Making History

What an exciting time to be alive! I remember reading my history books and learning about things such as Women's Suffrage and the Equality of African Americans.  I couldn't believe how some people could be opposed to equality, but I chocked it up to folks being "old-fashioned," fearful and ignorant.  Still, the excitement of fighting for something you really believe in and making a difference was enough for me to dream of being a part of something world changing.  One day, the history books might talk about my time.

I didn't really believe that was possible, actually.  I didn't believe modern people could really be that ignorant.  I had the unique opportunity in college to take my final exam for my Black and Feminist Theology class, sitting at the Woolworth Counter in Greensboro on the last day it was open before being turned into a museum.  I thought that would be the closest I would ever get to making a stand for Civil Rights.  I overestimated people.

Long gone are the days of ridiculous laws such as Jim Crow and "separate but equal"; made for the sole purpose of keeping people down.

Or so I thought....

It seems the state of Indiana believes this is still an acceptable practice.  A new Indiana law makes it a felony for same-sex couples to apply for a marriage license.  It even goes so far as to make it a misdemeanor for any clergy who performs a marriage ceremony for these couples.  The justification for these laws is mere terminology on the paperwork.  The technicalities are strikingly similar to those of Jim Crow.  Unfair and unjust.

I applaud the companies that, for years now, recognize same sex partners and allow them to receive benefits.  I also applaud media venues who promote the acceptance of same-sex unions.  I am especially looking forward to the next Season of Disney's Good Luck Charlie, which will add a Lesbian couple to their cast.  The more we share acceptance and put it out into the world in positive ways, the more our newest generations will embrace equality without question.

After all...love is love.  Who is anyone to judge?  Personally, I am a promoter of general happiness.  Everyone has a right to happiness.

I am looking forward to the day when I look at my grandchild's history book, and laws such as those passed in Indiana are viewed as they truly are: fabricated loopholes to keep human beings from being treated like...well...human beings.  In the mean time, I plan to support those who are doing the right thing by promoting equality among ALL people, such as the Disney Company.  Perhaps there will be a "sit-in" staged at an Indiana Court House.  I'd love to be a part of it.  Making history.

I leave you with a song.  I hope it speaks to you as it did me:

XO, Ami