Diversity 2

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America is a diverse and cosmopolitan country. It is also remarkably tolerant, at least by contemporary and historical standards. However, there is one issue of diversity that severely divides this country at the moment: the issue of gay rights. A mix of traditional homophobia and religious conservative driven rhetoric has created a large stumbling block for the advancements in gay rights in this country. Indeed, I don't think it is a stretch to say that in many areas of this country being gay is the hardest thing a person can go through.http://thewiddershins.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/matthew-shepard.jpg
Is what happened to Matthew Shepard an indication of a nation-wide problem?

The first assigned piece for this DB was not about homosexuality, but it was still an important look into issues of diversity that face our country. As Luckett points out, "Everywhere I went, including New York city, I managed to warrant a second look" (Course Anthology 865). Will we ever reach a Utopian idealistic society, where the looks of ANYBODY never warrant a second look? Probably not. Human beings are much too superficial and judgmental, but its a nice thought.
But even if us human beings hide behind stereotypes and preconceived notions, the type of abuse and discrimination endured by the authors of the last two pieces is still, to me at least, unacceptable by American standards and must change. Initially upon reading Johnny Lee's piece, I was pleased that he reminded us "I do not tell my story to have Korean criticized as backwards and antiquated" and that "No one should fool themselves into thinking that the United States is a great deal more sympathetic to the GLBT" (Course Anthology 879). With that being said, with their cultural background, it is slightly more easy to understand where his parents came from. But I really don't care. I found their behavior absurd, unacceptable, and just as any native homophobes, I am embarrassed to call them fellow Americans.
I know this is not the point of reading these excerpts. I truly believe their existence is to provide an insight, to destroy prejudices and ignorance, and to give a voice to those who normally don't have one.
In terms of giving a voice to those whom I rarely hear from, Vincent Ng gave a fascinating insight into the experience of a bisexual male in America. What I find especially fascinating was when he stated "What I have learned is that intimacy is most profound when experienced hand in hand with emotional displays of affection and constant communication about feelings; whereas sexual attraction on a physical dimension, absent of these other factors, does not mean as much" (Course Anthology 886). I feel that no one, regardless of sexual orientation, can disagree with that. I think that is in essence the power of reading such personal accounts. It allows you to truly disregard your own preconceived notions and realize just how much you have in common with someone you once considered so different from you.
I really hope that in my lifetime I get to witness a civil rights movement on the scale of the 1960's movement that will give the GLBT the freedom and lack of discrimination they deserve. While I can see this movement gaining steam, for now I think baby steps are required to accomplish anything significant. And if reading about the experiences of GLBT members of American society is considered a step in the right direction, then I am all for it.