"That's so gay" remark

I don't know about the rest of you, but I did take exception to Rebekah Rice's comeback, "That's so gay!" to the people who asked her if she had 10 moms. Like it or not, the word "gay" has loaded connotations in today's world. Had she said it in the 1930s it, of course, wouldn't have attracted any notice because Americans used the word "gay" differently back then to mean having a good time or being merry. But it was 2002 when Rice used the word in the context of her snappy comeback to her hecklers. And while I feel uneasy time about political correctness at times, I still think, had it been me in that position of answering a schoolyard taunt, I wouldn't have chosen that wording. Yes, kids will be kids and I understand that.

Still, if one's sexuality weren't as linked in with one's identity as is the case in the America of the 2000s, this wouldn't be problematic at all. Yet, the reality is there and, like it or not, we ought to show sensitivity for gays and lesbians by not using 'gay' in a negative context. Isn't it bad enough that the legal system discriminates against gays, do we also have to do it in our choice of words? What do you think? I'd love to know your thoughts on this.

Let me state one thing clearly for the record, lest the above rant mislead you. I wish the word 'gay' didn't have such negative connotations. I wish gays and lesbians had the same rights as everyone else. They are just people like everyone else with a difference. It is unfortunate that some people can't look past those differences to see them as whole people. Yet, it is also too bad that Rice exercised poor judgment in uttering the comeback she did. Like it or not, words can't be "unsaid," although one can apologize later for having said them.