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YO!
YO! is a collection of short pieces by the writers at Youth Outlook!
So, today’s two big stories are: California’s Supreme Court has decided to uphold prop 8, and Obama has nominated Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. I’m noticing the seeming inverse relationship between racial progression in politics and the rights of same-sex couples. For the record, I am not implying that these two stories are related to one another, but just like on the bittersweet evening of November 4th, the equality and fair treatment for queers (is that PC?) gets dooped, while racially conscious folk take one small step towards the multi-cultural Kumbaya jam session on Capitol Hill. Today’s meeting in California ruled to uphold the Prop 8 ban on same-sex marriage. Although the overall decision to uphold the ban will leave many disappointed, the court ruled favorably towards the 18,000 legally wed same-sex couples who have been in matrimonial limbo since California voters passed the proposition that legally defines marriage being between a man and a woman. As for the race card: Sonia from the block. It seems fitting that in Obama’s historic presidential term he would open the door for more flava’ in Old Boys Clubs’ of America. Sotomayor, who Obama praised for her “intellect…and mastery of the law”, would be the first Latino and third woman to ever be appointed to the high court. In taking a “when one of us prevails, we all succeed” perspective, this is good news, while the same can be said of the “when one of us fails, we all loose” concept (the “we” being marginalized populations). I if anyone would agree that that the two struggles (racial equality and gay rights) both have distinctly unique histories and implications, and that this isn’t a black and white issue. I’m looking at the cup as half full, Sonia may not do much to physically improve my life or community, but in the ripple effect that these towards of advances have for people who can identify with her or her experiences, she’s a inspiration. Viva La Raza! And to all my LGBTQ homies, keep fighting the good fight and hopefully with the doors being opened towards racial/culturally diversity in will come people who hold real positions of power and influence and go to bat for ALL underdogs: the black ones, the gay ones, the fat ones, the short ones, and of course the Orlando Magic. comments |
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I find your comments pretty disrespectful. While you claim a certain unity and sadness at the plight of the LGBT community, you simultaneously find it easy to denigrate the achievements of the first Latino Supreme Court Justice by calling her Sonia from the block. The contradictions in your note reflect the very lack of unity that you seem to claim. It seems inherent in your perspective that people of color owe something to the LGBT community or vice versa. Recognize that the issues are distinct and that your bitter words only detract from your political goals. Who would want to support your struggle when your tongue in cheek attitude only lacks respect towards the struggle of others? This is the attitude that allowed Prop 8 to pass. Until you conquer your own sense of self-entitlement, I do not see you convincing anyone of why they should support you.
By Joe Everyman · Posted on May 26, 05:35 PMsorry but you were never enslaved or imprisoned for just looking a certain way…no matter how much you wanted to look different.
By kenji murakami · Posted on May 26, 09:53 PM