Considering the majority is heterosexual, I don't think it's wrong. I try to avoid applying that assumption though (if that makes sense).
Poll: Is it wrong to automatically assume some is heterosexual?
- Thread starter Aur0ra145
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The majority of people are. Going by statistics, it's perfectly acceptable. I can't see how it matters, though. Unless you're romantically interested in the individual concerned.
Nope, it's not wrong. It's the same as if you were to assume an American you just met was probably Protestant or nonreligious, simply because those are the most common denominations. I've never met anyone of a minority that wasn't immediately obvious who was offended when people assumed they were something else. It's not that big of an issue.
No, the ignorant thing would be changing your opinion on them as a person when you find out otherwise.
Not really assumtions don't really mean anything, sexuality rarely gets discussed between people that don't know the others interests for a fact.
It's no different from hair colour, a lot of people don't have black hair, but that still doesn't change the fact that black hair is the predominant hair colour in humans
It's no different from hair colour, a lot of people don't have black hair, but that still doesn't change the fact that black hair is the predominant hair colour in humans
I'd say "yes" on principle...
I say it's wrong because it's always wrong to assume anything about anyone, really. It's wrong to assume that all African-Americans are "Gangstas" in the same way that it's wrong to assume all girls like pink / ponies / pink ponies and that all men are bastards. OK sometimes assumptions can be justified but the circumstances have to be exceptional and by and large, assumptions are based on lame generalisations at best and often lead to unfair "pigeonholing" of individual people.
That said, society is slowly starting to realise that the lines between stereotypes are getting blurry. Several of my gay friends (I'm a fur - I'd say that over 75% of my mates are gay as a result!) are camp as you like but there are just as many who you'd never imagine as being gay in a million years if you were to meet them. This goes for both genders, by the way...
In short, while it's not nice to assume anything about anyone, nobody in their right mind is going to go to war on you for assuming they are straight until proved otherwise. It's a real stretch to call it ignorant or offensive unless one doesn't let it rest when they have their assumptions proved wrong.
As far as I know, every gay / lesbian / bi person I know has never really cared when / if people assume they are straight until told otherwise. It's how the person reacts after learning the truth that matters.
Wardy
I say it's wrong because it's always wrong to assume anything about anyone, really. It's wrong to assume that all African-Americans are "Gangstas" in the same way that it's wrong to assume all girls like pink / ponies / pink ponies and that all men are bastards. OK sometimes assumptions can be justified but the circumstances have to be exceptional and by and large, assumptions are based on lame generalisations at best and often lead to unfair "pigeonholing" of individual people.
That said, society is slowly starting to realise that the lines between stereotypes are getting blurry. Several of my gay friends (I'm a fur - I'd say that over 75% of my mates are gay as a result!) are camp as you like but there are just as many who you'd never imagine as being gay in a million years if you were to meet them. This goes for both genders, by the way...
In short, while it's not nice to assume anything about anyone, nobody in their right mind is going to go to war on you for assuming they are straight until proved otherwise. It's a real stretch to call it ignorant or offensive unless one doesn't let it rest when they have their assumptions proved wrong.
As far as I know, every gay / lesbian / bi person I know has never really cared when / if people assume they are straight until told otherwise. It's how the person reacts after learning the truth that matters.
Wardy
No, considering that most people are. And if they aren't heterosexual, then you will probably find that out after a while if you get to know them anyway.
If you see a guy in America speaking English, you would assume he is American and not Canadian (unless he says aboot).
For the same reason, you are justified in assuming someone is straight unless there is evidence to the contrary.
For the same reason, you are justified in assuming someone is straight unless there is evidence to the contrary.
I certainly wouldn't say it's wrong. Social norms and whatnot, but of course making assumptions about a persons SO can be hazardous.
I try not to make any assumptions about people being straight just 'cause they act like they would be, it's like assuming someone's gay just 'cause they're displaying certain signs that are associated with homosexuals.
I try not to make any assumptions about people being straight just 'cause they act like they would be, it's like assuming someone's gay just 'cause they're displaying certain signs that are associated with homosexuals.
Completely impolite, shame on you. SO from now on, the first question in every conversation you have has to be "are you gay?". Glad i could help you.
It is no more wrong to assume someone is heterosexual than it is to assume someone likes bacon. We make these assumptions because both are majorities, the main difference being unlike homosexuality, disliking bacon is a highly immoral practice.
No it isn't. I find that people will often relate to people and (for lack of a better word) 'assume' things about people.
Like for example, I often assume that the people I talk to on Steam/IRC/whatever are white unless I know what they look like. I don't mean to but it happens anyway :/
Like for example, I often assume that the people I talk to on Steam/IRC/whatever are white unless I know what they look like. I don't mean to but it happens anyway :/