The most deprived minority groups are gays and lesbians. Why aren't they ever mentioned in class and more importantly, why aren’t they considered minorities? If ethnicity is defined by common heritage and culture, who’s to say common interests doesn’t interlock with that? They are a group with limited rights. When we speak about basic human rights and that everyone is entitled to it, we often forget that homosexuals are not entitled to all the benefits like the rest of the “straight” world. We often shrug off gay rights activist as they stand on street corners asking people to sign a petition for their right to love a same sex human being and the right to marriage. We’ve all heard the preachers preaching and the skeptics (including those who are nonreligious) arguing that it is not right, or more often “not natural.” But how many human activities are actually “natural”? Let’s take a moment to think about all the “unnatural” things that are currently legal today: abortion, cosmetic surgery, cigarettes, capital punishment, and the list goes on and on…
I don’t want to write too much about the topic, since I don’t think anyone would really read it… but there is so much more I’d like to say…
Penny for your thoughts.
If you are interested, here's an interesting article about the history of gay rights:
http://www.enderminh.com/minh/civilrights.aspx
Where do you stand on Gay Rights?
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Why do you think we wouldn't read? I think you raise a very valid point. That's why when we think about minority groups, we should try to think about the five characteristics for minority group status! Does the gay and lesbian community fit that criteria?
ReplyDeleteI didn't think anyone would read because I could write about 8 pages worth on this subject. But if you think I should I would love to.
ReplyDelete:)
And yes, they definitely fit the characteristics of minority group status. Except the marriage part, they don't yet have that right.
I agree we do forget about homosexuals
ReplyDeleteJ.
ReplyDeleteWhen we think about the five characteristics, they don't have to apply "exactly." Especially in light of what the definition of "marriage" is. Think about it, the Catholic church defines marriage one way, and the Episcopalian church defines it another way. And what does marriage mean to these people who are forbidden from doing so? I tend to think that marriage, in this sense, has more to do with lifelong partnerships, childrearing and sexual relations. (And thus, capable of being accomplished by anybody in society!) But that is just one perspective.
Please feel free to write!
i completely agree. although, marriage did come from the concept of the church it no longer holds the religious virtues anymore.
ReplyDelete1. a gay and lesbian community does not fit the criteria of a minority group (in my opinion).
ReplyDelete2. The church might not hold the same religious virtues anymore or as much power over people as it used to but in a society full of rapidly declining morals i think people want to find something to hold on to or a common ground for their own values and the pressing issue of gay rights seems to be a perfect fit.
Nikehead24, I respect your opinions. But why exactly would you say that they aren't a minority group? Don't they fit the five characteristics of minority group status? (As per our textbook?)
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying the church no longer holds religious virtues, I'm saying Marriage no longer holds the religious virtues. There's a difference. Honestly, I really don't think they should be married through the bible or the church but through the courts. because, if you really think about it, marriage is also a form of freedom. Not through a priest but through a judge. that way, religious people will be happy, and gay people will be happy. what's the harm in that?
ReplyDeletei agree. If they are married through the court instead of the church, there would be no controversy within the church and gays will be able to marry outside of it.
ReplyDeleteYeah, wow I can’t believe I forgot about my boys, my uncle is gay. Him and his partner have been together for five almost six years now, they live together and have good jobs and everything, but they do face a lot of difficulties, like if one goes to a hospital then the other has to wait for my grandma to get there before any papers or can be signed because they don’t consider a "boyfriend's" opinion
ReplyDeletei completely agree and it is so wrong. i think you bought up a good point about all the other "unnatural" things in society that we have come to accept and legalize.
ReplyDeletethe issue with gays is such a taboo topic, but abortion isnt?
personally- i feel that everyone should have the same rights and gay marriage should be legalized. the reason i feel that way is because even though I would not marry a woman, I dont feel like we should deprive another woman from marrying another woman. or another man marrying another man. they are in love, so let them be. just because I would never do that... it shouldnt be that society should stop others from doing it if they genuinely love each other. its human rights to do what they feel, its their freedom to do so.