Apple Celebrates Pride During Parades in San Francisco, New York City, and Toronto

[oldmacs]

And right there we see the issue. Lifting people up while putting others down.

Why do straight people need to be lifted up? Straight people do not get discriminated against based on their sexuality. Other areas yes maybe. Pride isn't about saying one is better than another, Pride is about countering the hate and questioning so many Gay people have in their lives with something positive, being proud of being able to be themselves despite discrimination.

I fail to see how not having a straight pride puts anyone down.

 

[BoneDaddy]

You lack any realistic perspective of 21st century mega-corporations. Guess what? Apple has more money than half of the small nations on Earth.

Samsung, Microsoft, Amazon, Google. They are all wealthier than so many small sovereign nations. These mega-corporations are literally nations unto themselves. A mega-corporation like Apple probably has far more diplomatic power to influence major nations (like Japan, USA, Germany, China) than dozens of small sovereign nations like Tonga, Fiji, and Monaco. So I can understand that these mega-corporations have vested interest when it comes to national politics. Apple (and others like Amazon, Google, Microsoft) have a reasonable need to voice their concerns regarding national policies. National policies affects them. It affects their finances, their economies, it affects their hundreds of thousands of employees, etc.

And just like in the science fiction novels of Heinlein, Niven and Pournelle…. there is no doubt that in the near future, mega-corporations (be it Samsung, Amazon, or Apple) will be in the position to field their own private armies and large security forces, to defend their own interests. Mega-corporations will become political nation-states on their own (in practice if not in name). It's trending in that direction. You just don't realize it yet.

I admit, I am not knowledgable as to which companies take which stances. My point is, I don't think companies should dabble in politics. I'm a gun owner and I do not condone Apple joining an open carry march.

However, I am very aware how much money and influence Apple has, which is ALSO why I don't agree with them taking a stance. Whichever side you are on, don't you think that it is dangerous for a society, for the media and corporations to publicly take stances on societal issues? Sure it may be a noble issue today, but could be a terrible thing tomorrow. If they took a stance AGAINST gay rights, you would agree with me. I don't like the idea that the media and corporations can brainwash the masses and I sure as hell don't like the double standard that people hate corporations, UNLESS they are on their side.

So how would, let's say abortion or outlawing abortion effect their interests? Along with the idea that corporations will become nation states, I think it's nonsense. You make a strong claim to say I just don't realize it. Well, fine, help me come to a realization...

 

[technopimp]

Did you even read what I wrote? Festivals and celebrations for gay and racial and ethnic minorities arise out of a need for them, because we do not see ourselves reflected back from the dominant majority culture. Growing up as a straight white person in America, you have no need for festivals that celebrate your whiteness or your straightness because it's reflected back at you from any direction that you look. You see yourselves portrayed positively in television, movies, books, and the media. You have role models in every environment, literally countless people to whom you can look up to and who will inspire you because they share the same identity that you do.

We don't have that. So instead of bemoaning the fact that there are no straight, white pride parades...be thankful you don't need them.

So you need a festival to feel good about yourself?

Your counter-point does not make sense. And what is "white"? I've got European ancestors, but from many different countries. So should there be a "multi-ethnic-but-still-white-non-discriminatory" festival? No, there are Polish festivals...German festivals...Italian festivals. There is no "white" festival, nor do I need one to feel part of (or not part of) something.

If you want to gather with a group of like-minded individuals who share something in common, that's fine. But please don't then say another group isn't allowed to have the same thing.

 

[Royal Gala]

I read what you said. All of it actually. Saying "be thankful you don't need them" is totally missing the point of them. Celebrating one's culture is always a good thing. It's always great to be proud of your own culture or sexuality or similar. Everyone needs to be proud of who they are. So we could say everyone needs them equally.

There is never a time when this is not needed.

I think the difference of views in this thread comes down to one word: celebrating. Framed in those terms, it's hard not to agree with you - why should one sexuality be celebrated, while another is not?

But that framing misses a vital point. LGBTQ parades are forums for public support against the hardship that members of the LGBTQ community face as a result of their sexuality. The view that such forums aren't necessary for heterosexuals, emerges out of a recognition that heterosexuals do not face hardship as a result of their sexuality. If there are issues of discrimination that are heterosexual-specific, I don't think anybody would be questioning the need for support for heterosexuals on those issues. I can't recall a discriminatory issue that is heterosexual-specific. On the other hand, there is discrimination that is targeted and specific to the LGBTQ community. The parades draw attention to that.

 

[Mtmspa]

We are more like straight people now. They've been advertising their sexual preference all along.

Except yours is sinful and unnatural. Minor detail?
[doublepost=1498481641][/doublepost]

I admit, I am not knowledgable as to which companies take which stances. My point is, I don't think companies should dabble in politics. I'm a gun owner and I do not condone Apple joining an open carry march.

However, I am very aware how much money and influence Apple has, which is ALSO why I don't agree with them taking a stance. Whichever side you are on, don't you think that it is dangerous for a society, for the media and corporations to publicly take stances on societal issues? Sure it may be a noble issue today, but could be a terrible thing tomorrow. If they took a stance AGAINST gay rights, you would agree with me. I don't like the idea that the media and corporations can brainwash the masses and I sure as hell don't like the double standard that people hate corporations, UNLESS they are on their side.

So how would, let's say abortion or outlawing abortion effect their interests? Along with the idea that corporations will become nation states, I think it's nonsense. You make a strong claim to say I just don't realize it. Well, fine, help me come to a realization...

Cook is gay and this helps him justify his wicked lifestyle.

 

[miknos]

"fashion" yeah right. There are still a lot of people who don't have it easy being Gay.

Where? In Middle East?

 

[oldmacs]

Where? In Middle East?

All over the world.
[doublepost=1498481938][/doublepost]

Except yours is sinful and unnatural. Minor detail?

Science and actual experience says you're wrong.

 

[slimothy]

I wish Apple supported diversity of political opinions and thought as much as they supported equality of marriage.

Now wouldn't that be nice.

 

[pdqgp]

Why is that socially acceptable for gay people to march like that but not straight people to do the same?

because it's fashionable in today's world and straight people have no need to march as we don't need to instill pride or make ourselves feel good for being normal.

 

[oldmacs]

because it's fashionable in today's world and straight people have no need to march as we don't need to instill pride or make ourselves feel good for being normal.

You don't need to march as no one is being marginalised or discriminated against for being straight. I'm also perfectly normal thanks very much.

 

[Kaibelf]

There's more than one way to celebrate that. And it only seems odd because society deems it to be wrong. Why is that socially acceptable for gay people to march like that but not straight people to do the same?

I'll put this as simply as you deserve: every time you talk about your wife or girlfriend, or have a photo of your family on your desk and no one could potentially use it against you for the advancement of your career, you're celebrating being straight. Gay people largely are unable to do those very simple things. Exactly how much more attention do you think you deserve, and why do you feel neglected? Or is it REALLY just too much to handle that you aren't reminded actively that you're just on top of the social pyramid on a daily basis?

 

[doelcm82]

If you want to gather with a group of like-minded individuals who share something in common, that's fine. But please don't then say another group isn't allowed to have the same thing.

Who said you weren't allowed? Tell us what your parade would be like. What kinds of messages would you like to send with it?

 

[Markoth]

That's a lie. At the very least, extreme exaggeration on your part. While TC is politically opposed to many of Trump's policies, TC is also willing to work with the Trump Administration (and GOP senators) for the common benefit of businesses/corporations/technology/reform/etc. Try reading news (outside of Fox News) once in a while, maybe you'll be up to speed on these facts.


Apple's Tim Cook meets with Sen. Orrin Hatch, dines with Jared and Ivanka

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Apple's Tim Cook meets with lawmakers in DC


WATCH Apple CEO Tim Cook Meets with President Trump at White House

The loud woman talking through her nose at the end there startled me a little bit, not gonna lie.

 

[lunarworks]

There's more than one way to celebrate that. And it only seems odd because society deems it to be wrong. Why is that socially acceptable for gay people to march like that but not straight people to do the same?

Since there's no way we can counter your fedora certified "rational" viewpoint, why don't you do a quick Google image search for "white pride" and "straight pride" and see why they're not a thing.

 

[CrystalQuest76]

Since Apple executives are in favor of behaving morally (as demonstrated by supporting gays) then how about continuing the behavior and pay the taxes owed to the country they are headquartered and live in. Since they receive protections in this country they need to pay the taxes that ensure those protections are enforced.

 

[0098386]

Good guy Apple!
[doublepost=1498491397][/doublepost]

No one is questioning the legiticimy of why you march. We all would also fight for those things alongside you so everyone is treated equality.

The point is everyone should be able to live in a world where it's socially acceptable to be who they are and celebrate it. Saying one group has less or different issues to another group is very true and something that totally needs addressing, but it's not at all what I was saying.

Straight people have just as much right to celebrate being straight as gay people have to celebrate being gay. Fighting for rights comes under the discrimination and not treating everyone banner. That's totally different to what I was saying.

People can celebrate being straight as well as also fight for equality for everyone no matter what their sexual orientation is.

Bloody hell.

 

[cwosigns]

And right there we see the issue. Lifting people up while putting others down.

EDIT: And I see someone found a better graphic before I did. LOL Oh well I will let my art stand.

 

[blacktape242]

all great, but no gay Jews??? #tolerance.

 

[MadeTheSwitch]

Ugh. Why must we go through the same arguments every single year each June? Apple can do what they want. Don't like it? Stop buying Apple products but good luck finding an alternative since all major tech companies support gay equality. But you don't get to dictate what Apple does and does not support. Nor do you get to dictate what gay people do and do not do or the kinds of events they have.

I wish Apple supported diversity of political opinions and thought as much as they supported equality of marriage.

Proof that they have stifled someone else's opinion please.

I'm not sure how much they accomplish however, other than to "project" a more mainstream embrace/acceptance of LGBT

Pride events accomplish a lot. First there is visibility. If we all stayed in our houses, it would be a lot easier for people to say no one cares about gay rights or that there aren't many gay people. The only way to prove that wrong is to visabily show that. Next there is networking. Things get changed when people network. But first you've got to find and get in contact with those people. Pride festivals are great places to do just that and find people you might not otherwise find. Then there is support. When you are a minority that is always having verbal and sometimes even physical attacks thrown your way, it's important to be there for one another.

Which would Apple support - #gaypride, #whitepride, or #blackpride?

Is it weird to have pride in what you are, rather than what you have achieved?

Gay people have pride in who we are AND what we have achieved thank you very much.

Tim Cook should be letting his empoloyees have the diversity of political thought, to each individually choose if they agree ro disagree with what Trump says and does

Again, proof that he does not? Please list some examples where Tim Cook has told someone they could not speak their mind or have their own thoughts on things.

The recent letter about Trump leaving the Paris accord is proof of this. That happening does not affect Apple in any way. Apple will still make billions every quarter. The letter is Tim Cook being anti Trump like most strong democrats are.

How can you say that environmental issues don't affect Apple in any way? If we screw up the planet, hey guess what? That affects us all.

Leaving the Paris Accord is Trump being a environmentally conscientious citizen and a good President

Good president...LOL. Someone's been drinking the orange kool-aid!

Straight people have just as much right to celebrate being straight as gay people have to celebrate being gay

Who says you dont'? Who's stopping you? Feel free. Just don't be surprised when no one shows up to your party. https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2015/07...s-heterosexual-pride-parade-guess-who-it-was/

 

[sudo1996]

Hold up, being from California, I can say that most of the state is liberal, which is fine, so obviously most of the state is likely against the Trump travel ban.

Meanwhile California is doing a “travel ban” on other states within the US? I get the reasoning, but this doesn’t seem like a great idea of showing love and inclusion.

When it comes to LGBTQ I would like to think California would want to be an example to everyone else, not just hit the metaphorical “block” button on State it doesn’t think is LGBTQ friendly.

I wish the world would put some pressure on the 70 or so countries that still actively kill and torture gay people, and imprison people who have had an intimate experience with the same sex.

Yeah, I'm not a fan of this approach either. This is the kind of crap that encourages the rest of the country to elect Trump. I don't like him but also don't blame them for it.

 

[melendezest]

I'm of the mind that companies should not be used for political statements, regardless of what they are. They should remain neutral entities.

If Tim was a white-supremacist, he should be free to express this (under the 1st Amendment to the Constitution) as long as it doesn't impede his duties and decision-making in regard to the company.

But everyone would object if Apple was involved in a whites-only parade, wouldn't they.

You cannot cherry pick the rules only when they suit you.

 

[canny]

Gay people have pride in who we are AND what we have achieved thank you very much.

So you would be OK with a white pride march for white people who have pride in who they are and what they have achieved?

 

[Dranix]

We celebrate Oktoberfest in many places all over the world. Surely you agree it isn't normal to be German. Most of the world is NOT German.

Or maybe I have that wrong. A lot of people (including me) are a bit German, or can be persuaded if you catch us on a good night.

Actually very few german celebrate Oktoberfest, it's a Bavarian festival.

 

[doelcm82]

So you would be OK with a white pride march for white people who have pride in who they are and what they have achieved?

Of course. I'm all for white people overcoming the odds and achieving equal treatment as people of color.

 

[5105973]

So you would be OK with a white pride march for white people who have pride in who they are and what they have achieved?

I'm about 1/4 Irish and my husband's cousin is half Irish and so over the years I've seen all kinds of festivals and parades and gatherings that celebrated being Irish even outside of the usual St Patrick's Day stuff. My current town has Ukranian festivals, too. I can't say I've ever seen a celebration or festival for white people at large, but there's no end to celebrations for individual subgroups of white people. Come to think of it, Renaissance Fairs celebrate an idealized aspect of white European culture and heritage. I don't hear anybody complaining about that. As long as someone brings enough drinks and food and some fun music, what's to complain about?