Thursday, January 18, 2007

Thursday Thirteen #5



13 things about prejudices and discrimination:

(actually 12 + 1 dedicated specially to my friend Shanna)


1. Few days ago I was listening one radio “show” and guests were organizers of one conference about right of “sexual minorities” and about importance of law which will bring protection to those groups. That made me think about society in which I live? I know ‘sexual minorities’ are very unwelcome here and I wasn’t surprised when I heard about discrimination upon them. 2. Actually that has historical roots here. Namely we were under Ottoman yoke almost five century and one of the practices typical for Ottomans were taking young boys for their sexual adventures. That’s why homophobia and homo-antagonism is very strong here. It’s almost genetically!
3. But somehow I supposed that huge majority doesn’t express publicly their sexual orientation. I don’t know anyone who is homosexual here (and I know lots of people). Few years ago first (and the last) Gay Pride has been transformed into massacre: bunch of opponent soccer fans were united (for the first time) to “destroy sickness” as they said. It was horrible indeed but I wasn’t surprised at all. It was stupid decision to organize Gay Pride here, I mean they must’ve known where they live!
4. But in spite that I believed this is tolerant society and that discrimination is only some isolated excess. But while I was listening that radio show I couldn’t believe what problems people have. One guy after admitting he’s gay was tortured in his own family, he had to move in different town but couldn’t finish high school because no one wanted him (he didn’t want to hide his sexual orientation). Problem was solved after intervention of one NGO.
5. Another case was with women who wanted to donate blood; she was filling one questionnaire and said YES on the question ”Have you ever had sexual intercourse with the person of your own gender?”. They didn’t want to take blood from her. Again, after intervention of one NGO that question has been dropped out that questionnaire.
6. I remembered reaction of my army mates when they found out that I’m reading book where the main character is homosexual: they couldn’t believe it. Now when I think even use words “gay” and “homosexual” instead of “faggot” is gay!
7. Also what made me speechless was other questionnaire where high percent of people was replying that s/he would refuse blood for physically handicapped person. I couldn’t believe that!
8. Of course there is discrimination against people suffering from AIDS and HIV positive (although that are “only” 560 registered at the moment)
9. Perfect “model” according to the guests of that radio show is for example: 45 years, male, married, two-three children, heterosexual, Serbian, Orthodox Christian. If you are all that except married (without children) something must be wrong with you (you are heterosexual!). Worse situation is if you are a woman. Even being atheist might be cause for discrimination!
10. To be honest I do thing there is exaggeration here. Maybe that’s even good marketing move since if you put few drops of exaggeration in your story you’ll provoke stronger emotional reaction. 11. Of course there is the fact that I’m not moving in those illiberal, intolerant circles so I don’t see things from right perspective. But I’m sure something dangerous and evil like this wouldn’t slip by me just like that. I’d noticed them for sure.
12. Interesting and very positive thing is that participants on that conference were includes members of several parliament parties! For the first time some of those has expressed their opinion about this issue (until now they were running away from “sexual” question like the devil from the cross). Of course in Sunday we have parliament elections so this has everything with it! But anyhow I think it is quite positive move.

13. And last thing I wanna say has nothing with previous 12 but I had to include it. My dear friend Shanna is going today in Nepal for four months to do some good and noble work in a middle school. Wishing her safe voyage and lovely time! Hugs Shanna!!!

PS
Sorry if I don’t reply right now but here is 4-5 am so I have to go in bed (look the clock on the left)

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
(leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

::::: Di ::::: Morgen ::::: Susan Helene Gottfried ::::: Janet ::::: Andrea ::::: JohnH985 ::::: Titanium ::::: Zeus ::::: Silver ::::: Incog & Nito ::::: ChupieandJ'smama ::::: Busy91 ::::: karen ::::: Kukka-Maria ::::: scooper ::::: pj ::::: Kimo & Sabi ::::: Jenn I Am ::::: Janie Hickok Siess, Esq. ::::: spyscribbler ::::: Taconcubano ::::: Lotus :::::

25 comments:

Di said...

They just released info here in the US that for the first time, single parent families comprise 51% of the families. So, what is "normal" is constantly changing, even if people's prejudices aren't.

My son (age 11) went to see Freedom Writers which deals with interracial discrimination at a diverse, disadvantaged and violence-ridden school and was very moved by it. I do not want to perpetuate discrimination in my children if I can help it!

Mo and The Purries said...

This was a great list!
Although, I think the moderator of that radio "show" probably would have me crucified on the church steps...

My TT is total fluff this week, nothing thought-provoking like yours. But check me out when you get a chance:
It’s A Blog Eat Blog World

~Morgen

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

*sigh*

The world is brought so much closer by the computer and then torn apart by fear.

When will we learn???

Anonymous said...

Just when you think the world has lightened up a bit...sigh...

Anonymous said...

::sigh::

the bit about the blood donor really aggravates me. Why assume because a person had a homosexual relationship they are automatically a carrier of HIV.

Happy TT

John Holland said...

Very thought provoking list.

My 13 are up now too.

Natalie said...

What a thought-provoking list.
Happy TT!

Zeus said...

People are the same everywhere. Your Thursday Thirteen proves this. Unfortunately, no matter what may change about our society, the need to divide ourselves into sects, labels, and identifications will always be present, and thus, prejudices will always exist.

Bon voyage, Shanna! Here's to a fabulous trip filled with excitement!

My Thursday Thirteen can be found at http://zeusexcuse.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I have to say I'm glad to live in Sweden - I've lived with a woman for 4 years here and never experienced any discrimination.

Happy TT:)

Lisa said...

Lots of food for thought there. Thanks for that.

ChupieandJ'smama (Janeen) said...

It's up to us as parents to teach this next generation not to hate. Best wishes to your friend for a safe trip.

Unknown said...

Very enlightening list. I always hold out hope that we as a people can evolve beyond hatred and fear, but it has been here since the beginning of time...maybe one day.

Milan-zzz said...

Indeed first step is in the house and parents have responsibility but on the other hand I don’t remember that my parents have ever told me anything about how I should be tolerant upon all kind if minorities (national, physical, sexual, religious, color of the skin, eyes, political, etc). I guess there was no need for such lessons :)

Unknown said...

Another interesting TT, M.
Keep up the good work!

Milan-zzz said...

Thanks K :)

Kukka-Maria said...

Wow. Sounds a lot like the military culture in the US. "Dont' ask...don't tell." If you do, you're expelled from the military (probably after you are brutally beaten by your homophobic peers). It's amazing how the fear breeds hate.

I wrote a tongue-in-cheek post yesterday about same-sex relationships and marriage.

Thanks for the insight. I'd love to invite you to check out my Th13! :)

Milan-zzz said...

Yes but I really don’t understand that kind of fear! Fear of what exactly? I use to believe that homophobia hides latent homosexuality.
You cannot even say that you aren’t homophobic and that you don’t have anything against homosexuals because that will classify you as gay! It’s that Bush’s statement: you are with us or against us (meaning you are either against homosexuals or you are gay) there’s no middle. You cannot be hetero who is not homophobic, that means something is wrong with you and therefore you are different … sigh

scooper said...

It's amazing that with all the problems attacking society homophobia would be a major concern.

PJ said...

Interesting TT. There's been a huge reaction in the UK this week after a group of women in the Celebrity Big Brother house have been racially/culturally discriminative against an Indian Bollywood star who is also in the house. Prejudice is ignorance, and this incident shows how racism has become a covert phenomon in the UK culture.

My TT is at The Urban Recluse

Susie said...

You beans (human beings) are weird! In the cat blogosphere there's no such thing as discrimination - we belong to a group called "Coats of Many Colors" - we're all just...well, cats - duh! (you beans all look alike anyways)
http://catbanter.blogspot.com

thatgaychick said...

damn gays :) happy TT!

JHS said...

I'm a civil rights attorney here in the U.S. and boy, could I tell you stories about the creative ways human beings find to be cruel and intolerant to their fellow inhabitants of this planet. It boggles the mind, frankly.

For one of the funniest and truest commentaries about the absurdity of perpetuating stereotypes about homosexuality, watch Lewis Black's "Red, White and Screwed." It is hysterically funny!

My list and Friday's Feast are both posted.

Anonymous said...

Very cool Thursday Thirteen picture! This is my first week, so I'm a newbie! (spyscribbler.blogspot.com)

Good thoughts, and boy, could I tell you stories about my last voting experience! Send lots of luck and gratitude to your friend, Shanna, from me!

Lucienne said...

Hi, interesting 12. I'm from the Netherlands, but live in Australia and I'm quite shocked about the homophobia here. For me it's not an issue at all. Luckily I live in the capital, Canberra, which is probably one of the most liberal places in the country. And no, I'm not gay, but I know lots of gay people. (The key word being 'people'.) Hope you don't write in Serbian too much, cause I wouldn't be able to read it!

http://taconcubano.blogspot.com

Lotus Reads said...

A very interesting TT, Milan. I'm reminded of the Gay Pride parade we have here in Toronto, it's a blast and we love going there every year. Unusual, I know, but it's like a picnic, lots of people bring their kids and everyone has a good time. It's a pity there are so many places in the world that would not tolerate an event like that.