This is something that has been bothering me lately.
I watched a clip on the news yesterday about the We are Family video making the rounds promoting different types of families and was bemused to learn that any reference to families with 2 same sex parents had been purged from the teachers guide accompanying the video. The explanation that the guide was edited so it would fit into the case was offered by the makers of the video and they denied any attempt to be concilliatory to the naysayers of the video. The wingers for their part said it was a wise move and I guess an indication that their campaign against the video was at least partially successful. Appearances are everything I guess.
I saw the kids reaction to the video and they were SO sweet. They really really seemed to like it. These amateur critics were well spoken for their age and one little boy sang a snippet of the song that accompanied the video. They actually seemed to get many many positive messages from it . My personal favorite was the little girl who said it taught her that families are there to support you when you need help. I didn't hear one kid say it taught them to respect same sex families.
I think that is a good thing because it means that each kids takes away from this video idea's that are important to THEM and not something on someone else' agenda. I am sure a kid who comes from a family with 2 moms or 2 dads would be pleased to have a family represented that mirrors their own experience, validates it without making it a divisive issue. You think these kids aren't hurt by the prejudice against their families? Think again. I think the hate directed at them by groups like "Focus on the Family" is Very harmful and hurtful. The kids from more traditional families also benefit from this child's family being represented. It helps them to understand that there are many different paths families can take and that each path, while they may be difference, are equally valid. Hatred is learned behaviour. Acceptance is as well. What the heck is wrong with learning acceptance instead of hate? Similarily a kid who's family consists of an aunt raising them or a grandparent or a single dad or mom will also take comfort in their lifestyle being represented. It's all about inclusivness not about issues.
I hear christian fundamentalists ranting all the time about the children. How same sex marriages or unions somehow hurt the children. They scream it from the rooftops. My question is .... where is their proof? What are their sources? Are they just speaking from their own prejudices or do they have some evidence to support their position?
They were opposed to this video from the getgo. Why? Because it teaches something they are supposed to promote? Peace love acceptance and tolerance? Good christian values? Or because it did not promote their REAL VALUES, bigotry, intolerance, hate and fear. When looking in the mirror I don't think these right wings fascists liked what they saw. They will continue to scream and beat their chests in mock outrage. The volume will no doubt be loud as if that somehow makes their message more righteous. They will however continue to be wrong and the march of humanity will eventually drown them out because fairness and equity are too powerful a driving force to be denied.
IA
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