I have no idea what statistically not normal means.

It means essentially that any random person is more likely to not be homosexual than they are to be homosexual.

No, that is not what 'normal' means. That is what 'typical' means. Homosexuality is not typical. It is not the most popular option. That does not mean it is not normal.
For example, it is perfectly 'normal' to be a frequent theatre-goer. But most people aren't. Theatre-going is not typical of the world population. But it is normal.
I've made this point before with reference to aspies being or not being 'normal'. We are, but we're not typical, hence the name for those who aren't 'like us' - 'neurotypical', as distinct from 'neuronormal'.

I would argue that homosexuality (or indeed AS) is normal for homosexuals, but not normal for humans in general.

It's just occurred to me what kind of men you're likely to find at a theatre. Particularly if there's a musical on.....

AS is normal for homosexuals? Huh?
As for 'humans in general', you could be right, as there's a social element to what is considred normal. In modern Western societies, I'd say it's generally considered to fall within the bounds of normality. In much of Africa, for example, probably not.

tis in the language:  not "the norm" - some people translate differently than "not normal"

some people translate disabled differently - some "assume" only negative connotations to certain words - some think disbaled is the same as differently abled... same arguement.

just because someone uses different wording does not mean they are a bigot - some can be ignorant of how a term insults or offends (again SOME people).  Some are just looking for arguements also-- alas just because some jump on the wording does not mewan they are people just looking for arguements...  human (mis)understanding is a tricky thing.

oh and ignorance (intent of word usage) can be explained (thouhg maybe not beleived) by changing/defining terms.

oh homosexuality is atypical isn't it?

This post was last modified: 07-06-2012 05:47 PM by windy.

I think I agree. 'Not normal' has connotations of disparagement. 'Atypical' is judgment-neutral.

The problem with stating that homosexuality is 'not normal' is to appear to take the position that homosexuality is inherently negative and a pejoritive thing to be. Thats why in this context, using the term 'not normal' makes you look like a homophobe.

Replace 'homosexual' with 'autistic' to understand.  I agree with Luke that 'atypical' is a much more vanilla term.

This post was last modified: 07-06-2012 07:40 PM by Thomas81.

I am sorry but this thread is just bloody silly.
Is homosexuality a "normal" expression of sexual desire by one person to feel for another"? Yes. It is artifical or forced or adapted or augmented or induced or whatever? No.
Now we gave that out the way. Is it typical of the himan populace? No it is a very small minority.
Are we all decided or are we appealing on a different definition of noramlity or something?

I don't think its silly thread, on the contrary, it illustrates quite well how linguistics can ignite political 'wedge' issues such as this.

Well, how would you define homosexuality?

Just asking because, well, in some cultures homosexual acts may be very normal, but it is not veiwed as homosexual...

In Sweden it is not normal to be black or oriental. In Australia it is not normal to be Muslim (yet). It is not normal to be autistic or left-handed or short.

One problem with describing people as "not normal" is that it tends to imply that something is wrong with them, and so this can be taken as offensive. Even if that is not your intent. Most of the people I referred to in the first paragraph would be offended by being described as "not normal".

In the Major Leagues, I can't say it's "not normal" to be left-handed.  But it is atypical as it would be in any group setting (except, I suppose, a left-handed peoples' social club).  But in the baseball leagues, being left handed is not only "atypical", but it can be an asset; making the baseball player even more likeable (assuming he's popular to begin with).