Monday, May 31, 2010

(16) Equal persons, equal ideas, equal behaviors? : The Gay Battle for Social Reorganization of America

Master Status?

Our society seems to now be identifying a person primarily by sexual orientation or gender identity. This places sexual behavior on the throne as the most important aspect of our lives. However, a person's sexual orientation is not their master status.

We are individuals who have potential for developing and making choices about how we live our lives. We are endowed with many abilities and opportunities to move and grow in many directions. We are not pre-determined. We all have potential for many sexual behaviors, depending on our nature, our nurture, our choices and our social influences.

Created equal

Our country was founded on a patriotic 'faith statement' that declares all men (presumably, people) are created equal. This is not a statement of fact, because in fact, we are not equal. We differ in innumerable ways. People differ in value both in regard to themselves and in regard to society.

The founding fathers affirmed a divine power. Our 'created equal' faith statement only has truth in the light that we have worth endowed by our creator as a searching and striving soul. We have spiritual and eternal worth. The assumption of the ultimate equality of each person cannot be separated from the soul.

Our democracy was founded on the essential assumption that individuals can and will strive for goodness. Our affirmed 'right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness' does not include the right to violently or carelessly confront the well being of the larger social good.

Countries that lose a foundation of spiritual reality soon demonstrate that many people who are no longer contributing to or supporting the political agendas are no longer needed or wanted in the society.

Equal ideas / behaviors?

To say that all persons are created equal cannot be equated with saying that all ideas and behaviors are created equal. However, this seems to be the outgrowth and false conclusion that our culture is proclaiming. We are now saying that ideas and behaviors held by a small minority of persons must be considered equal to ideas and values that have been cherished and supported through the years by the majority of people. To negatively judge or evaluate the minority idea is labeled a hate crime.

Homosexual relationships have always been present to some extent in our society, for whatever personal or social reasons. They have been tolerated and allowed as a necessary condition for some.

Violence or disrespectful behaviors toward homosexuals or any minority group are inappropriate.

Consequences predominate.

Ideas and behaviors must be evaluated and judged by the consequences they produce for the persons involved and for the larger society.

It is now being promoted that homosexual behaviors should be taught to our children as equally appropriate social relationships.

It is not useful, appropriate or wise to use exceptions to argue for or define normality.

The normalization of homosexuality in society would create profound changes in social organization that warrant caution and serious consideration. Heterosexual marriage is a foundation for personal and social integration between the sexes and generations.

The traditional family preserves and passes down its unique cultural values to the next generation, providing checks and balances in society which guard against destructive extremism. The greatest sources of nurture, support and meaning for the majority of Americans are found within intergenerational family relationships.

Personal health risks associated with homosexual behaviors are deeply troubling. The American Medical Association confirms that homosexual youth are 23 times more apt to contact a sexually transmitted disease than their heterosexual counterparts.

Protecting democracy!

The concept of 'equality of persons' is not to be equated with the insistence that every idea or behavior of a minority or small group should be used to determine what all others must accept or abide by.

Democracy requires responsible debate and consideration of behavioral and social consequences when changes in social relationships are proposed.

This process is the best way to ensure well being for the larger good and to ensure protection and support for all citizens.