Gayness, Multicultural Education, and Community by Dennis Carlson

Carlson argues that the school curriculum should educate students about homosexuality, "gayness". He argues that students should be accepting to someone who is gay or lesbian like they are taught to be accepting of people of other races.

"Throughout much of this century, the dominant idea of community in America was represented by what I call the normalizing community."

To most Americans being normal is being middle class and up white and heterosexual. This quote I believe to be true because how often do you read about people who are gay or lesbian, from another race, or sometimes even woman who have done something that have had a big impact. These people who are ignored or even untalked about are thought to be people in the United States who are "abnormal"

Carlson also points out that prejudice towards gays or lesbians has a big effect in the job market too. "Throughout this century, one of hte primary means of ensuring that gayness was an invisible presence in the school was through the dismissal of teachers who were found out to be homosexuals."(p.237)
This quote angers me to read. Just because someone is gay does not mean they arent qualified enough for a job. That person who is homosexual could probably make a better than I and you know what, if they worked harder than I did, well thats how it happens. To discriminate against topics like homosexuality and race and gender is rediculous. Once students leave the classroom, its definate that they will at least see one of these issues walking down the street or even happening in their own home. One student may have two moms or two dads, its just life, so I can't see why we have to hide reality from children who are learning.

Not teaching students about homosexuality can have a big affect to those who may be trying to figure out their sexuality identity or may already know what they prefer. For example on page 239 " These abuses get tolderated because gay teachers and students operate in an environment where they feel afraid to stand up for themselves, and becasue any discussion of gay people continues to be absent in the curriculum so that homophobia is not interrogated."

I think this contributes to those people who have homophobia. This is out of the ordinary to them to see someone who is attracted to the same sex. Those who are gay or lesbian have to keep something so bottled up inside out of the fear of what other people will think of them.

This article was difficult to read. At times I found myself rereading certain sections over and over again. I think more students should be exposed to homosexuality because if we are exposed to racism and that it's mean to be racist, this is just a stepping stone for people to be more accepting of others homosexuality. However, I don't think school curriculum's will adopt teaching about homosexuality at least people getting there opinions out there are a start.