Being Different in America Rant

I am taking LGBT Themes in Literature this semester. By far it is my favourite course because I'm learning something new every class. First day? Learned same-sex marriage was legal and accepted in the medieval time, I think it was France. NOT ONLY THAT! There were Christian rituals and prayers for it. How cool is that? That about blew my mind! This past week we watched a short with Jack Black in it called "Prop 8."

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c0cf508ff8/prop-8-the-musical-starring-jack-black-john-c-reilly-and-many-more-from-fod-team-jack-black-craig-robinson-john-c-reilly-and-rashida-jones

It was hilarious to see Jack Black playing Jesus, but the whole thing was quite insightful. It used one of the arguments I've been using for a while. So many advocates against homosexuality and same-sex marriage are using the Bible as their evidence. They "throw the Book," so to speak at individuals who are "sinning." The part of the Bible they're referencing is Leviticus. If you look there, as Jack Black's Jesus notes, there are a lot of abominations in Leviticus that we gloss over about now. Like shellfish!! Or, how about wearing clothes that are made of mixed fabrics? And these people don't even think twice about it. They pick and choose what to accept as doctrine and get to make themselves the judge and jury with it.

Kids are taught this from an early age. After all, they pick up on what their parents or guardians teach them through actions and words. We often don't think about the impact our beliefs have on the kids in our lives. Children can easily be taught racism, sexism, intolerance, and cruelty by their role models. It starts so young! I can't completely blame the parents, but to take them off the hook completely would be irresponsible.

I got lucky. My family was a different sort, even with a preacher as my father. Following my parents example as I grew up, I learned to look at the world through unbiased eyes, or at least I hope and try to eliminate as much bias and prejudice that I can in me. I didn't learn to see color, gender, sex, orientation, religion, or anything. I saw people and I saw how they behaved around others, how they carried themselves, and how they treated each other. That's where I made my judgments about them, because let's face it, we all make judgments.

Ok, I keep digressing. My primary point of all that is that children need to start off thinking positively about differences. And a good way to start with that is what I'm scheming for my action-rhetoric piece for my LGBT Themes in Literature class. I'm literally taking literature and making a statement with it.

I want to interview parents how many of them think they're homophobic and intolerant. I'm going to be 90% say they aren't. Then I want to have them read through a series of children's books that are designed to show children that there are all kinds of families in the world. Mom and Dad, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, Mom and Mom, Dad and Dad, Mom and Step-dad, oh I think you get the picture. And I think kids really need to learn that different is ok!! Different should be celebrated! I also want to know how many libraries carry these kinds of books and if they'd be willing to add them to their lists. My university only has one book of the kind.

I really like Who's in a Family by Robert Skutch and also It's Okay to be Different by Todd Parr. Ok, I'm biased. I absolutely love Todd Parr's books. I think every family should have them on their bookshelves.

Ok, so that's my basic idea for my action-rhetoric. I'm not sure if it counts, though. I want these kinds of books to be available to children so they can be re-programmed, bad word but I couldn't think of a better one, to be more accepting individuals. It's best for everyone.

Ok, so now that I"m done ranting! I'm off to study Beowulf and get ready for my internship in the morning. :D Night!!