Social Movements

Poster for PSU's 2008 Pride Week Rally
clubs.psu.edu

            As I was walking back from class (actually, from LA101H) the other day I noticed an LGBTA march for equality along Pollock Road. They were ahead of me, but I could still distinctly hear their shouts of “We Are… Penn State! We Are… Not Straight!” I love seeing people standing up for their rights. I love that this is America, and that we are all entitled to be exactly who we are without prosecution. What I don’t love, though, is that in this country founded upon freedom, there is still prejudice, hate, and ignorance. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but no one should be allowed to unfairly judge or harm someone who is different from them. If you don’t believe in something, then don’t do it. Don’t try to force others into your beliefs.

Old Main!
studentaffairs.psu.edu

This thought was brought to the forefront of my mind when I noticed that police flanked the LGBTA. I was reassured, I guess, that they had protection, but I was bothered that they needed it in the first place. In so many social movements for great causes in America’s history, violence has been an issue. Those standing up for what they believe in, regardless of the cause, deserve respect and the ability to support their beliefs safely. America was founded upon the desire for freedom, and that struggle extended through the Civil Rights Movement, the Women’s Rights Movement, and now the LGBTA Rights Movement – struggles that in some sense all still exist and are being represented, and, unfortunately, also dissented.

Lady Gaga for equality
fanpop.com

I strongly believe in and support the move towards complete equality. I am proud to think of myself as an Ally, one who supports and those coming out, one who supports the small steps towards equality. When I see peaceful demonstrations or marches I am moved; I am strongly inclined to become more involved, or involved at all. Organized awareness activities by groups such as the LGBTA have the potential to make the world a more accepting, better place. But those who cannot accept individuals who are different from what they know, and can’t acknowledge that people should be able to live in their own preferred way, severely hinder the rhetoric these groups hold. By repeatedly shooting down efforts through hate or violence, discouragement and fear can be instilled in those involved. It can halt progress in its path, and that not only hurts those involved in the movement, but the country as a whole.