[Benjamin]

Originally Posted by lostalex

have you ever heard the term "uncle tom"?

Yes actually I have heard the term, and that plays no reference to the debate here.

Now if the word in question was '******', then the context of the meaning would be very different. As it so goes, the word is 'Gay' and is not meant in a homophobic manner. As you may notice, words change their meaning throughout history, and this word is a strong example.

Now I don't know much about the culture in the USA regarding homosexuals, but in UK, homosexuality is not anywhere near as frowned upon as it used to be, and generally, most people have no issue with it. Most gay guys I know here (myself included) have no issue with that expression, and why would we? It's not an insult directed towards us...