Homosexual Harassment in the Usa
Amanda Simon 01
Mr. Burman
English 100
October 26, 2010
Anti-Gay Bullying: How is America stimulating homosexual harassment
Bullying-related suicide is currently the third largest death cause among kids and teenagers in The United States; these suicides are up to three times more likely among GLBT kids. Unfortunately, these numbers tend to increase if federal government does not take action. But how can a country that has influential leaders talking down on homosexuals, does not provide equal rights for GLBT citizens, and does not allow openly gay Americans to serve their nation in the military – “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy –, tell kids that they should tolerate and respect all sexual orientations? It is likely that these kids won’t. As long as the government doesn’t upgrade policies and laws that keep GLBT people as second-class citizens, anti-gay bullying will continue to happen. Kids need the grown-up society around them to demonstrate ethical treatment of everyone, so they can do it too. “I believe in human rights. I believe in civil unions… We have to say no to same-sex marriage”. These were the words of democrat Marion Barry in a recent rally protest in Washington, DC. It is unbelievable that official manifests like this are still allowed to happen in present days when they can reach kids all around the country. I am very sure that this kind of public anti-gay support directly stimulates bullying among American kids. Think of how a boy or girl dealing with sexual orientation matters feels when popular leaders stand in television and attack GLBT members like that. Now, if these kids are already feeling Simon 02 left out of their
Mr. Burman
English 100
October 26, 2010
Anti-Gay Bullying: How is America stimulating homosexual harassment
Bullying-related suicide is currently the third largest death cause among kids and teenagers in The United States; these suicides are up to three times more likely among GLBT kids. Unfortunately, these numbers tend to increase if federal government does not take action. But how can a country that has influential leaders talking down on homosexuals, does not provide equal rights for GLBT citizens, and does not allow openly gay Americans to serve their nation in the military – “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy –, tell kids that they should tolerate and respect all sexual orientations? It is likely that these kids won’t. As long as the government doesn’t upgrade policies and laws that keep GLBT people as second-class citizens, anti-gay bullying will continue to happen. Kids need the grown-up society around them to demonstrate ethical treatment of everyone, so they can do it too. “I believe in human rights. I believe in civil unions… We have to say no to same-sex marriage”. These were the words of democrat Marion Barry in a recent rally protest in Washington, DC. It is unbelievable that official manifests like this are still allowed to happen in present days when they can reach kids all around the country. I am very sure that this kind of public anti-gay support directly stimulates bullying among American kids. Think of how a boy or girl dealing with sexual orientation matters feels when popular leaders stand in television and attack GLBT members like that. Now, if these kids are already feeling Simon 02 left out of their