When I was in middle school and high school, saying 'that's so gay' was common place. Like others mentioned the intent was never to insult people who were part of the LGBT community, but it was used as a substitute word for calling things stupid. Growing up, the pejorative '******' was used a lot as well. That word is far less acceptable now than it was a almost ~5 years ago, but I still cringe when I hear it used in pop culture/movies (like The Hangover). Both cases are clearly homophobic and I am definitely disappointed in myself for acting in such a way. That said, back then around 2004-2008 everyone was saying it so you end up thinking it's acceptable. You don't really consider the weight those words have at that age. Further to that, I used to say the word 'retard' a lot back then, but obviously I refrain from that now as well.
I think the sadder part is that since I'm working full time now, a lot of people in the office who I went to University with still think it's acceptable to use racial slurs and homophobic language. I've only ever confronted them about it once, to which they reply "they're just words, don't give power to the words". This is in no means any justification for them to continue using said slurs. They neither belong to the groups they're demeaning with those words, nor do they understand the weight of words like '******' carry. A lot of younger people kill themselves over being called that continually, being mocked because of what gender they're attracted to and being harassed day in and day out at school.
The same people fall under the camp of 'people have to be too politically correct these days' which is also kind of a stupid thing to say, in my opinion. There's definitely a lot of people who make an issue out of a non-issue, but one needs to understand that saying words like '******' or using racial slurs has nothing to do with politically correctness, those words by definition are used to demean a certain group of individuals. They're wrong and extremely offensive and there's no exception.
It's harder when you're in a workplace where you see these people everyday. So despite the fact that I confronted them once about it, I tend to not say anything anymore because honestly, it's not worth my time. It's crass and I can't stand it, but if that's the image you want to portray of yourself to people, by all means go ahead. It does bother me as well, because my brother is gay -- and I've seen the amount of bullshit he has to deal with growing up. He's stronger than I could ever be and he's been the best older brother anyone could ask for.
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