“I think we won't be able to understand the operations of trans-phobia, homophobia, if we don't understand how certain kinds of links are forged between gender and sexuality in the minds of those who want masculinity to be absolutely separate from femininity and heterosexuality to be absolutely separate from homosexuality.”
- Judith Butler
“If a person is homosexual by nature - that is, if one's sexuality is as intrinsic a part of one's identity as gender or skin color - then society can no more deny a gay person access to the secular rights and religious sacraments because of his homosexuality than it can reinstate Jim Crow.”
- Jon Meacham
Throughout this unit, we have discussed diversity as it relates to sexuality. Although it has been difficult to speak about due to others religious affiliations and personal experiences, it has brought to light many biases that exist within society and on college and university campuses. The article, “The Mean Girls of Morehouse” shines light on a sect of students at the iconic all-male HBCU who inspired a dress code that prohibited cross-dressing (including heels, dresses and makeup). In a search that took more than a year, Author/Journalist Aliya S. King sat down with the students within the LGBTQIAA community to hear their takes on being targeted by the official school dress code and the irony of the discrimination they faced while at Morehouse; the same school that produced a young Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. some 60 years prior. Once the story was published, she realized the camaraderie that exists at black colleges.
Based on the article we discussed in class, your own experiences, and the reactions/backlash of this article featured in the YouTube videos,
- Speak to the level of camaraderie that occurs on HBCU campuses? Do you think that there is a level of connectedness with others because you attend an HBCU or not? How do you feel connected?
- In one of the video segments, King speaks of one of the interviewees Phillip as not feeling as if he “belonged” on his campus. Within the LGBTQIAA community, how do you think they feel as a result of being around their own race and gender, but not “belonging” due to their sexuality?
- How can universities become more tolerant and accepting of others differences?
- Read some of the comments under the YouTube video – “Morehouse Men React to Vibe Magazine”. Attending an HBCU seven (7) years after the article appeared in Vibe, how would you respond to these individuals? Pick three (3) comments and address those individuals. (Copy the comment and then respond directly underneath it).
- Do you feel there will ever be social justice for these marginalized groups?
Mr. C
This blog is due Friday November 10 by 11:59 PM and should be AT LEAST 500 words. Comment on this blog – DO NOT create your own.
37 comments:
When it comes to camaraderie at Winston I think that is very true. Everyone that I have met is very nice and respectful. Even things like men holding the door for the women and strangers speaking to you in the hallways. I think this is because as black people we are a minority, and a lot of the time we are looked down upon. With others constantly putting us down, we team up together in order to survive and create real relationships. This allows us to feel like we can be ourselves and share our views amongst each other. I feel connected because I see a lot of people like me with the same goals. The media views black people as lazy and have no goals, but here it shows the complete opposite. It feels good to see people that look like me and also want to strive to be successful in school.
I think that even though they might be around the same race as them they could still feel left out. Though they are the same sex and race, their interests could be different and their everyday life is different. What a gay black man experiences is different than what a straight black man experiences so they cannot connect on that level. When it comes to tolerance it must start with the students. They must stand up for each other and advocate for the smaller groups that do not have a voice. When the students show interest in changing the way the campus views the difference of others, then the administration will join in as well. The reason the administration do nothing is because it is not a big complaint amongst all students. If all the students showed unity and frustration in the way smaller groups of people were treated things would be different.
“Spelman would NOT accept them but I agree with you. If they want to dress as a woman then go to a coed college. You can't go to an all male college and dress as a woman.”
This comment is interesting to me because it shows ignorance that many others agree with. Just because a man chooses to dress as a women does not mean that he wants to be a women. He could just like the clothing. That does not change the fact that he is a man.
“Morehouse should be STRAIGHT men only. Nothing against gays. Do not soil the name and image of Morehouse College. HOMOSEXUALITY weakens THE BLACK MAN.”
This comment is scary. To think that people actually believe that this is true is disgusting. Not allowing someone to get their education because of this sexuality is horrible. Also if anything it provides variety of men that show the diversity of black educated men.
“Gays just want attention. You a man your dick wasn't made for an asshole. It was made for a woman. Nighas ain't born gay. It's adopted.”
I triedt to find positive comments but it was really hard. This comment is the saddest of them all. People can be so judgmental and evil that it scares me for the future of the race.
I feel connected in two ways with the students that attend the same HBCU as me. The first connection is the fact that we have the same skin color and because of that we have similar roots. The second thing is that we are getting higher education in a black community and no one can stop us. I believe that someone who is gay,lesbian, bi-sexual and etc. are uncomfortable around still uncomfortable around people who have the same skin color or gender because those people may not share the same ideals, values and that can be hard to connect with someone if they do not understand your values in life. Universities can become more tolerant and accepting of certain individuals sexual identity differences by just not having a problem with it. As long as there is a problem surrounding a specific thing then that specific then remains the target. A person commented , “Okay, I’m confused. Is this a meeting of all the homosexual students of Morehouse? Or is it a debate between the gay and straight students concerning the dress code?” I was a little confused as well when I saw the video because I knew that the argument was surrounded around the article “Mean Girls of Morehouse” but I was not sure exactly who and what specifically what they were debating about. Another person says, “Spelman would NOT accept them but I agree with you. If they want to dress as a woman then go to a coed college. You can't go to an all male college and dress as a woman.” I believe that men who go to Morehouse or any all male college and their gay and choose to dress as a woman are choosing to take a risk. Once the risk is taken and the fire is set then injustices rises at the university and a fight for respect is in action. Another person commented, “The idea of saying gay and straight is proof that there is two types of humans ;know that sex is a spirit force that is why scientist cannot find the gay gene ; because it does not exist in the physical world.” I totally agree with the first half of his comment because gender is created and consist of a soul that exist in this world. But because scientist can not find “gayness” in someone’s gene’s does not mean it does not exist.
Being that I came from Florida where the hospitality is nowhere near the way it is here in Winston Salem, I can truly say the camaraderie at WSSU is wonderful. I’m not used to speaking to people I don’t know but everyone on campus seem to be very welcoming and always say hello. As far as other HBCU campuses, I feel like in today’s generation where black lives are consistently targeted, it makes young black people want to come together. Not only that but young black college students must stick together and continue to make our black community proud because a lot of us are expected to not even make it here. Just that alone connects all HBCU students into one big family. I would imagine it is hard for members of the LGBTQIAA community to feel like they can’t be around or associate with people of their gender just because of their sexuality. They probably feel abandoned, threatened, and depressed inside to know that they aren’t accepted by their own gender. However, some LGBTQIAA members don’t let hatred like that phase them. They could care less whether people except them or not because at the end of the day they ae happy with the choice they made and the life they live. Ways universities can become more tolerant and accepting of other differences would be to embrace the LGBTQIAA pride and host more events uplifting them rather than ostracizing and bringing them down. In response to the article I would respond in a positive way simply because I have nothing against the LBGTQIAA community, I feel that the article does nothing more than give the members a voice to speak out and be heard since everyone insist on making them feel invisible anyway. In the comments on youtbe J Newman said: “There has always been a MULTITUDE of Gays enrolled at Morehouse, moreover, they are just more OUT due to SOCIAL ENGINEERING. That makes being Gay MORE tolerable. My best friend is a 89’ Grad and MH was cralwing with DOWNLOWS then… Hell, one of your linebackers, a Que, is openly Gay now; Shit, ATL is Black Gay Heaven and add an all Male college what would you expect!” I totally agree with Newman. The more generations have passed and changed, the more opportunity Gays seeked to openly expressed themselves and theres nothing wrong with that. People act like its sch a big deal and blow it way out of proportion when homosexuality has been around for over twenty years now. Not only that but Newmans statement about ATL is very much true so I cant seem to understand why people would seem so shellshocked about Gays being at Morehouse. Another comment by AveolarD stated: “Morehouse should be STRAIGHT men only. Nothing against gays. Do not soil the name and image of Morehouse College. HOMSEXUALITY weakens THE BLACK MAN.” This coment is very ignorant and unessary because for one, majorirty of the males on that campus have probably discretly been attracted or had relations with another male but just didn’t come out about it. Also, the only thing that could soil the name of Morehouse would be a severe decline in graduation rate, which having homosexuals on campus has nothing to do with. Lastly a comment made by Saltusg says: “school isnt designed for you to express your sexuality, Its to learn, everything else is just a distraction.” Although she is right about school being a place for education rather than expressing yourself, school is also not the place for hate,violence, and judgement. If everyone was so focused on getting their education things like Gays expressing themselves shouldn’t bother them but it does so how could she say that ? I feel lke there will never be social justice for these groups because theres always going to be those individuals who have such hate in their heart and it will never go away.
Attending WSSU I do see a lot of things and most of them are good, the camaraderie that is on this particular campus is amazing. Guys holding doors and just being respectful all together it shows that they have not just home training but manners, I am a strong believer in Southern hospitality since I am from the South and I see that here at WSSU. I do think that we have connected because sometimes it is not what you know it is who you know and plus I feel as though there are people who want to genuinely see us all be successful and be proud to say “I am a PROUD graduate of Winston Salem State University”, because the media portrays HBCUs in a negative way when in reality we really are not that way. People who are apart of the LGBTQIAA Community automatically stand out because of who they choose to love, so when they are around people that they share the same gender or race but not belonging I think they feel as an outsider because they can connect when it comes to gender and or race but when it comes to sexual preference they can not connect. Especially for homosexual males having a conversation with a heterosexual male because some males for some reason find that to be uncomfortable having a conversation with an openly homosexual male. So as a result I think that is why there is a lot of homosexuals who are not open about their sexuality. Universities I feel are already diverse and they are accepting of the differences so in my opinion there is absolutely nothing more that they can do honestly.
“Morehouse should be STRAIGHT men only. Nothing against gays. Do not soil the name and image of Morehouse College. HOMOSEXUALITY weakens THE BLACK MAN”
First of all them being homosexual does not hurt anyone they deserve to go to Morehouse especially if they are paying money to go there. This ignorant mindset is why homosexuals are afraid to be open about their sexuality because nobody wants to be judged
“Black men arguing and shouting and ain't nobdy got shot or jumped yet...I'm astounded by that alone lol”
Let’s be clear that this comment is plain ignorance, what you’re saying is that black men can never have a decent discussion because that isn’t an argument it is simply a discussion...
“morehouse isnt the only school of gay men lol everywhere u go just some of them are downlow, gay isnt a choice my friend so ive learned”
Exactly, even though being homosexual is a choice in my opinion there are homosexual males everywhere some just are not open about it
People are more accepting of homosexuals, and as a result there are more open homosexuals. There is still hope for homosexuals because now since the older people are sort of dying off, the new generation is really open and honest and really do not care because we believe in minding our business because in reality someone who chooses to be homosexual does not affect us in anyway and it is not our business to judge them because they choose to love the same sex.
The camaraderie here at WSSU is amazing, even though we may not know everyone on campus people still speak and everything which is good. Yes, I do believe that there is a level of connectedness with others here on campus because we all have the same common goal which is to strive for a degree in something that we want to do. Also, many of us come from the same backgrounds and we can relate with one another in many ways. I think that some people in the LGBTQIAA community feel some type of discomfort when they are around their own race and gender but not belonging due to their sexuality because they don’t share the same ideas, and values as others. Then again, I feel that others really don’t care because people make them feel like they belong no matter what their sexuality is. Universities can become more tolerant and accepting of other differences by doing things around campus to basically take pride and show that you are still apart of the university no matter what your sexuality may be.
“Morehouse should be STRAIGHT men only. Nothing against gays. Do not soil the name and image of Morehouse College. HOMOSEXUALITY weakens THE BLACK MAN.”- Let's be honest here, Homosexuality does not weakens “THE BLACK MAN”, and just because someone identifies their self as being gay or whatever should not determine whether they should receive education. At the end of the day they are still human and deserve to get an education just like everyone else.
“I worked at Morehouse for 5 months as a contractor. I am very impressed about the brotherhood among the students. What I didn't see were men walking around the campus during the day in women's clothing. A gay man knows where and when to dress in women clothing. If straight brothers do not understand then they need to have an one on one talk with another gay man. As far as dressing, I can't wait until belts and pants on back on men's hips not knees - that is the problem!”- Amen to that! Honestly I do feel as if they are gay and go to Morehouse there is a time and place for everything, they should know and understand when to act accordingly.
“As a girlfriend of a Morehouse man and a future Spelmanite. A Morehouse man is to be expected to uphold the honors, dignity, and image of a man. There is no wrong for being gay but the fact of putting on a dress and heels is out of the question. A "man" does not dress the part of a "woman." Morehouse should uphold the standards of a man. Dress like a MAN, speak as a intellectual MAN, and act the part of a MAN.”- I agree with you on this for the most part, but don’t you think they could have handled this situation better than what they did?
Honestly, I feel like there will never be social justice for these marginalized groups we have people who are mean and ignorant and just don’t really care for the LGBTQIAA Community.
HBCU's are very connected because it a place where people who are usually the minority (black people) are not the majority. There are similarities in the way we were raised, how we view ourselves, our daily struggles with racism, the way we dress, the way we make our food, and many other things. Being surrounded with people of your kind or race can also be very comforting because we have such a high level of similarities, it is easier to connect with one another. It is also easier to make relationships because you are already a little more comfortable with the people you're around. Because of these things HBCU's are united together like a family. I feel connected with my HBCU because it feels like home, mostly everyone is friendly, and welcoming. I also feel connected because when we go out to parties and things go bad which is unusually common with year, people will call, text, tweet, walk up to you, etc. to see if you're okay. For example, at the pit party or the Alpha's after party. They both got shot up, and everyone was making sure everyone had a ride home and when we got back to campus everyone was walking around, making sure that everyone was okay. It's just comforting knowing that people you don't know will still make sure that you are okay. I think that homosexuals that do not feel "belonging" feel ostracized or like an outcast because they can feel people looking at them weird or talking about them behind their back or spreading rooms. They probably feel that it is unfair and they probably also feel very uncomfortable, because they have to live their life everyday as if there is something wrong with them just because their society judges them based upon their sexual preference. I personally know someone who wants to transfer from this university because of the way he is treated. Universities can become more tolerant and accepting of other differences by understanding that the only thing that matters is the way that the students conduct themselves. The people’s sexual preference, the way they talk, and dress do not have a bad reflection on the university. The only thing that really matters is if these things are making the university an unsafe environment. For example, if it caused a lot of violence.
In reference to the responses to the individuals from the "Morehouse Men React to Vibe Magazine” one of the comments say “Morehouse should be STRAIGHT men only. Nothing against gays. Do not soil the name and image of Morehouse College. HOMOSEXUALITY weakens THE BLACK MAN.” I disagree with this. I personally believe that homosexuality one weakens an already weak and closed minded black man. Homosexuality within Morehouse does not soil the name nor the image of the college, the people’s reaction to a situation that really doesn’t even have any effect on them soils the colleges name and image. Another comment says “Gays just want attention. You a man your dick wasn't made for an asshole. It was made for a woman. Nighas ain't born gay. It's adopted.” This level of ignorance is beyond my understanding. I find it hard to believe that this person was even comfortable enough to say this. It’s very offensive and quite uncalled for in my opinion. This comment states “school isn't designed for you to express your 'sexuality'. It's to learn, everything else is just a distraction.” If I choose to express my sexuality then I can and will. As long as what I’m doing doesn’t affect my grades or the safety on the campus then I don’t understand why everyone is so concerned. I personally wouldn’t respond directly to any of these comments because as stated early, the level of ignorance is beyond my understanding and I know that what I’m doing isn’t for them or against them, so their reaction is none of my concern. No, I don’t believe there will ever be justice for these marginalized groups because there are a lot of homophobic people and some people are raised in an environment where homosexuality is unacceptable. When they see homosexuality being expressed it’s almost like an instinct for them to be against it.
I feel like there is a level of connect with others that go to HBCU’s. Because we all can connect on certain things that PWI’s cannot. We connect more with our roots other than if we would go to another intuition that’s not a HBCU. We connect by coming together we may be revivals or something of that sort but we all fall under the same category which is where all an HBCU. For example during ramdition we learned theses different types of dances and they told us that all HBCU’s was teaming up to learn the dances. We all just feel as one when we come together. I think they feel alone with no one to be there for them. I feel like people shouldn’t treat others differently because of the person sexual preference. People just want someone to talk to and get out how they feel because they have no one to talk to and that can drive a person crazy. So that leads them to depression, anxiety, stressed, them feel hopeless and many other things that are very dangerous for them to be in college and being along with no family around and them feeling like they have no one. I feel like universities should become more understanding of others. I feel like they should take into consideration of how the other person feels. They should think of it as one of their family members. Would they like someone treating their family a certain type of way because of their preferences? No they wouldn’t they would be mad and upset with whoever is doing it. It’s like they singling out someone. Also it goes against our rights as a person they can be sued for doing that. It’s just not right! And if you feel that it is you should reevaluate your whole lifestyle.
“Morehouse should be STRAIGHT men only. Nothing against gays. Do not soil the name and image of Morehouse College. HOMOSEXUALITY weakens THE BLACK MAN.” This quote is a very bias saying. This shows how simpleminded a person can be. What if your son was gay sir? Would you say that he couldn’t go there because he’s gay? Also being gay does not mean that you’re weak you still have your power of a man you just choose not to use it.
“School isn't designed for you to express your 'sexuality'. It's to learn, everything else is just a distraction.”I agree with her because it really should be about just learning. But if the school themselves wants to take their time out to make rules just for specific people then that’s when it becomes an issue.
“I mean point blank, there are alot of gay men at Morehouse, but they are everywhere. but with Morehouse, YOU ARE A MAN. the school shouldn't have to make a rule to prevent the students from dressing like women.” I totally agree with this person. They are telling the truth. But it’s still very wrong for them.
I don’t think it will ever be social justice for anyone equally. With today’s time I just can’t see that happening no time soon.
The level of camaraderie ( companionship) at HBCU’s is spiritual and loving from my perspective. There are things that our common and traditional at HBCU’s that give these schools pride because these institutions were created when people of color were denied education at PWI’s. So i believe that there is a sense of pride that also contributes to the camaraderie at HBCU’s. I also believe that there is a level of connectedness with others who have attended a HBCU because we can relate to each others experience while at school, such as the divine nine, being that they are only at HBCU’s that is a experience that only someone that attended a HBCU could relate to and we can also have a level of connectedness with our founders of the school and the history behind the establishment of the school.
Within the LGBTQIAA community at Morehouse College, which is a all male HBCU. i believe that there is a lot of tension and unhappiness because members of that community are not accepted by their own people that also happen to be the same gender as them. It sort of remind me of segregation but instead of being segregated due to the color of your skin you are segregated based on your sexuality. Which is not okay considering that people of color had to endure segregation and for them to turn around and segregate their own people because of their sexuality is just as wrong as racial segregation.
Universities can become more tolerant and accepting of others differences by not imposing dress codes or rules that are created to specifically target a certain group of people that they deem different. But instead universities should try to get to know the people of the group more or allow them to create their own group or club at the university so that other people can join and get to know them and so that they they can feel comfortable at their place of learning.
Black men arguing and shouting and ain't nobdy got shot or jumped yet...I'm astounded by that alone lol
Why is that people believe that black men can not have an argument ( discussion ) without turning to violence? The world may never know. These are intelligent black men who all finished high school and continued their education by going to college i am pretty sure that if they fought or shot somebody every time they had a argument that they would not have made it this far. They are mature and intelligent enough to have an argument without causing harm.
Home Sexuality is nothing but genocide.
- First of all it is spelled homosexuality and second of all genocide is defined as the deliberate killing of a large group of people. So my question is are you saying that homosexuality is going to deliberately kill a large group of people? Because i think what you are trying to say is that heterosexuals may deliberately kill a large group of homosexuals because of their sexual preferences.
school isn't designed for you to express your 'sexuality'. It's to learn, everything else is just a distraction.
I agree school is a place for learning and distractions should not be tolerated in a place of learning, but how is someone’s sexuality distracting? I just don’t understand if there is a gay man in your class is that distracting you from learning? Is that distracting the teacher from teaching? I don’t think so, unless he is making noises, jumping on desk or having full blown conversations on the phone while in class i don’t think anything that he is doing is distracting.
I feel that there will be social justice for these marginalized groups but it will take time, acceptance and understanding.
In my opinion I don’t mind anything relating towards the LGBTQIAA community. Here at Winston Salem State University there are homosexuals and I don’t care. People that do not accept the LGBTQIAA community for who they are and the rights that they have fought for, shouldn’t feel this way. You just have to accept it. There are plenty of ways where people can me more accepting. For instance someone who is apart of the LGBTQIAA community can have a sit down talk with homosexuals and straight people who don’t accept them. They can give there opinions on why they feel the way they do towards them. I don’t understand why homophobic’s don’t like homosexuals. There sexual preference has nothing to do with them. This shouldn’t determine whether or not you can be friends with them or not. I said this in my essay that I turned into you. But this is hate crime. In the video with the Arthur and journalist, Aliya S. King she said that it took time for them men she interviewed to actually sit down and talk to her. She also said that it was trouble getting in contact with them. The dress code that was implied at Morehouse College should not have been implied. They are targeting one specific group that the college obviously feels some way about. They do not want the LGBTQIAA community on there campus to ruin the image of men of Morehouse College. A statement that was said from AveolarD was, “Morehouse should be straight men only”.This is being prejudice towards a group of people that AveolarD doesn’t really know about. Let the students of the college express who they are, instead of trying to force them to be something that they dint want to be. We are all human and we are all pertained to same amount of equal rights then the next person. Personally I hope that they realize that they have equal rights just like others. Its going to take some time but if you look on how far the LGBTQIAA community has come, it tells you a lot. They have legalized gay marriage in all 50 states. You wouldn’t think that everyone would be on the same page but it was an issue that needed to be address. The communities voice was heard in parts of the United Staes of America. That is only one major issue that they have accomplished. Its more issues that are put towards the LGBTQIAA community and the fight for more rights is still going on. There has been protest, marches, and sit downs with big names to get their point across. The community has been pushed away from society for many years. They have a long way to go but it is becoming more in there favor. More people are starting to accept the LGBTQIAA community day by day. The violence towards them have went down. all of the positive reactions are helping them gain the attention that they need to push them further in the future
As I would see it I wouldn't fuss anything relating towards the LGBTQIAA social order. At Winston Salem State University there are homosexual individuals and this doesn’t cross my mind to treat them any different than someone else. There are different ways people can accept everyone that’s in the LGBTQIAA community and it should be in a good way after everything they’ve been through to have the rights they have in today’s society. They can give there evaluations on why they feel the way they do towards them. I don't pay attention to homophobic's couldn't care less for gay individuals. There sexual slant has nothing to do with them. Just like we have out preferences on who we would like to talk to or date they do too so every homosexual isn’t going to like every man they come in counter with just because they are a homosexual. Winston I feel that is valid. Everybody that I have met is exceptionally decent and conscious. Indeed, even things like men holding the doors for the ladies and outsiders addressing you on the campus yard makes everything a little different. I think this is on account of as dark individuals we are a minority, and a considerable measure of the time we are looked downward on. With others continually putting us down, we collaborate together so as to survive and make genuine connections. I truly think this helps us understand that we don’t have to put on a show or act for anybody to accept us and the way we are because everybody here is very accepting no matter the color of your skin, the gender you are, or what interest you. I feel very connected here because I feel like it’s a lot of people here with the same goals and ideas as me which makes me feel better and comfortable about being around the people that here now. People can try to make you feel how they want you to feel and the media can take that to a whole different level then it was before but I bet its tough because you would think that people with the same gender and race as you wouldn’t see you any different because you all basically are the same each other just with different interest. The University could be more tolerant by putting groups together to comfort people that feel any different from those that are on campus.
“Morehouse should be STRAIGHT men only. Nothing against gays. Do not soil the name and image of Morehouse College. HOMOSEXUALITY weakens THE BLACK MAN.” With that being said it doesn’t because whatever you like doesn’t make you a man providing for your family determines if you’re a man or not.
“Gays just want attention. You a man your dick wasn't made for an asshole. It was made for a woman. Nighas ain't born gay. It's adopted.” People aren’t born gay it is adopted but its whatever interest the person that’s making the decision because people tend to enjoy whatever they like.
“Spelman would NOT accept them but I agree with you. If they want to dress as a woman then go to a coed college. You can't go to an all male college and dress as a woman.” This comment I kind of agree to but at the same time you should be able to be yourself anywhere you want to be.
I feel that sexualty is a major problem in the world.HBCUs do not focus on stuff like gender or sexual discrimination.There was an incident in my dorm when a friend of mine had to move rooms 3 times because he was gay. When he got to his second room his roommate started sleeping everywhere but his room.My friend felt it was a good idea to bring his boyfriend to the room for a visit.The roommate had a major fit when he returned to see my friend and his boyfriend in the room.The roommate tried to fight everyone that helped my friend and threatened him and his boyfriend.The roommate was charged with a hate crime and has been kicked out for a semester.The school only takes action when someone's life is at stake. Why did it take so long to find him a place where he would be accepted for himself? Why did he have to be the one to keep moving when he was not the problem?
I see Americans of every party, every background, every faith who believe that we are stronger together: black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American; young, old; gay, straight; men, women, folks with disabilities, all pledging allegiance under the same proud flag to this big, bold country that we love. That's what I see. That's the America I know! -Barack Obama.
I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. I am not in favor of gay marriage. But when you start playing around with constitutions, just to prohibit somebody who cares about another person, it just seems to me that's not what America's about. Usually, our constitutions expand liberties, they don't contract them- Barack Obama.If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help... Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive. Somebody invested in roads and bridges. If you've got a business - you didn't build that. Somebody else made that happen.-Barack Obama.Now, anybody who thinks that we can move this economy forward with just a few folks at the top doing well, hoping that it's going to trickle down to working people who are running faster and faster just to keep up, you'll never see it- Barack Obama.Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek- Barack Obama.In a world of complex threats, our security and leadership depends on all elements of our power - including strong and principled diplomacy- Barack Obama.Here are the values that I stand for: honesty, equality, kindness, compassion, treating people the way you want to be treated and helping those in need. To me, those are traditional values-Ellen DeGeneres.I speak not for myself but for those without voice... those who have fought for their rights... their right to live in peace, their right to be treated with dignity, their right to equality of opportunity, their right to be educated Malala Yousafzai.
I feel like it is an actual camaraderie on the WSSU campus. Since HBCU are not that much diverse and mostly everyone is the same race and kinda have similar backgrounds.This allows everyone to be themselves and connect one another way easier. It seems this campus wants everyone to do good. But i'm from a city full of hate. If they see you doing good or better than them they’ll try to shoot you down or do anything they can to bring you down. I think the gays feel like there looked down upon since they are homesexual even in a black dominant communtiy they don't feel as if they belong. I feel that they can become more tolerant by give gays for freedom and let them dress how they want to and act how they want to without being judge by the people who attend the university.
Sexual diversity throughout college is an ignored topic, Based on my personal experience I believe Winston Salem State University is a very humble HBCU. The way our student body interacts with each other is very unique. The students on this campus are very friendly, and accepting of everyone's individuality. I believe us being an HBCU does play a huge role in the interactions within the campus society. By having such a diverse population on the campus we are exposed to all walks of life, from foreign exchange students to students from the midwest.
The campus camaraderie is very high, here at Winston Salem State University due to the fact we have no dress code. You are free to wear whatever you choose no matter your sexual preference. This allows students to express their beliefs and personal choice and reduce the chance of them feeling isolated and misfitted. The opposite thing is happening at the Morehouse universities, where they have a strict policy against males who are homosexual. They have created rules that specifically target the males who were homosexual within the school who like to crossdress.
This dress code caused a lot of problems within the society of Morehouse because of the spotlight is placed upon the leadership at the university. Also, it showed the lack of support for the LBGTQIAA community at the university. In addition, the trauma the students went through was now on display for the world to see. The article “mean girls of Morehouse “ really was a key factor in the argument made by many. This article told how a few students who were homosexually and attend the university was victimized not only physically but, emotionally, mentally and verbally. Some of the students felt so bad they thought about taking their own lives. One student goes so far as to say “ one night I bought a bottle of everclear and thought about speeding down Route 77 till I drove off a cliff “ this is a scary thought.
Universities can become more acceptable towards the LBGTQIAA community by listening to their demands and trying their best to meet them. They can also start showing the support they have for the community by promoting their views and beliefs. Also, the university can better its connection to the community by having meetings and free speeches for debating purposes.This would strengthen the community and campus rights throughout the year
I have heard all summer from upperclassmen from twitter and groupme, that WSSU is a big family from the faculty to students. Since I been here, mostly everybody has an abundance of pride for WSSU. Where I’m from, nobody has pride in our high school. The level of connectedness is there because we all know that some people say that HBCU’s not equivalent to PWI’S or just look down upon. I feel connected because I always felt that I was welcome and that we are a family. A lot of people encourage not taking going for what you want whether it is in academics, getting events approved by the university, and to become leaders. I am a work study student for the department of Accounting and MIS and working there show me that my opinion is valued and they generally care for my wellbeing and future including other faculty/professors that is in RJR. So far, I have not saw any bullying etc. toward the LGBTQIAA community other than amazement for some people. There is a transgender girl who go here who I knew before they transitioned, some of my friends were amaze of how much she looks like she was born a female. The LGBTQIAA community feel like an outcast because their campus is supposed to be their temporary home. It will not only damage their mental state, but it might affect their grades, how they present themselves, and social life. Universities often try to promote diversity on their websites and presentations. To promote diversity effectively is to support all various kinds of diversity that will or might happen on campus. The students there should also stand for no discrimination towards any student that attends their university or college. “Like I said in my earlier post that I going to enroll next fall, but now I dont know. To see a morehouse man put dwn another morehouse man is not right. Espically because of ones sexuality. I am straight african american man and I have no problem with gay people. For heaven sakes yall are all there for the same reason to get educated and help change the world right?? That is the reason?? Or have yall forget becuz of the medias harsh comment”. This comment was made 6 years ago and I think it is significant that he is doubting his decision to apply because of how the morehouse men shown in this video is being selfish and worry about their future instead of worrying about having every single morehouse men feel accepted or welcome. “As a girlfriend of a Morehouse man and a future Spelmanite. A Morehouse man is to be expected to uphold the honors, dignity, and image of a man. There is no wrong for being gay but the fact of putting on a dress and heels is out of the question. A "man" does not dress the part of a "woman." Morehouse should uphold the standards of a man. Dress like a MAN, speak as a intellectual MAN, and act the part of a MAN. “ This is disturbing because a man should not be defind by society standards of a man. “Morehouse should be STRAIGHT men only. Nothing against gays. Do not soil the name and image of Morehouse College. HOMOSEXUALITY weakens THE BLACK MAN.” Morehouse shouldn’t be for all men and not just straight men. I don’t feel there would be social justice because people hate admitting when they wrong, people would rather not talk about or look other way.
Here at Winston Salem State University camaraderie is true in my opinion . Everyone that I have met while being on campus has been very nice and respectful. Here at WSSU they are very family orientated if you ask me. I feel that every university should come together as whole and act a family. In my opinion, I feel that there should be no diversity once so ever. Because if we all come together as family and get to know each other everyone would be on one accord. Here I think we are very family orientated because as blacks we are the majority on campus and we have to be family orientated because of the fact that we are an HBCU. HBCU’s are schools that are predominantly black and they are supposed to stand together as a whole. But also at times blacks are the ones that are looked down upon. With blacks being put down constantly we tend to have to all come together as a whole to fight against the people that are putting us down . with this happening this could actually lead blacks to lean on one another and also form relationships and begin to trust others. Being on an HBCU campus it easy to feel connected because the people that attend typically have the same plans as everyone else does which is to get in and get out and start their careers. By the time people are able to attend college everyone is tired of school and ready to start their lives to they tend to try and take the easier way out of things when it comes to college. Sometimes there is not connectedness with HBCU and others and the reason why is because everyone that attends a school tend to only trust and have a stronger bond with students that attend the same school that they do. But there are some schools that can easily get along with other schools and people that attend. People that are apart of the LGBTQIAA community should also feel important and accepted on the school campus that they are on. Some of them can feel different from others if they don’t feel as if they are accepted on school campus . in my opinion I feel that everyone should feel equal because at every one should be happy with who they are and should not have to worry about anything else but being themselves. I think that some people that are in the LGBTQIAA community feel as if they probably can not be themselves around whatever their sex maybe because it can be different views and different topics that are discussed that some people can not relate too. Universities should make sure that everyone should make sure that every students that attend the school feels comfortable at their new home and not out of place because that is also a way that can cause diversity is all students are not on accord. “Morehouse should uphold the standards of a man.” In this quote what they are saying that they feel as if morehouse should enforce the rules for men more than what it is. In my opnion I feel that there will always be an amount of people that will make disrespectful remarks towards the LGBTQIAA community just because they are careless and just don’t care about others. But also I feel that schools should at least make sure that every students feels important make their voice be heard and be happy with who they are., so that all schools can be on one accord as students and be family and represent their school well.
I personally think that yes we as students here at a HBCU show a level of connectedness, the reason for this is because we face a lot of the same similar challenges and develop a sense of understanding when others are going through, versus a PWI is more diverse and each student may or may not even share any of the same struggles. The sense of not belonging is because everyone is different and some people truly don't know how to look past it and treat people different when in reality it is no difference. Yet the I sometimes feel as if I don't belong here at this HBCU some days because I'm the type of person that likes diversity and its not much of that here. While I am beginning to feel as if I belong here. And its even crazier that students feel as if they don't fit in because of their sexuality. Sexuality doesn't define who you are your personality does. One should not be judged based on that, they should be accepted ad treated like the rest that's just like disconnecting someone because of their race its the same type of discrimination if not worst in my opinion. And as far as the situation goes at Morehouse college yes i know it is a all male school but the school shouldn't be so judgemental it should still be place for one to develop and learn who they really are. Even if they are gay and it comes to the point that they dress as a female but at the end of the day they are still a male and attend a male school it should be part of the schools priority to support and be there for them not to put them down as if they don't belong. When applying and learning about college everyone said it would be a time and place in your life for you to develop a sense of self understanding and who you really are so what is the difference in a male doing it? Is it because he is gay? That should not be a reason at all it is part of our freedom as a person, individual, and even an America.
I’m from a small town where it had times where it felt connected and disconnected at some points, but when I came to WSSU the camaraderie here is amazing. The vibe here is very friendly, I don’t see how people could say they don’t feel at home on our campus. The different backgrounds here is what brings this university together, everyone is given the same opportunity here at Winston, and for the most part everyone gets along. Not being able to “fit in” because of your sexuality will make you feel out of place. Imagine being very open with your sexuality and realizing nobody wants to be your friend because of the way you carry yourself or express yourself in the open. I can understand some people are homophobic but that doesn’t really give them a reason to go out and threaten or intimidate them, they can just mind their own business. As this relates to Morehouse, other guys saw it as a problem because of the very high standard that people hold to the institution, they didn’t want to deal with the backlash from the article just from a few guys that expressed their sexuality openly on campus. Universities now should welcome every student regardless of their race, gender, sexuality, etc. Top HBCUs can still uphold their image to society but it becomes a problem when they find one small thing to make a big deal about. The dress code that was made for the certain individuals from Morehouse could’ve easily been settle with a meeting or negotiation. On to the comments… “keep MOREHOUSE clean, prestigious, reputable, and dignified. do not poison this fine institution with QUEENS. too many queens go there to hit on brothas and it's wrong. lay this homosexuality issue to rest. men be men, not pansies.” Okay, first of all, there have been plenty of gay guys to go to Morehouse they just didn’t express themselves in the way the ones in the article did. Second of all, men can be men of course, but is it wrong for a man to have a feminine side? No? Didn’t think so. “The Gay community & media chooses to use Morehouse as a platform for it's various agendas...focus this negative attention to the many gays at CAU, FAMU, Hampton, Howard, and all the other HBCU's ?” I can agree with this but, the main reason Morehouse is targeted is because of their image and when people talk about top HBCUs CAU, Hampton or FAMU might not come up, but Howard definitely will because of the previous people who have went there and what they are known for. Morehouse guys now think their image is ruined all because of an article about former openly gay students. Brace yourself…”So fags wanna wear dresses and claim that's they right. Well you also have the right to get your ass whooped. I dunno why this conversation pops up when fags and weirdos are such a minority. F.. gays basically y'all wrong and you know it. God hates you Lucifer loves you.” It honestly amazes me how people always want to throw God in your face when everyone is living a life full of sin, so youj have no right to judge others for what they do, you need to check yourself and reevaluate your life before you try to come for someone else’s! Point, blank, PERIOD. No I don’t think justice will ever be given for these groups, people will hate you for who you are, you just have to keep doing you and block out all the negative things and people that try to barge into your life.
Students on a HBCU campus are very connected due to the shared ideology. Being that most students on campus of a HBCU are of the same race, it is easier to understand the need of one another, thus making what was a minority a majority. During freshman year at the Winston-Salem State university, the tenet of educational equity seems to be a recurring conversation. The University says that HBCUs gives us equity instead of equality. Understanding that equity is simply, meeting the needs of every student in order to succeed, verses equality, giving everyone the same thing. Therefore, the connection between students of the university creates a strong social cohesion; however, this cohesion creates a diverse atmosphere using everyone at the institution to help each other. We seem to live in time where our wants and need are not important to the society, yet they want our race in mass incarceration and they need our young black minds subpar conditions. So, going to an HBCU is like going to a place where black excellence can blossom. I remember before being admitted into WSSU, many friends and family asked “why would you want to go to an all-black school? It is no diversity there!” I often asked myself that as well; however, when I arrived on campus I noticed even though most of the students were black there was indeed a diversity. I soon found out that were this school has students of different socio-economic statuses, ethnicities, religions, personalities, and even sexualities. As far as sexualities, I think it is harder for members of the LGBT community to fit in, more than any other diverse group that is not considered the norm. I think that members of the LGBT community who attend HBCUs are hurt that they are not accepted by their African American peers and people of their own gender. Some of them may not be hurt by it, but for me personally it would affect me, to know that most of my peers do not accept me. LGBT members do not get the opportunity to experience that connectedness and camaraderie that everyone else does. Universities can become more accepting of the LGBT community by organizing events that will support and open up discussions about homosexuality. After watching the video “Morehouse men react to Vibe Magazine” these are the three comments that I picked:
1. Spelman would NOT accept them but I agree with you. If they want to dress as a woman then go to a coed college. You can't go to an all male college and dress as a woman
This person is wrong because they are assuming that Spelman would not accept them but this person does not know that for sure, and also Morehouse is a prestigious university full of history and many men want to go there, even homosexual men. Yes it is an all male college but just because they are gay that does not mean they are not men.
2. Morehouse should be STRAIGHT men only. Nothing against gays. Do not soil the name and image of Morehouse College. HOMOSEXUALITY weakens THE BLACK MAN.
How can you say nothing against gays and then say something negative about them? I don’t think homosexuality weakens the black man because there are many homosexual men who are successful.
3. Black men arguing and shouting and ain't nobdy got shot or jumped yet...I'm astounded by that alone lol
This comment is very judgmental. It is sad that people have put the stereotype on black men that we are violent and cannot be civilized, because it is completely untrue.
I think that one day there will be social justice for the LGBT community. Of course there will always be people in this world who do not accept homosexuality and they never will: but overall I think that society will become more accepting in the future.
I think the reason hbcu’s have so much comraderies between them is because all the students have something in common between them whether it's race or culture. Going to an hbcu gives many students pride because all hbcu’s do when you first arrive is to be proud that your black and to have pride in who you are. At Pwi’s a lot of people of color feel like they don’t fit in and that there are others against them but when you go to an hbcu as a black person you feel like you're not the minority for once and that you belong since you're with others who are just like you. I feel connected because i went to school with a lot of white people and grew up differently than i did but here at winston i feel like i connect better with people of my own color. Well i think that the reasons that homosexuals don't feel like they belong on the campus is because they feel that they don’t have the same interest as the straight men do. Most guys like to talk about girls and other stuff like that but gay men can’t really relate and that they can’t talk about their sexual preferences because it makes a lot of straight men uncomfortable, also men say a lot of homophobic things when they are joking around and that might offend some homosexual people so i can understand why some homosexual people say they feel like they don’t belong on campus. I don’t think a university can become more tolerant or accepting of others differences, i think that's something the students have to do because you will always have people who will hate you for who you are and there will be people who like you for who you are it all just depends on the person.
1 Spelman would NOT accept them but I agree with you. If they want to dress as a woman then go to a coed college. You can't go to an all male college and dress as a woman.- What you wear shouldn’t determine the type of education you receive or where you get your education.
2 Morehouse should be STRAIGHT men only. Nothing against gays. Do not soil the name and image of Morehouse College. HOMOSEXUALITY weakens THE BLACK MAN.- It is a mens college, your sexuality should not determine where you receive an education, the only thing that weakens the black man is ignorance.
3 I agree with this statement right here. A private university/ college has the right and I mean right to do as they please! They knew about the dress code and the image that this school wanted to keep up. It's just like at DePaul, condoms cannot be given away on campus by orgs and single students cannot work for the school and be pregnant. Why because it is private catholic university we knew the deal before we set foot in there! Ain't nothing new! - This is true a private college should have the choice of who they want at their institute but showing prejudice is what hurts a college's image not gay men. I feel this is the most social justice we are gonna get for marginalized groups.
I believe that the camaraderie that occurs in a HBCU is differently than the camaraderie that would occur in a PWI. I say this becuase I toured several different colleges but the one's that were more friendly and the one's where I felt like I belonged were HBCU's. For some reason when I toured HBCU's I felt welcomed and that was something that I did not feel when I toured PWI's. I feel like there is some connectedness because I attend an HBCU because most of the people that attends these colleges can usually relate to something. I personally feel connected because I have talked to students on campus and we have similar things we been through and I feel like I have a better connection with students at HBCU's than with students at PWI's. I feel like just like the students of morehouse were wrong so were the administration. I say this because not only did they make students feel like they didn't belong on there campus but they made them feel like they weren't welcomed. No one should be put in this situation because although I do not know how it feels I can bet it is something that is very unpleasant. Universities can do many things to become more tolerant and accepting of others differences. To start off as long as the students are doing what there supposed to be doing this should not cause a problem. Instead of the universities helping students get a higher education they are making something small into something big. No one should be denied the right to a higher education because of race, gender, or pretty much anything. As long as the students are not doing anything to jeoprodize there education we should not judge them. The video "morehouse men react to vibe magazine" has some very controversal arguments and I think we all have opinions but we should not bring some one down because of our opinions. One of the comments on the video was "So fags wanna wear dresses and claim that's they right. Well you also have the right to get your ass whooped. I dunno why this conversation pops up when fags and weirdos are such a minority. Fuck gays basically y'all wrong and you know it. God hates you Lucifer loves you." I think that there was no need for this comment if he/ she did not support gays than she should have just kept quiet. This was also a good example on how people try to bring others down. The second comment I chose from the video was "f you wanta learn how to be a woman go to a woman's college! Morehouse is about turning black males into strong black MEN. Why can't anyone get this? You can't dress like a woman and want to be a woman and be a strong man at the same time, thats impossible.". This other comment was unnecessary because they can dress however they would like. This brings me to my last comment which supports the sentence before this one "i mean point blank, there are alot of gay men at Morehouse, but they are everywhere. but with Morehouse, YOU ARE A MAN. the school shouldn't have to make a rule to prevent the students from dressing like women. ". I agree with this comment because the school is for man therefore if you are considered a man no matter the clothes you are wearing you should be allowed an education and not judgement. I think that there will not be any social justice for these groups , atleast not anytime soon because of the fact that racism has happened decades ago and it still continues to happen.
I think that the level of camaraderie at winston overall is alright, I mean I just have to get used to everyone not speaking or saying hello or good morning or holding doors. Really just showing hospitality, even though some to very few people show it. But that could also be how some people were raised.Because everyone was not brought up the same. I think that HBCU`s do connect in some type of way that PWI don't. I think that at a PWI black people would be the minority, and there wouldn't be a lot of things to go on that we can relate. Just as if someone white was to go an HBCU there would not be a lot of things that they can relate to. But then again it is an understatement because as a student at an HBCU there are still things that I can't relate to, but it could be the simplest of things you just have to give it time and let it marinate in your soul and then as you go forward with your time at an HBCU or a PWI, you might get a better understanding of them. But as an HBCU, nevertheless as black people we should come together and enjoy the wonderful campus and organization that we are a part of. Instead we cant even come together for one little thing, such as a little get together, welcoming new students to winston, and welcoming old students back to winston without people fighting and shooting. Instead of them saying aye bro this is supposed to be a get together let's not have all of this drama. I know that every since I have been here and hearing about a party or kickback, it always ends with shooting or fighting, just as I was walking back from class the school ws put on lockdown because someone was fighting and got injured. I mean come on black people it is different ways to solve arguments. For God Sake you can arm wrestle it out. It is not just the fighting and shooting keeping us away from one another. It is also not letting one another fit in or making someone feel like they fit in. Even though we are all different in one way or another, we are just the same. Whether we are majority black, white, indian, hispanic or any other race. Even if we are straight, gay, lesbian, transgender or whatever. This does not give anybody the authority, power, or right to walk around and make someone feel like they do not fit in, or make them feel like they are worthy of themselves, just because of the way they look, dress, talk, act, or even what they're sexuality is. Just as comments were made about Morehouse, such as.’’ Morehouse Should Be Straight Men Only’’ or such as another comment that had been made ‘’Homosexuality Weakens The Black Man ‘’, I mean it does not make since how dumb and ignorant some people are for even making comments like this. Your sexuality does not affect your success and who ever says that it does I am here to prove them wrong, because I know some very successful people who are straight, gay, lesbian, or even transgender.
The level of camaraderie at an HBCU is very high. At an HBCU, there is a mutual trust between everyone, we can relate to many situations that our peers have experienced, and we are family-oriented which makes our camaraderie at such a high level. I do believe that there is a great level of connectedness because I attend an HBCU. Touring a PWI, showed me that everybody just basically does their own thing. THere was no "family" feeling walking around the campus. Attending WSSU, a lot of people say "hey", and "what's up". I just didn't get that feeling at a PWI. On a "smaller" campus, everyone tends to know everybody. I do feel some type of connection with the school, community, and students. Because the gay community at Moorehouse College became extremely open, they were not accepted. Today we see a lot of racism in our own race. Simply because a person may act, dress, and behave differently, we feel like they shouldn't do the same things we do, go the same places we go and be accepted the same way we are. If universities would simply stop treating members of the LGBTQIAA community like they aren't human, then maybe people would start to accept the fact that some people are just not all the same. People don't know what others have been through that could've possibly made them the way they are. I believe that everyone comes to college to get a degree. However, I don't think these gay men came to college for attention. I believe they came to make a change, and to get people to treat them the same as everyone else, and most importantly get a degree.
Comment: "Spelman would NOT accept them but I agree with you. If they want to dress as a woman then go to a coed college. You can't go to an all male college and dress as a woman."
My Response: These males from the article still identified as males so I really don't see what the issue is. Let them wear female clothing... they still identify as male.
Comment: "Morehouse should be STRAIGHT men only. Nothing against gays. Do not soil the name and image of Morehouse College. HOMOSEXUALITY weakens THE BLACK MAN."
My Response: You would either have to be stupid or ignorant to make a comment like this. Yes, it is an all male school, but does a man being gay make him less than a man?
Comment: "school isn't designed for you to express your 'sexuality'. It's to learn, everything else is just a distraction."
My Response: I don't believe it started out as "oh, let me go dress up as a female and start something." I honestly think that once they decided to dress more feminine, then that's when they started getting negative feedback and decided they want to stand up for themselves.
I don't feel like there will be social justice for the gay community. People will continue to be conservative and believe and stand for what they were taught. I beliebe that these issues will continue to stay the same and maybe, just maybe, it will be accepting rather than tolerable.
Speaking on the camaraderie at Winston Salem State University and how it occurs on campus. I feel as if all the people I have recognized on campus are very respectful and show everyone with RAMily love. Whenever things tragic happen at the university many people come together as a family and pray or have group discussions as if we are one big family. I feel connected because we all have similarities on why we attend the HBCU. Due to sexuality and the people that are associated with being in the LGBTQIAA community, feel as if they are not connected or accepted, because many people do not have the courage and confidence in being true to themselves. I honestly believe that they can not be themselves because many people have judgmental thoughts and do not care about what they say now a days because of the society we live in is sad. Many people do not know how to approach LGBT the appropriate way. LGBTQIAA are confident human beings who I think do not care about what others think. I believe that there is not a way for people to change and or accept what they believe in. Being that people can not change how others carry themselves will eventually get old and people would have eventually accept them for who they are. The LGBT community started to fight for their respect; it wasn’t until the 1990’s that they gained some of the respect they wanted. For lesbians and gays, they just preferred someone of the same gender, while transgenders simply did not like the way they were born, so they decided to go about it another way and change their own gender, or who they decide to be or date; they believed they were born in the wrong body. Being different can be challenging and hard at times, but being who you truly are deep down, should not affect you or may affect you to be ten times stronger of being yourself. The statement stating that Morehouse should be straight men only, and how homosexuality weakens the blackman was a cruel and selfish. I feel as if it was a selfish saying because why should others have to change just for someone else’s opinion, or change because they were not taught to be or act a certain way is a selfish act upon whoever still believes or believed that saying. I have witnessed unacceptance in my family. My brother is gay and finally told the family, but I already knew, and my dad said, “I’m just as confused as you are.” and when my dad said that I felt offended and felt like my dad was being very small minded about how his son is. My dad does not accept gays because of his family values, he was taught not to accept them. Many people are not used to seeing men dress as a woman, or seeing two women dating as a couple, so you look at them as if they are wrong, but only because you were not taught to be that way. Some parents may teach their children not to care about those things, but others may have been taught to not talk to these communities or treat them differently because what they are doing is supposedly wrong.
When it comes to camaraderie at Winston Salem State University it definitely there. Every day I meet someone new and I am always met with a smile and very sincere greeting. Everyone here is very nice and respectful. I think black people’s manners are overlooked in general, but at Winston Salem State University it is prevalent. I have seen many men hold doors open for females and many other chivalrous acts.
Being in college is stressful itself , I can’t imagine being in college with people who look like you and no feel welcomed by any group or person. I think in college that all that disliking each other should be left in highschool. This is because while you in college everybody is stressed and I feel bad anybody who does not have anybody to turn to when the times get hard
I believe the way HBCUs can become is by teaching children to accept everyone.
The level of camaraderie that occurs on HBCU campuses is very high. Here at WSSU I feel everyone talks to everyone, people will walk pass you and say “Hey, how are you” even if they don’t know you, everyone helps each other and just seem nice. I personally think there is a level of connectedness with everyone because it is an HBCU and it is like one big family. The high school I moved to was mostly white so it was a totally different environment than how it is at a black school. Other people like talk bad about HBCU’s because they feel like we don’t have the best education, we are “ratchet”, and don’t have as much money as a university. Because we are looked down upon we as students want it to stop. Along with that, we are connected because we all relate to each other, and even though we are all different we are still black young adults coming to get our education. I think the LGBTQIAA community feels very discriminated against because even though they are around their same gender and race, and they feel like they are not accepted because of their sexuality. For example, Phillip stated that he felt like he did not belong on campus. They should not feel like that because they are just like everyone else but just attracted to the same sex. Universities can be more tolerant and accepting of their differences by not regulating dress code for certain people, and having functions or activities to make them feel apart. I feel like there is never going to be social justice for groups because people are set in their mindset and don’t want to think about how these people are still human beings and aren’t hurting anybody just because they like who they like. Under the video “Morehouse Men React to Vibe Magazine”, there were many comments that reflected on this video. It was hard to find comments that were not graphic but one was, “Gays just want attention. You a man your dick wasn't made for an asshole. It was made for a woman. Nighas ain't born gay. It's adopted.”. My reply to this is that I do not believe gay people just want attention, they just want to be able to express themselves and their style. I also feel that this person’s comment just sounded dumb and he should have thought about what he was saying before expressing his opinion. Another comment was, “There has always been Gays at Morehouse! They are just More Out due to it being More Excepting. My best friend was class of 89', and several low key Gays graduated with him; Shit, ATL is Gay Black Heaven and you have an all-MALE COLLEGE...WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD HAPPEN?!” My response to this comment is that he is completely right, there has always been gays at Morehouse but as time progresses they are going to come out more. Also atlanta is full of gay people and at least they want an education so of course Morehouse is where they are going to want to go. The last comment was talking about keeping Morehouse clean and I feel like they should not prevent them from coming to the school just because they are LGBTQIAA.
From what I see around campus it would appear that, for the most part, everyone is okay with one another, meaning I haven’t seen any hatred or disrespect targeted towards any group or person. I’m not out and about on campus that much, but for an HBCU there is a lot of “togetherness”. I have heard and witnessed that black people can be extremely judgmental; some might say it is a result of slavery and oppression. With the recent climb in suicides amongst the LGBTQIAA people are starting realize that wow… they are just people too. That is why I believe officials are trying to fight for more gay rights. When there should not have to be addition right it should just be people rights, and whatever that entitles. It is funny how people can condemn someone for doing what they love or expressing how they feel and make them feel like they are less than dirt, but as soon as they hurt or kill themselves, they say if only they talked to someone. It is hard to talk to people when they listen to comment and not to actually listen. Although there is many things in this world we do not understand, shunning people others outside of our understanding is not the way to go. I personally like to hear hoe people feel and why they do things the way they do. Although the article and the video were a few years ago there hatred and ignorance in the world. I hope that one miraculous day someone would reach the stubborn, hate filled people and teach them that everyone wants a piece of the pie at the table and they difference, no matter what they are, should not stop or hold that person back. I once herd this sermon on the radio I believe it was on the topic of homosexuality, the speaker or preacher said [do not hate someone just because they sin differently than you]. The entire church was silent. I know that sermon was for the hypocrites that claim Jesus is there friend, but they play with demons. I do not like to see people feel like that are out of place, I like to hear of togetherness. I like to think that one day we all will viewed as equal people, but that day looks to be very distant. Sometimes when I am around a lot of people I feel I should be able to relate I find that I stand out, and although we share some similarities we really are not the much alike. It is like being a weirdo amongst weirdos, and you cannot get any lower than that. Although it should not have to be done, I feel that more classes on educating people on how not to offend someone should be conducted, kind of like this class. I have had a psychology course before and it touched on some of the issues on why people generate hate, but we never had to write an in-depth paper on the issue. Universities and colleges should employ these teaching and strive to expand them.
I think attending an HBCU brings or allows students to be connected easier than somewhere like a PDWI because majority of people at an HBCU are the same race while at the same time providing multiple ways of diversity. even though people have different backgrounds and different interests if you have the same goal or similar interests as anyone I don't see why it would be hard to feel connected. Myself personally I feel connected at WSSSU because not only I see people with the same skin color as me but it is easy to start conversations with people if you just speak up. With comradery I think comes more with clubs and how well people like interacting with you. The interviewee Philip doesn't feel that he belongs due to sexuality and I think cause its either two things.
1.) He might just be homosexual and because of it he feels isolated to a certain group of people. But if that's the case no one cares if someone is gay long as the invisible line isn't crossed (vice versa)
2.) not trying to be stereotypical but if he where's feminine clothing than I see why he feels isolated because its gonna be hard for other males of heterosexuality to associate or be friends with the interviewee Philip.
To me I think it would be hard to be the same race and have same ideas and goals as everyone else but not fit in due to sexuality because when that is the case you wont feel as if anyone is going to judge you off of your character but only your sexuality. I think universities can become more tolerant by offering clubs and awareness activities or something to bring up the awareness of people differences whether it is minor or major differences.
1.)"Morehouse should be STRAIGHT men only. Nothing against gays. Do not soil the name and image of Morehouse College. HOMOSEXUALITY weakens THE BLACK MAN."
- with this comment it basically says to get into Morehouse you must be straight and straight only to keep up the reputation.
2.) "Spelman would NOT accept them but I agree with you. If they want to dress as a woman then go to a coed college. You can't go to an all male college and dress as a woman."
-This comment goes along with the first comment listed because they feel as a the men are feminine and if a all female school wont accept you due ton you being a man acting feminine they don't want to associate with you neither because you are also messing with their reputation.
3.) "There has always been Gays at Morehouse! They are just More Out due to it being More Excepting. My best friend was class of 89', and several low key Gays graduated with him; Shit, ATL is Gay Black Heaven and you have an all MALE COLLEGE...WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD HAPPEN?"
- This comment was interesting because there are valid points in this comment. Every black person specifically knows that ATL, Georgia has the highest percentage of black males who openly identify as being gay. it has been like that for years because black Hollywood is in ATL and with the booming of blacks moving to ATL it allow for homosexuals of the black race to be more open around people who look like each other. So it would make sense that in times before gays would be lowkey and as time goes on and society became more accepting gays will come out openly.
Now I think there will not be social justice for these marginalized groups because the war on race been going of for hundreds of years and hasn't ended yet and with something so specific as sexuality it would be harder to attack it and provide social justice. I belive that when we can successfully end and reavh social justice for people blacks in terms of race than we can go deeper and address the sexuality issue after.
I feel associated in two routes with the understudies that go to an indistinguishable HBCU from me. The primary association is the way that we have a similar skin shading and in light of that we have comparative roots. The second thing is that we are getting advanced education in a dark group and nobody can stop us. I trust that somebody who is gay,lesbian, bi-sexual and so forth are awkward around still awkward around individuals who have a similar skin shading or sex in light of the fact that those individuals may not have similar beliefs, values and that can be difficult to associate with somebody on the off chance that they don't comprehend your qualities in life. Colleges can turn out to be more tolerant and tolerating of specific people sexual character contrasts by just not having an issue with it. For whatever length of time that there is an issue encompassing a particular thing then that particular at that point remains the objective. A man remarked , "Affirm, I'm confounded. Is this a meeting of all the gay understudies of Morehouse? Or, on the other hand is it an open deliberation between the gay and straight understudies concerning the clothing standard?" I was somewhat confounded also when I saw the video since I realized that the contention was encompassed around the article "Mean Girls of Morehouse" yet I didn't know precisely who and what particularly what they were debating about. Someone else says, "Spelman would NOT acknowledge them however I concur with you. On the off chance that they need to dress as a lady at that point go to a coed school. You can't go to an all male school and dress as a woman." I trust that men who go to Morehouse or any all male school and their gay and dress as a lady are going for broke. Once the hazard is taken and the fire is set then shameful acts ascends at the college and a battle for regard is in real life. Someone else remarked, "saying gay and straight is evidence that there is two sorts of people ;realize that sex is a soul compel that is the reason researcher can't locate the gay quality ; in light of the fact that it doesn't exist in the physical world." I thoroughly concur with the principal half of his remark since sexual orientation is made and comprise of a spirit that exist in this world. But since researcher can not discover "gayness" in somebody's quality's does not mean it does not exist.
I feel as though most HBCU students do feel connected to being around the same race, probably religion and even personalities. They can act themselves instead of trying to be TOO professional. Me being a Hispanic and considered a minority here in the U.S, and now attending a HBCU and not a titled a "minority" is a better feeling. So I feel connected with those that are tired of having a title placed on them. When it comes to sexuality in the LGBTQIAA, there really is no “belonging” if others don’t also have the same sexuality. For example, there can be two African American males, but one can be gay and the other is not. There is a “racial” connection but not sexuality. I feel like everyone should be themselves no matter who you are around of. Of course be professional when it comes to being serious but other than that, do you. I feel like universities should be more considerate and more taking charge when it comes to discrimination and even bullying. If they hear that someone is doing something that is against school policy then they should jump on it and start investigation about what is going on. Instead of just saying “let’s see how far this goes.” because one day that “far” may result to a retaliation that is very severe. Now I have noticed that when it comes to HBCU, discrimination, racial profiling, or any other wrong doing they are on it like no other. They understand the struggles that most “minorities” (like they call us) go through and are willing to be on our side through any challenges. 1. Gays just want attention. You a man and your d*ck wasn’t made for an as*hole. It was made for a woman. Ni*gas ain’t born gay. It’s adopted” – This comment is something that a white supremacist would say. Due to religion and political views, younger generation are growing up that being yourself and not what others want you to be is wrong. 2) “The idea of saying gay and straight is proof that there is two types of humans; know that sex is a spirit fore that is why scientist cannot find the gay gene; because it does not exist in the physical world.:” - I can’t agree nor disagree, the reason why I can’t is because I don’t know if sex is a spirit force and also I don’t know what scientist discovered regarding homosexuality. 3) “I agree with this statement right here. A private university/college has the right and I mean right to do as they please! They knew about the dress code and the image that this school wanted to keep up. It’s just like a DePaul, condos cannot be given away on campus by organizations and single students cannot work for the school and be pregnant. Why because it is private catholic university we knew the deal before we set food there.”- Now I do agree with this comment, private schools are allowed to set rules/policy that they would like to live off. Now if that rules or policy offends you or is not what you want to live by then you do have the right to decline to go there. There will never be social justice as long as we have racist and those that like to discriminate.
I feel really comfortable at my HBCU because in a way everyone connects even with different sexualities i feel we all have similar backgrounds and similar purposes for being here. Honestly i feel because the LBGTIAA community are so used to being alone and left out people tend not to try to understand or connect with but in reality every body connects. This is because although we all have similar skin colors and similar ideals we are still very different in our own ways which is part of the diversity we have at WSSU but no matter what we stick together snd we have a lot of support here and programs that really help us progress so as the black man for change group. I don't know a lot about PWI colleges but at HBCUs you learn and adapt to become more accepting to others you began to understand the difference between people. Private schools i dont know to much about but as long a racism still exist i dont think there will ever be social justice. I feel in order for it wver to be social Justice people have to accept eachother no matter what. Everybody meeded to be treated fairly, equality and tolerant pf eachother. I do not honestly see that happening.
Personally, HBCU’s have so much camaraderie’s between them whether is culture and/or race. Most HBCU students have this connection where they share similarities and in which they can act as themselves without changing their ways. Being Hispanic at an HBCU makes me feel connected because I do not have a label that titles me as a minority as it does in the United States. When it comes to the LGBTQIAA community they instantly have the feeling of being discriminated even if they are around their own race and gender. They have that feeling of being accepted based on their sexuality. As one of King’s interviewees, Phillip stated that he does not feel like he belongs on his campus. He should not feel that way especially in an environment where gets his education. He is like everyone else the difference is that his attraction is of the same sex. Universities can become more tolerant and accept of other differences by taking a stand when it comes to discrimination and bullying. Enforcing the school policy towards those actions and making sure it does not go far, to where it might result in a tragic situation. Also making sure to have activities for them so they have a feeling of being welcome. Under the YouTube video of “Morehouse Men React to Vibe Magazine”, there were comments regarding this video. For example. “Morehouse should be STRAIGHT men only. Nothing against gays. Do not soil the name and image of Morehouse College. HOMOSEXUALITY weakens THE BLACK MAN.” In my opinion, stating that “Homosexuality weakens the black males” is like saying that you have something against them. “Gays just want attention. You a man your dick wasn't made for an asshole. It was made for a woman. Nighas ain't born gay. It's adopted.” I do not think that gay people want attention, instead they want to have the ability to express themselves. “There has always been Gays at Morehouse! They are just More Out due to it being More Excepting. My best friend was class of 89', and several low key Gays graduated with him; Shit, ATL is Gay Black Heaven and you have an all MALE COLLEGE...WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD HAPPEN?” He is right about there always being gays at Morehouse. As time progresses there are individuals every day coming out and expressing themselves. I feel like there will never be social justice for these marginalized groups because society has a certain mindset about this topic.
I do feel like there is a level of connectedness on an HBCU campus. I feel like at an HBCU, we understand each other better and it’s like being at home sometimes because we are kind of the same type of people. I feel connected because I just love how on WSSU campus specifically, most people are humble are very nice. I love how at functions we all can enjoy ourselves together. In the LGBTQIAA community, I think some of them feel like outsiders just because it’s hard for them to be themselves on a college campus without non-LGBT people feeling uncomfortable. People can be so rude and mean to those in the LGBT community so I get why they would feel like they don’t belong, but it’s not fair to them. Universities can become more tolerable and accepting of others differences by letting the LGBT community have clubs or programs for those who specifically are apart of the community. It can bring them closer together and I’m pretty sure they will have plenty of supporters who are non-LGBT. It can also bring a change among communities which is very much needed.
“Morehouse should be STRAIGHT men only. Nothing against gays. Do not soil the name and image of Morehouse College. HOMOSEXUALITY weakens THE BLACK MAN.”
I disagree with this comment entirely. Attending Morehouse College doesn’t ruin its image at all, it’s an all male institute so males are able to attend no matter their sexuality. That’s not important when attending college, what’s important is your education.
“So fags wanna wear dresses and claim that's they right. Well you also have the right to get your ass whooped. I dunno why this conversation pops up when fags and weirdos are such a minority. Fuck gays basically y'all wrong and you know it. God hates you Lucifer loves you.”
This comment was just down right wrong and disrespectful. The LGBT deserves to be who they want to be. I know there will always be people who judge but instead of being rude and disrespecting them, just keep your comments to yourself.
“Morehouse has been known for a long time for having a lot of gay men....where is the breaking news here? I mean people let's get real...these colleges are loaded with alot of DL dudes and they are sexing each other all over the place. I know 2 dudes who didn't want to go to Morehouse because they were afraid of the reputation it had....and these 2 dudes were very talented and would have brought a lot of money to that school because of their musical genus. This is such a sad thing with Black men.”
I agree with this comment. There will ALWAYS be at least one person who is apart of the LGBT community, whether they make it known or not, but that doesn’t matter at the end of the day. What does matter is getting an education and becoming successful. In all reality, there will always be those people who are against the LGBT community but I do hope they get the respect they deserve. Better things will come in the future.
The level of camaraderie is very high at WSSU. That's was one ofthe reasons I chose to go here. When I came to visit for the first time, it won me over and I described it as, “ it felt like home”. Everybody is nice and speaks, and even if someone doesn't know you, everyone supports everyone. There's a feeling of pride and togetherness throughout the campus, everyone wants everyone to shine. This high level of camaraderie shows on other HBCU campus’s as well. I believe that we are so connected because everyone can relate in many ways like heritage, physical appearance, common goals, but there is still a high level of diversity throughout the school. I also feel like the togetherness comes from the fact that there are so many negative outlooks on HBCUs and so many other factors going against many of the people within HBCUs that it brings us closer. There's a common goal to keep each other uplifted because there is a lot in today's society that is going against that.
I think that what Phillip is feeling happens a lot within cultures as a whole. I believe people like Phillip that go through this are crushed mentally/emotionally. It is probably an outcast feeling, but on higher level. There’s already the people outside of your culture that you have that feeling of not belonging with, so you stay within your culture to feel that belongingness. But, when you get there, because your sexualtity isn’t the traditional kind you’re outcasted around your own as well. I believe that has to be the worst feeling because if someone can’t get acceptance from their own, where else do you go. They feel lost.
Universities can become more tolerant and accepting of others difference through education. Being educated can create understanding of differences, which can make the process of accepting differences much easier and quicker. Eliminating ignorance of differences will create more room for acceptance of differences. I believe there will be social justice for marginalized groups over time.
“Morehouse should be STRAIGHT men only. Nothing against gays. Do not soil the name and image of Morehouse College. HOMOSEXUALITY weakens THE BLACK MAN.” - This comment is what I often hear a lot from black men, that a gay black man is a weak black man. My question is always what about being gay makes them weak. There is rarely a fact-based answer.
“Gays just want attention” - Homosexuals don't want attention, they want to live their life. But, they are given attention because they are different and the attention they are getting from morehouse is negative and destructive and unwanted. So why would they go to morehouse for attention. That’s is a personal, dumb generalization that doesn’t make sense.
“You weren't born that ignorant "it was adopted!".....Who makes generalized statements towards a group of INDIVIDUALS with NO regard for the many positions, opinions, and perspectives that represent that group???!!!....#idiot”- I agree with this comment, ignorance is the problem.
The level of camaraderie is high. WSSU has a very high family feeling when you walk in to a classroom. Talking with my female friends we have come to a different conclusion about Winston Salem State University. When a female that belongs to a minority enters a classroom... the looks are different. The family feeling has disappeared and vanished into complete air. Some people may see it as the females just look too into reactions and possibility of drama but I beg to differ...
Phillip is feeling what most people go through. Depression within themselves. I really believe that people should be comfortable within themselves. Not everyone is as opened as their sexuality. I feel like society's opinion should not be that important to you. The worst feeling is not feeling accepted, but you have to accept yourself because that is what is important not anyone else opinion.
Universities can have a better policy for hate crimes, because not accepting someone is a crime. Social justice should not be a subject taught in class but practiced through campus.
In my opinion, stating that “Homosexuality weakens the black males” is like saying what you prefer defines the incredible person you are. Gay's do not just want attention they want to express and live in peace.
I feel like the level of camaraderie and connectedness at HBCU’s that I could not get at any other institution, even as being a minority. The mutual respect and kindness is very evident on campus. The hospitality here is like no other and I believe I have met some of the nicest people here. I respect and am supportive of what HBCU’s stand for. I felt a level of connectedness with a few girls I’m close with today even before ramdition week, during the jumpstart program for the honors and scholars’ freshman to go to The Civil Rights museum and White-Water Rapids to kayak, zip-line, and more all day. We all bonded together and then had the same legacy leaders during ramdition week as well. Even though I am not as connected as the on- campus students because I commute, I can see it in everyone else around me. I do think there is an issue of connectedness and acceptance of the LGBTQIAA community not just on our campus but everywhere around us. I believe it is hard for the LGBTQIAA community to feel completely comfortable. My best friend throughout high school and till today, is a gay male and who played basketball and of course he stood out because of that and it was hard for him and the remarks people would say to him. They may nay not feel belonged because they don’t know who would accept them or not even being around their own race and gender. I believe universities can become more tolerant when the LGBTQIAA community is embraced and feel comfortable by possibly having some pride activities on campus for the community and to have others who support the community to bond together. A comment made was “Morehouse should be STRAIGHT men only. Nothing against gays. Do not soil the name and image of Morehouse College. HOMOSEXUALITY weakens THE BLACK MAN.” I would reply saying a sexuality does not weaken anyone or strengthen anyone and there is nothing wrong with it. I would also question why Morehouse Men have to be straight and how being otherwise is a bad image? The second quote that stood out to me is “Spelman would NOT accept them but I agree with you. If they want to dress as a woman then go to a coed college. You can't go to an all male college and dress as a woman” The way that a person dresses does not define their gender, therefore they are still men until they have chosen to change their identity so they are able to attend the college just as any other male. And it isn’t smart to argue with assumptions, rather than facts. "If you wanta learn how to be a woman go to a woman's college! Morehouse is about turning black males into strong black MEN. Why can't anyone get this? You can't dress like a woman and want to be a woman and be a strong man at the same time, thats impossible.” This comment started off wrong when they said “you want to learn how to be a woman.” No these men still identify as men and they go to college to earn a degree, not how to act a certain gender.
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