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.
Gay and lesbian people have families, and their families should have legal protection, whether by marriage or civil union...A constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages is a form of gay bashing, and it would do nothing at all to protect traditional marriages.
”
— Coretta Scott King, 2004
“
I still hear people say that I should not be talking about the rights of lesbian and gay people and I should stick to the issue of racial justice...But I hasten to remind them that Martin Luther King Jr. said 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.'... I appeal to everyone who believes in Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream to make room at the table of brother- and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people.
What led me to my concern and my involvement [in working toward gay rights equality] is the number of friends that I have that are gay and who have had so many struggles in their life because of it...My father said it on numerous occasions, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.'
Our lesbian sisters and gay brothers are still being subjected to persecution, discrimination and violence because of their sexual orientation. Homophobia is a form of fear and hatred that has no place in the beloved community.
I think that adults ought to be able to display their feelings; their senses of obligation – obligation sounds awfully binding, and I don’t mean that so much as I mean commitment. There should be a public statement of commitment if people want to do that, and I don’t see that anyone can say, “No, you can’t.” It’s not wise. It never works really, because love is so important. I know it’s used loosely, the word, it’s used loosely, but it really may be that condition that keeps our blood running in our veins and the stars in firmament. It’s so important. So if two people find that they love each other, that is so amazing that the whole community should say, “Bravo! Keep it going. Thank you for having the courage to risk.” Because love asks for everything, you know. It doesn’t insist upon anything, but it asks for everything. And at its best, it gives everything.
My generation was bitterly divided over something that should have been so clear and right. The majority believed that what the judge said, that it was God's plan to keep people apart, and that government should discriminate against people in love. But I have lived long enough now to see big changes. The older generation's fears and prejudices have given way, and today's young people realize that if someone loves someone, they have a right to marry.
Surrounded as I am now by wonderful children and grandchildren, not a day goes by that I don’t think of Richard and our love, our right to marry, and how much it meant to me to have that freedom to marry the person precious to me, even if others thought he was the 'wrong kind of person' for me to marry. I believe all Americans, no matter their race, no matter their sex, no matter their sexual orientation, should have that same freedom to marry. Government has no business imposing some people’s religious beliefs over others. Especially if it denies people's civil rights.
I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard's and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight, seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That’s what Loving, and loving, are all about.
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)
The Special Barnstar
for your continued dedication to keeping List of honorific titles in popular music free of unsourced fancruft and properly encyclopedic. This article was a shed when started, but has now grown into a defensible article, thanks to your continued efforts. Rodhullandemu 00:37, 14 March 2009 (UTC)
Civility Award
Thank you for your polite reply to my (rather flammable) post on Talk:Lady_Gaga and indirectly making me realize how rude I was being. (It might also interest you that this is the first barnstar I've ever given. Haha.) Clem (talk) 04:36, 18 June 2009 (UTC)
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