Wednesday, July 14, 2010

But will it actually help?

I was watching TV late last night and saw an episode of Kathy Griffin's show in which she explored the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy issue. This has been the policy concerning gays in the military for quite some time, and now a repeal is in process.

But as the people with the hidden identities talked about this issue on her show, I had to wonder if the repercussions they fear from having their identities known will actually be alleviated when this policy is no more. Sure, they'll finally be able to be "out," but will they want to be? Will they still face the same bias and prejudice that caused this policy in the first place?

It seems a shame to celebrate the demise of a prejudicial policy, just to find gays are still forced to hide because the underlying attitudes are not impacted after all. I suppose what I'm asking is....will a change in legislation bring acceptance, in a military population accustomed to the opposite?

Thoughts?

6 comments:

darth sardonic said...

there's been a pretty big shift in the past few years as to attitudes towards openly gay soldiers and such. but we still have a long long way to go.

Anonymous said...

I doubt if the prejudice is going to change. People are people and no matter what 'rules or laws' we are forced to follow by others we are still very much governed by our own opinions. It's a sad shame too because we should all just 'live and let live'...

~ellen~ said...

Hi Blogget! Just checking in to let you know that I miss you. You haven't written a "real" update since May! That's unusual for you. I hope everything is okay :)

Take care! <3

37paddington said...

Hi Blogget, just letting you know I miss you too! Hope you're well and just busy and out in the world gathering experiences. Sending good thoughts.

Walker said...

I don't think it will make a difference as i don't think it's relevant what anyone's sexual preference is.
I don't think they should worry about if someone is gay or heterosexual as long as they are trained and capable of, pardon the pun, watching their backs.

Glitterstim said...

I agree with all you've said on this topic. I just see the gap between how it is and how it should be, and think it's a bad idea to try to legislate closing the gap.

And thanks for the messages and well wishes during my absence! That means a lot :o)

Take care!
:o) BJ