So, there’s a lot of thoughts riding the roller coaster that is what I consider my mind, and I’ve been debating on whether or not to share them with you all. However after a few weeks of reflecting, I think that to help me make sense of them I should write through them. I’m sharing them with you so that hopefully they may help you with a thought or perspective that you’re struggling with as well.
Today I’m writing through thoughts on same-sex marriage. Specifically, the idea of those supporting it. I’ve encountered many people who don’t believe that same-sex marriage should be legal. The reasons why vary and there are a plethora of “situations” why it shouldn’t exist. I totally respect these individuals for their thoughts and beliefs. I probably don’t agree with them, but I have to admire them for staying true to their convictions and being able to be true to what they believe is right.
The most significant thing that gets me, though, is when sharing these beliefs with me, I find it slightly ironic and perhaps ignorant of some of the people for telling me why I shouldn’t be allowed the option to be in a same-sex marriage when only a few decades ago they were in a civil rights battle themselves (and for this post, I’m not even going to touch the religious persecutions in history).
I mean, seriously. Let’s not forget the hard work done only 50 years ago for equality, the right to vote and to be in a multiracial relationship. Don’t forget that 80 years ago, women fought for the right to vote and for the right to be an individual separate from the man/husband. And of course the largest violation of civil rights and liberties in American history which was only 150 years ago; the right to be citizens and not slaves. And let’s be honest, we are still battling the ghosts and shadows from each of these violations as well as dozens more.
So why are these individuals blockading my journey to same-sex marriage when they themselves have fought only years before for their own rights and liberties? Where do we forget the history of our respective identities? When do we forget the battles our respective identities have undertaken to overcome injustices? When did people become the very perpetrators of those same civil rights and liberties? What can we do to remember the fights and struggles of our predecessors who fought for our respective identities’ rights and liberties in order that we ourselves do not become those perpetrators. Is there even a point where we can exist with differences peacefully without attempting to block or change those who are different from ourselves? Why are we turning into this:
The above image seems to say what I’m thinking and feeling in a humorous way. It’s becoming a snowball effect; once an identity gets the rights they’ve fought for for themselves, they join others in preventing the rights of others.
I suppose it’s been a struggle from the very beginning with the founder’s of our nation. They fought to break away from the tyranny and rule of England, however to turn around and allow the same to occur to the “New World”. It’s a practice embedded in our society and culture. So, how do we battle it once and for all? Or can we even put an end to the battles for civil rights and liberties?…is it just an inevitable battle that will always be around?
I have no answers but these are some of the questions swirling around in my head as the LGBT Rights movement continues towards a climax that is inevitably almost here. How do I know that the climax is almost here? Because the issue is polarizing at an even faster rate than before. Fewer people are “in the grey area” or “indifferent” and are “picking sides”.
Tangent: Let me just say it annoys me that we have to even pick sides. If only we could live in a world where we just let people believe and live as they see fit. And I understand that religious and faith beliefs are intertwined in this conversation very much so, but for today I’m just focusing on civil rights vs. civil rights concept. Adding the religious aspect is would be more of a novel than a blog post 🙂
But those are my thoughts and musings that are on my mental roller coaster this week.
Until next time!
Peace, Love and Pandas!
Hello World, Its Me, Brian 