President Obama in Kenya, talking about gay rights

[iKate]

So it is rare that I give the man praise, but I think it's a good thing for him to talk LGB(t) rights in Kenya. He as the first African-American President should be able to make a special connection with Africa.

But disheartening was the Kenyan President's response:

"The fact of the matter is Kenya and the U.S. share so many values: common love for democracy, entrepreneurship, value for families -- these are some things that we share," Kenyatta said. "But there are some things that we must admit we don't share. Our culture, our societies don't accept."

It seems as though everyday Kenyans also agree with Mr Kenyatta.

Which makes me wonder. Years ago, America banned interracial marriage. It was a "culture" that America had. I wonder if Mr Kenyatta thought about that?

Folks, I mention this because I want people to realize how bad things are in some parts of the world with regards to our rights. In my native country, Trinidad and Tobago, same sex relations are punishable by 25 years in prison. The law is rarely ever enforced, but there have been anecdotes of gays not being allowed to enter the country.

Transgender rights are also lacking as there is no legal framework to change sex on any identity document. Not birth certificate or passport.

What I don't get is why people who have been oppressed for so long find it so hard to ease up oppression on others? And especially on LGBT?

Some food for thought.

[runaway]

Same with my birth country, that inherited many British colonial-era laws. Politicians fall back on the same tired excuse of a lack of cultural acceptance.

I think hypocrites don't realize they're hypocrites, because they lack the capacity for introspection. Many people can hold conflicting opinions concurrently, because they refuse to examine their own beliefs critically and honestly. I've found that I have to be very careful when bringing such contradictions to their attention, because they usually go into denial and become very defensive, rather than seeking to address the problem.

Thinking about this trait that many people share always saddens and angers me, because the world would be a much better place if only people were more introspective and empathetic.