The Fight For Freedom

An essay I wrote for English(:

I think that classes that teach about homosexuality and bisexuality should be compulsory in American schools to prevent bullying. Let me explain why:

Too often, lesbian, gay, or bisexual students are bullied because of the gender(s) that they like. This is unacceptable on many different levels, but the worst part is that this harassment comes not only from students, but employees too! Imagine having a teacher who would rather you be in a different class! Some people claim that bullying is 'part of life', but I beg to differ. Why should it be a part of life? What good comes out of getting emotionally, or even physically hurt? I think that the answer is obvious. A school cannot just defend itself by saying that the student(s) should tell a teacher. Schools should not wait until the bullying happens, rather they should abolish it altogether! I know that if I were the principal of a school, I would certainly not want said school to be a hot topic of the media just because my students are intolerant!

However, bullying does not just make the student feel terrible. No, bullying also hinders the students' ability to work! You cannot truly know how hard it is to block out insults until you are the one receiving them, and the adage, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." is simply not true. Even if a school does not care about being known as an interolant school, it will definitely care about being known as a school whose students have low grades. Schools exist to provide an education, and this simply cannot happen when bigotry is taking place within the classrooms! Moreso, such bigotry may even cause the student(s) to drop out of school altogether. Should it really take a child feeling unsafe at school to bring about change?

If these facts weren't daunting enough, then here's something even more grim: teenagers that are bisexual or homosexual are three times more likely to commit suicide than others their own age. It does not matter where you come from, what religion you practice, what orientation you are, ect: if you think this is a good thing, then you are not sane enough to walk the streets. Are you going to be the one to tell the parent of a homosexual or bisexual who has just suicided that you didn't take any measures to prevent the harassment they faced? The thought of it is heartbreaking.

In conclusion, I think classes that teach about homosexuality and bisexuality should be compulsory in American schools to prevent ignorance and bullying, lest someone, whom may very well be your best friend, fall victim to the atrocities that the halls of high school can hold.

I have to say in all honesty that when I read your title I thought this piece was going to revolve around the American Revolution. I sucked in a breathe of air, preparing myself for the white-washing, deploreable inacccuracies and so forth but no... I was delighted that my suspections were put to a fault.

I've often wondered and discussed this topic opening to friends and co-workers in the manner of if there will eventually be an "inner war" for those who just have a preference of the same or both sexes. At any rate, I've had the pleasure of meeting some of coolest, kindest and all-around, kick ass people known to mankind, and guess what? Yes, they are Gay, Lesbian or Bi, though I seem to meet more Gay men - oh well. Anyway, I could give two craps. So long as I'm treated with respect, that's the key to friendship.

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Now that I've stepped off my soap box, hehe, I did have one question about your essay.

If these facts weren't daunting enough, then here's something even more grim: teenagers that are bisexual or homosexual are three times more likely to commit suicide than others their own age.

Where are your sources for this statement? You cannot generalize. You will have to back up your opinion with concrete sources and/or analysis. Your teacher may not ask for this information but it would be wize to back up your statement to prove you are correct in your assumption. Your peers might object and argue the fact that a select age of teenagers are more prone to suicide or those who are addicted to alcohol/drugs. Again, it will be wize to support yourself with concrete proof to negate aggruments or confusion.

But wonderful piece. You seem very passionate about your opinions and are strong for therm. Thank you for for the read.

Hi! Thanks for the kind words and the review.

About the suicide thing:

"Study Shows Gay Teens at Greater Risk
New York Times, May 18, 1999
[Excerpted from "Science and Health"]

AT RISK: From Gay Teens, a Cry for Help

Teenagers who are gay or bisexual are more than three times as likely to attempt suicide as other youth, according to a Massachusetts study reported this month in The Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. Young men are at particular risk, the report found."

http://www.soulforce.org/article/653

Oh, thanks for your source and the link.

As for your essay, it was well written. I'm not entirely sure why but sometimes writers struggle in finding this "balance" with Non-Fiction. I suppose it's because of old habits in the manner of writing fictional stories for so long, describing actual facts becomes slightly daunting.

I'll try and take a look at this tomorrow and if I should fall into Edit Mode, would you mind a lengthy review if it should happen?

Cheers,
Jess

Samuel Garrison wrote:Oh, thanks for your source and the link.

As for your essay, it was well written. I'm not entirely sure why but sometimes writers struggle in finding this "balance" with Non-Fiction. I suppose it's because of old habits in the manner of writing fictional stories for so long, describing actual facts becomes slightly daunting.

I'll try and take a look at this tomorrow and if I should fall into Edit Mode, would you mind a lengthy review if it should happen?

Cheers,
Jess

Sure thing.

If you don't mind a lengthy review, then that'd be great! Rip it apart as if there's gold hidden between the words if you want My writing always has room for improvement.