To talk about it!

I think last week’s discussion turn around a different path, because we not only talked about our readings, but also about real life. As we discussed Gino’s movie on how homosexuals have been portrayed in media, we were able to look at how we feel about the subject and expose our feelings a little.

I don’t think people had an outburst or anything like it. The subject was very close to our believes and feelings got entangled in the conversation. It was good to have people say out loud how they felt because it gave us another perspective to look at the idea of having gay/lesbian friends. I did not know who was or who wasn't gay; it is really hard for me to distinguish one who is from one who is not. I prefer to look at people for what they do and how they do it: a classmate that I will enjoy working with or not. I’ll look at people’s eyes, because they can say a lot of their character, not at how they look on the outside, which is usually very misleading.

Many times we prefer not to talk about touchy subjects (racism, prejudice, believing in god or not), most of all because we have been trained like that: touchy subjects are better left out of any conversation. For some they are very uncomfortable, because they are afraid of exposing their views. This I believe is bad, because it allows people to continue having their same old ideas, usually on the more conservative side of the road, and sadly enough even prejudicial.

In class, I talked about creating spaces where people can expose themselves, as they are, where people can excel and shine. This is not to say, we are putting people on the spotlight, or that we are saying they are better or worst. I believe having spaces for everyone can really increase our worldviews. Being able to see others as they are could help us better understand what they go through in life, becoming more empathetic to others, and even getting closer to a more balanced life.

Going back to my point of accepting people the way they are, without looking at their gender, race, religion preferences, sexual preferences, nationalities, or whatever else: Does it really matter when you are working with someone, or is it more important to have a co-worker that’s on time and responsible, that will do the best s/he can, and that will strive for excellence?