Same Script, Different Group: Discrimination In America Continues

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/08/28/same-script-different-group-discrimination-in-america-continues/

We are about to celebrate the 5oth anniversary of one of the most significant events in American history: the March on Washington. Of course, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. also gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech that day. All Americans should take this anniversary as a time to reflect on what Dr. King’s words meant, 

what the sacrifices made by him and countless others meant, and, most of all, what it all means today and how we can continue to advance that dream.

I am an American of mostly African descent, born and raised in one of the most backwards, prejudiced states in the union: South Carolina. I know that we have come a long way since Dr. King’s historic speech, but, being raised where I was raised, I also know that we still have a whole lot further to go.

 I remember listening to my grandfather talk about being a sharecropper, and I remember listening to my parents, aunts, and uncles, talk about their often less- qualified white counterparts getting jobs that, in a perfect world, easily should have belonged to my family members (this is the only kind of Affirmative Action conservative can get behind).

 I remember hating looking at the Confederate battle flag that, to this day, still flies on the state house grounds of my home state. Finally, I remember what made me escape to the blue state of New York and stay here: the fact that there was a Klu Klux Klan rally planned not even an hour from where I lived. I had finally had enough.

Now, despite all of these things, I do know that things are a lot better than they were in times past as far as racial equality goes in this country. However, I can’t help but think that there is another minority that has a whole lot further to go than African- Americans do: the LGBT community.

i would think the author might rethink his last paragraph, thinks have become more inclusive but other still and it there wake new or should i say revamped prejudices have risen again.

is it freedom when the republicans can continue doing what they always have with renewed vigor and hatred, is it coming along way when Pres. overwhelmingly elected twice still has to go through White bigotry and racism, to extent that those oppose have in effect shut down the gov't,

 congress approves nothing that will give Pres. credit, the holding us back holds their poor and needy back as well, sad as it is those gullible ones are the real reason things are as they are, they voted for the scourge of America.

Now, I am well aware that many African- Americans are less than thrilled about the idea of drawing parallels between the civil rights movement of the 1960′s and the fight for LGBT equality today. But, as someone who is both African- American and gay, I cannot ignore the obvious similarities. The same arguments that were used to justify hatred based upon race in past times are being used to justify similar sentiments based upon sexual orientation and gender identity today. Remember the despicable arguments used to deny mixed race couples the right to marry? Let me refresh your memories:

It's unnatural.

God didn't intend the races to mix.

It will destroy the sanctity of marriage

States' rights!

Think of the children. Think of how much harder their lives will be.

Those arguments were made against interracial marriage in the times of Dr. King. Their gender- related equivalents are made against same-sex marriage today. Mostly with the exact same words. This is not a coincidence.

Once again, I know that many African- Americans resent the comparisons between the civil rights movement of yesterday and the fight for LGBT equality today. I have to say, though, as someone with a foot in both worlds, the parallels are undeniable. Further, I believe Dr. King would have wanted all people to have their civil rights, not just "his" people.

the situation is similar the circumstance not but i understand his  comparison it is of a basic view, discrimination and racist bigotry is as egregious anywhere it's found one instance might go father then another, then another to far, either way it's imposing ones will on another as well as trying to restrict their right to happiness. life is easier in some places but not equally among the states,  those who still fight and vow to ignore the law create the last few bridges they need to cross, God Bless their struggle to be treated as everyone not segregated against, and therein lies the commonality.