The last few chapters that I read in my Sociology textbook really
impacted me in many ways. There are a
great many injustices in this world, and these chapters covered just a few of
them, but the ones that were covered are very significant. I will try to keep my reflections short and
to the point.
Race and
Ethnicity:
Racial slurs, biases, discrimination, and violence are a few of
the issues that many people have to face on a daily basis. You can’t even turn on the TV or listen to
music without being bombarded with hate and intolerance. Many minorities are treated unfairly. This is
also a huge concern when it comes to immigration, and the new immigration law
of Arizona. There is already a lot of negativity
in regards to minorities, and now that this law is in place it opens the door
for discrimination. Many people who were
born and raised in America may suddenly find themselves in a position of being
racially profiled.
Gender
Inequality and Sexual Orientation:
Sexism is just as prevalent today as
it was 100 years ago. The only
difference is that now it is disguised in clever ways. Women are still treated as if they are
weaker, and somehow second to men. Sure constitutional
rights are in place, but there is still a silent epidemic of biases and
mistreatment. Men do not necessarily
have it any easier in some cases. If a
man does not seem “masculine” enough then often times he might become a target
of assumptions and harassment. One’s
sexual orientation cannot be and should not be based on whether or not they are
“masculine”. It really is true; you can’t
judge a book by its cover. This brings
me to “don’t ask don’t tell”. Many men and women have to live in secrecy for
fear that their sexual orientation will cause them to lose their job, or
worse. Many people take for granted
being able to talk about plans with their spouse, or being able to post pictures
of their loved one in their office. I
find this to be very unsettling. People
are forced to live a facade, and this brings on a host of issues, including
depression. I really hope that this can
change, and soon. I do not see how it is
fair that I can talk about my spouse and children, when so many cannot. I am
really thankful that a few states have now legalized same sex marriages. We still have a long way to go, but we are definitely
headed into the right direction.
Children who are growing up as homosexual, or transgendered, have a
multitude of hurdles. I would love to
see anti discriminatory laws put in place for classroom and school
settings. Children have rights too.
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