11-Year-Old Hangs Himself after Enduring Daily Anti-Gay Bullying

[Outta Here]

Quote:

not use that phrase as a derogatory one

children in groups will invent their own 'derogatory phrases.' You continually miss the point.

Yes, they will; I agree. We are not in disagreement here. However, when the term "gay" is used, it automatically becomes an issue concerning homosexuality. When the term "fat" is used, it automatically becomes an issue concerning tolerance of all body sizes/shapes. When the phrase "your mamma wears army boots" is used, it becomes an issue of women serving in the military. So on and so forth. When any derogatory phrase used stereotypes, it becomes a problem that truly needs addressing.

[there buster]

Quote:

When any derogatory phrase used stereotypes, it becomes a problem that truly needs addressing.

There, there. One nation, under therapy. . . . forever and ever.

[GreatLakesGramma]

Right. And in that case, we should do more to educate our young to respect women in the military as well; and to not use that phrase as a derogatory one.

The insult "your mother wears army boots" has nothing to do with women in the military. At the time it came into use, poor people bought clothing at military surplus stores. Thus they wore army boots instead of regular shoes. So they basically were saying the mother was poor trash.

[GreatLakesGramma]

Since the boy who hanged himself wasn't gay, and since that was only one of things he was teased about, why has this been turned into a gay issue?

It's not about gays, it's about the socialization available in most schools. This is a tragice incident, but it has nor more to do with gays than it does with mothers who wear army boots.

I brought up my gay son only to compare his experience with Shane's. I am not making this a gay issue. Neither is anyone else.

[there buster]

Quote:

I brought up my gay son only to compare his experience with Shane's. I am not making this a gay issue. Neither is anyone else.

I concur with the first part. You are not making this a gay issue. But the thread title is.

[phkrause]

I agree that the title mentions gay, but I agree with GLG that this is not a gay issue. I think its an issue on how people treat each other. My 2 cents worth.

pk

[Outta Here]

The insult "your mother wears army boots" has nothing to do with women in the military. At the time it came into use, poor people bought clothing at military surplus stores. Thus they wore army boots instead of regular shoes. So they basically were saying the mother was poor trash.

Ah, but it has absolutely EVERYTHING to do with women in the military. You see, women in the military wear "army boots". When the phrase "your mother wears army boots" is used in a derogatory sense, it insults the women who serve our country. When the term "you're gay" is used in a derogatory manner, it insults the gay men and women in our community.

Neither phrase (nor any like them) should ever be used.

[there buster]

Quote:

Ah, but it has absolutely EVERYTHING to do with women in the military. You see, women in the military wear "army boots". When the phrase "your mother wears army boots" is used in a derogatory sense, it insults the women who serve our country

Well, except for the fact that the term originated long before women commonly served in the military. I heard it first in the 1950's, when very few women served in the military, mainly as nurses, and they didn't wear combat boots at all. So. . .no, it's not about women in the military. It was about mothers being unattractive.

[phkrause]

Aubrey, I have to agree with buster & GLG about what "your mother wears army boots" is used for. Always had a derogatory meaning about someone's mother.

pk

[GreatLakesGramma]

Quote:

Your Mother Wears Army Boots - What is the origin and meaning?

Bugs Bunny used to say "Your Mother Wears Army Boots" back in the day. Some people also say "Your Mother Wears Combat Boots".

Well, according to urban dictionary, which is obviously the authority on everything, the phrase implies that your family is poor and your mother has to work. I understand this to be true because my grandmother, who lived in the era leading up to the phrase, confirms it. Grandmas are always right.

The Origin and Meaning of Your Mother Wears Army Boots (or Combat Boots)

[GreatLakesGramma]

Another definition from Yahoo Answers

Quote:

poor women used to rob corpses on the battle field and trade sexual favours for items of clothing back around WWI . The taunt goes back to those days. The taunt alluded to poverty and a lack of moral fortitude on the part of the family.

[Cosmin M.]

Now this has been happening at schools I have been to for so long...

The most common one used is, "Faggot" or "Your so gay." Or in some cases, "Your a f****** gay idiot." I hear those almost everyday at my school. Though no one has really ever called me gay. If they did, then they wouldn't be at school the next day. if you know what I mean.

[olger]

Women are not suited for combat roles, thus they should wear sandals..

[Outta Here]

In the here and now, women are serving in military roles and the phrase, when used in a derogatory manner, insults them. It should never be used to insult anyone.

[/Aubrey signing off from this thread too.]

[Dottie]

I'm really glad y'all cleared up the thing about combat boots.

I went to high school (academy) in the mid-60's, and one of the boys always used to say, "My mom wears combat boots." I thought he meant she was tough. Was he making fun of his own mom? Nobody thought so.

But I'm oh, so glad I now know what it means. It's a real important thing to know in one's elevated years.

[GreatLakesGramma]

In the here and now, women are serving in military roles and the phrase, when used in a derogatory manner, insults them. It should never be used to insult anyone.

Insults are always meant to hurt someone, and should never be used anyway.