The Shameful 70% and the Great Disservice of Religion: My Common Sense Theory

It perplexes and saddens me to know 70% of African Americans voted in favor of Proposition 8, compared to the vote of Latino, Asian, and white Americans, all which were closer to about 50% to 50%, according to exit polls. Before anyone accuses me of being racist, as white or non-black as I may look, I am of measurable African heritage. My maternal grandmother is Creole and my maternal grandfather was mixed, but appeared mostly black, not unlike the skin tone of Barack Obama. He was black enough that he couldn't walk on the platform of the train station, where the white soldiers were, when he shipped out to serve his country during the second World War; he had to walk through the gravel, outside the train station, with the rest of the black soldiers. Perhaps even more telling is my mother's birth certificate, produced in 1951 Louisiana, which states "negro" as her race. So, according to the state of Louisiana, I might as well be considered half black. I know the personal stories of segregation and discrimination as experienced by those I love and I am well aware that based on my genetic background, I could have been subject to the same maltreatment and worse, depending on how far back you wish to go. This information should really be inconsequential, but I want to dismiss the "racist" card right off the top.

I would think civil rights issues and conditions of discrimination would be near and dear to the hearts of black Americans, especially those who remember very well what being black meant in this country in the 30's, 40's, 50's, and 60's, and/or before, if they should remember that far back. Let's face it too, the election of Barack Obama didn't magically dismiss racism that still haunts us till today. So why would it seem 70% of black Californians did not relate their struggle for civil equality to that of the LGBTQI communities?

A black couple approached me in the parking lot of Target last Friday. Coincidentally, that's the second time I've gotten into a discussion over Prop. 8 with an African American in that same parking lot of that same Target. During this most recent exchange, which resulted from the woman seeing what was written on one of my "NO on 8" rally signs as I was switching around the contents of my trunk to accommodate my purchases, I was presented with the same religious argument that I am so tired of hearing. Let me reiterate that the lady approached me (I assume the man and woman were married, and the lady was the only one who opened her mouth to me); I hadn't even made eye contact with her before she told me she saw my sign and wanted to tell me it had nothing to do with hate. At which point I told her it was an issue of discrimination. She insisted that God made man and woman and that was his intent; after which I proclaimed Prop. 8 should not have been a religious issue, but a civil rights issue. She again rephrased her previous statement regarding man and woman, the only argument she was willing or able to share with me, and I told her I felt God was happy with people being who he made them to be, as long as they were not hurting anyone, and she proceeded on her way. Even though I don't believe in God without question, the moment didn't seem appropriate to declare myself agnostic. When you're trying to get your point across to a religious person, flat out telling them you're Godless doesn't help. It really shouldn't have been any of her concern in the first place.

I must say this lady was very nice; she didn't seem confrontational in the least (although one might think you should mind your own business when others are as well). Furthermore, she didn't have a look of disdain on her face, as her male companion did indeed display very plainly. If I had to speculate, I imagine he thought I was gay, considering my obvious opposition of Prop. 8 and my less than made-up appearance that day. In any event, I certainly didn't feel the need to dispel his likely assumptions; it's his business and his problem if he wished to judge me. I got the impression from her, on the other hand, she genuinely didn't want me to think Prop. 8 was about the hatred of gays and lesbians, but about a sinful act. The entire encounter probably didn't last for more than half a minute, so I was obviously unable to engage her in a full on debate. Although, I don't feel social equality and fundamental civil and human rights should be up for debate...both should just be, especially for a nation that claims equal protection, liberty, and justice for all.

My interaction with the lady reiterated some of what I've discerned, and my resulting affirmations, in general terms, with regard to religion and many of the people who practice it. When someone is trying to sell you on an idea or a belief, especially one with so many applicable counterarguments, inconsistencies, and flat out contradictions, it always helps to maintain an impression of agreeableness, approachability, and politeness. The lady's method of approach in terms of her interaction with me suggested, from my assessment, an almost submissive quality as well. All elements considered, I cannot help but imagine a commissioned salesperson, the upbeat, likable young woman trying to sell you that uncomfortable pair of shoes you don't need (and are better off in the first place if you don't have them to try to walk in), or the television that's just a few inches larger than you intended to purchase, which upon getting home, you realize it doesn't even fit, or that overpriced additional to the car you just decided on to get you from point A to point B.

If I'm called on to judge my fellow humans as living or engaging in sin by utilizing selective parts of the "Word of God", while they are simply being themselves and not genuinely hurting anyone else, when I am an imperfect person myself, that's a pair of shoes I'm wholly unwilling to walk in; my conscience cannot afford such an expenditure. Nature, or perhaps God if he exists, has endowed me with my own intelligence and abilities to think vital things through analytically, sensibly, logically, and reasonably, with an empathic consideration for my fellow humans, other creatures, and the entire planet. When something doesn't make sense, that usually means it's nonsense and I do not need answers to unanswerable questions. Furthermore, I do not need answers that thoroughly reject actual, measurable, and otherwise testable phenomena. I will not dismiss what I can know in exchange for what I unquestionably cannot. I absolutely refuse to be sold on something I do not need because it seems to be better or more appropriate, or maybe because everyone seems to be doing it; I choose to find my proverbial pockets not emptied and my head clear and prepared to reach conclusion based on my own relatively enlightened and intellectually responsible evaluations.

Speaking of monetary disbursements and religion, it was during the Middle Ages if I remember correctly, when Christian church representatives would go around to common people and offer "passes" to forgive their sins, in exchange for a hefty price, of course. The more items of value you could offer, the more forgiven you would be. Is that not oddly reminiscent of the well dressed, well groomed, jewel bearing preacher who asks you for a generous "donation" of your income, perhaps 10-20% of your pay, or even your grocery money? They make sure to remind you how blessed you will be by giving to the church and how God will surely answer your prayers and forgive your sins as a repentant, active member of the congregation. Something doesn't seem right there.

Back to the issue at hand though...the 70% of black Americans who decided certain other members of their communities were not deserving, for whatever reason, of basic civil benefits and protections. My common sense theory is simple, thus my usage of the term. The very state of being black in this country for so long translated into judgment, injustice, intolerance, severe maltreatment, and the denial of fundamental human rights. Such a state of being, such a volatile, demeaning existence is breading ground for the comfort that religion can offer. If you, along with many generations of your ancestors, were subject to the most brutal, maddening, senseless treatment, as instituted, and therefore validated, by your very own government, then I think anyone in that circumstance would seek solace in another venue that confirms your essential value as a human being and provides a strong sense of supportive community.

But alas, with religion comes consequences, and unfortunately for members of the Californian LGBTQI communities, the years black Americans were subject to structured inequality and extremely reprehensible treatment, which turned many of them on to religion, also resulted in their belief that God's creation of man and woman translates somehow into the sinfulness of homosexuality, and thus their unworthiness of basic civil rights. I'm simply relaying the argument that has been presented to me. The vast majority of churchgoers I've heard from staunchly proclaim homosexuality a sin, which for them means homosexuals themselves do not deserve the same societal rights others have.

I, on the other hand, find is incredibly and appallingly ironic that many former second-class citizens do not sympathize with the plight of current second-class citizens. Moreover, it is further ironic and deplorable that those previously held as inferior have overwhelmingly supported the continued second-class standing of others. I think African Americans should be reminded of a time when their lowered social status was justified by those who thought it was God's will, or the natural order of things, that white men be elevated above the black.

What a great disservice of religion! The affiliation that provided such a necessary recourse is the exact same one that permits, encourages, and rationalizes the comparable marginalization of another group of society members. What ultimate incoherence and an absolute, indisputably horrid abomination as far as I'm concerned.

Whatever the cause may be, I challenge anyone who is in favor of denying basic civil and human rights, benefits, and protections to those of so-called "divergent" sexualities make themselves familiar with the personal stories of members of the LGBTQI community. Read or listen to first hand accounts, read Stone Butch Blues, read Middlesex, learn about same-sex couples who have been happy with, committed to, and loving toward each other for decades, who have raised and nurtured perfectly normal, functional, contributing, heterosexual members of society. Make friends with these pleasant people, have dinner with them. Learn about their accomplishments, their hopes, their goals for the future. Learn about their experiences growing up and what hardships they faced simply for being themselves. Ask yourself if a 4, 5, 6, or 7-year-old can really "choose" to be gay or transgender, if they can really decide on that "sin" as you claim. Ask them how it feels to be told by their fellow citizens they can't marry the person they love. Ask them what if feels like not to have any legal right or say when their loved one is sick or otherwise incapacitated. Find out how very "average" they are. I can promise, without any shred of doubt in my being, you will find they are not unlike you and are no less perfect than you are. Walk beside and hear these people then ask yourself again if they are undeserving, unworthy of the same rights you enjoy.

Moments of History in the Making

First the great news...the country will soon be free from the terrorism and dim-witted dictatorship of the Bush Administration and the imbecile that leads it. I hear Bushwack is now signing up volunteers to go to the White House in order to help collect his shit and throw it out the closet window, at which time all of the new destitute people he has helped create can come and rummage through it. No...I made that up; that would be way too charitable for this guy, he's only in favor of helping the wealthiest among us.

Now the greater news...Americans have elected an immensely talented, intelligent, and otherwise gifted man who will lead us for the next four years, hopefully toward global vindication. Barack Obama has made lots of assertions and promises over the past several months and I hope he proves himself deserving and capable of such declarations. My prediction is after eight years of accomplished service to the nation and entire world, Obama will be considered one of the most distinguished and successful presidents in history, made even more impressive by instituting policies that recover us from international peril and being the first American of African decent to assume the highest office in the land.

I must also express my exuberance for the passing of Proposition 2 here in California, which will simply allow animals raised for food the space needed to extend their limbs and move in relative ease, a drastic improvement from the torture they were subject to before. This new law has been called the single most important victory for farm animals in U.S. history, and will undeniably pave the way for similar legislation in other parts of the nation.

I regard the election of Obama and the victory of Prop. 2 with much enthusiasm; I see these two achievements as indicators of what's going right in this country. However, even in light of such progress, I can't help but be fiercely disappointed with the results so far in terms of Proposition 8. We should not be voting to take away the basic civil rights of any Americans in the first place, but even in doing so, the race should not be even remotely as close as it remains. Millions of absentee ballots have yet to be counted, so there is still a glimmer of hope.

Those bigoted, hateful people, those maliciously ignorant and unwilling to engage in enlightened compassion, those who would have their misguided religious beliefs imposed on all of us and who stubbornly adhere to their asinine, hypocritical "values" will have their day. And people whose cognitive processes follow that similar to those who concurred slavery was a good idea, condoned Jim Crow laws, hunted down and lynched black Americans, were in favor of the disenfranchisement of women and minorities, thought it was fine to disallow white Americans to marry non-whites, didn't see anything wrong with the internment of Japanese-Americans, and whose brutal thought processes resulted in the utmost agony and murder of millions of Jews AND gays, AND the disabled, as well as others, should not rejoice in this day, but be scared shitless. The vote is not 62% to 38%, like it was in 2000 regarding a similar measure, but nearly 50% to 50%! More Californians are unwilling to proclaim that some of their fellow citizens are not deserving of the same benefits and protections that other Californians enjoy. More Californians are taking a stand for what they know in their minds and feel in their hearts is the right thing to do.

If there's one thing we learned last night without question, it's that even those who would have come from the most oppressed circumstances, complete with forced bondage and labor, and those who were once forsaken their fundamental civil and human rights, can rise to the most powerful position, not only in the nation, but in the world. Barack Obama affirms the promise of America and that same promise will not evade those of any sexuality.

And to everyone who is afraid their children will be taught it is not acceptable to discriminate against anyone based on any reason, your children WILL BE TAUGHT, whether you like it or not, that in The United States of America, even someone who comes from humble beginnings, someone whose no-so-distant ancestors would have been slaves and counted as only three-fifths of a person, someone whose inconsequential human qualities they have no power over would have made them subject to the most heinous treatment and denial of essential societal protections, can elevate themselves to the most powerful position on the face of the planet.

I, along with your intelligent children, will revel in the day we see an openly gay, lesbian, or transgendered president. I hope I live to see that day; I will experience similar feelings of elation and satisfaction I felt last night when I saw the Obama family walk onto that stage. That's what I hope for, and that day will come.