Opinion
 

Respect should be a top priority

By Stephanie Davis

In a televised church service last Sunday, the pastor asked, "What is the world coming to?" His sermon was referring to the same sex marriage issue in Massachusetts. Let me be the first to say that I can't judge anyone because I, like everyone, have sinned and am not perfect. We live in a society where everyone is entitled to his or her own opinions. The America that was once founded on the principles of God has now become the "Home of the Fancy Free." Anything goes.

Unless your head has been under a rock, you already know the gay rights issue has caused recent controversy. It doesn't matter what your personal preference may be because the problem is not going away. The reality is that we are all human, and we all have feelings. More importantly, nobody likes to be disrespected. I've heard many Christian heterosexual men make ugly threats toward homosexual men. Now, that isn't a good representation of God, is it? 

Respect goes both ways. Homosexuals want respect and equal treatment, but some forget to show respect to others. When they "come out," they are flamboyant and rude. There is nothing wrong with having pride, but arrogance is a no-no. With pride there is also a sense of self-respect. A person's sexual preference should be kept inside the bedroom. You shouldn't have to put on a show every time you step out into the world to show that you are gay and proud of it.

I was having a conversation with a classmate, and he said, "I would have more respect for a gay person that worked hard and dressed appropriately than one who acted like a clown, dressing up and trying so hard be a woman. That's why people don't have respect for them."

While adults can decide for themselves, children can't and they are confused. This weekend, I went to Joe's Crab Shack for dinner. My eight-year-old cousin wanted me to go to the bathroom with her because there was a man in there applying makeup. When society had morals, it was forbidden for a boy to go into the girls' bathroom.

Another instance was in Sunday school. We were discussing Noah's ark and the rainbow. Some kid shouts, "My dad told me that rainbows are for (gays)." The truth is the rainbow was a sign from God promising his people that he would never flood the land again.

You have to be careful of what you do around children. Their minds are like sponges. They absorb everything they see, both good and bad. Incidents like these might be easy for adults to simply shrug off, but they confuse and scare youngsters.

So let's try to be mindful of others. Don't say nasty names. Don't impose your lifestyle on others. To both sides of the ring, remember we adults set the precedent for what the future will be like, and kids are watching every move you make.

Davis, a columnist for The Daily Cougar, 
can be reached at heavensangel_1_2000@yahoo.com.