Blog Post #1: Prejudice and Bias

The film, The Laramie Project takes place in the town of Laramie, Wyoming where Mathew Shepard was murdered because of his sexuality. The film is composed of interviews based on what townspeople know about the murder and their thoughts/effects on it.  Many of the townspeople had mixed emotions about the story. Many thought it was offensive and too sensitive to talk about it. While others were open to speak about it. Those that were open to talking, knew he was gay. But the overall sense was that no one in Laramie cared about one's sexuality. If people had an issue, they would look the other way. But one night when Mathew was at a bar, he overstepped a boundary with McKinney. Mathew's actions set McKinney off to the point where he felt the rage to murder Mathew. Although Mathews's death was tragic and should not have happened, there was good coming from it. People around the world started to protest "enough is enough". Enough with the hatred towards the gay community. People that were gay were somewhat glad that this event happened because now they can come out. This was a movement of awareness and acceptance of all gay people. 

The article "Hate in Schools: An In-depth Look" talks about the struggles some Mexican students faced after the election of past President Donald Trump. Phrases like "go back to Mexico" and "build the wall" were displayed in Council Rock High in Philadelphia school. These phrases were extremely hurtful and powerful to a minority group of students. The school got together with faculty and parents to address the situation on how to stop these hateful comments and how to move forward. Yet the community pushed back on trying to find a solution. This connects to our lesson on racism in module 2. Last week we spoke about a school in Texas that tried to work on a diversity plan of action, but got pushed back from the community. These two stories connect because they are both working on ways to end racism and judgment of others. Stopping the stigma of people and moving on. Both situations are looking for the good in their students and community. Yet, both communities are not working alongside the school districts. They have different viewpoints. This becomes a problem because if we can not come to a compromise, we can not grow. These students are in situations where they can either side with their school district or their community. This only draws more of a line between the two and no solution. The constant awareness of the situation can help educate people about it which can slowly stop the hateful actions. 

The article "These States Require Schools to Teach LGBT History" gives me mixed emotions. I think we should all be aware of and respect the LGBT community, but I don't think schools should be required to educate about it as a class by itself. I feel that it might be too overwhelming for students to be educated on this topic. I believe that students should be educated on what is going to make them the best person they can be. Although, this topic should be touched on in health class, rather than an entire class. That way students are educated about it and exposed to it. 

Picture: [Rainbow Love Equally] Redbubble. https://www.redbubble.com/i/pin/Love-equally-by-Megana514/46365091.NP9QY