It's been over a year since the controversial policy"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was repealed by the Obama Administration. The policy was simple - if you were a homosexual, you were allowed to serve in the Army as long as you didn't tell others, and didn't ask others about their sexual orientation. It made it seem as if the government was not comfortable having homosexuals serve our nation. To me, it the policy was disrespectful and distasteful. The Obama administration felt the same way.
The policy was repealed. Now, a soldier of any sexual orientation is allowed to serve openly in the military. Many high ranking military officers believed that soldiers serving openly would negatively effect both the amount of servicemen and women, and posed "an intolerable risk" to the effectiveness of our military. Well, it didn't. Those who doubted it are now proven wrong. There have no been absolutely no consequences for our military due to DADT's repeal.
Why were so many people hesitant to repeal this law which disrespected so many people in our country? Does it show anything about some Americans' view on sexual orientation? What do you think about the law?
I think that the fact that so many people were hesitant to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" shows that many Americans are afraid of homosexuality. I don't believe that most americans would go so far as to say they hate homosexuals, however I definitely believe that many people are confused and don't know what to think, so they are afraid. The Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy prevented people from having to confront their fears by allowing them to remain oblivious. In my opinion, the law was horribly discriminatory towards people of different sexual orientations. No one should feel that they have to hide who they are from anyone. I am extremely glad that it was repealed and there are no consequences. The repeal having no consequences shows that many Americans are willing to face their discriminatory fears to become more accepting.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you Rachel. This country is heading in a more accepting direction. The "DADT" Policy was another major hurdle that is partway jumped. Honestly, the fact that the law was even in place only a year ago does not mean that we are completely over it. I believe that, just as in many other things, like baseball for instance, there are unwritten rules. Even if DADT is no longer in writing, I still believe some people consider it in place. In my mind, we need to wait a little bit longer before we can start to see the potential consequences, if there are any. Yes, we are moving away from hate and discrimination, what that law represented, however we can't be so rash as to say everything is good. It's a process, one that has begun, but has not yet ended.
ReplyDeleteThis law had always pained me. When Obama struck it down, I thought it was a huge step in the right direction. I personally believe people should accept others for who they are and not judge them for it. Now I understand the reasons why a large number of people disapprove of homosexuality even though I disagree with them. However, when it comes to our military especially, I feel the issue is irrelevant. Regardless of orientation, these men and women are putting their lives on the line, not for the purpose of a political or social statement, but for the purpose of protecting America. It is absurd that people would oppose fellow citizens from serving their country for a personal matter. And, since being struck down, no complaints from our military have risen. Serving our country is the most honorable undertaking, and those brave individuals should not be penalized as a result of their personal beliefs.
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