Its true that homosexuality is a European colonial import but its also true that African people have agency and can think for themselves. They've resisted a lot of other European colonial influences or shed them in the wake of their independence movements. Why not their anti-homosexual beliefs?
May the God-Emperor show you the True Path and the ignorance of your ways.
Homophobia is a European import. Not homosexuality. Homosexuality is as natural as the trees and grass. Homosexuals have existed long before your ancestors and mine. Homophobia is unnatural. Homosexuality is natural. Never forget that as long as you fear gays, you’re just another uncle ruckus.
Look at it like this: ask a religious black Christian/Muslim this question sometime: “if God made the universe, and gays exist in the universe, how do you know God didn’t make the gays? Maybe God made the gays as a test for you to love your neighbor, and you’re failing the test.”
They'll argue "God made Satan too. Doesnt mean he shouldn't go in the lake of fire."
That sounds right…
Because the history of homophobia can be traced directly to the history of evangelical missionaries going to Africa and spreading those homophobic beliefs into Africa. Not saying Africans can’t think for themselves, but in this example, they’re not.
How do you know they dont agree with what the Europeans are doing? How do you know they didnt see what the Europeans were doing and said "You know what? They got the right idea on that." There is an inconsistency in which things are resisted and which things are not.
Cuz of money and culture. They want to be like the Americans, and the evangelicals paint a picture of success while hating the gays.
But what about the African countries going the opposite direction? Are they not subject to the same influences?
Particularly S. Africa, which is already prone to resist American influence because of their closer ties to Russia or China, but also because of their mistrust of Western European culture.
i.e. thinking for themselves which is my point. You are trying to argue that no matter what, positive or negative, African nations can't form their own opinions and beliefs without being essentially puppeteered by some non-African country and I'm trying to push you to examine that thinking.
So what did Africans think about lgbt people prior to European influence? Examine that. Get back to me.
Probably, but I’m sure you’ve had these arguments before, not all Africans are an ideological monolith. They’re prone to disagreement amongst each other.
But that's the point. Africans *are* thinking for themselves on the homosexuality issue too. They aren't just being puppeteered by European powers. There is disagreement between African countries on what should be resisted and what should not be.
“Thinking” for “themselves” Yeah sure. We could use those words to call it that. But that’s not what it is.
How do you know?
You aren't addressing my point but its all good. Appreciate the convo.
Your point ignores a lot of what I said but I understand you’re focusing more on the African independence side of it which I understand is your feelings. I hate all humans equally because they’re all stupid, I desire better standards for all humanity, because I’m a straight white man, people get mad
If they’re thinking for themselves with heavy influence from evangelicals, and heavy funding from evangelicals, they’re not thinking for themselves, are they? That’s like saying all American politicians are thinking for themselves on the Israel topic while receiving millions from AIPAC.
AIPAC is trying to influence *everyone* and its clearly not working which reinforces my point. And my question stands: How can you tell the difference between someone agreeing with what AIPAC is arguing vs them being "influenced" against their will?
Because money. But you’re deflecting
Ok so the African countries who are have decided *not* to do that are getting the same influences. What is difference with them? Coincidentally, Evangelicals are spending money to influence you too. Why isn't it working?
Because I grew up an atheist who doesn’t like how “religious” people don’t follow the commandments or love their neighbors. If we are to be theistic, we must first treat our neighbors with kindness and love and respect, even the gays.
Also its important to note some African countries have gone the opposite direction. For example, South Africa, Botswana and Angola, have decriminalized LGBTQ practices or enacted protective policies. What's different about them?
Angola and S. Africa have always tried to resist imperial influences. Botswana, that one surprised me. Not sure about Botswana.