LEARNING MODULE SEVEN
(Due Saturday by Noon)
Read the Heterosexual Questionnaire and take the time to answer the questions for yourself. Now read the following prompt and critically reflect upon the following questions.This morning when you awoke from a night’s sleep, you became aware that society was no longer as you remembered it. In fact, it had universally made a 180-degree turn in sexual orientation and the world you remember as being a comfortable environment for heterosexuals like yourself no longer accepts people like you. You don’t want to return to isolation, so you must deal with the situation, and do it right now. But now you don’t fit in. Homo-erotic love is the required standard. Heterosexuals are moral outcasts. They are widely thought to molest children, and the marriage of your partner that you have looked forward to for several years will not be legally recognized. Procreation takes place in test tubes and hired wombs according to accepted procedures, and couples like you and your partner are considered hazardous to population growth. You turn on the TV news, only to see a demonstration on the courthouse steps by anti-heterosexual activists shouting ‘heterosexuality is sin’ and ‘ban the straights.’ A sense of doom envelops you as the truth sinks in. You have a cup of coffee and sit down to think about how you will deal with the situation.” What do you think? How will your life change? What will happen to your relationship with your family and friends, now all gay? Will you allow others to know that you are straight and risk the consequences? What might they be? How do you decide to deal with the situation? Why?
In 2-3 paragraphs, write some key insights drawn from BOTH of these exercises, and how it felt to answer the questions. Use course readings to discuss ways to navigate through this oppressive situation and how you see the world changing if homophobia was abolished.
Please Note: If you do not identify as straight, feel free to adjust this prompt in a way you see fit. Either examine and explain how you would feel as a part of the dominant privileged group, what you think would be different, or explain how things are for you now not fitting into the dominant category. If you identify as bi or fluid in some way, feel free to discuss this as not having a category and how in either situation bisexuality/fluid sexuality gets left out.
Please Note: If you do not identify as straight, feel free to adjust this prompt in a way you see fit. Either examine and explain how you would feel as a part of the dominant privileged group, what you think would be different, or explain how things are for you now not fitting into the dominant category. If you identify as bi or fluid in some way, feel free to discuss this as not having a category and how in either situation bisexuality/fluid sexuality gets left out.
Waking up one morning to find that being heterosexual is nothing but the norm, would scare me to death. I am lucky enough to be born in a body that my race, my class, or my sexual orientation does not oppress me. However, if I woke up one morning to find out the world is against what I choose to do with my body. It brings it back to abortion; it should be a person’s choice what to do with her own body. The government or the church should not be controlling what a person chooses to do. Not only does the government or the church effect people who want to love someone of the same sex, but also the society does not condemn it. If I were not the society’s norm anymore I would feel like an outcast and be mad at the world. My family and friends would most likely be afraid to be around me. I would most likely not be invited to go out with my friends because they would care what other people thought of them. No matter how stupid that excuse sounds it’s the truth; people don’t want to get ridiculed for associating themselves with people who aren’t the norm, which would be a white rich male. Everyday that I would be heterosexual I would be at risk of abuse, not only physical abuse but also mental abuse. If I was just minding my own business walking down the street with my partner I would be called ugly names and receive horrible looks from citizens. Everywhere we look we see heterosexual couples showing public display, acting in films, being super hero’s, being a political figure, and being part of the once called “nuclear family”. The nuclear family is a term that was once used to describe the perfect white family, a mom dad and a child. However, people cannot blame homosexuals for messing up the nuclear family because that was long gone once the women’s movements began. In this hypothetical world where straight was the new gay I would have to say that I would stay firm to who I was and try my hardest not to let the world surrounding me affect whom I love. It wouldn’t be easy, but I would fight till the end, just like women did hundreds of years ago. In the end, who decided that being straight was the only sexual orientation that was right? We all were made differently so who has the right to point fingers at someone else for being different.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to wake up one day and be told that being heterosexual is not okay, I would freak out. I would be upset, not only because I would automatically be an outcast, but because everything that I had known my entire life would no longer be accepted. I was fortunate to have been born into a privileged race and class, and although I am female, I have never really felt as if I have been oppressed because of my gender. If I were in a heterosexual relationship and my family and friends were all homosexual, I would most certainly be afraid of how they would respond to my preferred way of life. It would not have been a conscious choice, I was born this way. I would hope that at least my family would be accepting of me, but I know that I could not expect that of the rest of the world. Clearly, I would prefer to be accepted by everyone, but that would not be realistic.
ReplyDeleteI would be furious with the government for not allowing me to live my life the way I wanted to live it. I would be so upset with the Church for condemning myself and the person I love. Who says they have the right to tell me who I should love? I know that I would risk constant ridicule and detriment to my psyche. I would risk being physically hurt just by showing my true self in public. I would hope that I have enough self confidence to stay true to myself and be proud of who I am. I am lucky enough to have wonderful friends whom I know would support me no matter what, but I'm sure my living situation would change drastically.
I try to be as accepting as possible of others, because I know that if I were in that position I would not want to be treated differently from any other person. This exercise makes me truly aware of how difficult life would be if I were not a member of the socially accepted group. When we were little we were all taught to treat everyone with the same respect, so why should that rule change as we grow into adults?
Waking up to a world where heterosexuality is not accepted, I would freak out. After growing up in a society where heterosexuality is the norm, to see different would mess with me. The questionnaire asked me what caused my sexuality. Every since I was a baby, the only relationships and physical interactions I have witnessed have been woman and man. It is as if I have learned from parents, siblings, and teachers what the appropriate relationship status is. According to the excerpt in the blog, it is now socially unacceptable to be a heterosexual. This is now changing my ways of thinking. If everyone that surrounds me were now homosexual, I would feel as If I had to hide who I was.
ReplyDeleteI am now faced with the threat of not being accepted to my family, friends, and society. Because heterosexuality is so heavily engrained in my mind, I wouldn’t conform to homosexuality. One of the questions in the questionnaire is asking how and when I first decided I was a heterosexual. I first decided this when I was young because I always saw my parents so happy together. This quickly made me want the same thing when I was older, with the opposite sex. When I got old enough to comprehend the Bible, I started learning about Adam and Eve. My faith and morals are very strong and I believe it is very important to follow the bible. The Bible clearly states that we should interact sexually with the opposite sex and this is something I wanted to follow.
Fortunately, I am a white, straight, middle class, female. The only gray area is female but I have never felt oppressed by any of these things before. Suddenly, because of the excerpt, I am being oppressed for being straight. I would be furious at the government and society. It is considered to be morally wrong but that doesn’t stop me from being straight. I would be sad that society has believed such a lie and would not change my viewpoint. Just because it is against morals, doesn’t mean it’s against the Bible. When it comes down to it, the Bible is all that matters and no one will ever change the Bible.
I will remain a heterosexual, but try to be accepting to all the homosexuals around me. Although I am being oppressed, I will not break down. I will stand firm on the Word of God and trust Him. My boyfriend and I will follow through with what we had going, and we will be a light to those around us. I will not judge or condemn those around me but help them to discover the Truth.
@Anne Cole Walker
ReplyDeleteI agree, I would be furious at the church and government. They shouldn't be able to tell us what to do. Although they let us down, it's good to know that you have friends who will support you through it all. Society is now condemning being straight, something we've never learned. We're never going to be accepted by everyone because everyone has their own opinion on things.
If I were to wake up one morning and heterosexuality was not the norm I would probably go through an identity crisis. I would question everything I have ever learned in church and from my family and not be to sure who I was. In normal day-to-day life I am very comfortable in my own skin and positive of the type of person I am and have never questioned my sexuality. But obviously I have never been put in the situation were I was oppressed for being straight so it is hard to picture what life choices I would make.
ReplyDeleteI am fortunate to be in a heterosexual relationship so I do not face the challenges of that other couples in homosexual relationships have to work through. If the world was no longer accepting heterosexual relationships I would not change from being straight. Like many girls I dream of one day getting married and starting a family and my world would be turned upside down in this reverse situation. Not only would I have to go through struggles I would be bring children into a world where they would feel like they did not belong because they had heterosexual parents. It would be more intimidating to be seen in public with my boyfriend. I am sure new challenges would present themselves and our relationship would struggle. I’m sure I would more reserved when it came to holding hands in public and small displays of affections. Be constantly criticized would wear down on me. This exercise has made me more aware of how people who are in homosexual relationships feel everyday.
If I woke up one morning to find the whole world had changed the views on sexuality I would be freaked out. If the new sexual norm was homosexuality I would now have a sexual oppression because of my heterosexuality. Being a white male I don’t really have any oppressions so it would be pretty difficult to deal with the new views and laws our society would have. I wouldn’t want to be seen as an outcast to society but I also couldn’t just change my way of life and start being homosexual. I would have to be myself and accept my differences. It would be very difficult to explain to my family and friends that I was heterosexual if they were all gay. If homosexuality was included in my religion I am sure my family would encourage me to change my way of life because they wouldn’t want me to go through life being seen as an outcast and the constant struggle of mental and physical abuse I would go though.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I can answer the heterosexual questionnaire. In the first question I think seeing the important people in my life were all heterosexual I followed along with what they believed. Also growing up in our society you always saw a man and a woman together whether it was families, television, or advertisements you never really saw two men or two women together. I never decided my sexuality I have just always been heterosexual and never questioned my sexuality; I didn’t just wake up one morning and decide I wanted to be a heterosexual I just have always been one. So in this scenario I would be extremely hard to change my heterosexual ways because that’s just who I have been my whole life.
Homosexuals would have total equality if homophobia did not exist in our world. I do not think there will be a time when there will be zero homophobes in our world because of people’s religious beliefs and views on life. I try to accept people for who they are and try not to judge them based on their beliefs or views. I don’t agree with homosexuality but I have come to accept them because that is who they are and I don’t want people judging me for what I do. People do not have to agree with homosexuality but maybe there will come a time where people can at least accept it.
If I were to wake up to a world where heterosexuality was not the norm, I would be very scared. I would have to deal with conflicts and difficulties I would've never had to before. However, this is what people who define themselves as gay or lesbian have to deal with everyday. The government, church, family, and friends would all react to me in a different way. I would not feel comfortable in my own skin. I would be very worried about how my relationships with friends and family would change.
ReplyDeleteI feel fortunate that I am in a race and sexual orientation that I am not oppressed. The questionnaire asked when I decided I was straight but thinking about it, it is just who you are. Your sexual orientation is part of your personality. I think it is ridiculous that for something so built into people, they are oppressed in many aspects of life. Also, it asked about my roommate knowing my sexual orientation or how I would feel if my child was gay or straight. These ideas affect how we see people everyday. The world is completely different depending on race, class, gender, and sexuality.
People should feel free to be who they are without everyone seeing them in a wrongful light. If homophobia was completely abolished people would not have to fight to be seen for who they truly are. Even though this is an incredible idea, I think it is very unlikely that it will ever happen. The best we can do now is try to accept everyone without challenging their beliefs in every aspect of life.
One of the most surprising things about the questionnaire was how my straight answers were the same as most gay answers. The first question asks, “What do you think caused your heterosexuality?” My answer was I was born this way, which is common to hear among homosexuals. I never really realized how close our answers are even though the sexuality is on two different ends of the spectrum. I notice how some of the questions did not have easy, clean cut answers. The one about the child molesters, number ten, seemed really odd to me. Though I do not fully doubt that statement, I would like to see proof that statistic is real, just like the billboard we saw in class. If the statement were true, my answer for it would be “well not everyone is a child molester”. At the same time, it must be remembered that gays get asked the same question and most people just assume that a gay person cannot teach their child, no matter what there teaching style is. The questionnaire made me realize that gay people and straight people have more in common than originally thought.
ReplyDeleteIf I woke up one morning to realize the whole world had converted to homosexuality, I honestly do not know what I would do. I do not think I could handle all of the pressure and discrimination. My big thing though, would have to be what the Bible said. If it said it was still wrong to homosexual, then I would stick to my guns and deal with all of it. If it said it was okay, then I would come to that bridge when I came to it. To have to deal with all of the prejudice of being gay, I would have to have a very strong belief in my faith. That is the only way I would know how to get through all of it.
Whether if you believe homosexuality is right or not, and for religious reasons I do not, we must understand that homosexual people are still people too. I honestly think that when we meet our Maker, He will be more disappointed if we tried to hatefully change these people, than if we treated them right although we did not agree with what they are doing. No matter what your sexuality is, you are still a person who has thoughts, feelings, and emotions and should be treated just like every other human being.
If I woke up one morning to find that heterosexuality was no longer the norm I think I would be really confused. I have been heterosexual my entire life and I have never had thoughts or urges about trying anything else. I do not have anything against homosexuals because I actually honor their strength to be able to come forward and be honest with the world despite the hardships that go along with it. But just as they can't help being homosexual, I can't help being heterosexual. I do not choose to be heterosexual because it is whats considered normal; in fact I think more that heterosexuality chose me. Choosing a sexual orientation is difficult to put into words because it comes down to a certain person's preference that usually cannot be described.
ReplyDeleteI can not imagine waking up and being excluded from schools, certain groups, religions etc for being heterosexual. I would probably have to reconsider where I would live because I would now have to think of my safety and find a neighborhood that accepted me as a straight. According to our readings from last week, as a part of the oppressed group, I would have extreme difficulty in being true to myself and others. I would have a fake relationship with my family most likely, because of the difficulty that comes along with being truthful with them. I do not know if I would have the ability to come out of to the community and live an honest life which would be the worst part of the entire experience.
There is no reason why a person should be oppressed on account of sexual orientation. Relationships between people should be based on content any ways. No one should have to suffer physical or emotional pain because of a life choice he or she chooses to make about him or her own body. As all of the oppressions we have learned about, sexual orientation is not something a person can help; neither is race, gender or class. A person should be judged on his or her ability to give back to the world and all other things shouldn't matter.
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ReplyDeleteI think that most people are deeply afraid of being rejected by society, myself included. I know that it would be very difficult for me to live in a world that did not accept my sexuality. If I woke up to find that my mine was seen as a "deviant" lifestyle, I would feel very alienated and afraid. I don’t really care what people think about me as long as I have the love and support of my friends and family. I would be really angry to be labeled immoral, dangerous, or less than human. I'd be angry when people judged me based on my sexuality rather than my personality. I would be extremely hurt by the idea that somebody could hate me just because of who I love. I wouldn’t be quiet about my feelings. I am not at all tolerant of homophobia now, and if heterophobia became common I would have just as much of a problem with it. Just as society no longer accepted me, I would not accept people who are hatefully and baselessly intolerant of others. I would never change myself in order to be accepted by what I perceive to be a flawed and hateful society. Even at the risk of being rejected by society, I would openly declare my sexuality because I’d rather be true to myself and face the consequences than live in denial and fear.
ReplyDeleteThe questionnaire and the scenario made me extremely sad and angry because they're the same kinds of things that gays have to deal with. Gays have to live in a world like the one in the scenario that hates and questions them, and it isn’t right. There isn’t any excuse for homophobia. A lot of people take issue with homosexuality on the basis that it is a “sin” and that people who do not adhere to the norm are not living "in the way that God intended". Religious beliefs cannot excuse or rationalize homophobia. People who discriminate based on sexual orientation aren’t morally superior, they’re just bigoted, self-righteous jerks. Sexuality is morally neutral; only individuals are “good” or “bad”. To say that a certain sexuality is “immoral” is to make an absurd, sweeping claim, one that makes so little rational sense that I can’t even believe people still think it’s an acceptable argument. It is perfectly fine for people to believe in whatever they want, and to voice those beliefs. However, if they think for one second that it their beliefs allow them to take away someone else’s rights, or to make them feel inferior, immoral, afraid, or unsafe, or to get in someone’s face and threaten them or their loved ones, then they are sorely mistaken.
People have all sorts of beliefs and preferences, and sometimes these are conflicting. It’s alright to believe in something or act in a way that doesn’t conform to the way most people act/believe, but this often comes with the consequence of being harassed by a society is offended by your way of living. I’m an atheist. My beliefs are not typically welcomed or accepted by the religious majority. I have my beliefs and they have theirs, and even though I don’t agree with their beliefs I gladly accept and defend their right to believe in whatever they want. As long as religious people don’t interfere with my rights or try to tell me that my beliefs aren’t acceptable, everything is fine. Or it would be if most religious people felt the same way. Or if homophobic people did. Homophobic people don’t just have a problem with gays, they also scorn people who accept their lifestyle, as if this acceptance is somehow “encouraging” what they perceive to be an immoral way of living. It's like they're afraid that gays are going to corrupt our children or destroy America or poison the water supply, or something equally as ridiculous. I sincerely hope that the world will someday be homophobia-free; that is the world that I want to live in, not this one that has done such harm to people who are no different than I am in any way except their sexuality. I don't believe that any difference is too large to overcome. We all have the potential to exemplify the best in humanity, if we’d only get over our fear of difference.
If I were to wake up to find that heterosexuality is no longer the “norm” I would be really confused. I am already somewhat discriminated because of my race, and gender and now I would be discriminated by my sexual orientation as well. I feel as though my life would just get that much harder. Even with this dramatic change in society, I feel as though my family would still be accepting of me and respect my decision because we are family. Also my very close friends would be accepting as well because they don’t discriminate based on sexual orientation. However, everyone else- my acquaintances, peers, and everyone else in society- would treat me very differently. Everyday I would be at risk of mental and physical abuse, but this would be nothing new to me because I already go through this abuse because of my race. After a while, the name-calling and negative looks will get old. With all of the consequences that I know I would face because I am heterosexual, I would still allow others to know. I would not run around flaunting it, but I would not keep it a secret either. This is MY choice of whom I choose to love and be with and I personally believe that know one should have the right to tell me what to do.
ReplyDeleteThe questionnaire asked some questions that people don’t necessarily think about such as “What caused your heterosexuality? Why do you insist on flaunting your heterosexuality? “ When I think about what caused my heterosexuality, the only answer that I can come up with is simply that I was born this way. Also, I don’t feel as though I “flaunt my heterosexuality.” I do understand where this question came from but I feel as though me personally I don’t “flaunt” it. My first reaction of this questionnaire was it really caused me to sit back and think about the questions that I could answer and the questions I could not answer and why I could not answer those questions.
Me personally, I try my best not to judge others by their decisions that they make. Growing up, my mom always told me to treat others how I would want to be treated. This week’s module really opened my eyes and actually made me think about how my life would change.
If I woke up one morning and heterosexual would be wrong, I really cannot explain to you the way I would feel. I would feel shock, confused, and I would really go crazy because I see and hear what homosexual go through today. I think I would also feel out-of-place, like the outcast. I would feel hurt if my family did not accept me and the life style I chose. I have always considered myself heterosexual. When I was little I grew up knowing that heterosexual is right, and homosexual was a choice. Also when I was younger I always would call boys my boyfriend, so homosexual was not an option for me. Waking up to a world of homosexual would feel really weird and unusual. That mean I would be one of the ones protesting about heterosexual should be able to marry. I would be the one who would have a hard time living my life because of the comments and complaints I would get. I would be the one maybe stressed and depressed because the society does not accept me. I would be hurt if my family and friends did not respect my decision and neglected me. If homosexual was the right thing I would feel every emotion. Right now, I do not have any problems with homosexual. Some of my friends are homosexual or bi, but I don’t have a problem with it. It is their choice not mine, and I would not be a good friend if I did not give them support, respect, and help. I grew up watching my parents be happy with being with each other and that is what I want. I have a lot of faith and morals and I believe it is very important to follow the bible. So I chose to be heterosexual. This module really opened my eyes to see how I would be feeling if I was a homosexual in this society today.
ReplyDeleteIf I was put in a situation where I wake up in a world not heterosexual I would feel at a complete lost. I wouldn’t understand, all the information passed down to me, by family and church, about finding the right man to benefit my life would be questioned. I would experience identity problems, because I would be the person wanting to live in a heterosexual world, and due to this I would be oppressed by others. From writing and thing about all these issue I kind of get a feel of what homosexuals go through in real society.
ReplyDeleteOver the years I have been in heterosexual relationships and it’s always been accepted by society, that’s one of the privileges of being heterosexual, in the real world. I would have to continue to be this way in a homosexual world as well. I know the consequences would be hard to manage, but I would have to let those around me know that I’m straight. The problem would be dealing with all the outside hatred from the public, family, and probably ex-friends. These people would probably even cut me off completely or constantly criticize me. Dealing with this would be hard but the first step I feel I would need to take is to accept myself first. I would do this because I want to live my life happy in my own skin.
The questionnaire made me aware of how homosexual people would answer the questions the same way I would. The first question asks, “What do you think caused your heterosexuality?” I answered this question simply by saying that’s how I was brought into the world, I’m almost sure this is the same answer a homosexual person would say. However, in society today they are face with issue such as homophobia which is not fare. No one can control how they are bone. Those who criticize homosexuals and bring on homophobia need to understand that everybody has feeling and emotion and being the minority in society today is hard enough.
If I woke up one day and found out that my heterosexuality was not the norm I wouldn't no what to do. I am part of the norm society where my race, class, and sexuality doesn't affect my daily life. I would be so confused and not no what to do if being heterosexual wasn't normals. I like to feel wanted and accepted by society. I wouldn't no how to act or respond to people treating me different or calling me weird because I liked the wrong sex. Always trying to prove myself and explain my feelings would be very frustrating and would probably make me angry. The thought of not being able to be me would upset me. I would always be looking for answer. If all my family was homosexual and I was the odd ball out then I think they would always question my actions and motives.
ReplyDeleteTo think that gay people have to go through this everyday is something I don't think I could handle. To know that people think little of you and that your not following what God intended is a difficult concept. The fact that religion and beliefs put pressure and ways to live on people makes living differently hard. I believe that a person doesn't choose their sexuality but rather born that way. People have the right to have different opinions and beliefs, but its wrong to put own opinions on others. After reading the question air it made me think differently. It is very hard for someone to be someone their not. If my sex wasn't the norm I would still want be to accept me and love me. I think people who are gay are courageous and should be applauded. I can't sit here and say that I would be able to be open with my sexuality being different. I really liked thinking about this exercise this week and trying to understand better that idea of fitting in with sexuality.
If I were to wake up in a world that didn’t accepted heterosexuality, my life would be turned upside down. Freaking out is an understatement. If homosexuality were to be the norm in our society, literally EVERYTHING would have to change. The questionnaire asked what the causes of my heterosexuality, and as I reflected on how I became that way, I realized I never really decided to be “straight” or to like men. I was born into a world where that seemed like the only option and the normal thing to do. There were never any questions. However, homosexuals would answer that question in the same way. People who are homosexual were born that way; they never CHOSE to be what sexuality they are. The only control they have over it is whether to hide it or be open about it.
ReplyDeleteIf the norm was homosexuality, I would be looked down upon as a heterosexual and have to go through all the torment of being considered on the outside in our society. I would be discriminated for my sexuality and not be allowed to do certain things, like possibly employment and schools. All my privileges as a heterosexual before would be taken away. Nobody really notices all that they have until it is gone. Religions would take a different role in my life. Going to church would not be an option for me.
I would have to struggle with my identity. I would have to make the choice of living a lie or living in hell for being different. If homosexuality was the norm, me being a heterosexual would make everybody else question my every move and be looked at differently. I would not be allowed to freely walk through the streets without being approached for being an outsider. I wouldn’t be allowed to publicly show my affect for other genders as I did before.
If I woke up one morning to find that heterosexuality was not the norm anymore, my life would be entirely different. Honestly, I do not know how I would feel or what I would do. I would now be seen as an outcast, and the thought of that makes me feel naive and almost shallow because I don't know what it would be like.
ReplyDeleteMy relationship with my family would probably not be too much different. My family is very open and welcoming, so luckily I would not face difficulties in that part of my life. However, I think that my relationship with my friends would change drastically. I don't know if they would be as accepting as my family. I feel confident that my friends who I have known for almost my whole life would not change their attitudes towards me very much, but it would be awkward for me to hang around in our usual group of friends. In a group setting, I would have a hard time relating to them, and I think that would make them feel uncomfortable.
I do not think that I would go around being openly heterosexual. I just know that there would be so much judgement from people, and I think that it would be easier on me if I didn't. I would tell my family, and maybe my closest friends, but I would try to stay low key. This really bothers me because I don't think that homosexuals should have to hide who they are, and I don't think that there should be so much judgement upon them. The consequences of being openly heterosexual in this new world would include so much emotional stress. There would be so much questioning coming from others, and such a lack of approval. It is entirely unfair that people have to deal with these consequences on a daily basis.
If i woke up and heterosexuality wasn't the norm anymore, A i would turn to my parents in awe, because what they had been preaching to me my whole life could be wrong. But i am attracted to men. Not saying i haven't ever gotten curious and imagined if i "batted" for the other side. But even then i am who i am, not because of what society deems as appropriate but because thats the way i feel. B i would probably be concsidered an outcast to some of my less lenient friends
ReplyDeleteI have friends that are not straight, i have lived through working with some friends to try to help them be comfortable enough to tell their parents that they themselves aren't straight. But if i went to my parents and told them i was gay, they would accept me, my mother might cry in her own time but nothing drastic would change. My parents know im rational and the decisions i make are based on facts if something so big happened that i decided i really truly was gay. they would accept my, the world however is a different story.
Im already a pretty closed book to outsiders, but once you pass a certain point of being my friend i can open up to you, telling someone im gay, they would have to have gone through the same point. And i would have to know them well enough to know they wouldn't judge me.
@Amanda Harrison I agree with what you said about the first step is accepting your self first.If you're not happy and comfortable within your own skin then it makes it a lot harder for others to even accept you.
ReplyDelete@mctittle I had the same reaction after reading the questionnaire. I did not realize how heterosexuals and homosexuals had so much in common, yet we are so different.
@Jill Krieger
ReplyDeleteI agree when you say people don’t chose to be heterosexual or homosexual, which I think was the overall point the questionnaire wanted us to understand. We discriminate against homosexuals like they’re doing something wrong. They were born that way and had no choice, just like heterosexuals are also. Our society makes it so difficult for homosexuals to live their lives normally. This exercise is something that should be publicized because it really helps the oppressed group look how similar they are to the oppression group—maybe then people will have a feel of what horrible things homosexuals have to go through.
@Hailey Harry
ReplyDeleteOne problem with our society is that we are preaching that it’s wrong to be homosexual. Most people are brought up believing in heterosexuality being the only way and that is continuing the presence of this oppression. It’s good that you know your parents would be accepting of you if you were homosexual, along with my parents also. It’s the parents that would almost go to the level of disowning their own children if they came out of the closet that are upsetting.
@Anne Cole Walker
ReplyDeleteI agree with Anne and I would hope that my family and friends would try and accept me if I was heterosexual and not the norm. I would also be angry with government and religion if everyone was telling me how I was feeling was wrong. I like that Anne ended with a question about showing respect for others even when we are adults because thats how children should be raised.
@JillKrieger, when you said that you didn't choose heterosexuality but it chose you that was such a good way to put it. People are born the way they live their life, homosexuals cannot change the fact that they like someone of the same sex, so why should we try to change them? Many people fight about how abortion should be our choice since its our body, and this is the same concept.
ReplyDelete@Lauren Perussault
ReplyDeleteI agree w Lauren in the sense that I would wake up and be freaking out! I wouldn't know what to do. We never chose to be heterosexual or homosexual it is how we are born. I would also follow my feelings and hope to be accepted by the people I love. It would be weird not being able to show my emotions in public and in front of others.
@Amanda Harrison
ReplyDeleteI never realized how it was truly a privilege to be heterosexual.I knew about white privilege and male privilege, but I know realize that heterosexuality provides advantages too. I knew we had things easier,but didn't realize that there are some things we get just being heterosexual. The word "privilege" never really occurred to me. Thanks for pointing this out!
@Lexi Wendt
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the whole friends not being as okay with it. My family would love me no matter what (although they might have a really hard time getting use to it), but I'm sure certain "friends" would not mind making small comments to one another. It would be really tough to know that our whole friendship could change forever just for me being me.
@mctittle Thanks for getting me.You really got the point of what I was trying to say.
ReplyDelete@TiffanyUnderwood Yes, you got to love yourself in order to make it in the world no matter how it is.
ReplyDeleteClearly waking up in a world where I am in the minority population would be a quite shocking realization. This exercise clearly makes us think of how the "other" population lives. We as an American population are too concerned with overanalyzing every aspect of each other's lives.
ReplyDeleteIf I woke up to an intolerant heterosexual society I wold still have to stand by my own convictions as a woman who loves my male fiance. I would be the new type of outcast. I would definitely stand proudly by our decision to fight for marriage equality and to have our rights recognized by not only our family and friends but also the government who does not approve of our love for one another. I want to continue moving forward with my future husband and experience the right of passage known as marriage that seemingly so many others get to celebrate and rejoice over.
My whole life would change instantly! I would have to combat the preconceived notions and stereotypes that I am a menace to society and that I am dangerous just based on my preference for men. I would make changes in my own life and make it a personal focus to educate others who are intolerant of myself and my fiance. I would first start with those closest to me and reveal my feelings to them and try to make them understand that I want to be happy being with the person who understands me best. Just because he is a man should not matter to others, but clearly its wrong in their eyes. The whole intolerance issue will be hard to overcome. We just generally are not accepting as a society to those who are different than us and this definitely did not start with sexual preference.
I know that it will be a hard journey ahead of me. I understand that I will be discriminated against for choosing my own choice! Isn't this a free country? At the end of each day I am sure that I will deal with my self-esteem issues and question my own beliefs which seem perfectly normal to me. However, I have to live my one an only life in happiness and I can not lie to the outside world just because I'm different. I want to love who I love and maybe there will be a day of harmony where we can all understand one another's preferences without hatred.