Without equality, tolerance for gays is just a myth

[Butterfly]

Without equality, tolerance for gays is just a myth
Asia One News
By Paisarn Likhitpreechakul
Fri, Apr 03, 2009
The Nation/Asia News Network


http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asian%2BOpinions/Story/A1Story20090403-132915.html


THERE'S a myth, especially among foreigners, that Thailand is "tolerant" towards gays and transgenders. After all, hardly a day goes by without one seeing ladyboys or katoeys (male-to-female transgenders).

Most Thais also like to believe in such a feel-good story, as well as spin it to foreigners. To say anything to the contrary will cause a loss of face. However, that kind of simplistic rationale based on visibility is akin to reasoning that Thai women must have equal rights to men because every other Thai appears to be female.

[Janet_Girl]

In My Humble Opinion:

Change a few names and the story could be about America.  The only true way that tolerance would happen is for it to be taught. 
Laws will not create instant tolerance, only protection from hate crimes.  And then only if they are enforced. 
The defeat of any law regarding Same-sex marriage is teaching hate. 
'Separate but equal', 'Don't ask, Don't tell' and even 'You are in my country, Learn English"  teaches hate, not tolerance.

It took that Civil Rights Movement to bring true freedom for our African-American brothers and sisters. 
And even now there are hate crimes committed against them.  And hate is begin taught everyday in the media and by the Government. 

The Patriot Act is directed at anyone that is of Middle Eastern ethnicity, having a Middle Eastern sounding name or begin Muslim. 
And there are laws being passed everyday against Mexicans, who like a lot of our forefathers come here for a fresh start.

The passage of Federal Laws will protect the GLBT community, but tolerance will not become a reality, unless it is taught. 
And as long as the Christian Reich is in control of the media and the Government, it will never be taught.
And Yes that statement isn't tolerant of the Immoral Majority.

Hate is a taught emotion.  Only by teaching tolerance can it truly become a reality. 
We are all bigots in some way.  Name calling, if even just to yourself, is a form of bigotry and hate.
Think about it and you will see what I mean.  Even within our own community.

When will it ever be a truly tolerant country?

Ok I am off my soap box now.

Janet

[tekla]

The Patriot Act is directed at anyone that is of Middle Eastern ethnicity, having a Middle Eastern sounding name or begin Muslim.
And there are laws being passed everyday against Mexicans, who like a lot of our forefathers come here for a fresh start.

One, I think the real target of the Patriot Act was the American Public at large, the whole mid-east deal was just a cover.

There are a lot of people of Mexican background who have been in this country a lot longer than most white families.  To be sure, they did not cross the border, the border crossed them.

[Janet_Girl]

I love it, Tekla.  and you are so right now about both.

Janet

damn! did it again.  Agreeing with you. 

[imaz]

Thanks for posting that very interesting article Leslie.

I have through marriage extensive South East Asian family and recognise many similarities especially the non confrontational part. Sadly in Indonesia things are going backward with the increasing introduction of partial Sharia Law in some areas and the appalling new "Anti Pornografi" Laws the passing of which were an utter disgrace.

May I take the liberty to post a YouTube video concerning the repercussions of this legislation in Indonesia...

Pornography and Politics - Indonesia