Lauren's Post

Hello everyone! Here is my blog post for this week about taking action on gay rights!

-Lauren

 

 •What you did for a “take action” and reflect on how it felt.

For my “take action” I signed a pledge on the Freedom to Marry Organization’s website. The pledge states “I add my voice to those supporting the freedom to marry. I pledge to work to enable same-sex couples and their families to share equally in the responsibilities, protections, and commitment of marriage.” On the website, I also donated 10.00$ to the organization. By making a donation, I will help the Freedom to Marry Organization continue the crucial work needed to end marriage discrimination once and for all. You can take the pledge here: (http://www.freedomtomarry.org/page/s/pledge). Making this pledge made me feel powerful because this is something that affects my life; I have a gay family member and best friend fighting for their right to marry.

 

 •Reflect on how taking this type of action connects with democratic values.

Having equal rights for all is at the core of democratic values. The value of life means that a person’s right to live freely should never be violated. A person’s right to liberty ensures personal freedom to love and marry whoever you chose. To have personal freedom ensures the LGBT community the right to think and act without government control. My taking the pledge is a fight to create a common good, which means working together for the good of the community.  Gay Rights ensures equality and justice for the LGBT community in this nation. All people should be treated fairly in both the benefits and the obligations of society. No individual or group should be favored over another person or group. Everyone has the right to Political, Legal, Social and Economic Equality. Everyone has the right to the same treatment regardless of race, sex, religion, heritage, or economic status.

 

 •Last, where do you lie in regards to teaching about social justice issues? YOU AS AN EDUCATOR NEED TO DECIDE FOR YOURSELF WHAT EDUCATION IS ALL ABOUT--DO YOU BELIEVE THAT EDUCATION IS AN INSTRUMENT FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD?

As a teacher I will advocate for the equal rights of all citizens and will teach democratic values in the classroom. I certainly believe that education is an instrument for creating common good. Social justice is something that needs to be taught to all children in order for them to grow into responsible citizens. Teachers should always teach by example, with meaningful parent involvement, lessons that go beyond the simple ‘version’ of history (remember Columbus!?) and a curriculum that helps students become active citizens

 •What do you think about that quote of ◦“Struggle for social justice is central to our nation’s history…“Concerns about the common good and the rights of the individual, no matter how humble in social standing, transcends politics and holds a definitive place in the realms of morality, ethics and federal law, and therefore in the world of teaching social studies”

I think this quotes covers the big idea for teaching social justice in the classroom. Social justice is the foundation for which this country was built upon; why do you think the Puritans came here? All 8 of my great grandparents came to America because they didn’t have freedom in Canada and Sicily. I think it is important for us as teachers to educate children that social justice means moving towards a society where all hungry are fed, all sick are cared for, the environment is treasured, and we treat each other with love and compassion.