It's a fact. As time goes on, people and opinions change. Family members and friends disagree about certain topics, whether they be political or as minor as a sports team.
My grandparents are republicans. They're conservative, go to church every weekend and correct me when I misuse the English language (my grandmother taught English at the local high school). I on the other hand, agree more with democratic views, I sometimes miss church, make grammar mistakes and use words such as "swag" and "Gucci" on a daily basis.
Twenty-five years ago, gay marriage was unheard of. It probably never crossed our grandparents minds that individuals who were gay would be able to marry. Now it is legal in every state. Changes as large as these can shock certain people, and cause others to rejoice.
Age doesn't give an excuse to be rude or rudely share your opinion on certain topics. More often than not I hear individuals say, "My grandpa grew up in a different time, that's why he thinks this way."
This is true, and I do believe it has an effect on how people think. Our surroundings greatly impact our everyday life. Older generations may have different stereotypic views than adults and young people in today's day and age.
We can learn from these differences and change our actions based upon them. Information is key to a successful society.
What I'm trying, and not greatly succeeding in saying, is that generations generate change. We're different from our elders, and that's not a bad thing! We can learn from their mistakes (and their successes) to create a better society for everyone.
The key to a happy and peaceful life is equality. Equality ensures that everyone, regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation and religion can live as happy as a life as possible.
Inform those around you of the importance of kindness and peace!
stay peaceful!!
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Marriage Equality, Equality in General
On June 26th, 2015 the Supreme Court of The United States ruled that gay marriage be legal in all fifty states. A significant step in the fight for equality for gay individuals. The White House, showing support for this decision, displayed a rainbow of colors across the front of the house.
Marriage equality shouldn't be a question. People should be allowed to love who they love, it should be a natural right. You cannot flip a switch and decide to love a man or woman, you are attracted to the sex that you are attracted to, simple as that.
Gay rights and equality have been a social issue for decades, and all over the world. Churches gather to protest, holding signs of damnation and a paths to hell. To them, I laugh. I laugh at their ignorance. It's been said before, but I think it's a good point, what if straight rights were taken away? How would these people feel?
I'm a catholic, I go to church and pray, but that doesn't mean that I agree with all of the teachings of the church. I believe that everyone should be able to love who they love. I have gay and bisexual friends and they are no different from us, they are people. We ALL share differences, but that's what makes these friendships so much fun. Being able to talk about topics, and being able to see different perspectives over issues.
The Supreme Court Ruling came with immense support form the gay community, and supporters of the gay community. Gay pride parades all over the country, in major cities such as Chicago and New York City, show support and an outpouring of love to individuals fighting for equality.
The Supreme Court ruling also brought immense hate. Homophobic protests shouting discriminatory slurs, holding signs and protesting for inequality of gay rights. Twitter was filled with tweets such as, "gay marriage is legal, I'm moving to Canada" What these homophobic people didn't realize before they tweeted was, that Canada had in fact legalized gay marriage in 2005.
Jimmy Kimmel, a late night comedian, asked kids what they thought about gay marriage and what they understood of the controversial subject. The responses were quite hilarious, and heart warming. Children are lucky enough to not quite understand all of the horrific things that go on in the world, providing them with simple responses to a simple question.
I understand there will always be differences of opinion, but my stance on gay marriage is simple, marriage is marriage. You love who you love, and you can't change that. You're attracted to who you're attracted to, and you can't change that.
Spread some love!
Marriage equality shouldn't be a question. People should be allowed to love who they love, it should be a natural right. You cannot flip a switch and decide to love a man or woman, you are attracted to the sex that you are attracted to, simple as that.
Gay rights and equality have been a social issue for decades, and all over the world. Churches gather to protest, holding signs of damnation and a paths to hell. To them, I laugh. I laugh at their ignorance. It's been said before, but I think it's a good point, what if straight rights were taken away? How would these people feel?
I'm a catholic, I go to church and pray, but that doesn't mean that I agree with all of the teachings of the church. I believe that everyone should be able to love who they love. I have gay and bisexual friends and they are no different from us, they are people. We ALL share differences, but that's what makes these friendships so much fun. Being able to talk about topics, and being able to see different perspectives over issues.
The Supreme Court Ruling came with immense support form the gay community, and supporters of the gay community. Gay pride parades all over the country, in major cities such as Chicago and New York City, show support and an outpouring of love to individuals fighting for equality.
While marriage equality is legal, total equality is not. Gay individuals and couples are still being discriminated against every day. Bakers refusing to bake cakes for gay weddings, and venues refusing to hold a spot for gay couples. Restaurants and stores refusing to serve paying gay customers, because of their religious views.
The Supreme Court ruling also brought immense hate. Homophobic protests shouting discriminatory slurs, holding signs and protesting for inequality of gay rights. Twitter was filled with tweets such as, "gay marriage is legal, I'm moving to Canada" What these homophobic people didn't realize before they tweeted was, that Canada had in fact legalized gay marriage in 2005.
Jimmy Kimmel, a late night comedian, asked kids what they thought about gay marriage and what they understood of the controversial subject. The responses were quite hilarious, and heart warming. Children are lucky enough to not quite understand all of the horrific things that go on in the world, providing them with simple responses to a simple question.
I understand there will always be differences of opinion, but my stance on gay marriage is simple, marriage is marriage. You love who you love, and you can't change that. You're attracted to who you're attracted to, and you can't change that.
Spread some love!
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Pronouns are Important
Pronouns are important. Especially in today's society. We hear them everyday.
"She is so nice!"
"He looks so cool."
In the English language, we do not have a gender neutral pronoun. This is a struggle, especially for today's society because transgender individuals are becoming more comfortable and open about who they truly are.
One of these individuals is Caitlyn Jenner, formerly Bruce Jenner. Bruce won gold in the 1776 Olympics and was quickly brought into the spotlight. He was considered the strongest man in the world, and even had his own Wheaties box! What a majority of the people didn't know however, was that he was internally battling with who he was. Having been born a male, Bruce struggled with his feelings and identity, which were telling him he was born to be a woman. In the past year and a half, Jenner has been covered on every tabloid magazine, causing a media frenzy while he was transitioning to a female. Bruce changed his name to Caitlyn, and she was finally free to be who she truly is.
Many people would call this good, and think that the struggle is over. But transgender individuals have to deal with labels for the rest of their life. If a male is transitioning into a female, once the transition is over, they are female, and the pronouns you should use are she and her. If a female is transitioning into a male, the pronouns you should use are he and him.
Transitions as large as these can be difficult for families and loved ones, but most importantly the transgender individual. Supporting these people, by using the correct pronoun is crucial. It's a vital step in transitioning.
I found it hard to change pronouns. It's difficult for everyone. But if you don't look at someone as transgender, and just look at them for who they are, it is much easier. Some people don't prefer a certain pronoun, if you're curious, ask! The most important thing you can do to ensure comfort, for everyone, is to ask questions and educate yourself.
I hope you'll look at pronouns differently, and think about what you want to say, before you say it. Although some things may be said on accident, and you truly don't mean them, it doesn't take away from the pain it can cause people. One of the most dangerous weapons in today's world, are words.
"She is so nice!"
"He looks so cool."
In the English language, we do not have a gender neutral pronoun. This is a struggle, especially for today's society because transgender individuals are becoming more comfortable and open about who they truly are.
One of these individuals is Caitlyn Jenner, formerly Bruce Jenner. Bruce won gold in the 1776 Olympics and was quickly brought into the spotlight. He was considered the strongest man in the world, and even had his own Wheaties box! What a majority of the people didn't know however, was that he was internally battling with who he was. Having been born a male, Bruce struggled with his feelings and identity, which were telling him he was born to be a woman. In the past year and a half, Jenner has been covered on every tabloid magazine, causing a media frenzy while he was transitioning to a female. Bruce changed his name to Caitlyn, and she was finally free to be who she truly is.
Many people would call this good, and think that the struggle is over. But transgender individuals have to deal with labels for the rest of their life. If a male is transitioning into a female, once the transition is over, they are female, and the pronouns you should use are she and her. If a female is transitioning into a male, the pronouns you should use are he and him.
Transitions as large as these can be difficult for families and loved ones, but most importantly the transgender individual. Supporting these people, by using the correct pronoun is crucial. It's a vital step in transitioning.
I found it hard to change pronouns. It's difficult for everyone. But if you don't look at someone as transgender, and just look at them for who they are, it is much easier. Some people don't prefer a certain pronoun, if you're curious, ask! The most important thing you can do to ensure comfort, for everyone, is to ask questions and educate yourself.
I hope you'll look at pronouns differently, and think about what you want to say, before you say it. Although some things may be said on accident, and you truly don't mean them, it doesn't take away from the pain it can cause people. One of the most dangerous weapons in today's world, are words.
Monday, September 21, 2015
World Peace Day: September 21st
"I call on all warring parties to lay down their weapons and observe a global
ceasefire. To them I say: stop the killings and the destruction, and create
space for lasting peace."
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Wouldn't it be grand if everyday were World Peace Day? For me, every day is peaceful if I choose. I can decide how my day is going to unfold by simply stating how I'm going to choose to view things. It'll be unpleasant for me if I have a poor and negative attitude, and other days will be grand if I put a smile on my face and say so.
This, however, is not the case for everyone. There are violent wars and merciless persecutions all over the world. We see this repeated for thousands of years throughout the course of history. Except for this one day. In 1981, the United Nations General Assembly, founded an International Day of Peace. One restful day (hopefully leading to more) to allow for families and friends to take a break from the constant fighting. A day to relax and reflect with neighbors. To think about the main reason they are fighting in the first place.
This year, 2015, has a theme that I love, and find achievable. "Partnerships for Peace- Dignity for All". This theme is centered around the need of teamwork, and social interactions to create peaceful communities. We cannot depend on one single person to change the course of history. We must all put in an effort to change the world.
To commemorate World Peace Day, nations and people from all over the world are invited to learn and educate others about social issues. Social awareness and education are the keys to a better life, and successful relations.
Snapchat has created a public "story" that you can view. It shows people from all over the world celebrating. Women and men from Pakistan, Israel, Palestine, Afghanistan and the United States are all involved in World Peace Day, and you should be too!
In order to make every day peaceful, we must come together and educate ourselves. We must acknowledge differences and put an end to war.
Peace, to everyone from every country and area of the world!
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Laverne Cox: Actress & Activist
In the past two years, Orange Is the New Black has become an internet and Netflix sensation. This past summer I binge watched all three seasons, and loved every second of it. One of the characters, Sophia, is a transgender woman on the show, and the actress who portrays her, Laverne Cox, is transgender as well.
Laverne Cox is the first transgender woman of color to have a leading role on a mainstream production. Cox is a role model and inspiration to so many people, of all different ages all over the world. Laverne has traveled throughout the country, speaking in an attempt to help abolish gender roles and increase the acceptance of everyone.
While Laverne has many avid followers and people that look up to her, she does have haters, as do many other transgender individuals. Cox has powered through the hate, speaking for individuals who cannot speak for themselves.
One of Cox's most powerful movements is, Free CeCe. A fundraising campaign, and soon to be documentary, supporting CeCe McDonald. McDonald is an African-American transgender female facing 41 years in prison for defending herself against a racial and transphobic attack.
I find myself so inspired by Laverne Cox, her strength strengthens millions of individuals all over the world. She brings to light the many difficulties that transgender individuals face. We, as a society, need to realize the struggle that these people face each and every day.
I commend Cox for her ability to use her platform and influence to bring to light the many injustices still found in todays society.
"My third grade teacher called my mother and said, 'Ms. Cox, your son is going to end up in New Orleans in a dress if we don't get him into therapy.' And wouldn't you know, just last week I spoke at Tulane University, and I wore a lovely green and black dress." -Laverne Cox
Visit lavernecox.com to read more about Cox and to make a donation.
Laverne Cox is the first transgender woman of color to have a leading role on a mainstream production. Cox is a role model and inspiration to so many people, of all different ages all over the world. Laverne has traveled throughout the country, speaking in an attempt to help abolish gender roles and increase the acceptance of everyone.
While Laverne has many avid followers and people that look up to her, she does have haters, as do many other transgender individuals. Cox has powered through the hate, speaking for individuals who cannot speak for themselves.
One of Cox's most powerful movements is, Free CeCe. A fundraising campaign, and soon to be documentary, supporting CeCe McDonald. McDonald is an African-American transgender female facing 41 years in prison for defending herself against a racial and transphobic attack.
I find myself so inspired by Laverne Cox, her strength strengthens millions of individuals all over the world. She brings to light the many difficulties that transgender individuals face. We, as a society, need to realize the struggle that these people face each and every day.
I commend Cox for her ability to use her platform and influence to bring to light the many injustices still found in todays society.
"My third grade teacher called my mother and said, 'Ms. Cox, your son is going to end up in New Orleans in a dress if we don't get him into therapy.' And wouldn't you know, just last week I spoke at Tulane University, and I wore a lovely green and black dress." -Laverne Cox
Visit lavernecox.com to read more about Cox and to make a donation.
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Hate Crimes in the U.S
There are a multitude of crimes a person can be charged with. Embezzlement, drug possession and murder. While murder is horrific, I find it more horrific when it is the center of a hate crime.
Hate crimes are violent crimes directed towards a person, based on his or her religion, race, gender, gender identity and disability. People of all ages can be targets for hate crimes. The perpetrators don't care.
Information found from The Leadership Conference shows that hate crimes in 2013, decreased from 6,573 to 5,982. This is the lowest number of reported hate crimes since 1991. However, these numbers don't account for the crimes that remain unreported.
Many victims can be hesitant to report these crimes out of embarrassment, because they "let it happen". This is not true! Victims of such hateful crimes should in no way be held accountable for being true to themselves. The aggressor and attacker needs to be held accountable for their horrible and malicious actions. Discriminating against and purposefully being violent towards an individual is unacceptable and should not be tolerated in our society, especially in this day and age, when people are so open about their differences and willing to share new ideas.
Hate crimes hinder people's willingness to accept and freely express themselves. They also allow other "haters" or violent and discriminative people to believe that it's okay to express and take their beliefs and anger out on another individual.
A majority of the hate crimes in the United States are racially based. Race and racial bias is a sensitive subject for many people in the United States, and more specifically, all over the world. These actions are inexcusable. I do not find a valid excuse for racism because, "you grew up in the south". Your hometown does not justify acts that you can commit to another human being.
In todays society, people have a mixture of reactions when they hear the name Caitlyn Jenner. Caitlyn, formerly Bruce Jenner, is a transgender woman. With her renewed sense of fame and being able to express who she truly is, Caitlyn is using a platform to bring to light the amount of transgender individuals who suffer from hate crimes. In May of 2014, the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP), released a report that 344 transgender individuals were victims of hate crimes in 2013. An alarming 305 victim increase compared to the year before.
There are multiple examples of hate crimes, as well. Many centered around violence. The attackers assume beating the victims will force them to change their views and practices. Hate crimes also include targeting friends and family of a certain individual or group of people. I also views exclusions and refusal of service to be an example of a hate crime. If you are excluding someone because of their race, religion, sexual orientation or disability it is hurtful and hateful.
How can you help to prevent and put a stop to hate crimes in your community?
Start by setting good example for others around you, include as many people as you possibly can in social activities in the work force or school settings. Educate your friends! If you hear a bias remark, or comment, find an appropriate time to talk to the commentator. Educate them on how their remark was offensive and ways they can change the words they choose. Organize groups that talk about hate crimes, whether it be experiences or tips they have to educate the public. Talking with others in a group setting will allow you to be introduced to multiple cultures. Talk to individuals with differences, these differences can actually bring you closer together. Everyone is different, you can't always tell the first time you see or meet them, that's why you have to talk!
One of the most important things you can do is to reject stereotypes. These assumptions are hurtful. Judging someone by their appearance is one of the most ignorant things a person can do. You never truly understand an individual or their beliefs unless you spend the time to get to know them.
Hate crimes need to be brought to an end. I can only hope that this blog post informed you about the necessity there is in today's society to be socially aware and accepting of everyone's differences and beliefs.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Information found from The Leadership Conference shows that hate crimes in 2013, decreased from 6,573 to 5,982. This is the lowest number of reported hate crimes since 1991. However, these numbers don't account for the crimes that remain unreported.
Many victims can be hesitant to report these crimes out of embarrassment, because they "let it happen". This is not true! Victims of such hateful crimes should in no way be held accountable for being true to themselves. The aggressor and attacker needs to be held accountable for their horrible and malicious actions. Discriminating against and purposefully being violent towards an individual is unacceptable and should not be tolerated in our society, especially in this day and age, when people are so open about their differences and willing to share new ideas.
Hate crimes hinder people's willingness to accept and freely express themselves. They also allow other "haters" or violent and discriminative people to believe that it's okay to express and take their beliefs and anger out on another individual.
A majority of the hate crimes in the United States are racially based. Race and racial bias is a sensitive subject for many people in the United States, and more specifically, all over the world. These actions are inexcusable. I do not find a valid excuse for racism because, "you grew up in the south". Your hometown does not justify acts that you can commit to another human being.
In todays society, people have a mixture of reactions when they hear the name Caitlyn Jenner. Caitlyn, formerly Bruce Jenner, is a transgender woman. With her renewed sense of fame and being able to express who she truly is, Caitlyn is using a platform to bring to light the amount of transgender individuals who suffer from hate crimes. In May of 2014, the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP), released a report that 344 transgender individuals were victims of hate crimes in 2013. An alarming 305 victim increase compared to the year before.
There are multiple examples of hate crimes, as well. Many centered around violence. The attackers assume beating the victims will force them to change their views and practices. Hate crimes also include targeting friends and family of a certain individual or group of people. I also views exclusions and refusal of service to be an example of a hate crime. If you are excluding someone because of their race, religion, sexual orientation or disability it is hurtful and hateful.
How can you help to prevent and put a stop to hate crimes in your community?
Start by setting good example for others around you, include as many people as you possibly can in social activities in the work force or school settings. Educate your friends! If you hear a bias remark, or comment, find an appropriate time to talk to the commentator. Educate them on how their remark was offensive and ways they can change the words they choose. Organize groups that talk about hate crimes, whether it be experiences or tips they have to educate the public. Talking with others in a group setting will allow you to be introduced to multiple cultures. Talk to individuals with differences, these differences can actually bring you closer together. Everyone is different, you can't always tell the first time you see or meet them, that's why you have to talk!
One of the most important things you can do is to reject stereotypes. These assumptions are hurtful. Judging someone by their appearance is one of the most ignorant things a person can do. You never truly understand an individual or their beliefs unless you spend the time to get to know them.
Hate crimes need to be brought to an end. I can only hope that this blog post informed you about the necessity there is in today's society to be socially aware and accepting of everyone's differences and beliefs.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Monday, September 14, 2015
The Basics of Civil Rights
What does the phrase "Civil Rights" really mean?
If you watch the nightly news, or go on social media, you will most likely bear witness to "twitter fights" or protests. Civil rights and social justice are hot topics for conversation that often lead to disputes amongst friends and family members with different values.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Civil Rights as, "the rights that every person should have, regardless of his or her sex, race, or religion". That definition is grand, but nowadays there are so many ways people are discriminated against. People look at sexual preference and gender in different ways. Each individual holds different opinions at different times in their life, but that doesn't mean we're not equal. I believe each human being deserves rights, that allow them to live as happy and free of a life as possible.
I want this blog to empower weak individuals, who believe that they deserve less in life, to remember past movements that have been forgotten, and to empower individual activists both past and present, who have fought against mainstream social views to obtain the rights that they deserve. These activists have paved a way for the society that we live in today. While it still isn't perfect, we can use past experiences and trial and error, to bring our society one step closer to an equally inclusive culture.
So tell me. What do Civil Rights mean to you?
If you watch the nightly news, or go on social media, you will most likely bear witness to "twitter fights" or protests. Civil rights and social justice are hot topics for conversation that often lead to disputes amongst friends and family members with different values.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Civil Rights as, "the rights that every person should have, regardless of his or her sex, race, or religion". That definition is grand, but nowadays there are so many ways people are discriminated against. People look at sexual preference and gender in different ways. Each individual holds different opinions at different times in their life, but that doesn't mean we're not equal. I believe each human being deserves rights, that allow them to live as happy and free of a life as possible.
I want this blog to empower weak individuals, who believe that they deserve less in life, to remember past movements that have been forgotten, and to empower individual activists both past and present, who have fought against mainstream social views to obtain the rights that they deserve. These activists have paved a way for the society that we live in today. While it still isn't perfect, we can use past experiences and trial and error, to bring our society one step closer to an equally inclusive culture.
So tell me. What do Civil Rights mean to you?
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