April 16, 2009 3:02 PM
Day of Silence 4/17/09 - propaganda at your local school?
[Update: The first comments below are pretty indicative of the
mindset of gay activists and illustrate exactly what I said: Theirs is
the only point of view which should be treated with respect. Ironic that the purported anti-bullying crowd is home of the biggest bullies of all.
I happen to believe all people should be treated with respect. I
don't hate anyone because of their sexual orientation. I lived through
a few years of sexual confusion myself. But it is wrong to use public
schools to proselytize and to railroad teens into declaring their
sexual orientation when they may still be working through issues for
which they need to see other sides of the story.
Having an opinion about whether the Day of Silence represents a
double standard in public schools does not make anyone a hateful or
ignorant person. We're talking about issues here, not individuals.
I happen to believe that if you raise your children with good
character and respect for others that you won't need to teach them NOT
to bully gays and lesbians - they would not do that any more than they
would bully fat people or homely people or disabled people.
And, btw, as a mother of four kids with disabilities - including
three we adopted - I might ask why not a Day of Silence for
discrimination and bullying of kids with disabilities? How about a
campaign to end the R word?
Yes, we are all trying to make the world a better place and a kinder
place. Having a different opinion about the Day of Silence does not
make one a hater, just someone who may have carefully thought through
the issues and reached a different opinion than you. Why not accord the same respect to others that you are demanding for yourselves?]
I'm late getting the word out on this. Tomorrow - due to the instigation of gay adult activists in
GLSEN, who use outside agitators to organize students to "initiate" these activities in their schools, some schools are actually participating in the "Day of Silence" to supposedly bring attention to bullying of GLBT students.
Btw, in case this sounds normal to you, please be aware that GLSEN has since followed up with a
TransAction Day to loosen us all up about old-fashioned gender ideas and rigid rules like girls using girls' bathrooms and boys using boys'. They also are pushing an
ALLY Week. Gee, that's a lot of time they'd like to monopolize for their small cause.
The reason to be wary of this kind of stuff is that it's really not about bullying at all, but about advancing the homosexual agenda and shutting down dissent. There is no more militant censorship around than that of gay activists, who demand the freedom to infiltrate our public schools while denying access to ex-gays or counselors who offer help to resolve sexual confusion for those who don't want to spend their lives as homosexuals.
Please see
Teens need freedom from pressure to label themselves gay - which I will run tomorrow in honor of the Day of Silence. Please talk to your teen about these issues and remind them while bullying of any kind is bad, participation in this kind of demonstration helps promote propaganda and confusion.
It is also wrong to use public schools for recruitment purposes.
To put this in perspective, do you think these schools promoting/tolerating GLSEN's Day of Silence would promote/tolerate a Day of Silence for the 1.5 million babies aborted each year? Or a Day of Silence for Christian students denied the opportunity to express their faith and bullied or mocked by teachers?
Focus on the Family Unveils True Tolerance Web site
Initiative equips parents to counter homosexual activism in schools.
On
April 17, schools across America will observe the pro-gay "Day of
Silence," which is sponsored by one of the largest homosexual-activist
groups in the nation. The event encourages students to stay silent
through the school day, and promotes and celebrates gay-activist
causes.
Focus on the Family is proud to introduce a special Web site to help
parents respond in a winsome, factual way to homosexual advocacy in
their child's public school.
Through TrueTolerance.org,
parents can give professionally packaged information to school
officials with an e-mail. The Web site is filled with information from
legal experts, examples of pro-gay lesson plans that cross the line and
fact-based counterpoints to the one-sided messages gay-advocacy groups
frequently give public schools.
"The good news about this Web site is that it makes easy for parents
to make their voices heard and balance out the biased information
school officials are getting," said Candi Cushman, education analyst at
Focus on the Family Action.
"Many public schools have stifled free speech and true diversity by
silencing students of faith and those with conservative perspectives.
This isn't true tolerance. True tolerance means a free and respectful
exchange of ideas."
Tom Bognanno, the father of a high school student in Fairfax, Va., is helping launch the initiative in his community.
"It opens the eyes of parents and students to what the real pro-gay
agenda is in school," he said. "It's not benign; it's not unorganized;
it's a dangerous agenda."
On April 20, students can take a stand for true tolerance in their schools by participating in the Day of Truth. The student-led event encourages a free exchange of ideas and an honest conversation about homosexuality.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Learn more about True Tolerance and the Day of Truth.
Posted in Public schools | Permalink
Comments
I really highly recommend the book The Marketing of Evil by David Kupelian. There's an excellent chapter about the gay activist agenda, very well researched.
Posted by: Amy | April 16, 2009 3:57 PM
I don't see a problem with individual students wanting to take part in the Day of Silence tomorrow. If the school's GSA wants to promote it, that should be allowed. Just like if there is a pro-life or Christian group at school, they should be allowed to promote and take part in the day of silence against abortion.
[Note from Barbara: That's just the point - they aren't. And gay activists scream bloody murder if a school invites a nonreligious abstinence speaker to talk for an hour.]
I couldn't help but notice that one of your pictures from the Tea Party protest had someone carrying a sign that suggested the government stop treading on the Constitution. Isn't denying students the right to protest (peacefully, non-disruptively and silently) in school a violation of the Constitution?
[Again, the issue of free speech is a diversion here as the glaring problem is the double standard. If an adult Catholic or Christian group had this much influence in instigating one program after another in public schools, I think many, many people - including "a friendly reminder" would have a problem]
Posted by: A friendly reminder | April 16, 2009 4:10 PM
Well, the test case is coming the week after next; national pro-life T-shirt week. We'll see if our prolife children are allowed to express their support for the babies.
Posted by: Leticia Velasquez | April 16, 2009 4:10 PM
This kind of stuff has been going on for some time. My husband, a high school teacher, and I were discussing it today. I can only imagine what the response would be if students told the administration that they wanted to be silent last weekend out of respect for the Resurrection. The administration supports the day, and even calls it an "act of civil disobedience (I have the email to prove it)." My husband and daughter, who also teaches high school have to suck up this kind of stuff every day. Fortunately, they aren't pressed into doing anything that would compromise their belief system...for now.
Cathy
Posted by: Cathy | April 16, 2009 6:45 PM
I'm not sure if you know my background, Barbara, but I was very liberal in highschool and the early part of college. I was a member of the GSA and participated in the day of silence.
On my campus, the League of Christian Athletes was not allowed to meet on campus, but the GSA was just fine. In fact, to my knowledge the only organization not allowed to meet on campus was the LCA.
This was in the heart of Texas, not exactly a liberal oasis. I definitely saw my school go overboard to keep any mention of God out of the school, while allowing pretty much anything else in.
Posted by: Lauren | April 16, 2009 7:02 PM
I'm wondering why they would pick a day during spring break when millions of kids aren't even in school. Hmmmm.
Posted by: Steve Scott | April 16, 2009 11:47 PM
I accept this site why because I learn more information from this site
Posted by: sanju | April 17, 2009 1:08 AM
Groups of any kind should be able to participate in such events.... it is NOT propaganda..... Christians and Pro-life ppl should be aloud to do this too.... But honestly... I think I fucking hate you with a passion...... You are one of the conservative Christians that think "being gay is bad, fuck gay ppl, God hates gay ppl, we're right and you're wrong" and such.... let them do their goddam thing mother fucker! I am participating in this day because this is something I believe in, something that needs attention brought to it.... ppl go kill themselves because they are harassed for being gay, lesbian, etc..... It needs to stop..... And gays should have equal rights.... which.... frankly.... THEY DO NOT...... You need to see "Lord, Save Us From Your Followers" if you haven't..... it's an open-minded movie made by a strong Christian who doesn't hate gays, and realises that there are many ppl out there in the community who oppose gays and hate them because they think it is right...... they also make other great points too.... but that is the main theme of it..... fuck you.....
Posted by: Nicolas | April 17, 2009 1:29 AM
you are a sad, ignorant soul who obviously knows nothing or simply denies the history of abuse and torment gay people have faced in this society, and the way in which public schools have been a leading participant in ignoring or even fomenting such treatment. I wish for people like yourself the development of awareness and enlightenment, but i've lived long enough to know that you are probably beyond that. i feel bad for you, but much, much worse for the mothers who watch their children get tormented every day, and for the children who endure the myths, delusions, and hate of people like yourself and those you influence. i would pray for you, but i don't believe in god.
Posted by: Jennifer | April 17, 2009 1:56 AM
Nicolas, I am sure there are many other ways you could get your point across than throwing out a bunch of trashy words. It is hard to take someones comment seriously when there are few words that are greater than four letters. I don't have a problem with your disagreement, we can all have our point of view it is the way you deliver it. This is Barbara's site, you can at least have the decency to be respectful in your words. My 8 year old son was standing in front of my laptop while I was making his breakfast and your comment was up. I had not yet read your comment, but he beat me to it. Looks like we'll be having an interesting conversation over his waffles.
[Margaret, I am sorry. I debated about whether to delete the comments but decided it might be educational for everyone to see exactly what our kids have to deal with in the "real" world. I am a big advocate of teaching children to think logically and to always have respect for others.]
Posted by: Margaret | April 17, 2009 7:02 AM
What an excellent illustration of exactly why this is a double standard!! There is no tolerance for those with opposing viewpoints, so much as they are Christian. The hatred that "shines" through so often does not come from the so-called "hate-mongers"(Christians), but from the ones who want to scream from the rooftops to have their own way. I can't help but wonder what some of your responses would be to a day of silence for the 50 million lives that have been lost to abortion since it has been legalized, as previous people have mentioned. I pray the Lord will wrap his loving arms around you filling you with his love. God bless.
Posted by: Carey | April 17, 2009 7:51 AM
I think Nicolas summed up the PRO side of this argument perfectly. Thank you, sir. Your words truly ring out with uncontrolled hatred and rage for all to see.
I think you were right to leave it unedited, Barbara.
This reminds me of a March For Life I went to in Boston in 2003. The marchers were walking quietly through the streets, quietly praying or singing, many with children in strollers or on their backs. We marched by a group of young women in their 20s and 30s, all dressed in black and red body suits. They were screaming at us (note, not just screaming, but going up to individuals and families and screaming AT them). What were they screaming in front of all these babies and children?
"F*** YOU! F*** YOU! IT'S MY BODY, IT'S MY RIGHT SO F*** YOU ALL OF YOU G*DD**NM MOTHERF***ERS!!"
The children were bewildered at best, terrified at worst. And the police were standing right there, "policing" us marchers, but never said a word to these young women.
That picture, and the picture that Nicolas presents to us , will be worth a thousand words with our children. The faces of those children were beyond repulsed.
Posted by: colicmommy | April 17, 2009 9:19 AM
At my high school, pro-lifers participated in their own Day of Silence and they were allowed. No one called it "propaganda" and they were treated with respect. Obviously one can't expect this to happen everywhere, but it should. Anyone who is truly against discrimination and is a proponent of the Constitution of the United States would agree. And people who want to participate in the Day of Silence for LGBT discrimination awareness should be allowed as well, without their cause being called "propaganda." If there were to be a day of silence to end the "R" word, that would be fine as well. No one is stopping anyone from starting this day...it just doesn't exist yet, so who can you really blame?
Posted by: trying to be a voice of reason | April 17, 2009 9:30 AM
In our area there is a megachurch pastor who urged local parents to keep their kids home on the Day of Silence and even took out a full-page ad in the newspaper. He had been invited to this same high school for a Martin Luther King Jr. assembly to talk about growing up as a black person in Alabama, and was questioned by teachers as to how he could have anti-gay bias when he was black. See how this works? It's OK to protest gay discrimination, but it's not OK to protest the Day of Silence. Some animals are more equal than others. The vile rantings don't help their cause whatsoever. Their own words reveal who they are, not who we are.
Posted by: evergreen | April 17, 2009 11:04 AM
Nicolas, please realize that Barbara did not,unlike you, say that she hated the people who hold an opposing view. She simply pointed out that there is a larger agenda at hand than may show on the surface.
Like I said earlier, I participated in the day of silence when I was in Highschool. I was on your side. Another student wrote a letter to our school's editor repectfully saying that Christian groups should also be allowed to have a pressence on campus. We lambasted him. He was planning on joining the military after graduation and there were several people who implied that they would be happy to see him die in action.
I was one of them. I hope that in a few years you will be able to look back on your words and realize that conservatives are not the evil villians you seem to think them to be. We do not want anyone being beaten or killed or even teased. We want everyone to be treated with respect. We just disagree with an adult association reaching into highschools to normalize a behavior that we believe is harmful.
Posted by: Lauren | April 17, 2009 11:40 AM
In my area several years ago, a gay couple's home and property were vandalized extensively. Their yard was ripped up, covered in gasoline and the word FAG was written on their fence. I can't remember anything even remotely like that ever happening to a Christian home.
It isn't taboo to be Christian, you all have 2 billion adherents in the world. You can be openly Christian and almost no one will think badly of you for it (so long as you aren't pushy). As the cousin of a transgender male, I can tell you firsthand that letting people at school know about something like being gay or transgender is not a simple task. There are numerous safety issues that people face, and my cousin hid his transgender identity until very recently, because statistics show transgender people have a high rate of being murdered. Being silent in high school disrupts nothing, it merely quietly explains who you are, and it takes a great deal of courage to accomplish. Dismissing it as propaganda shows how little you understand it.
And what recruitment is going on? Are you one of those who actually believes gay people have to recruit? News flash: Gay people don't recruit, would never need to recruit. Some people are just more attracted to the same gender, it's as simple as that and there's nothing wrong with it. Homosexuality can be found in hundreds of species in nature, so no claim of it being unnatural can legitimately be made.
[I disagree. As far as recruitment goes, my own observation from years I lived in the gay community is that this is definitely an agenda - and that it is much like Christians evangelizing. Some gays find affirmation in this sort of thing. Also, you have not addressed the question I posed - why not a day of silence for kids with disabilities who are treated badly, ignored, and ridiculed by schoolmates? What about the R word that gay teens - like most teens - still feel free to use? If a desire for compassion is the goal, then why not start by doing more for these kids who are TRULY discriminated against for something they cannot help at all?]
I hope parents read this and see it for what it is: A total lack of understanding and respect for a specific love between two people that you inexplicably can't accept. There is no "gay agenda", they don't have to convince people to be gay, and gay people aren't asking you to be gay or like them, just to stop getting in the way of something harmless. You should really focus your energies on more important issues in the world than who someone is attracted to.
[Again, Kathryn, my experience is much greater than you probably realize. I've lived the lifestyle and know what I'm talking about. Parents need to teach their children to love and accept and be kind to all other people, regard of race, religion, intelligence, or how they identify themselves. However, we can certainly question whether an ourtside political faction is demanding too much of our public schools.
The issue is not about who someone is attracted to. The issue is whether this is an appropriate event in public schools. Your arguments, though more sensible than Nicholas's, are still flawed by your concept of others who have different opinions as somehow being uniformed or unenlightened. This is just not the case.]
Posted by: kathryn | April 17, 2009 12:00 PM
If there is a “moment of silence” for every disorder in the DSM, every medical illness, every political view, every group that believe they have been oppressed rightly or wrongly, then not a single word would ever be uttered in any public school because the sum of those moments would surpass the total number of minutes in any given school year. Teachers are not paid to be silent, they are paid to teach.
This “moment of silence” will do nothing. If GLSEN want to actually discuss the topic, then they should meet AFTER school so they can preach to a listening choir.
Posted by: Resident Old Married Man | April 17, 2009 1:33 PM
Well, all I can say is WOW! I'm always suprised by the vileness of the "inclusive" segment of society. Yet another reason I homeschool. Perhaps if schools weren't so focused on propaganda and activism on everything from global warming to LGBT issues, there would be time for learning. Why are we suprised when they seem to know so little, when it appears a large portion of their time is spent being community organizers in training?
Posted by: Bethany | April 17, 2009 2:06 PM
I can't quite figure out your point of view. So what you're saying is that by being silent, gay rights activists are trying to make other people become gay? You change your view at least three times in your article, you should keep one argument and stick with it instead of trying and failing to make three.
The Day of Silence is supposed to bring to light the oppression imposed upon the GLBT community. It is in no way intended to try and get more people to be gay. Just to get more people to realize that their abuse and hate is quashing the voice of hundreds upon thousands of GLBT persons each day. The only view we're trying to impress on people is the fact that everyone is the same. People could make a Day of Silence for anything. It's not our fault that they haven't.
Posted by: What? | April 17, 2009 2:20 PM
True openness comes from tolerance of other people's intolerance. When one fights hate with hate, no side becomes none the wiser.
Voice of reason: thank you. Very nicely said.
My school is doing the day of silence (which I am participating in today)sponsored by the GSA. Administration made it clear that the school had no affiliation, but as a student group we had every right. We also had a pro life day of silence (which I also participated in). Again the administration made it clear that they had no affiliation, but we had every right.
Your comments about propaganda are very hurtful. We're not telling people to be gay. We're just telling them its not okay to discriminate against those who are. Also, as I Christian I firmly believe two things: I have NO right to judge another human being (he who is without sin, cast the first stone) That power is left to God alone and 2. God loves EVERYONE!
and Nicholas, your point proves her point exactly. For someone who is fighting against discrimination, your doing an awful lot of it yourself. As long as those are the arguments pro GLBT advocates present, WE will accomplish very little change
Posted by: Teresa | April 17, 2009 2:53 PM
So, who are these people making these accusations and gay rants ? Obviously they aren't regular readers of your blog. They must be some trolls lurking around looking for people who don't believe the same things they do to trash. Shame. I guess I wouldn't mind gays and liberals if they weren't so abusive and coy.
Posted by: dee | April 17, 2009 4:33 PM
Teresa, concerning your statement about sin and God's love: God loves mankind but He hates sin. HATES SIN. You have to choose between Him and sin. If you choose sin, either practicing it or defending it, you reject Him. You cannot have Him as Savior if you do not accept Him as Lord.3 We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4 The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1 John 2:3,4)
Posted by: evergreen | April 17, 2009 5:57 PM
Barabara touched on something I have wondered about myself for a while now.
Why not an awareness day or campaign for the students that are most marginalized/defamed/degraded, those with special needs? Unlike gay students who can carry on with their business without any outward sign of their difference (unless they choose to show their difference publicly), students with disabilites are blatantly different everyday.
While I agree that children should be raised to be understanding and compassionate to all people, it sticks in my craw when I see vile outbursts like those above.
These students are ranting because they want us to appreciate their "day of silence" while every single day children with disabilities suffer their lack of recognition silently. Why not give a voice to the perpetually silent sufferers who the "me-me-me" generation never give a second thought to.
Why don't the student GLBT crowd impress the heck out of me and use their special day this year to reach out and foster understanding to another group of students who would love the chance to feel recognized and understood? Do they understand that as long as there is any "group" that is marginalized, people are going to think it's OK to marginalize them too?
Posted by: kelly | April 17, 2009 6:05 PM
Barbara, please re-post the Paglia article your referenced. I loved it. Not only do I love Paglia as a thinker, but I like her as an original thinker who values the rights of the individual.
I actually wasn't sure what you were trying to say until I read the Paglia. It really helped me think deeply about your point. I haven't decided what I think yet, but I have decided that things that happen at school are wonderful conversation starters for children and parents.
That said, I wish there were a day of silence for anyone different. I once suffered in an office setting because I was a conservative amongst fervent liberals. Enough though I politely listened and never stated my own views they treated me like I was ignorant of world issues and a sub-par person because I didn't participate in their ritual discussions of "I am such a good person because I am liberal."
Anyhow, your post, the responses, and Paglia's response made me think more deeply about this issue.
As always, thank you.
Posted by: anon | April 17, 2009 10:02 PM
Barbara, you state: " ...you have not addressed the question I posed - why not a day of silence for kids with disabilities who are treated badly, ignored, and ridiculed by schoolmates? What about the R word that gay teens - like most teens - still feel free to use? If a desire for compassion is the goal, then why not start by doing more for these kids who are TRULY discriminated against for something they cannot help at all?]" Many of us believe that gay teens cannot help being gay at all. I know many gay people personally. None, BTW, were recruited. None of them try to recruit. All of them have been discriminated against for being who they are. Most of them at one point have prayed to be something other than what they are. Unlike people with disabilities, they are the group who others feel are going to hell, not worthy of respect, disgusting, etc. Also, in our public schools, we can and do have days of silence and other events that students are free to organize and participate in. Mainstream Christians are probably the most common group in our schools and have the least to fear in terms of being 'who they are.'
Posted by: Rachel | April 17, 2009 10:41 PM
Ahh, read your "My Story" section and saw Loudoun County in there. Then I suppose you know about our Stone Bridge High School gay play that pissed a bunch of people off. Perhaps you were one of the people complaining? It certainly brought to light the issues of adult intolerance of a very real high school situation.
[Actually, I wasn't involved in that, kathryn - which just goes to show you how easily you stereotype people. Shame on you for being so prejudiced!]
Posted by: kathryn | April 18, 2009 1:15 AM
Thank you for your clear, concise and helpful stance for Godly behavior. The "Culture War" will continue BUT thankfully our collective stance is NOT in vain. The enemy will always overplay his hand and victory will prevail. "Don't get weary in well-doing" Thanks again!
Posted by: Pastor Steve | April 18, 2009 10:00 AM
In my area several years ago, a gay couple's home and property were vandalized extensively. Their yard was ripped up, covered in gasoline and the word FAG was written on their fence. I can't remember anything even remotely like that ever happening to a Christian home.
kathryn,
If you want to see the dark side of gay activism, Google proposition 8 vandal. I think your eyes will be opened.
Posted by: Tony | April 22, 2009 2:20 PM
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