“To be with all these people, all these brothers and
sisters, to see everybody united on one front, was beautiful, it was really
beautiful. I was no saint. I wanted to do every destructive thing that I could
think of at that time to hurt anyone who had hurt us over the years. A lot of
blood was shed, but people stood. They decided that they were going to fight
back, that nothing was going to stop them. I got knocked a coupla times. I got
it across my back, across my legs, but I kept coming back for more and more.
Everybody kept coming back for more. Even people that were covered in blood
kept coming back for more. They said, “No. We’re not giving up.” And that’s
what made the night beautiful: nobody was afraid. Nobody was afraid that night
to die: (pg. 76).
-Sylvia (Ray) Rivera
I fell like this is a very impactful profile and a very
impactful quote because it goes to show how driven people can be to stand up
for what they believe in. There’s so much irony in this quote because of course
this wasn’t a beautiful night; there was an all-out brawl that involved blood
shed but what Sylvia was saying they all come together and was giving it their
all to fight for what was right. I think that people are much more
understanding in today’s culture and are more accepting of others but I believe
that has everything to do with people not accepting not being accepted. People
are standing up for what and who they want to be and if others don’t agree with
it then that’s their choice but it’s not going to change who that person is. It
almost comes to a point where people would rather just go with it then fight
it. I believe that this is a change for the better and that its healthy for
everyone to be who they are or want to be and not have to worry about being
judged or ridiculed. As long as they find supporters or a community for which
they can relate and be a part of.
This issue makes me wonder if homosexuals feel that since this movement, they feel more accepted by society. Are they still struggling to fit in with everyone and not just other homosexuals? It's great to have a group of people or a community that accepts you, but sometimes that just isn't enough.
I love this quote too. I know we talked about in class a bit, but I'm glad you put it on the blog, this subject is really close to my heart, and I agree with you that things seem to be getting better. People are more accepting, and organizations are trying to be more inclusive of all cultures.
ReplyDeleteI like that you pointed out the irony in the quote because we didn't really talk about that in class. The profile was enlightening for me because I hadn't actually heard of stonewall. Also, i think that this quote would have been the best one to choose from the profile.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I don't like is the damn e-card because my news feed is just filled with them everyday. That's a personal issue though.
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Deletethey might be blowing up your news feed, but you have to admit that some of them are pretty damn funny!! :)
DeleteThis was the profile I chose as well. I really liked the quote that you used. I used the one "it was beautiful to see people not hiding". I also really like the photo that you used. It fits perfectly for this profile.
ReplyDeleteFunny Pic, but true and fits well with the story. I think today its still looked down upon a lot, but people aren't as afraid to voice it and put it out there. At least it seemed like that when I was in school, everyone was friends with everyone despite whether they were gay or not.
ReplyDeleteI definitely believe that our society has started to accept more things now simply because they don't want to fight it. I also believe that homosexuals are way more accepted nowadays, but I know that for some of them it still isn't enough. I knew someone in high school who was gay and he struggled a lot with feeling loved or wanted. That was a few years ago, and today he is doing much better, but that just proves that simply being accepted isn't always enough.
ReplyDeleteI agree with standing up for what we believe in as well, so I can relate. I love your picture quote about not having to feel acceptable around you. I thought that was a very good picture to go along with the theme.
ReplyDeleteI also liked this quote a lot as well. It was a beautiful night because people were not hiding. I agree with you that today people are more accepting of each other. Although I believe people are still judged for their beliefs or choices in society. I also agree that people need to have communities or groups to support each other through judgmental times. I also liked the e card you provided and I think it supports your theme well.
ReplyDelete