I think we underestimate the messages that child movies can portray. I know that this is not the most recent movie, considering it was made 1995, however, I feel that the message that it sends is timeless. Pocahontas is a Disney movie that I grew up with. The thing that I believe makes it a commonplace is the fact that with practically any Disney movie, when with a group of people, if one person begins to sing part of a song, such as “Colors Of The Wind” from Pocahontas, nine times out of ten, someone in the group will start singing that song with you. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve experience this. It’s quite a fascinating phenomenon. Most everyone has seen the popular Disney movies, such as Mulan, Pocahontas, The Little Mermaid, Hercules, etc.

          “You think the only people who are people, are the people who look and think like you. But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you’ll find things you never knew you never knew. ”

          These are lyrics from the song I mentioned before, “Colors Of The Wind.” I’ve also attached the link to the song, in case you aren’t familiar with it. When putting children in front of screen sending messages as powerful as this, it’s no wonder that children have a tendency to see the good in people. If only those adults putting these films on the television for these children would take a second and listen.

          There’s a quote I’m very fond of. “Ask a child for advice. They may not know much, but they know what is important.”  I’m pretty sure I found it on a random website a long time ago, but its message has stuck with me.  Adults have a habit of letting simple things get too complicated, and ending up with hatred in their hearts.

I think everyone needs to go back and visit their childhood at least once a year for a reality check. It may seem as though things have gotten overly complicated, and nothing but negative images fill the world, but if we take that second to look at things from a child’s point of view, we will see that it isn’t the world that has changed, it’s our faith in it, and it is up to us to get that faith back. 

          I have a friend who is extremely active in the fight for justice for LGBT rights. He is actually gay himself. He participates in several projects and has even had articles in newspapers written about him. After being bullied so much throughout high school that he began to fear for his life, he is now completing the remaining of his school years through a program called “i-school.” There are less in-class requirements, and people are a lot more accepting here, so I hear.

          I’m not sure he knows it, but he is one of the most inspirational people that I know. It’s one thing to have to endure the harsh words and prejudices, but it’s another to be able to actually get up and do something about them. To put yourself directly in that light that seems to keep sending so many burns in your direction, and actually face the bullies. I’ve included a picture that he is very well known for. Though it is a few years old, the strength of the message that it delivers has not altered one bit. His name is Alex Fitzgerald, but he now goes by Fitzy.

          I wish I had enough courage to take on some of the challenges that he has. I’m just in awe when I think of how much he has accomplished – and he’s only 17. He’s a pretty incredible human being, and I just felt as though he deserved this special entry dedicated to him in my blog.

          I met him when he was merely a middle-schooler, trying to figure out who he was. I’ve watched him evolve into a beautiful person, and have seen what people can do when they rise above the hatred and scorn. He doesn’t keep it a secret that he has gone through some pretty rough times—what with alcohol, drugs, cutting, bullies.  Being gay is not a joke, no matter the age. It is who you are, and there is not much else that consumes you when figuring this out. He has risen above it though, and that right there is another reason he is such an inspirational person.

. I’m sure Fitzy will continue to stand for what is right for years to come, and he will possibly even go down in history. He’s already gone down in my book as absolutely sensational and fearless. 

          “You’re so gay.”

          “That’s so gay.”

          “Quit being so gay.”

          I hear the word “gay” being used in various sentences daily, and it gets me every time. I just want to ask the people that use homosexuality as a derogative term how they would feel if someone took something so close to them that paralleled their identity and just exploited it in such a way that tore them apart. Now I know that the people who do this generally aren’t thinking the phrase all the way through, and in some cases are even pro-gay rights, but the same delicacy goes with using the word “retarded” to describe things other than a mentally ill person.

          It just isn’t nice. I heard the phrase used this way a lot more during high school, I’ll admit, but even on campus, I overhear it in conversations as I walk by at least once a week. Sometimes even my friends will use the term. It’s just frustrating, and I guess I don’t understand the appeal.

          According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word “gay” is defined as: happily excited; bright, lively; given to social pleasures; homosexual. Nowhere in this definition is negative meaning of the word portrayed. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! The word gay originally means “happily excited,” so shouldn’t such an interesting word be used to describe such things? A lot of people don’t’ know this definition of the word, to be honest. Ever since the word has come to define being homosexual as well, it unfortunately isn’t seen much places except in literature, and young foul-mouthed citizens.  

          Incase you aren’t already aware, in September of 2010, just last year, five American students - ages ranging from 13 to 18- committed suicide. Why? Because they were all gay, and couldn’t face the pressure or the bullies anymore. They had all had their spirits torn down, and had eventually reached the point where they felt as though things were never going to get better and that suicide was the best possible option. Unfortunately, these teenagers are never going to be given their lives back. They are never going to get to see that day when they become happy again, and they realize that it DOES get better.

          Since this unfortunate series of events, a project had been started called the It Gets Better Project. Started by a simple video by Dan Savage and a friend in efforts to let the gay community that things do get better, eventually the simple video turned into a full-blown project aimed at getting people world-wide to contribute youtube videos dedicated to the LGBT community, letting them know that it does get better and that they are alone. The idea is that hopefully having a site filled with people selfless enough to take the time to make these videos in honor of the LGBT community will prevent the death of a human beings in the future, and remind them that people out there do care, and that life is worth hanging on to. 

          The mission statement is states at the top of the site, “Many LGBT youth can't picture what their lives might be like as openly gay adults. They can't imagine a future for themselves. So let's show them what our lives are like, let's show them what the future may hold in store for them.” And this site does exactly that. It offers a diverse group of people all aimed at one goal, reminding people that IT DOES GET BETTER.

          I cannot express with words how much I respect this website, and I would be lying if I said that some of the videos I watched nearly brought tears to my eyes. This is what humanity is about. Compassion. Love. Acceptance.


Site Referenced: http://www.itgetsbetter.org/ 

          Not too long ago, a controversy was brought up regarding a recent J.Crew catalogue. Of course there were models within the catalogue, as there are with most, however there was one picture that seemed to spark quite the debate.

          Jenna Llyons is in the picture with her son, and the label reads, “Lucky for me I ended up with a boy whose favorite color is pink,” reads the caption. “Toenail painting is so much more fun in neon.”

          What do you think happened? You guessed it. “Traditional” psychologists and bloggers took it as a an early sign of teaching the little boy that pink is good, and eventually to lead to the idea that liking men is just the same. Another name for this is the Slippery Slope logical fallacy, in which people take a simple thing and exploit it to the idea that eventually that one little thing will be to blame for a major, unrelated effect. In this situation, a boy who is allowed to paint his nails pink is going to become gay because of this.

           If you ask me, teaching this little boy that painting his nails is okay teaches him individuality. It teaches him that it is okay to be different, and that he should embrace his interests and be proud of them. Not everything has to be taken so seriously. I actually respect Jenna Llyons for her boldness with the topic and for sticking by her actions when ridiculous assumptions and conclusions were drawn.

          My male cousin that I grew up with actually favored the color pink throughout his childhood. And yet to this day, he is one of the most “macho” guys that I know, and is deeply in love with his girlfriend. He is also one of the strongest people that I know, and doesn’t let anyone tell him he isn’t good enough. I respect him for it.

What I am trying to get across, is the point that while the reaction to this catalogue isn’t surprising, it is absolutely ridiculous, and if anything, this mother should be praised for her early teachings to her son that individuality is a right and nothing to be ashamed of. 

Site in reference: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/alltherage/2011/04/j-crew-and-jenna-lyons-pink-toenail-controversy.html?cid=6a00d8341c630a53ef01538dd893a7970b

          I drove by a house on North Carroll Boulevard next to UNT’s campus a few days ago, and couldn’t help but spot a lovely protest-like sign in someone’s yard. I had been told that a house in the area had a habit of placing controversial signs outside of their yard, but I wasn’t sure that I believed it. Apparently these people sometimes even have blatantly racist and homophobic signs up. They fluctuate so as to not get too boring, and to keep drawing attention. On the sign in the picture, they state “Liberalism: The Party of No—No God; No Truth; No Rules; No Responsibility.” It appears as though there is more written on the sign, but just from what we can see, I believe says plenty.

            Within the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution lies the Freedom of Speech Clause, permitting behaviors such as this. In the word “liberalism” is defined in the English Oxford Dictionary  as, “ Support for or advocacy of individual rights, civil liberties, and reform tending towards individual freedom, democracy, or social equality; liberal left-wing political views and policies; a political and social philosophy based on these principles.”

          One might argue that the definition placed up by this bold family is just the opposite of the truth. Others might argue that they are 100% accurate. I happen to be one of the people who believe these things are completely untrue. First of all, just because someone believes in a freedom of individual liberties, does not necessarily mean that they do not believe in God. Even so, bringing God into a situation is always going to cause some controversy due to the differences in opinion of people and their personal beliefs.

          Another thing stated on the sign was, “no truth.” If anything, I would argue that liberals promote nothing but truth. The entire point of liberalism is to look at situations from an honest point of view without judgment, and accept morality and ethics. I would say that this “rule of ethics and morale” directly conflicts with the argument the sign states, “No rules.”

          This leads into the last visible statement printed on the sign, “No responsibility.” When we think about it, liberalism takes on much more responsibility than one can imagine. Citizens taking it upon themselves to make a change, and be responsible about the decisions they make and the prejudices they hold. In regards to gay rights, most liberals are pro. This is because they take on that responsibility to get a message out that being gay is alright – I feel it is especially tactful and responsible for those who, like myself, are heterosexual themselves. That responsibility is being taken upon ourselves to help others, even though certain matters dealt with won’t directly affect us. I would argue that perhaps being liberal makes a person even more responsible than being overly conservative.

          One more thing, with all of the strict rules that Conservatism holds, wouldn’t it make more sense to see a sign that said, “Conservatism—Party of No” ? Just a thought.

          Basically, I decided to take this picture and write about it because I wanted to show the close-mindedness that some people hold, and also show the impact that a simple sign outside of a house can hold. I realize that the sign doesn’t necessarily attack anyone, but if those racist and homophobic signs that I’ve heard about do exist, this just shows the extent to which people will go to voice their opinions – some more hurtful than others.

          If a simple sign such as this one can cause so much ruckus and controversy, the same thing can be done with anyone, and there’s a point where you just have to take a step back and look at the whole situation. Take a second to think about what your actions have on people, be they hate crimes, finger-pointing, or even just posting a hateful comment under a liberal article that you don’t agree with.  There’s a responsible way to approach a situation, and this family simply doesn’t seem to understand that. 

          “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Even for people unaware of what this piece of legislation refers to, it is obvious by even the name of the piece that something isn’t right with the equation. With no explanation, it is obvious that this piece of legislation has been set in place to avoid conflict, however at the same time it impedes on the right of freedom of speech.

          Now let’s get into what the legislation actually refers to. In 1993, this piece was put into motion, restricting soldiers from being allowed to ask anyone if they were a homosexual, as well as restricting them from being permitted to admit to being Gay. If a solder were to do either of these things, drastic measures would be taken. Some as harsh as being kicked out of the U.S. military!

          In late December of 2010, however, the repeal of DADT was finally passed. The fact that such a prejudice law was ever placed into motion in the first place is what gets to me. I don’t understand how people can be so blatantly cruel. So what if a fellow officer is gay? Does that make them any less of a soldier? No. They are still putting their lives on the line for the good of the country. These wonderful people are being repressed despite the fact that they are probably better human beings than half of the country.

          I am pleased to know that the policy is no longer in effect, and it brings hope to the LGBT community, and assures that this Gay Revolution is well on its way to securing equal treatment of everyone, no matter the race, gender or sexual preference. We are moving up, slowly, but surely. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/18/dont-ask-dont-tell-repeal_5_n_798636.html

          Sometimes in this world… there are times when we must take a step back and wonder if we’re doing things “right.” We need to take a second to see if humanity, the thing that separates us from being “just another species,” is being upheld. In the case of the Westboro Baptist Church,  protests are held outside of the funerals of gay soldiers who have been killed outside of the Iraq war. The message is that “It is good that these solders died because America is too tolerant of gay people.”

          The family of deceased Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder was fed up with this Kansas church taking advantage of such a vulnerable state that they decided to file a lawsuit against the group, alleging invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress and civil conspiracy. If you ask me, this family had every right to do so. After winning the case in 2007 and receiving millions in compensatory and punitive damages, the Westboro church decided to appeal the case and take it to the Supreme court. They actually ended up winning the case this time around.

          Despite the unfixable emotional damage caused and feelings ignored, it is not a surprise that the U.S. government sided with the Church. The first amendment guarantees a freedom of speech by law. The court did admit that the act was extremely distasteful and that they were apologetic for the pain inflicted upon the family, however “you can’t penalize people for expressing their 1st amendment rights at a respectful distance. Even from a funeral.” When I hear this, what got to me was the part about “respectable distance.” What respect is there in tearing apart a person’s lifestyle purposely right around the corner of their funeral? I just don’t understand. Shouldn’t something as awful as this be labeled as hate speech if nothing else?

          The U.S. government has some shaping up to do, and while some of these laws and amendments were put into place to protect the population as a whole, some are causing justice to slip through the cracks and it simply isn’t alright. 

          A lot of the arguments against the equal rights of LGBT in the community begin with statemets such as. “What will happen if…” or “How is this right? We were always taught….”

          A famous quote by Suneidos sums this reasoning up just about perfectly. “We fear what we do not understand.”

          This is just about how every controversy begins. Abortion. We do not know for certain whether or not life begins at conception. Race. The reason for racism and prejudices is a misunderstanding. People are used to what they know, and when something or someone new is thrown into the equation that they’ve never seen before or that they don’t understand, they get thrown off track. Religion. We don’t know how we got on this Earth. Some people find religion to be their safe haven and answer to this difficult question. Because without an explanation, there is nowhere to turn to for an answer, and a simple “We don’t know how we got here” just won’t set well with many people. Sexuality. It has been understood since we were children that the prince marries the princess and they live happily ever after. To think of a possibility where that prince doesn’t find the perfect princess for him, and rather he another prince that makes him much happier than a princess ever could… That’s just too much to handle for some. Because we don’t understand it.

          I can see why some people might be uncomfortable with the topic, or even scared of it. The truth is though, that it does exist. People don’t have to agree with it, but the least they could to is learn to respect it. 

          “My child would never do that,” is the overheard and overused response so many parents have when the subject of bullying is brought up. The fact of the matter is... bullying DOES occur on a daily basis, and both the child being bullied, and the bully are someone’s kin.

            I’ve posted a link below to a site that shows MSNBC’s Dateline coverage over what the boys involved believe is an athletic competition, while really it is all a set up, with cameras all around, actor bullies and a victim in place, and parents of the unknowing children in a nearby room watching the footage. The child chosen for the role of the victim is a real-life gay teenager, who has actually witnessed these hate crimes in real time, and still has to deal with the stresses of being himself in daily situations. The whole point of this exercise was to take a closer look at bullying, and how kids in real life would react to watching someone tormented right in front of them. The independent variable was using different scenarios each time – for example the first time the bulling is done when the coach is away, another is when the coach involves himself with the bullying in a supportive way, and another being the coach defaming the act of bullying. The dependent variable was whether the oblivious middle schoolers watching the bullying take place would involve themselves in the bullying- either in a positive or negative light- or if they would simply watch it happen.  

            I was actually pleasantly surprised at the over-all results. Most of the time, the boys did not get involved, and actually tried to change the subject quite a few times. When the coach chimed in, however, a student involved in his football team at school named Brandon starts to agree with the things that the bullies are saying, and even “fist-bumps” with the bully. His mother, like every other, never thought her child would do that, but things change once adults leave the scene. Adults are the role models of those who are younger around them, whether they know it or even like it.  Another occurrence that was actually quite positive with the experiment was one in which the bullying took place when the coach was gone. One kid even goes so far as to separate the two bullies who are ganging up on the “girly” and “sissy” kid by moving himself in-between them to act as a human shield. His mother had actually insisted that her son would cut in once the bullying began. Thankfully, this mother got to stand by her words, and it became visible that there are some children out there who actually will step in when things aren’t how they should be, even if that means there is a risk that they might become the next bullied teen in the group.

             Being a college student, I’ve been through the years in middle and high school where people got made fun of all the time. I’ve seen the pack effect that one bully can seem to cause, I’ve ridden the busses where the bus driver- the person who was supposed to keep us feeling safe and protected- simply looked away at what was happening right behind him, heck, I’ve seen first hand what the “popular” girls say and do in the athletic locker rooms when no authority figure is around. Some people are simply cruel, and it’s hard to even think about, but is something, I believe, that needs to be firmly addressed in all schools, no matter how “classy” or “wealthy” they are.

          The fact of the matter is, bullying is a problem, and as optimistic as we may be, we have to realize that bad things happen, and sometimes the bullying isn’t stopped. This happens to countless gay teens all over the world, and even some who are just simply figuring out who they are. The caustic words may be finished in ten seconds, but the scars will live with these young boys and girls forever. Why write a blog entry on this? Because I want you to be aware that this does happen. And sometimes, the only thing to do to stop it is to actually step in, even if it may not make you look like the “cool” kid in relation to the bullies at hand. We have the power to do something about bullying when it takes place, the question is will we actually do something about it when the time comes, and hypothetically isn’t so hypothetical anymore. I urge you to speak up. Make yourself heard, and don't tolerate bullying for a second. Be the better person.

Link to experiment vidoes: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/41928090#41975656