Sexual Education

[Hegel]

In the United States of America, homophobia is rampant. I live in a community, and go to a church, where homophobia is the norm. This is a difficult problem to combat. So many people feel that homosexuality is wrong, and then pass this belief down to thier children. One solution for this problem I thought of was teaching homosexuality in school sex education programs, as an acceptable alternative to hetrosexual sex. My thought is that if at least one influence in thier live (even if a small one) tells then that homosexuals are not evil, then perhaps it may become possible to combat homophobia, in the same way we combat racism.

Pros, cons, just random comments. What do you think?

 

[prettygirlsmakegrave]

I agree completely. Yet in the public school system it would be so hard to present this idea because of all the homophobic thoughts surrounding the issue. It may be considered trying to force kids into homosexuality, although it obviously isn't! I wish this would work because it would help the underlying problem of homophobia incredibly.

 

[Guest]

I think some of what it takes to shake the bigotry is actually knowing a gay person. It's not easy for the bigot to do, but if they can be friendly with just one gay person, it's a good start. It's too easy to hate people from a distance after all...

 

[aerocontrols]

One solution for this problem I thought of was teaching homosexuality in school sex education programs, as an acceptable alternative to hetrosexual sex.

Could you clarify this suggestion a bit?

Thanks.

MattJ

 

[Hegel]

Clarification

Sure, thing.

What I meant is that in the public education system, the sexual education programs would be required to teach homosexual sexuality, as an equal alternative to hetrosexuality in an unbiased and informative way.

Hope that clears it up.

 

[Sundog]

Allow me to be the Devil's Advocate for a moment.

So your solution to the fact that most people don't feel the way you do would be a public-funded, government-approved "education" campaign to socially engineer their thinking to what they Should Think?

Love it.

 

[Mr Manifesto]

Allow me to be the Devil's Advocate for a moment.

So your solution to the fact that most people don't feel the way you do would be a public-funded, government-approved "education" campaign to socially engineer their thinking to what they Should Think?

Love it.

It isn't social engineering. Fear is bred from ignorance. Education is designed to counter ignorance. Fear cannot breed without ignorance. That is all that is being proposed.

 

[Upchurch]

One solution for this problem I thought of was teaching homosexuality in school sex education programs, as an acceptable alternative to hetrosexual sex.

While I think homophobia is about as moronic as racism, but I don't know that I think this is the best solution.

First, I think sexual education in school should be focused on the mechanics of the process and how to protect one's self from disease and unwanted pregnancy. I don't think it's the school's responsibility to present sexual preferences nor to decide which ones are "acceptable" and which ones are not. For example, should schools also teach about S&M? Foot fetishes? Furries? Who decides which orientations are to be taught and which ones are not.

Second, imagine that Tommy goes to school and learns how homosexuals are people too and are no different than you and me. Then, Tommy goes home that night and hear's his dad talk about those G*d d*mn*d F*gg*ts that are going to burn in hell. Which of the mixed messages do you think Tommy is going to believe?

No, I don't think the school is the right way to initiate social change like this.

 

[aerocontrols]

Sure, thing.

What I meant is that in the public education system, the sexual education programs would be required to teach homosexual sexuality, as an equal alternative to hetrosexuality in an unbiased and informative way.

Hope that clears it up.

It does.

I side against top-down socialization requirements for the public schools, no matter how well intentioned they are.

MattJ

 

[Mr Manifesto]

Re: Re: Sexual Education

While I think homophobia is about as moronic as racism, but I don't know that I think this is the best solution.

First, I think sexual education in school should be focused on the mechanics of the process and how to protect one's self from disease and unwanted pregnancy. I don't think it's the school's responsibility to present sexual preferences nor to decide which ones are "acceptable" and which ones are not. For example, should schools also teach about S&M? Foot fetishes? Furries? Who decides which orientations are to be taught and which ones are not.

People with foot fetishes or S&M tendencies don't get beaten in public for holding hands with their partner. You're comapring apples to oranges.

Second, imagine that Tommy goes to school and learns how homosexuals are people too and are no different than you and me. Then, Tommy goes home that night and hear's his dad talk about those G*d d*mn*d F*gg*ts that are going to burn in hell. Which of the mixed messages do you think Tommy is going to believe?

No, I don't think the school is the right way to initiate social change like this.

My father is a homophobe and a racist. I am not. I learned tolerance in school. Granted not all think like I do but school is the place for learning about society not the home.

 

[Mr Manifesto]

This is in no way on topic but who is rating all the threads '1' and why are they doing it? I'm not bothered just curious about the human condition. Is this some sort of poetry?

 

[Tony]

Why not teaching kids HOW to think instead of WHAT to think? You discribe "homophobia" as a "problem". I think a bigger problem is indoctrinating kids. Teach kids how to think critically and logically, and you will solve the "problem of homophobia".

 

[Upchurch]

Re: Re: Re: Sexual Education

People with foot fetishes or S&M tendencies don't get beaten in public for holding hands with their partner. You're comapring apples to oranges.

I don't think it's that different, but granted, those groups aren't easily identifiable. How about transexuals or transvestites, then? Apply that to the argument.

My father is a homophobe and a racist. I am not. I learned tolerance in school. Granted not all think like I do but school is the place for learning about society not the home.

To your credit, I believe you are the exception rather than the rule. How else could students from the same class have different views? However, what really bothers me about this is the implication that the schools should shape the morals and values of children rather than the parents. Granted, in your case, it was for the better, but I still don't think that school is the proper mechanism.

 

[Sundog]

It does.

I side against top-down socialization requirements for the public schools, no matter how well intentioned they are.

MattJ

Agreed, wholeheartedly.

 

[Mr Manifesto]

I don't think it's that different, but granted, those groups aren't easily identifiable. How about transexuals or transvestites, then? Apply that to the argument.

I do not have a problem with this too. Who are they hurting?

 

[Upchurch]

Why not teaching kids HOW to think instead of WHAT to think? You discribe "homophobia" as a "problem". I think a bigger problem is indoctrinating kids. Teach kids how to think critically and logically, and you will solve the "problem of homophobia".

Yes. I agree except that "problem of homophobia" is really loaded. A better approach may be to discuss the "issue of homosexuality", perhaps?

 

[Upchurch]

I do not have a problem with this too. Who are they hurting?

*sigh*

No one. (Well, maybe the transgendered are hurting themselves. I can't imagine anyone doing that to their own bodies.) I have friends who are each, including transgendered. What I'm saying is, who decides what is acceptable and what is not?

Let's go to a logical extreme. Is pedophilia and incest acceptable or unacceptable? I think it is, but that's my opinion. Someone else may have a different opinion on the issue. Do I get to choose who teaches what is morally acceptable to my kids or does someone else?

 

[aerocontrols]

Let's go to a logical extreme. Is pedophilia and incest acceptable or unacceptable? I think it is, but that's my opinion. Someone else may have a different opinion on the issue. Do I get to choose who teaches what is morally acceptable to my kids or does someone else?

Let's rather go to the other extreme, where people Manifesto may consider to be intolerant choose how to socialize children in school.

MattJ

 

[ZeeGerman]

Look here ! the comics of this G[a|u]y are the funniest way to get to understand gays. Very popular among homos and heteros alike in Germany and some other countries. Unfortuantaley, translations in English are rare (I wonder why...).

If you are an american prude - beware, some of the strips are very revealing even more than this
one


Zee

[edited, to defuse a non "work safe" picture ]

 

[aerocontrols]

Zee...

That picture is not work-safe. Please replace it or get rid of it.

edit: Thanks, Zee.

MattJ