it during their teenage years. It is a sensitive stage where questioning one's identity and seeking acceptance can make them vulnerable.
Picking on the most vocal or confident LGBTQ individual would be a colossal mistake. For instance, a popular gay guy who has many friends and allies would most likely draw the entire school against the bully. Therefore, bullies tend to focus on more vulnerable targets, who are less likely to retaliate.
It is essential to address these issues and educate teenagers about empathy, acceptance, and the importance of thinking critically about the information they receive. By fostering a more inclusive and tolerant environment, we can help reduce such mocking and teasing.