So this is on my mind right now - everywhere I turn I see stories about Prop 8 in CA. We also passed prop 102 down here in AZ, which is basically the same thing. An amendment to our state consitution defining marriage as between one man and one woman.
I was just doing the dishes and as usual, I had some Yo Gabba Gabba songs in my head. In particular, from the episode "Differences" - "All my friends are different, but we love them all the same" and "Don't be mean to your friends". (Catchy little songs these are!! :) ) Anyway, it struck me that we teach children to love others, to treat others as they would like to be treated, to embrace each others' differences... why is that only applicable in certain situations? The basis of this episode was about someone who got new glasses, and even though he looked a little different, he was still their friend and they still loved him, and about how it's not okay to make fun of him.
This may be a very simple and silly basis for my argument, but seriously. Why is the above episode premise so acceptable and something we all strive to teach our children, but yet teaching them that everyone has the right to love, that no group of people deserves to have their rights taken away -- that isn't something we universally want to do? Why are some differences "okay", but not others? Who makes that decision? So someone who is born with less than perfect eyesight deserves equal rights and respect and love, but not someone who is born gay. Someone who has chosen to create his/her family with someone of the same gender does not deserve to raise a child in their loving home? (Good one, Arkansas!) So, I guess we should I should write to Dora and Yo Gabba Gabba or Sesame Street and request some episodes that explain this to our children. Timmy has two mommys? Well, while yes, Timmy can be your friend, and while his mommies love him very much, they aren't allowed the same rights as we are. Nothing personal, and I'll "tolerate" their existence, but it's just what I believe... Oh wait, that's right - part of the reason this proposition was passed was so that we don't have to explain gay marriage to children, right? Because it would be in the curriculum (because yeah, didn't we all take Marriage 101 in 2nd grade!?!) and we can't have that! We can't actually acknowledge *gasp* gay couples!! Yes, gay people on their own are fine, as long as they don't make too much of a ruckus. But enter into a relationship with *another* gay person?? And act like heterosexuals?? With the living together and loving each other and committing to each other and oh my goodness, maybe even holding hands or kissing in public!?!?? I'm sorry, that's taking it too far.
I am overjoyed and hopeful about the fact that we have elected our first African American president. I loved every moment of cheering for Hillary during the primaries. I get overwhelmed with emotion when I look at my little girl and think about the things that are possible for her. I see how far we have come. And that makes the passing of these propositions all the more devastating to me.
I usually don't like to get too preachy about political matters, but to me, this isn't a political issue. It's a human one. And for those who use religious arguments to support these propositions... how can people who follow Christ, who strive to be Christ-like, think that this is okay? I just do not get it.
I needed to get all that out. It has been weighing heavily on my heart and mind.
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1 comment:
I could not agree with you more. Equal is Equal and rights are rights. This is a human issue not a religious one or a political one. I often wonder what people thought back in the day when they were discriminating against women or African Americans....were they thinking that it was to protect their families, to uphold christian beliefs, or was it out of fear? People are hiding behind God and judging others lives based on their own "normal".
BTW you know I am a christian democrat right? haha
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