Wednesday, October 28, 2009
What's More Scary Than Halloween Costumes?
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Although it was attached to the Defense Spending Bill, President Obama finally signed an updated hate crimes bill into law, which amazingly was first introduced to Congress 13 years ago. The language now includes protection for people from "attacks motivated by race, religion or ethnicity [including] gay, lesbian, transgender and disabled people."
As someone who not only believes in gay rights, but also has family who is disabled and works closely with mentally disabled individuals, in my opinion, this is a huge deal. It's a shame that it's taken so long from the United States (the home of the "free"?) to pass a law like this. It's also a shame that it has to be attached to a Defense Bill (irony?) But at least there is finally federal protection for everyone. I wonder how many people outside of the specifically named and protected groups recognize what a big deal this really is? What does that show about our deep-seated and unknown prejudices?
Some states report absolutely NO hate crimes committed on the basis of sexual preference every year. Zero. With such widespread social mores and standard forms of ridicule, how could this be possible? Because abusing someone who is "different" has never been understood to be a law before. It was just putting things back in the "natural order," the "way it should be."
But it is never, ever, acceptable for anyone to commit a hate crime based upon any criteria. And I am continually thankful and proud of President Obama for standing up for equality and justice in real and practical ways.
In case we ever think that hate crimes against those who are "different" aren't common or simply aren't a big deal and so this bill is a silly thing for the government to spend time on, the following video from The Onion points out just how commonplace negative and derogatory language and cultural opinion are regarding transgender individuals. It's important to remember the satirical nature of The Onion, and recognize that while they make fun of people, they are pointing out the common flaws we all share. Its a funny video, because it's true.
And that is more scary than any halloween costume you can find.
How To Find A Masculine Halloween Costume For Your Effeminate Son
Although it was attached to the Defense Spending Bill, President Obama finally signed an updated hate crimes bill into law, which amazingly was first introduced to Congress 13 years ago. The language now includes protection for people from "attacks motivated by race, religion or ethnicity [including] gay, lesbian, transgender and disabled people."
As someone who not only believes in gay rights, but also has family who is disabled and works closely with mentally disabled individuals, in my opinion, this is a huge deal. It's a shame that it's taken so long from the United States (the home of the "free"?) to pass a law like this. It's also a shame that it has to be attached to a Defense Bill (irony?) But at least there is finally federal protection for everyone. I wonder how many people outside of the specifically named and protected groups recognize what a big deal this really is? What does that show about our deep-seated and unknown prejudices?
Some states report absolutely NO hate crimes committed on the basis of sexual preference every year. Zero. With such widespread social mores and standard forms of ridicule, how could this be possible? Because abusing someone who is "different" has never been understood to be a law before. It was just putting things back in the "natural order," the "way it should be."
But it is never, ever, acceptable for anyone to commit a hate crime based upon any criteria. And I am continually thankful and proud of President Obama for standing up for equality and justice in real and practical ways.
In case we ever think that hate crimes against those who are "different" aren't common or simply aren't a big deal and so this bill is a silly thing for the government to spend time on, the following video from The Onion points out just how commonplace negative and derogatory language and cultural opinion are regarding transgender individuals. It's important to remember the satirical nature of The Onion, and recognize that while they make fun of people, they are pointing out the common flaws we all share. Its a funny video, because it's true.
And that is more scary than any halloween costume you can find.
How To Find A Masculine Halloween Costume For Your Effeminate Son
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2 comments:
so......... i read the first paragraph and then pushed play to watch the video....... missed the line, "It's important to remember the satirical nature of The Onion" I was thinking....WHAT??? Thanks for that! Thanks for the current event update Jesse& Thank you Obama.
yeah, I almost didn't include the video for that very reason. glad it made sense in the end though :)
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