Whether by our own experiences or by the experiences of others, everything we learn we naturally understand through subjective reasoning. Our emotions, our beliefs and our experiences all shape our perception of the world. As John Berger states, “The way we see things is affected by what we know or by what we believe.”
After reading the short story, The Lottery by Shirley Jackson, it seems the moral of the story is that tradition and systems of belief should not be used to validate injustice. This becomes clear when one considers, the innate fear experienced by the presence of the black wooden box, the determination by the townspeople to uphold their tradition despite having no valid reason to do so, and their willingness to commit murder without hesitation.
The Lottery is a prime example of how any form of cultural or religious tradition has to capacity to blind a community to civil rights and the value of human life. Tradition cannot justify murder, or any infringement of the rights of any individual. Tradition is not something to be followed without reason and there should never be fear in questioning or eradicating so-called traditional “values,” because tradition which does not contribute to society creates a dystopia.
In Creating America, Joyce Moser and Ann Watters argue that the concept of American Identity is a contradiction, and in order to understand it, one must think contradictorily. While America is fundamentally principled on unity and freedom, the country has historically been a victim of racial and social divide. This division has lead to the formation of an America in which individuals stand together, alone. In “Does America Still Exist?” Richard Rodriguez argues that the American people should be willing to assimilate into a single unified whole, while Martha Serrano advocates for the acknowledgement of racial diversity in “Chicana.” The author James Baldwin differs from these arguments in his essay “This discovery of what it means to be an American” by insisting one must leave the country, thereby abandoning all ethnic and social ties, before they can realize the American Identity. Joyce Moser and Ann Watters, along with Richard Rodriguez, Martha Serrano and James Baldwin effectively demonstrate that the American Identity remains undefined, and in fact, will mostly likely never have a definition.
America is a proud country and its citizens are prouder still. The harder we attempt to share the spotlight, the more likely someone will eventually be pushed off stage. The American Identity is a riddle which will never be solved. Despite social progress and politically correct policies, there will always be a point of division among the ranks. The American identity is ultimately nothing more than a contradiction.
Shortly after I had gone from the seminary to my first pastorate in 1948, Louise invited my wife, Anna Marie, and me to have Sunday dinner with her family. She has been one of our dearest friends ever since. Recently, during one of the many visits we have had since then she said to me “My brother hates God because God made him gay, and he knows he is going to hell, and I do, too, for that is what the Bible says.” At that time I had only some suppositions - quite negative - about homosexuality and had never thought it needed study. But her words made me want to know as much as I could learn.
When I began reading I soon realized things about myself I now deplore: I was ignorant of the many facts about homosexuality and what the Bible says about it. Yet, without facts, I had pre-judged it; I was prejudiced. With little thought I had read into the Bible what I presumed it ought to say instead of reading out of it what it did say. My idea of not needing to study the subject was pure anti-intellectualism. I am now grateful to God that He led me to study.
I read some two score books, most by eminent sociologists, psychologists and theologians. Then I wrote this letter to Louise, reflecting what I have come to believe is the truth about homosexuality, what the Bible says and what God wants us to think and do about it.
Now I want others to study seriously this matter of such importance to many lives and many churches and denominations. I asked for and received Louise’s permission to share her letter with others. I pray it may be helpful.
The World Congress of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Jews: Keshet Ga’avah consists of around 50 member organizations in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Mexico, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Open and Affirming is the way many in the United Church of Christ (UCC) declare their welcome and inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons into the full life of the church. The message of love and compassion, justice and peace are at the very core of the life and ministry of Jesus.
The reality is...that we live in a time where the voices of fear and ignorance dominate the public discussion of human sexuality issues in our society. Most often these judgmental voices of irrational fear are all that is heard. In fact, Lutherans Concerned continues to learn of Lutheran churches that shun GLBT people. Sometimes their parents and family are even vilified and attacked by church members.
As a result, it is assumed by most GLBT people that they are not welcome in any church unless told otherwise. Even a general statement of welcome is heard as really meaning "everybody but me," so it takes a special effort to communicate the same welcome. The RIC Program seeks to make clearer the policy of churches where all people are welcome as full members, regardless of their sexual orientation, their gender identity or that of their children, siblings or friends.
Members of the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists (AWAB) are churches, organizations, and individuals who are willing to go on record as welcoming and affirming all persons without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity, and who have joined together to advocate for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons within Baptist communities of faith. Our unique makeup helps make AWAB The National Voice for LGBT Baptists.
Following the risen Christ, and seeking to make the Church a true community of hospitality, the mission of More Light Presbyterians is to work for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA)
DignityUSA works for respect and justice for all gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy and support.
Al-Fatiha Foundation is dedicated to Muslims who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, questioning, those exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity, and their allies, families and friends.
Seeing that you've kept working on Barbara Gordon after the FA submission, I really think you deserve the Comics Star for having worked so hard getting that and Batwoman to GA status. Even if BG didn't make FA, the effort improved the article and made it so much stronger. For all this and more -- great work. Doczilla (talk) 11:55, 13 February 2008 (UTC)
The Special Barnstar
Bookkeeperoftheoccult i award you this barnstar for so many reasons, but i must say, you have done an excellent job of the Janet Jackson article. Keep up the good work :-) Realist2 (talk) 15:24, 4 April 2008 (UTC)
The Defender of the Wiki Barnstar
I award you this Barnstar for protecting Wikipedia from tabloid titillation and respecting the basic human dignity of article subjects such as Britney Spears. Well done. — Realist2 (Speak) 03:03, 4 August 2008 (UTC)
The Tireless Contributor Barnstar
I hereby present to you this barnstar for your contributions to Janet Jackson and Britney Spears in expansion, referencing and formatting. Cliff smithtalk 01:11, 12 August 2008 (UTC)
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