From the Alinsky article, I would use the rule number seven to help solve a problem in my own community because I this is extremely relevant to the gay marriage, or prop 8 campaign. Rule number seven states, "Success or Failure is a mighty determinant of ethics." Conservatives would consider themselves having "won" because they made the LGBTQI population lose- is that ethical? if you're narrow minded, and your winning depends on how concerned you are that a same sex marriage would in some way make your marriage illegitimate. I recently heard someone say on a television show, "Who cares if gays and lesbians want to be as unhappy as us? No worry to me." This is a comedic way to look at the questions that rise when gay marriage is brought up in the context that marriage for heterosexual couples would be less than, or heaven forbid equal to that of gay marriage. What is legitimate about marriage when there are so many cases every day of adultery, divorce and unhappiness that wouldn't allow a population of in love people experience this, in consequence to immoral activities and lack of communication?
If those who saw "winning" qualified as denying other individuals their equal rights were able to shift their lens, they would quickly see that gay marriages in no way affect a heterosexual marriage- therefore it is a win-win for all- we all get state and federal protection and the ability to be at our partner's hospital bedside if they pass. Is anyone's marriage "legitimacy" enough to deny someone of this and so many other marriage rights and benefits?
Its amazing to me that conservatives feel they have won. I don't see those against the LGBTQ movement as an actual counter movement- their disapproval is not much more than that, I look forward to the day when all marriages are accepted, and I believe that day will be much sooner than later. Marriage is something between two people, which affects those two- not everybody else
ReplyDeleteYou raised some really good points in this post! I like the way you used this particular Alinsky rule. It's really sad how so many people feel successful over the failure of another individual or group. Your quote from tv made me think that when, not if, gay marriage is passed, that these couples will see happier marriages and less divorce than many heterosexual marriages.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. I think that people always feel a particular "winning" attitude..especially heterosexual people believing that by keeping gay marriage out of their city they have won. I am a full supporter of gay marriage and find it horrible that people cannot grasp the concept of love. whether they believe in it or not. I think that showing their "disapproval" of gay marriage really can show someones true ethics and that a failure for one is NOT a success for another, in this case. Gay marriage is something that should have been passed along time ago and it is pretty upsetting that people have such strong issues and hatred towards those who simple want love in their life and they have no problem who knows it. That to me shows true character. If anything, the people going against all of this should have conversations with the gay people they are going against. These people need a clear understanding and a clear knowledge of how their opinions do affect others.
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