Apple Confirms Sales of Apple Watch Pride Edition Band Will Support LGBTQ Groups

[skillz1318]

The amount of watchband homophobia is unfortunate and surprising

 

[robeddie]

Out of curiosity, what would a watchband for straight people even look like?

Pretty much any color scheme besides 'rainbow' ... I guess?

 

[Sefstah]

That would mean that everyone else will always have more potatoes than Bob. No equality.

And, of course, Apple already does things that benefit everyone.

I've never heard Apple doing anything for "straight people". Or any company for that matter. All I'm saying is it's gotta work both ways.

 

[thisisnotmyname]

Out of curiosity, what would a watchband for straight people even look like?

grayscale rainbow?

 

[thisisnotmyname]

Im not offended by a lack of a straight watch band. Im just painting the picture of this ridiculous first world problem we have here in the US. It has got to work both ways or else it's sexist!

First world problem that someone produced a product not specifically focused to you?

(psst, you're mixing your "-isms", this wouldn't be sexist)

 

[doelcm82]

Out of curiosity, what would a watchband for straight people even look like?

It would look like this:

 

[robeddie]

Im not offended by a lack of a straight watch band. Im just painting the picture of this ridiculous first world problem we have here in the US. It has got to work both ways or else it's sexist!

If I may help you out, since people will take you as suggesting that peope getting harassed/murdered is a 'first world problem'. That ... is a real problem no matter what 'world' you live in.
What I take you as suggesting is a guilty (straight) liberal buying this watch band - that ultimately puts more money in Apples pocket - as their gesture of support for the gay community, and then do nothing else.

If you want to support the gay community for real, donate your money directly to the various causes, or put your time or voice out there in support.

Dont buy a stupid watch band and feel like you've made a contribution.

 

[alex2792]

I assume that Apple will also be launching a Non-Muslim Pride Edition in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan?

 

[coffeemadmanUK]

I was actually surprised to read that last bit, because you nailed it. I can’t speak for everyone in every ‘minority’ group, but personally I think you got it exactly right.

Especially that first paragraph – The sort of prejudice we’re talking about here isn’t about individuals, it’s about power. Yes, individuals can be a part of the problem, but the root of the problem is a system-wide and significant imbalance of power.

Which is exactly why there’s no need for straight pride marches, or white pride, cis pride, etc.

Yes, be proud of who you are as an individual, absolutely. But recognise when you’re in one of the groups that currently has all the power, and (if you want to be part of the solution) take responsibility for it, and be unafraid to fight for change.

Much respect to you for doing so. Thanks!

Excactly. 100% with this one.

On this note, I'm getting this band ready for marching for Pride in London

 

[phobos512]

It may be trolling but it's hard to stand by and say nothing in the face of something so blatantly disrespectful to so many members of our forum, who have enough of this kind of thing shoved at them in daily life.

I myself didn't realize this thread would get quite like this. I was hoping to discuss the history of the use of the rainbow in the LGBT rights movement. It was just a bit of culture and history I had missed out on even though it happened around me at some point.

I live in a pretty progressive part of the country, so many of these arguments and discussions were settled a generation ago, pretty much starting with my generation. Threads like this are a startling reminder it's not all that settled for the country as a whole.

GM, Gilbert Baker debuted his original pride flag design in 1978, and by 1979 it was revised to the six color flag commonly used today in the LGBTQ+ community.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_flag_(LGBT_movement)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_Baker_(artist)

I personally am part of the community, and I have worn my pride band every day since it arrived on Thursday the week it was released, including to two local pride events. I am wearing it right now actually. And I will continue to wear it every day at least through the remainder of June and after that it will be special occasions, mid-October for coming out day, and subsequent Junes, as I don't want it to wear out (as I see with my other nylon bands).

As far as the brown and black stripes that were recently added, that was only in Philadelphia so far, and that's causing a ton of controversy, as the original flag is already meant to represent everyone. However, I think many members of the LGBTQ+ community are aware there's pretty bad racism in the community (as there is in the general population) so we need to do something about that. I'm not sure changing the flag is the right way personally though.

Some of you should be ashamed of yourselves, and others of you are awesome human beings and I'm thankful you exist.

 

[avanpelt]

Most LGBTQ people in America have it relatively easy right now compared to several other places around the globe. If the statistics are to be believed, the fastest growing religion around the world is Islam. That should be cause for alarm for LGBTQ folks.

Sure, some Christians might tell you you're going to hell or refuse to bake you a wedding cake, but some devout Muslims see it as their religious duty to murder you solely because of your sexual orientation. I guarantee you there won't be any of these Pride watchbands visible on the streets of Riyadh.

 

[eatrains]

But liberals always blame straight white people for everything.

I always wonder why conservatives keep yammering about jobs when they're constantly busy being professional victims.

 

[RichTF]

As far as the brown and black stripes that were recently added, that was only in Philadelphia so far, and that's causing a ton of controversy, as the original flag is already meant to represent everyone. However, I think many members of the LGBTQ+ community are aware there's pretty bad racism in the community (as there is in the general population) so we need to do something about that. I'm not sure changing the flag is the right way personally though.

Some of you should be ashamed of yourselves, and others of you are awesome human beings and I'm thankful you exist.

Yeah, the new stripes (in Philadelphia, but I bet/hope it spreads further) are an interesting one.

I agree that I don’t quite “get” it, as it doesn’t strictly follow the theme of the other stripes. But then I remember to take my own advice, check my privilege as a white guy, and shut up and listen to the black/POC community. So yeah, I think I understand the importance of it (especially given the shameful whitewashing of our history), and throw my support behind it where I can.

Also, there’s no shortage of flag variations at Pride already, so no harm in embracing this one.

 

[coffeemadmanUK]

Most LGBTQ people in America have it relatively easy right now compared to several other places around the globe. If the statistics are to be believed, the fastest growing religion around the world is Islam. That should be cause for alarm for LGBTQ folks.

Sure, some Christians might tell you you're going to hell or refuse to bake you a wedding cake, but some devout Muslims see it as their religious duty to murder you solely because of your sexual orientation. I guarantee you there won't be any of these Pride watchbands visible on the streets of Riyadh.

I work with many Muslim colleagues who have no issue (at least outwardly) with me being gay. I'm openly gay here, and the same goes for my work within the police force.

Religion does not mean you cannot be tolerant and respectful of other people. You might be surprised how many Muslims either don't give a crap about your sexuality or indeed celebrate it as being a part of what makes you, you.

 

[0003462]

It’s worth posting in threads like this, not because of the trolls who post, but because of the people who might read it and fall for their nonsense. Same reason why it’s worth calling out such people in the real world. You’re unlikely to change their mind, but you might give thought to a bystander or passer-by.

I'm just quoting this to increase the chances of people seeing it ❤️✌

 

[avanpelt]

I work with many Muslim colleagues who have no issue (at least outwardly) with me being gay. I'm openly gay here, and the same goes for my work within the police force.

Religion does not mean you cannot be tolerant and respectful of other people. You might be surprised how many Muslims either don't give a crap about your sexuality or indeed celebrate it as being a part of what makes you, you.

I agree. But as with any religion, there are those who are "devout" who insist on following scriptures to the letter even if it means treating another person as less than human. Not all Muslims fall into that category, to be sure; but there are some that do. Those that do sometimes commit awful acts of violence like murdering and hanging gay people upside down from buildings in Saudi Arabia.

 

[Mtmspa]

Well Tim, isn't this special.

 

[polymersayb]

I was actually surprised to read that last bit, because you nailed it. I can’t speak for everyone in every ‘minority’ group, but personally I think you got it exactly right.

Especially that first paragraph – The sort of prejudice we’re talking about here isn’t about individuals, it’s about power. Yes, individuals can be a part of the problem, but the root of the problem is a system-wide and significant imbalance of power.

Which is exactly why there’s no need for straight pride marches, or white pride, cis pride, etc.

Yes, be proud of who you are as an individual, absolutely. But recognise when you’re in one of the groups that currently has all the power, and (if you want to be part of the solution) take responsibility for it, and be unafraid to fight for change.

Much respect to you for doing so. Thanks!

Thanks. I'm actually really happy to hear that.

The past few years have been quite something... it's hard to explain, but it seems like the world has just become more and more exposed, and I just keep seeing how horrible things are for so many people, and all this time I have been in a place of incredible privilege and completely unaware of all of it. (relatively speaking... I'm only in my late 20s)

I think it comes down to having some empathy for fellow humans, and feeling guilty about being comfortable while so many people aren't. It breaks my heart to know that some people's lives are suffering end to end. No one deserves that. We don't live long enough for this ****.

I've been trying hard to learn about the struggles of people I had no idea were systematically discriminated against. LGBTQ, minorities, women, the disabled, the poor, and combinations of those. I know I'm far from perfect but I do my best. I can't handle it all the time, but even that reminds me how lucky that it's not something I ever struggle with. Like, literally, anytime I want I can completely ignore it and it doesn't affect me at all. (No it does, I get to keep enjoying my privilege, and I even get to claim it's because I'm amazing.) And people like Sefstah, well, I can see why they don't see the problem, but at the same time they're completely wrong and being willfully ignorant. It's not hard to see these problems, but you have to be willing to see it and also accept you're not gonna like what you see. And you have to realize there's a lot to learn and that you're inevitably gonna be wrong sometimes (why I put the disclaimer in the first place). It's not fun. And it's near impossible to do when you're always surrounded by other people unwilling to see the problem.

Again, it's really hard to put all this into words. But I do care, and I try to help when I can, and I hope we keep progressing. I hope we get to a point where no one is suffering or being discriminated against, and I hope it comes sooner rather than later. And I hope people like Sefstah join the fight.

 

[RadioGaGa1984]

Religion does not mean you cannot be tolerant and respectful of other people.

Truer words have never been spoken. If its one thing most Christians need to do it be more "Christ" like. If Christ taught one thing it was tolerance.

 

[iZac]

I'm just happy they're selling them and not just keeping them limited to employees, as when we first spotted them.

Related: They look really nice with the ceramic finish, seen in my local Apple Store.

 

[coffeemadmanUK]

I agree. But as with any religion, there are those who are "devout" who insist on following scriptures to the letter even if it means treating another person as less than human. Not all Muslims fall into that category, to be sure; but there are some that do. Those that do sometimes commit awful acts of violence like murdering and hanging gay people upside down from buildings in Saudi Arabia.

Absolutely and I thoroughly disagree with this. I'm not religious in any form, but frankly anyone following almost any scriptures to the letter could do some pretty untoward things towards fellow human beings. Islam is rather interesting to most because it's topical, but Christianity has had it's moments of destruction and crusades by a minority in the past when the Muslim world was backing science, discovering things and looking to the stars to understand the universe, not to mention researching heavily into medical advances.

I take religion with a massive pinch of salt. Believe what you want - heck, hate me for my sexuality - but just be... British and tut like the rest of us do when someone irritates us. Only your God can judge you, as they say.

 

[RichTF]

Thanks. I'm actually really happy to hear that.

The past few years have been quite something... it's hard to explain, but it seems like the world has just become more and more exposed, and I just keep seeing how horrible things are for so many people, and all this time I have been in a place of incredible privilege and completely unaware of all of it. (relatively speaking... I'm only in my late 20s)

I think it comes down to having some empathy for fellow humans, and feeling guilty about being comfortable while so many people aren't. It breaks my heart to know that some people's lives are suffering end to end. No one deserves that. We don't live long enough for this ****.

I've been trying hard to learn about the struggles of people I had no idea were systematically discriminated against. LGBTQ, minorities, women, the disabled, the poor, and combinations of those. I know I'm far from perfect but I do my best. I can't handle it all the time, but even that reminds me how lucky that it's not something I ever struggle with. Like, literally, anytime I want I can completely ignore it and it doesn't affect me at all. (No it does, I get to keep enjoying my privilege, and I even get to claim it's because I'm amazing.) And people like Sefstah, well, I can see why they don't see the problem, but at the same time they're completely wrong and being willfully ignorant. It's not hard to see these problems, but you have to be willing to see it and also accept you're not gonna like what you see. And you have to realize there's a lot to learn and that you're inevitably gonna be wrong sometimes (why I put the disclaimer in the first place). It's not fun. And it's near impossible to do when you're always surrounded by other people unwilling to see the problem.

Again, it's really hard to put all this into words. But I do care, and I try to help when I can, and I hope we keep progressing. I hope we get to a point where no one is suffering or being discriminated against, and I hope it comes sooner rather than later. And I hope people like Sefstah join the fight.

Wow. You’re awesome! Can’t “like” this post enough.

And you’re not alone. I might be gay, but I’m also white, cis, male, able-bodied, …the list goes on and on. So being in one minority group doesn’t give you a free pass to ignore your remaining life of privilege either, and I empathise a lot with your post.

 

[alex2792]

View attachment 705210

What about black privilege like affirmative action college admissions and access to minority-only scholarships (not racist at all)? Did they make a poster for those as well?

 

[lowendlinux]

It's great that the proceeds of the band sales will go to support the cause it represents.

But I have to say that a rainbow means a lot of things to lots of different people. I see that particular variant of the rainbow pattern for example and think about the 70's and Robin Williams' character Mork. Or even the original Apple logo. As a pet owner "Rainbow Bridge" is another association.

When/how did the rainbow symbol or colors get associated almost exclusively with LBGT? I haven't been living under a rock, I am aware that it is, I'm just fuzzy on the history of it. I'm thinking it was in the 90's but I don't remember how. I was working 70 hour work weeks back then so I was a zombie and missed out on a lot of stuff that happened in my early adulthood. I even missed Seinfeld and most of Friends!

Edit to Add: sorry I didn't realize this thread was going to get so ugly so fast. I didn't mean to ask a comparatively frivolous question here. I was just curious about the history and significance of the symbolism since it is something I was alive for but clearly missed.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_flag

 

[magicschoolbus]

All these people yelling at you have the definition of first world problems. You're 100% correct of course but the perpetual "Im a victim" and "blame everyone else for my problems" mindsets have already taken over in the US. It will be a while before that cycles out.

Identity politics has poisoned our country and youth.

Everyone not in the majority is in their own little minority that fights for victimhood among other minorities and the majority. Very sad.

We're all Americans and should act like it. The reason our country is in the state it's in today is due to the ever identity politics and it's tearing this country at its seems.