About Social Evolution Reborn
This page is designed to be an open and free discussion regarding the social evolution of our society, especially as it relates to social justice issues. Other areas of life are included as it might be important to the evolution of society as a whole.
All main entries are written by Bonniejean Alford Hinde (professor, activist, world citizen) unless otherwise specified as being a guest post. If interested in submitting a guest post, please e-mail your idea/article to bonniejean7@comcast.net. All articles/ideas will be considered so long as they are respectful of fellow world citizens and are working toward the understanding of the evolution of our society.
Anyone can submit a comment, and for the most part comments will not be edited, so long as they are not derogatory, attacking, or just disruptive to the flow of discussion. In fact, most edits will likely be only minor grammatical corrections.
Each person has the right to a different opinion, as long as they respect one another.
Please be considerate and respectful of other world citizens as you make comments, as I don’t want to edit or censure anyone.
Thank you for viewing this blog and may life continue to evolve as it should.
Amber said
In 1960s when we looked at the gays they were being seen as something not to be mentioned in the scoiety and people were afraid to mention the name or called somebody gay was even worse.Later gays were related to unhygeinic persons who do not remain clean.After that there was AIDS that was entirely related to gays that makes people aware that who ever is a gay will have AIDS.So people were more afraid to be called as a gay because they might be the cause to spread some disease.But then there was a change in the society and GAYS improve their lifestyle so much that now GAYS and cleanliness goes together .They have change the concepts of the people that AIDS is not only associated with them.There was a recent whole change in the society who now accept gays as a part of the society.
Kateyp1234 said
It is clear that throughout the last 40-50 years gays have made a large stride in our country in regards to tolerence. Most people these days will tolerate gay people and not say anything that will be offensive to them. While this is great, I still believe that there is a long way to go for gays/lesbians to attain equal rights. In regards to how gays were associated with the Aids epedemic, once again that was a small group of gay’s who contracted Aids, many other straight people also did. Due to our country’s need to blame an issue on one group of people is why the gay’s were blamed. I don’t agree that the gays “cleaned up their acts,” i believe people realized how ignorant they were and some decided to change. I believe that a tolerence is not acceptable in regards to aids. Whether someone is for gays or not for them is not relative. What’s relative is that gays are a part of our society and our humans as well. They should be treated with all equal rights, regardless of personal opinion.
Amber said
The gays have improved their life style dramatically.In chicago there is a place called boystown which was used to be a very bad area and people dont even want to mention the name now it is recommended as one of the clean areas and people go there.It is not because only the people aware that the gays are humen it is because the gays make them aware that they are humen and diseases are not associated with them.
Alfredo said
In the past years gay people have taken large steps in this wonderful country. The gay tolerance is up from past years and gay people are being accepted more and more as the years go by. There is a long way to go for gay people to be totally respected by everyone and for them to receive equal rights but i believe they are on the right path. Gays are all humans like the rest of us and should at minimum receive respect that every human should.
Kerry Roberts said
I’d prefer people don’t just refer to us as “the gays” also. In certain contexts, it’s a bit offensive.
jeffr said
I would agree that the LGBT community has received a considerable amount of attention lately, and have made significant progress over the past several decades in being tolerated and accepted, but there is still a long ways to go. I’ve noticed quite a few comparisons to the African Americans civil rights movements, but it’s been well over a century since the Emancipation Proclamation, and many would still be right in saying that prejudice and discrimination still occur in society today. Also, while I don’t see anything as violent as the Detroit Race Riots occurring because of the gay rights movement, there is a rather large problem with LGBT students getting bullied for their sexuality. While they’ve getting a large amount of media attention, I think there’s still a long way to go.
Ahmed said
I totally agree with you, Amber. Nowadays Gays are calling for their rights and considering themselves as if they are not against all the normal regulations and laws of this universe we are living at! I feel it is also because we are living in a sick society which gave them a chance to speak out. Don’t take me wrong, but yes there are many people who call always for an “unlimited freedom” which is totally unacceptable.
jennajean14 said
Times have definitely changed especially with other “groups” (Africans, Women, other groups, hence the ” “). A lot of the problems when it comes to valuing the idea of homosexuality comes from different religions. People who follow the bible closely and believe that through the bible they have the opportunity to follow God and make the path to Heaven. The media allows for homosexuality to be expressed with greater ease. The movie “I Love You Phillip Morrison” is a perfect example not only of homosexuality but also of what happens in the prison system and that sometimes “Gay for the Stay” isn’t literal. Also, I don’t know who watches “The Real World” on MTV but one of the members on that was featured in gay porn and hid it from the other people in the house as well as the girl that he had formulated a relationship with. When it all came out (his girlfriend’s mother told her which she then told the rest, what a way to find out!). The rest of the episode was dedicated to discussing what is gay or how people actually feel about it.
In a way, it seems that gays have “taken over” the social problems that African Americans once had when it relates to their role in society. Before the “N” word was frequently used instead of treated African Americans as people because that is what we all are. Throughout time we become more respectful of people’s human characteristics unless it involves criminal activity. This again goes back to The media and how celebrities attempt to show their true self as being a homosexual and will be able to allow more of society be accepted as homosexuals.
Matt said
It’s very interesting to see how not only gays have been perceived but the word gay and how it has gone from a meaningless word that means happy and full of glee to used in everyday life calling your own friends gay. AIDS is really the only downfall that has risen in numbers throughout the gay community. I do think as well that the higher powered people in the world such as leaders, celebrities, CEO’s, need to come out and provide leadership to anyone else uncomfortable with being a homosexual and living a closeted lifestyle. We were raised in a free country and it doesn’t make sense to put restrictions on people’s rights.
Roger said
I believe that technology is taking over the society. I mean look at the smart phone or the way military work things, the drones. I read a magazine that said by the year 2020 they will have enough drones to complete every military branch smart enough to operate themselves, no human control required. Is that a major evolution of society or what?
Gina said
What do you think everyone? Currently, I think that people who are gay are considered more acceptable and are probably more affluent than African-Americans or Latinos. Economic and and educational systems/practices are not supporting these people as they should. We say that the U.S. is the “land of opportunity”, but why is it so hard to achieve that racial equality? Is it the unintended consequences of policy?
Gina said
I do worry a little about what technology takes away from the human process. It has driven expectation about performance through the roof and has had some interesting effects on children (especially their socialization). It makes me wonder sometimes how much people would actually know about things if suddenly we were without technology.
Amanda T said
Will war ever end? Since greed is one of the leading causes of war, we cannot achieve world peace, unless we first understand the nature of greed. What happens when we start to appreciate our health and environment? Not only does appreciation feel good, but it dramatically improves our behavior. We can only enjoy something when we appreciate. We do not need to be greedy to be ambitious; World peace is certainly an ambitious goal. Appreciation is the key to healing the greed that has not only spread around our planet like a plague, but it’s also the key to saving our environment. To improve our health and world around us, we can gradually strengthen our unconditional love and appreciation. We tend to focus more on the petty problems, and ignore how generous life has been to us. How does war begin, and how can we end it? When I think about all the money being spent on wars, I want to scream. Why? Why, must we fight and kill to get a point across? Wouldn’t it make sense to help each other out, and be equally rich in life, then to kill each other? War will always be an issue, because we live in a world that is filled with greedy people. Even amongst poor people, there is greed. Is it in our human nature? Could it be that the world is specifically set up for failure? Money is all about receiving goods and services from others, if you love money and pursue wealth, you love the idea of people serving you. Greed is a part of our natural instincts, and will always be an issue as long as we live.
Amanda T said
It seems as though women have had it the worst of all throughout history. Woman weren’t allowed to write, compose, or create works of scholarships or literature. Had it been possible for women to have the same opportunities as men, would our world be the same today? In China the concept of gender differences appears visually in the female/ male of the yin/yang Taoist symbol. Women were able to seek spiritual fulfillment beyond their family duties. Some joined covenants, others gathered with men to discuss philosophy and religion. It often makes me wonder if the views of women were sought out for answers, could we possibly have a better world.
Kerry Roberts said
I TOTALLY agree with KateyP1234. Couldn’t agree more. This whole thing with AIDS, it has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with gays. Just as gay males were contracting it in the 60s or whenever it became prevalent, straight people were getting it too. It’s not a “Gay disease” if anyone can get it. People have let their own selfish ignorance put blindfolds over them, and then, they think up these insane ideas that make absolutely no sense, like the one stated above. This is found true in not only the case of prejudice against gays, but prejudice against African Americans, women, and some foreigners. It has nothing to do with a disease, or what one group of people is doing wrong, and it has nothing to do with if your gay or straight. Anyone can get diseases, and ignorance is a disease, a very catching one at that.
Matt said
I think this will always be one of the hottest topics, just because in a country that we tell everyone they are free to do whatever they want as long as it isn’t breaking the law, it seems like this would almost seem as if, it is taken in context of breaking the law, and i dont think anyone would agree with that statement. Gay marraige is just the next obstacle that we need to tackle as a country just as we have done the past 200 years. Everything just takes enough people to speak out and then it becomes a movement and eventually you can’t stop that movement so it is going to keep on going till it is open. Religion not included.
Kerry Roberts said
Of course it will always be a hot topic, because people have such issues with things that aren’t related to ‘normalcy’. A lot of people are so stubborn and stuck in their own ways that they are almost blinded by their ignorance. They refuse to see that the gay community is full of totally normal people. Just because someone is gay, doesn’t mean they’re any different and or deserve lesser treatment.
Kerry Roberts said
And by the way, I’m totally with you Matt; well said.
AllieEffrein said
Kerry and Matt I completely agree with what you have both said. The fact that people do not accept gay people because they are what some call “different” makes no sense to me at all, especially in regards to gay marriage. Marriage is supposed to be the union of two people who are in love right? Then what is the difference if you are gay or straight? If you and your significant other are in love and want to get married, you should be allowed to be. This will always be a hot topic and will not be resolved within the next few years, but seriously? Get over it! Gay or straight…it just doesn’t matter! Love is love and anyone who cannot see that needs to wake up. Yes, I can see the argument that it is a different lifestyle, but not that different. We all want the same thing: to love and be loved. To each his own!
allie920 said
I agree with Kerry and Matt. Gay marriage will always be a hot topic for multiple reasons and will not be solved anytime soon. People argue that it isn’t normal. What is normal then? Half of same-sex marriages end in divorce…is that considered normal? Marriage is supposed to be the union of two people who love each other right? Then why does it matter if the two people are gay or straight? Love is love! People need to stop being so obtuse when it comes to this topic. It doesn’t matter what race, sex or sexual preference. Love is love!
tkwhelan said
What was once an exclusive club for heterosexuals is under attack. Because marriage is a heterosexual institution that is covered with a veil of romance and “love” many don’t understand the significance of marriage. It is because of romantic love that non-heterosexuals find the idea of marriage appealing, people want to be in love and when they are, they want to shout it from the rooftops. When you look at the whole situation from a distance, there is one group who has created this institution that is supposed to be all about love, then you have this other group that thinks, “lets do this because we are in love.” Then all the feelings of love turn into hate and fear when people worry about what it would mean for heterosexuals if non-heterosexuals were allowed to express their love, not only in the privacy of their own home but perhaps even in a church (((gasp)))) or on paper! Then it might get really crazy when non-heteros are able to live their lives, make medical or financial decisions for/with their partners, adopt children, have a family…be happy…
Rawski628 said
I agree with a few of the above. Yes Gay marriage is a hot topic but in a few years it’ll be in the past just like the other changes this world has encountered. It’s fresh and new that’s why people keep talking about it. Soon it will appear normal and only a few will remain arguing it. I agree with Allie, yet people don’t see it that way, especially the older generations. They can’t accept change, but one day it won’t be change everyone will be used to it.
vladrikhlyuk said
It is always interesting to me when people speak on a topic of homosexuality. People have twisted something sacred like sexuality into something that people can just do whatever they want. It is always surprising to me when people at church only mention homosexuality as sin. If these people who are only condemning homosexuals read their bibles then they would know all sexual immorality is wrong. I don’t condone homosexual behavior but that doesn’t take away from the person’s intrinsic value. People have made homosexual jokes so and comments so common. I made a vow to no longer make jokes concerning homosexuals. All sexual sin grieves God but especially homosexuality. We are all sinners and we need gods grace. Christ meets people where they are but through him people become changed. A awesome revelation I learned is that Christ was tempted with every sin of the world but he never sinned. A person fehttp://socialevolutionreborn.wordpress.com/wp-admin/edit-comments.php#comments-formels the full weight by not giving in to it. My heart goes out to those who struggle homosexuality and I embrace them with love. I have compassion without compromise. 1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
jeffr said
I must say Vlad, this is one of the more interesting things I’ve heard from someone who is opposed to homosexuality. What’s interesting isn’t why you have your opinions, but rather your compassion for these people you feel to be acting immorally. Many of the arguments and comments I’ve heard against it tend to be more negative and hateful, which seems rather unfortunate. While I may not agree with the content, I must admit this is one of the stronger and more tolerant arguments against homosexuality.
MatthewM said
A lot of the comments above I strongly agree with. Gay marriage was such a big deal in the last 20 years and most of the time looked down upon. In less than 20 years from now, I think people will almost think nothing of it. There wont need to be places like “boystown” but gay marriage will become a norm. I agree with Kerry Roberts, I think people are stuck in their own ways and sometimes people need to open up to other ideas and see their perspectives
Meghan F said
I think that the gays have made a real break through over the years, they have gained alot more respect and more recognition. As I see it, its like the civil rights movement with African Americans, in a way. They both have made great efforts and gone through so much hate and discrimination yet they never gave up and now they have gained so much more freedom and have been noticed more. People now realize that they aren’t any different from a straight person. Preference of gender shouldn’t matter, it doesn’t make who they are as a person any different. Of course there are still people too stubborn in their ways to accept them and basically to accept change in general but hopefully one day we can get past the hate and prejudice towards something that doesn’t even effect you. In other words, someone being gay doesn’t change your life so why does it matter?
DariusD295 said
I believe that the government should give the same rights to gays as they do heterosexuals in the form of civil unions.However, as a Christian, I believe that everyone sins. I sin, you sin, and the homosexuals sin. However, in order for us to be a Christian we recognize our sin in jesus’ eyes, and ask for forgiveness of our sins. In my opinion we should never pass judgement on others, because God will pass judgement on us, and if we do not recognize our sins, or ask forgiveness of our sins, we will not pass into heaven. Jesus loves all, but there are consequences to our actions. Yes, he will always be accepting of us, and welcome us no matter what we have done, but we have to recognize and ask forgiveness for what we have done first.