A mile in their shoes...

Ugh....so yea. Made lots of money this pay check, but with being sick, and over working myself its not worth it. I can't continue to push myself this hard, and I need to start making time for myself. I have started drawing again (haven't in about 2 months) and have even come up with an idea on a webcomic. More on that later, since its still in the early stages. For now, let's get to the main subject. How other's need to respect each other, even if people don't agree with each other's point of view.


The LGBT community, and those of other minority groups have always had difficulty trying to make a stance for themselves, and basic human rights. We are all the same, we have desires, dreams, a longing for someone to love us. Just because the ideas on what those might be may vary, does not mean that we aren't all wanting the same thing. The faster we start realizing this, the faster we start working toward a common goal: Advancing the human race through the arts, politics, sciences, etc. Helping each other, instead of breaking each other.


The reason on why I'm writing about this, is because of the current issue happening here in this town. For a few months I've seen a few cars possessing a "straight pride" sticker. I could never decide if it was intentionally trying to fight against gay rights, or if it was just them being left out or something. I just let it be. This week though, there has been a group on campus starting to push their "beliefs" more and more. They apparently have fliers posted, and are trying to recruit, even started making t-shirts with the words "straight pride" on them and selling them.


From what I have gathered, this group is essentially a derogatory movement by a majority trying to stop other movements that are caused by minorities. I'm not saying that being straight is a bad thing. This group is trying to get a movement going, and be acknowledged as something big. They even want a "straight pride month". The problem with this is that it hasn't had the experiences that all the other movements had to deal with. They haven't experienced being singled out for not fitting into the social norm. They haven't had hate crimes against them, basic human rights removed, or even killed for being different. Honestly, have you ever heard of a straight couple being called names, or even attacked just because they were straight or looked normal? No, because that is the social norm. Being straight, and I hate to say it, but as well as being white is the norm in American society. Although we have come a long way, apparently there is still some hate. You shouldn't judge by how people look, or even by who they love. Remember, we all have the same desires as everyone else.

So yes, what this group is trying to accomplish is wrong. Stopping immigration, diversity, and anything that has to do with gay rights, and only promote the norm is wrong. But that is what they want to believe. They just seem to be a little ignorant. I have plenty of friends who were like that before, and after finding out about me, they realized that the world isn't as black and white as it seemed before. In fact, a few of my closest friends were homophobic until I explained my situation.


You can't change people by brute force. Sometimes it's necessary (not talking about violence, just something that stands out, like protesting) to just get their attention. Once you have it, all you can do is educate them with a clear and concise argument showing your point of view. Now that the LGBT community is becoming more known, and bigger, we are not such a minority anymore. So we all need to stand up, and not be stupid about our ideals. We need to be the bigger people, and show respect. After all, we are fighting for our rights and to be respected, right? Just because this group is being ignorant, doesn't give us the right to act like jackasses in front of them just to prove that our point is "right". Here's the kicker, our point isn't right. It's just another view. We are fighting for equal rights for all. Straight and non straight alike. So let us all show a little respect, and educate others when we can. Not everyone is going to want to listen right away, but given time, I believe we will all learn from each other, and respect each other a little more. We need to try and walk a mile in each others shoes for a bit...

Until next time, with love,
~Ellie

P.S. I hope this made sense. It was a small rant on both parties being a little less than respectful, and plus I'm a little drugged at the moment. This cold is not gonna win! I shall be victorious! More drugs please! :) Okay...maybe not, maybe a cup of orange juice will suffice! :) Okay, done now. I think.