Earlier in the week, here in Atlanta, GA three men, who are a part of a local violent gang, brutally beat another young man simply because he is gay. While the three men beat him, they shout out anti-gay slurs at the man while a fourth man taped the whole incident. This disturbs me to say the least but its especially saddening that this happened in Atlanta, an area known to be openly acceptable to the gay and lesbian communities. What’s even more interesting is that the video of the beating was posted on You Tube. I believe technology has made it easy to continue to keep up the ignorant circle of prejudice and oppression.
This incident diminished equity in that the victim was initially scared to identify himself and seek justice. He was scared that he would be killed if he came forward and he feared for the safety of others that he loved. I think it’s interesting that the physical results of the beating will heal, however he will probably always have a scar on his heart. He will always remember the day he was near death because of his sexuality.
I have feelings of disgust when I think about this incident. I also have feelings of sympathy for the victim and all of the younger youth out there that have heard about this story and will now decided to hide their true self, in fear. I also question why does it seem like it is more acceptable in society to be a lesbian but not a black gay man. Most of all however, I am curious about the men who did the beating. I would like to get inside of their brains to figure out what can trigger such hate. I think in order to change this incident into an opportunity for greater equity, the men who are responsible for the beating must be educated; their frame of mindset must be changed and altered. They must understand above all us, we are all human beings running the same race.
Resource:
(This is an article on the entire beating incident including the video)
Tasha,
ReplyDeleteThat is a terrible event! I read the article, but could not watch the video clip. You are right, technology will make this video available to the general population. Not only will the other black gay men in Atlanta be afraid to forward, but other black gay men that saw the clip on You Tube will also be afraid. In this case, technology is perpetuating a vicious act.
Mary L.
Tasha,
ReplyDeleteHow awful for this young man. He will have the scars of the beating forever in his mind. You do have to wonder about the three men who beat the young lad to have such hate (as you mention) to act so violently.
Tamara
Tasha,
ReplyDeleteIncidents like this are why we need to teach young children about diversity and equity. Where did these men learn to be so hateful towards homosexuals? More than likely the culture they were raised in influenced their dreadful decision to exercise their prejudice and hate as adults. Violence like this is a blatant microassault.