Carlson- Gayness, Multicultural Education, and Community (Reflection)

This week we read an article that was about a different subject matter then what we have talked about in the past, but it still had that connection to the who le idea of the culture of power. Carlson talked about how gayness in our society and how it is not the dominant mindset of the culture of power. He also says how there are ways that the dominant culture keeps gayness “in its place.” Carlson says that the people do this by “the erasure of gayness in the curriculum, by “closeting and “witch hunting” of gay teachers, and by verbal and physical intimidation of gay students and teachers.”

In curriculums he says that people try not to bring up the topic of homosexuality in the classroom. I say why not bring up an issue such as that. If we as students can talk about racism, a thing that clearly existed and still does, then why must homosexuality be pushed under the rug? If anything talking about diversity in people gives use a more open mind when going out into the world. If it can further the knowledge of a child and help with the lesson then just teach it.

The whole idea about finding gay teachers and exposing them as a sort of “witch hunt” is a crazy idea. If accusing people of witch craft back then was wrong what makes it better today. Carlson states about how they would do this to expose improper role models. Personally I fell these people are the best role models. They stand up for what they believe in. They do their job without letting the culture of power get in their way. There is also a quote that Carlson uses that states homosexuality as being contagious. That is the most absurd thing I have ever heard. Students will follow their own sexual preference and not be persuaded by a teacher. It is also not the teachers place to get involved. Although this video may be humorous at times it gets across the point that homosexuality is not a choice.

Of course people will find a way most of the time to poke fun at another person. So this comes to no surprise that people make fun of homosexuals. The thing that shocks me the most in Carlson’s article is that the student is making fun of an adult teacher. There are lines in schools that should not be crossed and making fun of a teacher is one of them. Carlson does not mention about what happened to that child after the incident but I think in not telling it hints to the culture of power, and how she being a heterosexual had the power.

People need to realize sexual discrimination is just as bad as racial or gender discrimination.  My question this week is why is it that racial and gender discrimination get more light shed on the issue than that of sexual discrimination?