Sex Talk..

My sexual identity was not defined by the sex talk by my parents. The overall view of sex and expectation of it was much so altered by things my mother said. My mother was not all shy about talking on the topic of sex. There were many times where she sat me down and discussed the negative effects of sex. Sex in my home was never a positive topic. I always heard that if I engaged in sexual activities that there would be negative consequences. Good things could not come from having sex. Just like the clip we watched from “Roseanne” my mother acted as if talking about sex made her uncomfortable to the point where it was hard to speak. At the same time she would swear that talking to me about my body, sexual encounters and other sex related topics were easy for her to talk about with me. Everything was made negative. Some of the things that were told me were as such, “having sex will lead to pregnancy”, diseases, “sex is all guys want”, “you are supposed to wait until marriage to have sex” and many other things stuck with me throughout my life. Even though things stuck with me I still took it upon myself to learn about sex and all the things I saw important to know. Even though I may not know all there is to know about sex, it is a learning experience.  

Supporting Classmates..

I found this blog quite interesting. Everything you said sounded just like my childhood. There are not as many grandchildren but for the 5 of us we all played together. There were certain instances where we couldn't play together simply because the guys were playing too rough. I feel that in today's world people are just using those gender roles to make people how they want them. I never really saw the big deal with kids playing with each other. But I agree with you, lighten up!
Savanna Smith http://savy90.blogspot.com/

Your blog was very inspirational. I myself did not know if I wanted to come to college. My mother also sat me down and said some of the same things. I have to say that this blog was my favorite. My mother also has played a huge part in my life and will continue to play a part. I feel the same way you do, without her I do not know where I would be right now.
Kirsti Potts http://kirstipotts.blogspot.com/

Homosexuality in the Church

Homosexuality in my religious community is just as bad as Satan. My hometown church is a very old traditional southern Baptist church. The church is made up of many elders along with an array of other ages. I can speak heavily on my beliefs on religion and homophobia because back at home some of my closet friends/church members are homosexual. When we younger it was if everyone older than us knew they were homosexual but there was always that little glimmer of hope that they would grow out of those ways. As time passed they didn't change. I still hold these friends very close to my heart. I can remember the first time my friend brought his significant other to church with him. It was if he had committed a crime. I felt so bad for him because he got constant looks throughout the service but he always said that he was confident in himself and the thoughts of others never bothered him.

After watching the movie in class last week, I took it upon myself to go read some of the bible verses that were mentioned in the film along with others that touched on the topic. I have never felt that homosexuality condemned you to hell; I have never really understood what makes people say that statement. Reading the different verses and reflecting back on what some of the people said in the film really got me to thinking. Everyone interrupts the bible different based on culture and other factors such as upbringing, previous teachings and etc. Knowing that many of my church members and religious community are against homosexuality has not altered my views on it at all. I accept all people as they are, I was taught not to judge. I also feel that how can we judge homosexual people on their life decisions when we make decisions that go against the bible daily. As the John 8:7 says “Let he who without sin cast the first stone…” 

Am I Really in Existence... .

As a black young adult woman in today's society there are days I wonder if I am really in existence. Black women in society today have so many societal statistics. These issues make me oppressed. I am oppressed simply because I am first a educated black person and secondly because I am a woman. I am oppressed from not only the outside would but my very on black community. There are always stereotypical, idealistic views of how the life of a black woman should be lived. There are some days I hear that I am in the privileged group of the black community because I have not had children yet. There is the rumor that black women bare children before finishing their education. That very thing can sometimes make me feel oppressed because I am in the privileged group. Another oppressed feeling is attending a predominantly white institution. In some situations I feel that I have to work harder to prove my position is just as important as then next student. 

As educated people in society I think that, yes, we do have a duty to mitigate many of the privileged and oppressed situations happening around us. Most educated people are admired or idolized in their communities, if we are the people taking the stand changing society one small step at a time then who? I try to find myself not thinking negatively of others to help mitigate some of the oppressed feelings I have on a daily basis. In my everyday life I could talk to people, find myself encouraging others that some of the preposterous ideas we think are just may not be right. Life should not always be about how privileged we are according to the next person but try to focus on helping each other become better. The first step to becoming better always starts within you first!