It might seem like America has made strides in Civil Rights, including the gay movement, but looking at repeated instances of homophobia in the media undermines attempts to move forward.
The Gay Rights’ movement was sent into high tail forward with Obama’s announcement he opposed the ban on same-sex marriages in 2008. Within the last year, same sex marriages became legal in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York.
Despite these huge progressions, public anxiety over this openness leaves the movement in a gray area. Controversy emerged over Chaz Bono, transgendered child of Sonny and Cher, being a participant of popular show “Dancing with the Stars”. Critics claimed it would confuse children, while supporters stated it opened grounds for discussion and understanding. Bono was allowed to continue on the show.
The end of “don’t ask don’t tell” in the military by President Obama removed the cloak from closeted service members, promoting further equal rights.
However, homophobia in recent years has not been put to rest by strides in gay rights. In recent years, infamous remarks by actor Mel Gibson provoked him to publically apologize, and actor Isaiah Washington was forced to reprise his role in “Grey’s Anatomy”. Even more recently, Oscars’ producer Brett Ratner resigned from his position after using an f-bomb at a media event. Huge media coverage was given to the Westboro Baptist Church after members’ appearances at funerals of soldiers holding signs that stated “God Hates Fags”. The public mostly reacted with disgust to such extremists, but the church’s beliefs express some backward opinions still held in America.
While anti-gay sentiment in America presents a resistance, the rights of gays and lesbians are still on the rise. It can be hard to predict the future of Gay Rights, but ultimatley the country is moving towards greater rights.
Good essay, but it needs closer proofreading.
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