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TO THE PARTICIPANTS OF THIS WRITEOFF (Reply to this comment)
by xxneoconxx
I have posted a unique perspective on the matter of gay marriage at the following link: http://www.epinions.com/content_4419985540
Those interested in hearing from more than one side on the issue are encouraged to check it out.
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Jul 03 '05
9:39 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Interesting point of view (Reply to this comment)
by modernmarvel
Thanks for the long and thoughtful comment and I think I understand your points. I definitely can see the need for clubs or groups for people who feel they are outsiders. However, I also remember my high school days and how common it was for kids to have sex. Of course, this was in the days before AIDs, but I am guessing that kids are just as willing as they ever were.
My preference, as a parent, is to keep sexuality out of the schools. I can see the need for such groups but would prefer they be held after school hours and preferably out of the the school building. Certainly, some kids are well aware of their sexuality early on but lots of kids are not. There is plenty of time to learn about such things, hopefully when the child is mature enough to also understand the need for protection and the emotional side of sexuality. I would prefer that the middle school and high school hours are spent on academics. The social stuff can wait until after 3pm. That way, the kids that are ready can seek out such groups. The kids that are late bloomers can wait until they are ready.
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May 15 '05
1:49 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Interesting point of view (Reply to this comment)
by jenbug101
In my high school (which I was in not that long ago...seven years) we had a gay/straight alliance group, and I knew a few people who went to the meetings and were very glad it existed. I agree that that there are many teenagers out there who are not yet sophisticated/mature enough to know for sure about their sexuality, especially those who tend to fall more into the bisexual category...they may find themselves attracted to both sexes, and may not pick a "preferred" gender for many years, if ever. However, there are also many kids who fall more towards the very gay end of the spectrum, people who have known they were gay from a very young age. I myself am heterosexual (I suppose you could say I have a bit of a leaning towards women, but not enough to actually experiment with it), and even though I was not aware of sexuality as a motivator per se until my teens, I knew I thought boys were cute and had crushes on my male classmates even when I was in elementary school. So it is possible for people to realize that they are attracted to the same gender at a fairly early age, even if they don't recognize the sexual component of this attraction until puberty.
I think the gay/straight alliance clubs in high schools are VERY important, especially considering that this is the age when kids can feel most alienated and like outcasts--it is known that gay teenagers especially are more prone to depression and suicide. Mostly it is important to recognize that these groups are not for "hooking up" or for discussions of sex...think of them more sort of support groups for kids who may feel very alone and persecuted. They just let them know that they are not alone in the world, that they are not monsters. Their discussions center on how it feels to be gay, how they first knew they were gay, how to relate to peers, etc.
Thanks for the interesting thoughts, everyone.
J
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May 13 '05
1:12 pm PDT
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Re: England (Reply to this comment)
by modernmarvel
I believe there are several countries that already legalize gay marriage. I do think most or all of the states will legalize it within a generation.
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May 02 '05
2:56 am PDT
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Re: Nice writing.. (Reply to this comment)
by modernmarvel
I suppose that is true. However, I remember taking a sociology class in college many years ago. The professor discussed the fact that homosexuality has been documented throughout human history even though homosexuals are less likely to reproduce. It seems inherent in the design to me since, no matter whether homosexuality is embraced or oppressed, it still seems to exist and continue on through the generations in the rights proportions for us to continue on in the human race. I am not religious, but it does seem to be somehow part of the master plan. Besides, given the overwhelming population explosions in parts of the world, it might be better for less reproduction in some cases.
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May 02 '05
2:55 am PDT
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England (Reply to this comment)
by jankp
They're legalizing gay marriage in December. We'll be behind them eventually. Good point about elementary educaton.
Jan
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May 01 '05
1:20 am PDT
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Nice writing.. (Reply to this comment)
by stse
Just some thought...
If the world was fill with gay people in the previous generations, you and I will not exist long time ago........
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Apr 30 '05
2:23 pm PDT
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Re: Well written (Reply to this comment)
by modernmarvel
There is quite a bit of interracial marriage in our area as well. I have never heard anyone even discuss the matter. Yet, fifty years ago, interracial marriage was still illegal in places. I think gay marriage will be the same. Massachusetts has fully legalized it. Vermont and Connecticut have civil ceremonies. I really believe it will eventually spread across the country. It may be debated in the meantime but we will get there eventually.
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Apr 29 '05
7:32 am PDT
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Re: Interesting point of view (Reply to this comment)
by modernmarvel
I am surprised by what is taught in the schools nowadays without even informing parents. My daughter came home from second grade to tell me how wonderful it was that Massachusetts legalized gay marriage. When I asked her what gay marriage was, she didn't know. I have heard in the high schools, there are many organized groups for gay students. I wonder how a 15 year old knows their sexual orientation? I certainly wasn't that sophisticated at 15 and, I suspect, not all kids today are either. I suppose my concern is not so much with homosexuality. I am much more concerned that any sexuality is being discussed in the public schools.
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Apr 29 '05
7:29 am PDT
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Well written (Reply to this comment)
by pilarzmom
I liked your comment
I think homosexuality and gay marriage will be a big yawn in 100 years, similar to the way interracial marriage is now.
Living in California and being in an interracial marriage myself, I know this this to to be so true. Best guess is that roughly 15 % of the kids in our school (and higher in some grade levels) fit the interracial category. Sadly, California has yet to find a category for them for statistical data and reporting of testing scores. My oldest one is at that age were he is acutely aware of it and he can't understand why - to him it's perfectly normal that daddy is Chinese and mommy is Caucasian.
Enjoyed reading,
Peggy
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Apr 29 '05
6:46 am PDT
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Interesting point of view (Reply to this comment)
by artbyjude
especially your concern about your children. I remember thinking similar thoughts when they were passing out condoms in sex education class. In my day, it was basic science being taught. With my high school daughter a few years ago, I found out they were giving lessons in how to do it! I say let them have to figure it out for themselves (like I did!).
So basic information inspiring sexual encounters could be a problem. As for accepting alternatve life style, I firmly believe if a kids parents treat others with love and compassion the kid will accept that as the way to act in the world, and all the differences will be discovered in time.
It is such a different world than the one I grew up in It is scary sometimes.
Jude
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Apr 28 '05
7:37 pm PDT
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