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Essay / Homosexuality and prevention of homophobia
Homophobia at school has taken on a different tone in recent years. There is obvious harassment of homosexuals in the school system; however, there is also a lack of recognition of triumphs within the gay population due to a failure to accurately depict historical events. Thus, the lack of proper care in schools creates an unnecessary stigma around homosexuality that perpetuates the failure of homosexual members of society. Homophobia is defined as “an irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or gay people” (Merriam-Webster Online). Although it is evident that gay students constitute only a small group within the school's minority, there is little effort in the program to recognize even small contributions to history. Black History Month is more prevalent in public school systems today and frequently uses literature depicting the uprising of African and African-American society as a means of empowering students. However, the same cannot be said of literature, whether historical or fictional, about homosexuals who worked hard to create a less hostile society. Additionally, by not being part of a visible minority, the gay community experiences the kind of prejudice that is created when a person decides that being gay is a choice, unlike race defined by skin color. Complete neutrality in the classroom, as required by Quebec education laws, often dissipates in the classroom when homosexuality is discussed, as teachers themselves may have an even older set of values. This may be due to their own religious heritage, which makes homophobia in schools even more difficult to address in an effective and progressive manner. Over the past decades, ...... middle of paper ...... opinions on the subject, and are able to see the contributions of this society. With increasing tolerance within schools and greater openness in school programs, ethical debates arise between parents and educators, plunging children into a “perverse” world. As the facts continue to mount to counter the "gay choice" argument and more in favor of genetics and hormones, more and more evidence presents itself to younger students who will ultimately shape society and future generations. This continues to be a debate, but it is abundantly clear that the more open schools are about homosexuality, the more open-minded members of society will be. If homosexuality is taught as completely acceptable in schools, there will be a more tolerant and less prejudiced society in the future, despite the color of their skin or the love in their hearts..