Um...Hi!

[jimbobwu]

I'm jimbobwu, and I'm a newbie here at SoulForce. I am gay (knew it back in 7th grade, came out to my parents in 11th) but I'm what some would call "straight-acting". To be honest I get slightly annoyed by that label because I don't ACT straight; at least, not in the sense that I'm putting on a "straight masquerade". The way I behave just comes naturally to me.

Oh, and some of my friends joke about how I'm not "gay enough" because I'm not a bloodthirsty activist who jumps down people's throats about LGBT issues at every possible opportunity. My usual response to that is a joking smack on the head.

So...nice to meet you all.

[crm3]

Welcome to Soulforce!

[Zerbie]

Hi there! Welcome!

Fun screenname - gee, for shorts can we call you jim, bob, or wu?

:)

I'm jimbobwu,
Oh, and some of my friends joke about how I'm not "gay enough" because I'm not a bloodthirsty activist who jumps down people's throats about LGBT issues at every possible opportunity. My usual response to that is a joking smack on the head.

all.

Oh good grief. Most of the gay people I know are never going to be activists. It's very much a kind of calling. If activism were the definition of gay, well then I am gayer than most gay people.

[Jennifer5]

Welcome, glad to have you here!:)



Oh good grief. Most of the gay people I know are never going to be activists. It's very much a kind of calling. If activism were the definition of gay, well then I am gayer than most gay people.
Ditto..

[Ryanne Monday]

Gald to have you on board! People here are great and you'll find a spot right away as I'm sure you've already found.

[BrentRichards]

I'm what some would call "straight-acting". To be honest I get slightly annoyed by that label because I don't ACT straight; at least, not in the sense that I'm putting on a "straight masquerade". The way I behave just comes naturally to me.

Important observation, JimBob ... we are who we are (from another "straight-acting" guy who's just being himself)

[labguy22]

JimBob Welcome,
This is a great place place to be. Like you and Brent, I am as I am. When people find that I am gay, I get similar remarks. I'm thinking how on earth could they not know:lol:. Guess it's all in the eye of the beholder.

[scott snedeker]

Oh, and some of my friends joke about how I'm not "gay enough" because I'm not a bloodthirsty activist who jumps down people's throats about LGBT issues at every possible opportunity. My usual response to that is a joking smack on the head.

So...nice to meet you all.

Sadly I received a defective gay gene too. I can't interior decorate worth a poop and had to hire one of my lovers to do it!:lol: But at least my friends tell me I look Gay no matter how hard I try to butch-up!:D

[keltic63]

Welcome jimbobwu!


My partner and I were having that "gay/straight-acting" discussion last evening. It seems that there is a "gay type" that some men assume, almost like a character, because they presume that it is what they are supposed to do as gay men. I think it also comes from the pressure of our society that does not allow gay men to marry, but then derides them for being promiscuous. Too many men have just accepted the stereotype, blown it out of the water, then shoved it back in the face of society.

only 1 or 2 people have told me that they didn't know I was gay. the rest are shocked that anyone would think I was straight. go figure.

[elcharrom]

I'm jimbobwu, and I'm a newbie here at SoulForce. I am gay (knew it back in 7th grade, came out to my parents in 11th) but I'm what some would call "straight-acting". To be honest I get slightly annoyed by that label because I don't ACT straight; at least, not in the sense that I'm putting on a "straight masquerade". The way I behave just comes naturally to me.

Oh, and some of my friends joke about how I'm not "gay enough" because I'm not a bloodthirsty activist who jumps down people's throats about LGBT issues at every possible opportunity. My usual response to that is a joking smack on the head.

So...nice to meet you all. It's the same probelm with me, I feel you, well I guess it aint a probelm haha but it gets kinda annoying cuz then I have to be right thereand explain the deal to them and gah I dont like explaining haha, too much work explaining to every single person, Id rather just have like some dam "Jorge is gay" conference or hand out flyers or something cuz EVERYBODY wants an explanation hahaso I feel what you gettin at. But I guess you could tell Im gay if you see some of the shows I like to watch or some of the music I like? And cool you a activist, I could be one, but sometimes I think it would be too much, I dont know, I got lots of time to be figurin that out so for now Ill take it easy. Welcome to soulforce mayne :D:D

[paul]

welcome jimmybobbywu,

Funny we never hear the term "gayacting" when referring to straights who might hit on some stereotypes. As for being an activist, you probably are and don't know it. Anyone who is out and gay is an activist of sorts, seems to me. Besides, you won't find to many of the "bloodthirsty" type activists here. I think most here go for cookies and milk.
:D
paul

[Blockwell]

Hi JimBobWU,

Welcome to the forum. If you like boys you’re gay enough for me. I understand where you are coming from, I have been getting that line for over twenty years.

I don’t consider my life as an act to be seen as something I am not, but I must admit that certainly don’t fit any gay stereotype either. I am 47 years old now and my partner get so frustrated with me because he has to explain who every celebrity younger than 30 is. Aren’t Lindsay, Brittney, and Paris really the same person? I could not pick them out of a lineup for the life of me. I only learned their names this year. I loathe shopping for clothes; I hyperventilate when I go to the mall and just pick something out at random just so I can leave. I have only two items in the shower, shampoo and a bar of store brand soap. I hate dancing, dance music, clubs, and anywhere I can’t hear myself think. The idea of having a house plant (let alone a pet) seems like way too much work and commitment. I am partial to brunch though.

I’m me, and I love it. I spent the first half of my 20’s trying to ‘fit in,’ What a pain in the ass that is!

I like country music (Brad Paisley is damned hot!) and music from the 80’s and I don’t care who knows it. I like wearing old jeans and t-shirts. My idea of a wonderful evening is eating a frozen dinner in front of the television watching NOVA and the History Channel.

[Zerbie]

welcome jimmybobbywu,

Funny we never hear the term "gayacting" when referring to straights who might hit on some stereotypes. A:D
paul

OMG - let's coin the term!!! Can I be the first to whom it applies?

Married white bisexual/mostly-straight female. . . activist. . . "gay-acting."

I love it! I LOVE it!!!!! :D:D:lol:

Only, I don't act like a stereotype of a gay female though. I act (sometimes) like a stereotype of a gay man. What does that mean? :confused::lol:


Hi JimBobWU,

Welcome to the forum. If you like boys you’re gay enough for me. I understand where you are coming from, I have been getting that line for over twenty years.

I don’t consider my life as an act to be seen as something I am not, but I must admit that certainly don’t fit any gay stereotype either. I am 47 years old now and my partner get so frustrated with me because he has to explain who every celebrity younger than 30 is. Aren’t Lindsay, Brittney, and Paris really the same person?

OMG, Yes! They are!! :lol:

I could not pick them out of a lineup for the life of me. I only learned their names this year.

Me too, except Britney. As a singing teacher, I couldn't escape hearing about her for years. I've had parents ask if I can make their 8 year old "the next Britney."

I loathe shopping for clothes; I hyperventilate when I go to the mall and just pick something out at random just so I can leave.

:lol:

I have only two items in the shower, shampoo and a bar of store brand soap. I hate dancing, dance music, clubs, and anywhere I can’t hear myself think. The idea of having a house plant (let alone a pet) seems like way too much work and commitment.

Okay, I'm getting nervous now.


I am partial to brunch though.

I’m me, and I love it. I spent the first half of my 20’s trying to ‘fit in,’ l.

Glad you stopped trying to fit in and let yourself be you. Isn't it amazing how much discomfort and worry that solves? Nothing better than being authentic - and it draws to us the people we actually WANT to hang around, without putting on an act.

Yeah, seriously. Don't worry about whether you fit a stereotype or not. Just be you, as you are.

I remember when I wondered if liking other girls meant I should dress or act in certain ways, but those ways would never fit me. If I tried to "butch it up" like some stereotype of a tough lesbian "dyke" in a motorcycle jacket, everyone would die laughing. Really. It's meaningless.
Just be you.

[jimbobwu]

Hi there! Welcome!

Fun screenname - gee, for shorts can we call you jim, bob, or wu?

:)
Just Jim ^^. It's an old old inside joke started by even older friends. I can't remember who started it, but the joke was that one day, I'd change my middle name to Robert, move to Zimbabwe, conquer it after a 9-year civil war, and rename it Jimbabwe.

Sadly I received a defective gay gene too. I can't interior decorate worth a poop and had to hire one of my lovers to do it!:lol: But at least my friends tell me I look Gay no matter how hard I try to butch-up!:D
Oh, my "interior design sense" isn't quite defective. My artistic genes made up for it, I guess. But I'm a different kind of designer than most people would think of when they hear "gay designer".

Stereotypical gay designer: "Oh, honey, the walnut color doesn't bring out the carpet enough. Now, if you had it a teensy shade lighter, it would look absolutely FAB-U-LOUS!"

Me: "Eh, the mousy-looking yellow doesn't complement the carpet very well, so it'd be better color-wise to go for a paler color or darker carpets."

I couldn't put on the "gay lisp" even if I tried, and I will NOT try no matter how hilarious it would be at a party. :D
Welcome jimbobwu!


My partner and I were having that "gay/straight-acting" discussion last evening. It seems that there is a "gay type" that some men assume, almost like a character, because they presume that it is what they are supposed to do as gay men. I think it also comes from the pressure of our society that does not allow gay men to marry, but then derides them for being promiscuous. Too many men have just accepted the stereotype, blown it out of the water, then shoved it back in the face of society.
I think I know what you mean. I think it's a matter of personal insecurity when guys come out of the closet and feel like they have to "prove themselves gay" by acting a certain way. It's actually very similar to how "macho guys" often feel like they have to "prove their manhood" by acting like a jackass and a pervert.

It's the exact same mentality. "I'm gay/straight, so I have to act in a completely stereotypically gay/straight way so people will know I'm gay/straight".
Hi JimBobWU,

Welcome to the forum. If you like boys you’re gay enough for me. I understand where you are coming from, I have been getting that line for over twenty years.

^^ I've only been gettin' that line for 4 months, but I'm sure that I'll hear it a lot more once my [extended] family finds out.

I don’t consider my life as an act to be seen as something I am not, but I must admit that certainly don’t fit any gay stereotype either. I am 47 years old now and my partner get so frustrated with me because he has to explain who every celebrity younger than 30 is. Aren’t Lindsay, Brittney, and Paris really the same person? I could not pick them out of a lineup for the life of me. I only learned their names this year. I loathe shopping for clothes; I hyperventilate when I go to the mall and just pick something out at random just so I can leave. I have only two items in the shower, shampoo and a bar of store brand soap. I hate dancing, dance music, clubs, and anywhere I can’t hear myself think. The idea of having a house plant (let alone a pet) seems like way too much work and commitment. I am partial to brunch though.

I know what you mean. I'm only 17, but I can't keep up with celebrity news to save my life. It was only this PAST year that I learned that Hugh Jackman and Matthew McConnaughey are, in fact, different people. Oh, and this is the FIRST year that I've referred to Ryan Reynolds by his NAME instead of "that hot guy from Blade Trinity".

Oh, and I hate shopping for cloths. Abercrombie and Fitch? Only if my mom's paying. American Eagle? Not paying $40 for THAT pair of pants. Gimme some generic Wal-Mart t-shirts, a pair of jeans from Marshalls, and a pair of hemp flip-flops, and I am set!

I only use conditioner because of my long hair. I'm one of the only 3 guys in school who has a ponytail.

Dancing sucks. Dancing to music sucks. Dancing to music at a club sucks. Continuous noise in general makes my head explode.

I sound a lot like you, Blockwell. But one thing that DIFFERS is that while I'm not a pet enthusiast, I DO love cats. I will get a cat in THIS life no matter how many FBI agents they send!

I like country music (Brad Paisley is damned hot!) and music from the 80’s and I don’t care who knows it. I like wearing old jeans and t-shirts. My idea of a wonderful evening is eating a frozen dinner in front of the television watching NOVA and the History Channel.

Country music's okay, but I prefer metal (not the heavy metal stuff), soft rock, rock classical (NOT classic rock. I'm talking about rock remixes of classical songs). My NEWEST jeans are 4 months old, and I love wearing my dark-blue Old Navy shirt that I (personally) bought 2 years ago.

Oh, and I don't watch TV. I WILL, however, sit in front of my computer screen with a cup of ramen noodle and watch stuff on Google video.

[BrianB]

Hi, Jimbob.

Welcome to the group.

When I first came out my friend told me I acted too straight. He convinced me to wear nail polish and try to imitate Jack Mcfarlane's voice. That just ain't me! However, I do like to shop at the mall (JC Penney and Sears), write poetry and eat quiche. Oh yeah, I like men too.

As for activism: I support causes as my finances allow, sign petitions and wear t-shirts and buttons with good messages on them.

BrianB

[Jennifer5]

Man, you're all more feminine then me... and I'm a girl... :rolleyes:

[jimbobwu]

Hi, Jimbob.

Welcome to the group.

When I first came out my friend told me I acted too straight. He convinced me to wear nail polish and try to imitate Jack Mcfarlane's voice. That just ain't me! However, I do like to shop at the mall (JC Penney and Sears), write poetry and eat quiche. Oh yeah, I like men too.

As for activism: I support causes as my finances allow, sign petitions and wear t-shirts and buttons with good messages on them.

BrianB
>.<

I WOULD do all that, but I'm still in high school. Let me add, a southern high school. Where the majority of the students are Southern Baptist and not too gay-friendly (there are a few exceptions though). Today, when we were doing self-introductions (first day of school), I was SERIOUSLY tempted to say "Hi, my name is Jim, and I'm gay" in front of the class.

I ended up backing out of it, because I didn't feel like I was quite ready to out myself at school. I may just keep it to my close circle of friends for the year. After all, it's senior year, and the college I'M going to, anti-homosexuality is not a problem. In fact, their non-discrimination policy INCLUDES sexual orientation! I'm going to SCAD, by the way. Any Scadders here?

[Jennifer5]

>.<

I WOULD do all that, but I'm still in high school. Let me add, a southern high school. Where the majority of the students are Southern Baptist and not too gay-friendly (there are a few exceptions though). Today, when we were doing self-introductions (first day of school), I was SERIOUSLY tempted to say "Hi, my name is Jim, and I'm gay" in front of the class.

I ended up backing out of it, because I didn't feel like I was quite ready to out myself at school. I may just keep it to my close circle of friends for the year. After all, it's senior year, and the college I'M going to, anti-homosexuality is not a problem. In fact, their non-discrimination policy INCLUDES sexual orientation! I'm going to SCAD, by the way. Any Scadders here?
What's SCAD stand for?

In my opinion I think I have to agree with you... keeping it to a few people may be better and flat out safer for right now. Some anti-gay people can not only be mean, but actually violent as well. :(

[BrianB]

>.<

I WOULD do all that, but I'm still in high school. Let me add, a southern high school. Where the majority of the students are Southern Baptist and not too gay-friendly (there are a few exceptions though). Today, when we were doing self-introductions (first day of school), I was SERIOUSLY tempted to say "Hi, my name is Jim, and I'm gay" in front of the class.

I ended up backing out of it, because I didn't feel like I was quite ready to out myself at school. I may just keep it to my close circle of friends for the year. After all, it's senior year, and the college I'M going to, anti-homosexuality is not a problem. In fact, their non-discrimination policy INCLUDES sexual orientation! I'm going to SCAD, by the way. Any Scadders here?

That wasn't a criticism. I have my own apartment and it's been many years since high school. Please be safe. In high school I was in deep denial about having an attraction to guys. It was a christian school and any display of same sex attraction would have got me expelled faster than spitting on the bible.

I came out to my parents only in my late thirties. Take coming out at your own pace. As for Scadders I don't even know what that means.

[u-dog]

Savannah college of Art and Design? I googled it. Looks like a VERY cool place, Jim. What do you want to study there?

[paul]

Zerbie,
"Only, I don't act like a stereotype of a gay female though. I act (sometimes) like a stereotype of a gay man. What does that mean?"

you need to be careful there Zerbie, I think your mixing you alphabet and venturing over into the T section of LGBT.

[Zerbie]

Zerbie,
"Only, I don't act like a stereotype of a gay female though. I act (sometimes) like a stereotype of a gay man. What does that mean?"

you need to be careful there Zerbie, I think your mixing you alphabet and venturing over into the T section of LGBT.

D'OH!!!!! :p smacks head :p

Yeah, there was a time when I asked myself that question, actually. For about one serious minute.

Had to conclude that I'm really just a very unusual female, because I am not transgender. I'm part gay man, just like I'm part Irish. I am Whitmanesque: I contain multitudes.
:lol:
:lol:

I'll just chalk that part of my persona up to my inner transman speaking. :tup:

[jimbobwu]

Savannah college of Art and Design? I googled it. Looks like a VERY cool place, Jim. What do you want to study there?
I originally planned to study Graphic Design, but after I had a long long looooong talk with one of the professors there (he's a friend of my parents), he recommended 3D Animation or at LEAST a good number of animation courses. Apparently graphic design majors depend FAR too much on the rise and fall of demand for art, so the income isn't as steady as (for example) an Animation major working at Pixar or something.

Oh, and I'm SO psyched about SCAD. I know that there's NEVER really a 100% guarantee that I'll get into any school I want, but I'm confident that with my grades, I stand more than 90% chance of getting into SCAD.

^^On top of that, my 2060 SAT will get me a $15,000/yr scholarship if I go to SCAD.
What's SCAD stand for?

In my opinion I think I have to agree with you... keeping it to a few people may be better and flat out safer for right now. Some anti-gay people can not only be mean, but actually violent as well. :(
Oh, I know. Living in the Bible Belt and all, I don't plan to come out while in high school. Even if I do, it'll probably be on the last day of school, when we have the graduation ceremony. I'm not worried about having to out myself in order to be in a relationship. High school guys simply don't have the kind of mental maturity that I'm looking for anyways.

Now, college. SCAD's anti-discrimination policy specifically mentions sexual orientation. SO, even if I end up being harassed by college guys, I can receive full protection of the school policy against discrimination.

[Zerbie]

I originally planned to study Graphic Design, but after I had a long long looooong talk with one of the professors there (he's a friend of my parents), he recommended 3D Animation or at LEAST a good number of animation courses. Apparently graphic design majors depend FAR too much on the rise and fall of demand for art, so the income isn't as steady as (for example) an Animation major working at Pixar or something.

Oh, and I'm SO psyched about SCAD. I know that there's NEVER really a 100% guarantee that I'll get into any school I want, but I'm confident that with my grades, I stand more than 90% chance of getting into SCAD.

^^On top of that, my 2060 SAT will get me a $15,000/yr scholarship if I go to SCAD.

Oh, I know. Living in the Bible Belt and all, I don't plan to come out while in high school. Even if I do, it'll probably be on the last day of school, when we have the graduation ceremony. I'm not worried about having to out myself in order to be in a relationship. High school guys simply don't have the kind of mental maturity that I'm looking for anyways.

Now, college. SCAD's anti-discrimination policy specifically mentions sexual orientation. SO, even if I end up being harassed by college guys, I can receive full protection of the school policy against discrimination.

Cool stuff. :cool: It boggles my mind that people can do such things: I have NO aptitude in the visual arts, so I'm fairly well in awe of such.

I've heard that school is quite good, too, and if that news reached me - someone completely out of the loop and clueless in the visual arts - then its reputation is really strong.

Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders AND a great spirit for imagination, freedom, and creativity. What a wonderful balance!

Wow - best of luck on your future, which sounds like it will be really great!

So glad you're here!! :D:)

[BrentRichards]

You stunned me when you said that you are 17 ... your writing had me thinking much older! You must just be wise beyond your years. I'm wise beyond my shoe-size.

[u-dog]

Hey Jim,

I may be wrong or just taking stereotypes way too seriously but... I'm thinking that at a "College of Art and Design" you are NOT going to have any trouble finding a date on Saturday nights. Just my guess. Anybody think I'm wrong here? I think your social life is about to open out considerably. Please be careful. Don't forget to wear your raincoat!

Dave

[BrentRichards]

Hey Jim,

I may be wrong or just taking stereotypes way too seriously but... I'm thinking that at a "College of Art and Design" you are NOT going to have any trouble finding a date on Saturday nights. Just my guess. Anybody think I'm wrong here? I think your social life is about to open out considerably. Please be careful. Don't forget to wear your raincoat!

Dave

Maybe I should go to art school ... I mean, I have no talent or interest, but who cares?

[keltic63]

Maybe I should go to art school ... I mean, I have no talent or interest, but who cares?

I'm sure you have some kind of talent, and I'm guessing you're interested in something or someone.....

[BrentRichards]

I'm sure you have some kind of talent, and I'm guessing you're interested in something or someone.....

Well, naturally ... I just meant not art-school type talent or interest. Though I did briefly take up charicature drawing. I managed a few good ones. Unfortunately, my very best one would get me fired if the chairman of our board (a miserable old b____) ever saw it.

[Jennifer5]

You stunned me when you said that you are 17 ... your writing had me thinking much older! You must just be wise beyond your years. I'm wise beyond my shoe-size.
Yeah you do seem mature for your age... :love:

Me... I'm 16 and you'll feel like you're talking to a five year old:rolleyes:


Hey Jim,

I may be wrong or just taking stereotypes way too seriously but... I'm thinking that at a "College of Art and Design" you are NOT going to have any trouble finding a date on Saturday nights. Just my guess. Anybody think I'm wrong here? I think your social life is about to open out considerably. Please be careful. Don't forget to wear your raincoat!

Dave
Probably true... that'd be nice huh?


Maybe I should go to art school ... I mean, I have no talent or interest, but who cares?

I'm sure you have some kind of talent, and I'm guessing you're interested in something or someone.....
:rolleyes: boys will be boys

[Gennee]

Welcome to Soulforce, Jimbobwu.

Gennee

:)

[jimbobwu]

You stunned me when you said that you are 17 ... your writing had me thinking much older! You must just be wise beyond your years. I'm wise beyond my shoe-size.
:lol: Not to sound overly egotistical, but I've gotten that from a lot of people. I don't always TALK the way I type, though. I think the reason I type this way is because of my extra-tough (but very awesome) 10th grade lit teacher, who always graded my papers mercilessly. I do consider myself mature for my age though. I find MOST high school guys annoyingly childish about things like homosexuality, emotional intimacy, the ramifications of the Iraqi War, and the effects of an increased minimum wage.

No joke, here are the "common opinions" about some of the things I listed above:
Homosexuality: "Eww"
Emotional intimacy in a relationship: "What are you, a girl?"
Iraqi War: "It's not OUR fault that the corrupt UN inspection officers couldn't find any WMDs."
Increased minimum wage: "It's AWESOME!"

Now, I feel like I have to say something about the minimum wage. At first glance, a higher min wage sounds great. Except not really. Who is going to have to pay MORE to hire a person? The employers. So, would it be logical for the employer to want to hire the most experienced person POSSIBLE at minimum wage? Yes. So, what are you cheering about? If YOU had to pay $6/hr to hire somebody, would you hire a part-time high schooler or would you hire a full-time graduate employee? Duh.
Hey Jim,

I may be wrong or just taking stereotypes way too seriously but... I'm thinking that at a "College of Art and Design" you are NOT going to have any trouble finding a date on Saturday nights. Just my guess. Anybody think I'm wrong here? I think your social life is about to open out considerably. Please be careful. Don't forget to wear your raincoat!

Dave
I was thinking that too. Not only would there be more gay men, but because art schools tend to be much more liberal, there's going to be more UNCLOSETED gay men. I <3 art.

Cool stuff. :cool: It boggles my mind that people can do such things: I have NO aptitude in the visual arts, so I'm fairly well in awe of such.

I've heard that school is quite good, too, and if that news reached me - someone completely out of the loop and clueless in the visual arts - then its reputation is really strong.

Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders AND a great spirit for imagination, freedom, and creativity. What a wonderful balance!

Wow - best of luck on your future, which sounds like it will be really great!

So glad you're here!! :D:)
Thanks!

[Zerbie]

:self mature for my age though. I find MOST high school guys annoyingly childish about things like homosexuality, emotional intimacy, the ramifications of the Iraqi War, and the effects of an increased minimum wage.

No joke, here are the "common opinions" about some of the things I listed above:
Homosexuality: "Eww"
Emotional intimacy in a relationship: "What are you, a girl?"
Iraqi War: "It's not OUR fault that the corrupt UN inspection officers couldn't find any WMDs."
Increased minimum wage: "It's AWESOME!"

Now, I feel like I have to say something about the minimum wage. At first glance, a higher min wage sounds great. Except not really. Who is going to have to pay MORE to hire a person? The employers. So, would it be logical for the employer to want to hire the most experienced person POSSIBLE at minimum wage? Yes. So, what are you cheering about? If YOU had to pay $6/hr to hire somebody, would you hire a part-time high schooler or would you hire a full-time graduate employee? Duh.

s!

On that count though, unless things in this country deteriorate into our worst nightmare, NO highly educated individual is going to accept a min wage job. Are you aware that it is IMPOSSIBLE to live on min wage?

And as for the case that increasing the min wage is going to have all kinds of unintended negative consequences, that has been said since the 1960s: EVERY time a raise in min wage is proposed, the same argument is made.

For perspective on how hard it is to live on min wage: when I was a young kid (like 20) I spent a year off from school to work full-time. I was paid about a dollar more than min wage. Working full time, living rent-free in my parents' house, eating food they provided at no charge and driving a car that they provided me at no charge, I went further and further into the red just paying co-pays on medical appointments to treat a condition I developed that year. I had NO living expenses, yet could not make ends meet while working a full time job with benefits. That was WITH health insurance.

Anyone working full time deserves to be able to make (modest) ends meet doing so. But that is actually impossible.

[BrianB]

I have to agree with Jim about an increase in minimum wage helping to drive inflation up. To increase wages employers must charge more for their goods and services to maintain a profit. (If there is no profit businesses close.) When the price of goods and services go up consumers ask for raises to buy the same amount of things. Increased wages drive up increased prices and so on. This is the reason you can't buy the same amount of goods in 2007 as you could in 1967. I think this is one reason we are moving toward a cashless society. Everything will be done with Electronic Funds Transfers.

[jimbobwu]

:D I'm not sure exactly how much inflation actually affects things like public school lunches, but the price of lunches in my county has certainly gone up since I first came here in 1998.

Back then, Pluto was a planet, there were only 151 Pokemon, Digimon hadn't begun sucking yet, 12-year-olds didn't dress like child prostitutes, and coke machines were 75 cents. Oh, and lunch was $1.50

Fast forward 9 years. Pluto's no longer a planet, there's now 5 bajillion Pokemon out there, kids don't even KNOW what Digimon are anymore, and 12-year-olds are trying SO hard to dress like high schoolers. Trying is the key word. Oh, and lunch is now $2 and cokes cost $1.25

Does this rise in price have anything to do with national inflation? I think so. But I could be wrong. I don't take Econ till next semester.

[Jennifer5]

Man, I always forget just how far behind the rest of the United States are compared to where I am... here we're either just under, or maybe we finally hit the $7.00 mark. That's our minimum wage, once you're 20 around here, you can expect to find a job paying 10 dollars an hour. :cool:

[BrentRichards]

:D I'm not sure exactly how much inflation actually affects things like public school lunches, but the price of lunches in my county has certainly gone up since I first came here in 1998.

Back then, Pluto was a planet, there were only 151 Pokemon, Digimon hadn't begun sucking yet, 12-year-olds didn't dress like child prostitutes, and coke machines were 75 cents. Oh, and lunch was $1.50

Fast forward 9 years. Pluto's no longer a planet, there's now 5 bajillion Pokemon out there, kids don't even KNOW what Digimon are anymore, and 12-year-olds are trying SO hard to dress like high schoolers. Trying is the key word. Oh, and lunch is now $2 and cokes cost $1.25

Does this rise in price have anything to do with national inflation? I think so. But I could be wrong. I don't take Econ till next semester.


Sigh... how about .50 (or less) for school lunch, and a nickel for milk. Soda machine was a quarter, payphone (anyone remember those? pre-cell phone) was a dime. Pokedigi-what? A computer with less memory than an i-pod took up the better part of a city block. TV was black and white, with three fuzzy channels (depending on how you adjusted the rabbit-ears covered in tin foil), and you taped a nickel to the arm of your record player to keep it from skipping.

[jimbobwu]

Sigh... how about .50 (or less) for school lunch, and a nickel for milk. Soda machine was a quarter, payphone (anyone remember those? pre-cell phone) was a dime. Pokedigi-what? A computer with less memory than an i-pod took up the better part of a city block. TV was black and white, with three fuzzy channels (depending on how you adjusted the rabbit-ears covered in tin foil), and you taped a nickel to the arm of your record player to keep it from skipping.
LOL. That's not fair. You've lived longer. :D

[Blockwell]

Sigh... how about .50 (or less) for school lunch, and a nickel for milk. Soda machine was a quarter, payphone (anyone remember those? pre-cell phone) was a dime. Pokedigi-what? A computer with less memory than an i-pod took up the better part of a city block. TV was black and white, with three fuzzy channels (depending on how you adjusted the rabbit-ears covered in tin foil), and you taped a nickel to the arm of your record player to keep it from skipping.


I went to a public elementary school in Southern California from 1965-1971. (Santa Ana Unified School District)


What was the price of a school lunch?

I have no idea because if you did not bring your lunch, you did not eat. We had no cafeteria at all. Everyone brought their lunch from home. (Who had the coolest lunch box was a very very big thing) There was no school lunch program whatsoever. The entire student body ate outside on picnic tables. What did we do if it rained? We still ate outside. They were extra nice about it; they let us sit under the overhang outside each building so we would not get wet. I can still remember how cold the concrete floor was to sit on. Looking back I can’t believe the parents let this continue. The teachers never let us stay in the classroom to eat, they had a nice warm teachers lounge to go to.

My Public School Dress Code

Boys: Leather shoes only with laces, no sneakers. Buttoned shirts only, no t-shirts allowed. Slacks only, no jeans permitted.

Girls: NO PANTS EVER!! Dresses only and the hemline must be below the knee.

This was pre-air conditioning in Southern California. They did let school out when the temperature climbed past 105F inside the classrooms.

Things I remember. Candy Bars were huge and cost a dime. Games were played with other children in the neighborhood, not on machines. Lawn darts were popular and yes we were careful. I rode down the freeway in the back of a pickup truck dozens of times. Our car did not even have seatbelts. If you take the head off a water-wiggle it becomes very dangerous. I was an expert at making safe-n-sane fireworks into little bombs; my dad showed me how. The first thing my mother wanted me to do after getting home from school was to leave! “Go outside and play” And I did! My brother and I would be gone for hours on our bikes and no one cared a bit. My times have changed. :eek:

[JuanieH]

All I have to say is.. woo! Another awesome teenager!

As to the minimum wage issue, there has to be a balance between the consumer (corporations) and the producer (Us workers)...equilibrium is the only way economics work. I would venture to say, however, that in the current economic state, raising the minimum wage would do a bit more damage than good. We should at some point, just not while the economy is a bit iffy.

As to acting gay/straight? Yeah. When I came out to my friends they almost nearly passed out. I guess I'm just very lax and...not flamboyant. I agree that there is no stereotype we should have to fill (especially since it makes it boring for everyone to have copies of each other running around. :/).

School-wise, that's kick-butt SAT score. That should get you pretty far. I haven't taken the SAT yet because the Midwest normally relies on the ACT to measure academic standard, and I'm planning to stay in the area. I might though just for fun.

You should love it here. I'm a fan of all the open-mindedness around here, and I'm willing to bet you are too. Enjoy your senior year!

Mine already started. :/

[jimbobwu]

All I have to say is.. woo! Another awesome teenager!

As to the minimum wage issue, there has to be a balance between the consumer (corporations) and the producer (Us workers)...equilibrium is the only way economics work. I would venture to say, however, that in the current economic state, raising the minimum wage would do a bit more damage than good. We should at some point, just not while the economy is a bit iffy.

As to acting gay/straight? Yeah. When I came out to my friends they almost nearly passed out. I guess I'm just very lax and...not flamboyant. I agree that there is no stereotype we should have to fill (especially since it makes it boring for everyone to have copies of each other running around. :/).

School-wise, that's kick-butt SAT score. That should get you pretty far. I haven't taken the SAT yet because the Midwest normally relies on the ACT to measure academic standard, and I'm planning to stay in the area. I might though just for fun.

You should love it here. I'm a fan of all the open-mindedness around here, and I'm willing to bet you are too. Enjoy your senior year!

Mine already started. :/
Yay, teenagers! We are the future, after all.

That is....until we get replaced by the next generation of teenagers. :(

I'm not flamboyant at all. In fact, I'm getting a little annoyed at the VASTLY disproportionate amount of publicity that the flamboyant homosexuals are receiving in comparison to the "average joe" homosexuals in this country. I could be wrong, but judging from the guys I've talked to online, most gay guys are NOT really like the stereotypical interior designers or makeup artists or fashion designers.

But that's just my personal experience.

Oh, and I was wondering: what kinds of questions are on the ACT? I know the SAT is more reasoning/logic oriented, and I *heard* that the ACT is more knowledge-oriented, but I have no idea if that's the case.

[tpdncr4christ]

I'm not flamboyant at all. In fact, I'm getting a little annoyed at the VASTLY disproportionate amount of publicity that the flamboyant homosexuals are receiving in comparison to the "average joe" homosexuals in this country. I could be wrong, but judging from the guys I've talked to online, most gay guys are NOT really like the stereotypical interior designers or makeup artists or fashion designers.

Welcome Jimbobwu, you'll love it here. I'm one of the flamboyant ones. And barely a teenager... Out of my gay friends I am the most flamboyant, and I get angry when my straight friends tell me I am the gayest, cause I'm not the "gayest" I am the most flamboyant, no?

[jimbobwu]

Welcome Jimbobwu, you'll love it here. I'm one of the flamboyant ones. And barely a teenager... Out of my gay friends I am the most flamboyant, and I get angry when my straight friends tell me I am the gayest, cause I'm not the "gayest" I am the most flamboyant, no?
:D First flamboyant one I've met online! I hope you're not offended by what I posted. It's true that "the flamboyant ones" get too much media attention. So much that they've become the stereotype that most people think of when they hear the word "gay". It just isn't fair to all the gay guys out there who happen to be the "average joe" type of guy. Just an observation.

[tpdncr4christ]

:D First flamboyant one I've met online! I hope you're not offended by what I posted. It's true that "the flamboyant ones" get too much media attention. So much that they've become the stereotype that most people think of when they hear the word "gay". It just isn't fair to all the gay guys out there who happen to be the "average joe" type of guy. Just an observation.

Me? No, it takes a bit more than that to offend me. And I do agree, I think yous guys should get more attention,but to be honest, you are normal, and normal never gets as much attention as crazy, you know?

[JuanieH]

Oh, and I was wondering: what kinds of questions are on the ACT? I know the SAT is more reasoning/logic oriented, and I *heard* that the ACT is more knowledge-oriented, but I have no idea if that's the case.

Well, ACT seems to be the easier of the tests, so with a 20xx score, you should hit above a 30 on the ACT. The ACT weighs English a lot more than SAT, and reduces math to one category. I'm a fan of the ACT because I'm terrible at timed math. But alas...
You should be able to do extremely well on it.