(South Bay Poly July Newsletter)
Society stereotypes polys under the category of the “non-monogamous.” That stereotype includes a general assumption
of dishonesty, uncaring, and exploitation.
It is built on the assumption of cheating, with all that involves: Deception, guilt, jealousy, insecurity,
mistrust, and fear.
Whereas I feel that polyness is a bit like nudism: Simply the way some people prefer to be—not
because they don’t care about people; not because they’re aggressively trying
to make a point with people; not because they’re trying to exploit
people. Some people are simply happier
maintaining several intimate love-relationships—and want to be honest about it;
and actually want to avoid hurting or exploiting people.
I would like people to understand this.
I would like polys to achieve recognition and respect from society for
the fact that they’ve tried to be honest and caring. I would like it to be recognized that we’ve
tried to listen to people and care about them—to be honest and supportive of
ourselves and others. I would like polys
to be accepted as caring, honest, people of goodwill who are trying to develop
mutually nurturing relationships—not cheat or exploit others.
