Guys

This week we look at gender roles from a variety of sources.  One in particular stood out for me- an article on school shootings, that pointed out how most of the shooters were male, white, from middle class homes in rural or suburban area, and in Republican states.  All of the shooters were also reportedly "gay-baited-" meaning that other students questioned their "masculinity."  The society around us celebrates and sensationalizes violence, and gives guys negative views of themselves if they stray from the so called "norms."  Looking at gender roles for guys is not something that a lot of people look at, but I think that maybe taking a closer look would be a good step in helping other like movements (female and queer.)

(Food for thought- the straight boys went out and killed other people, while the gay boys recently just killed themselves.  I'm not really sure where I'm going with this, but I'm sure there's a point to be made... Anyone?)

Purple

Shocker. Another gay post.

But at least it applies to this week's lesson. This past Wednesday, people across America wore purple to honor the many teens who've taken their lives this past few months as a result of anti-gay bullying.  Some of the kids were still in middle school, and struggling with their identity.  Their peers harassed them to the horrific extent that they felt that suicide was their only option.

I'm gay (if any readers hadn't noticed.)  Thankfully, I've been lucky enough to never have been subjected to anti-LGBT hate directly, but I hear homophobia everyday in the hallway.

"That's so gay."

"[Blank] is such a faggot."

"You look like a queer today."

Casual remarks that further stereotypes, and further hate. Take notice to what you say, because it might be hurting someone else.

I really hate how our school, besides the GSA, doesn't offer any education about sexuality.  In health class sophomore year, when I was just coming out, that topic was completely skimmed over.  And even Wednesday, when many people wore purple, the school didn't offer any moment of silence, or recognition of the idea of combating bullying.  Nothing.

It's time for a change.

http://www.thetrevorproject.org/ 

Nature AND Nurture

Deja vu.  I wrote about this concept in my first post, but now we're actually learning about it in class.  We looked at different groups (nurture) that influence people, which has made me think about what groups influence me (another deja vu- see intro post).

In my family, I was nurtured to become a caring person, a lover of books, and someone with a sense of humor.  In my lower and middle school, which was an isolated, private Jewish day school, I was nurtured to love Judaism and be a good person, but I was also cut off from learning about different cultures and ways of life.  It wasn't until I went to high school that I became friends with Christians, or any ethnicity besides "white."  There was a little bit of a "hidden curriculum" that anyone non-Jewish was "different."  It wasn't a negative thought- just one I only noticed once out of the school.

I played softball when I was younger, and every sports team in middle school had both girl and boy teams, so there was never a "girls shouldn't play sports" vibe.  But many of the more religious families at the school tried to separate prayers, or prevent women from wearing prayer shawls. Since I was on the opposite end, I (wish many others) fought against these rules and negative messages.

It's really interesting looking at the nine years I spent in this close-nit environment in sociological terms, especially since my sister is still there, so I can see how she's currently being nurtured by the school.

A post about Nothing

The other day, I went to a fitness club and didn't do anything for ten minutes.  Well, total it was ten minutes.  But I kept being interrupted by staff and other members who thought I was lost, or just being a nuisance.

"I'm not doing anything," I protested.
"Well, you can't just stand here. Why don't you get on a machine? Or go to a class?"

Why is doing Nothing such a social stigma?  Everyone constantly needs to moving, or working, or at least thinking.  Especially where I live, people are horrified if you take time off from a day or a week just to relax.  People scoff at the idea of taking a gap year after high school, just to think and relax and gather  thoughts.

I have friends in Israel who are 25 and still haven't gone to college.  In Israel, there is mandatory army service after high school, wither for three or four years.  Afterwords, the 20-21 year old are encouraged to travel the world, get a job with a camp, or just sit  back and think about what they want to do.  Many would be horrified by this, but Israel's economy is ranked 17th in the world and the most durable in the face of a crisis. (Source)

Maybe Americans should sit back and learn from their "chill" friends in the Middle East.  I know I would appreciate some time to relax!