Shannon's Race, Gender, and Mass Media Blog: LGBT Issues

Article: http://swampscott.patch.com/articles/the-elephant-in-the-race-gay-republican-candidacy-5cca6899
Response:

The article I chose regards various viewpoints on how Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender candidates can affect the Republican Party and the issues of LGBT. This debate is a national standpoint, specifically regarding the Democrat and Republican parties who, for this issue, are mainly represented by Richard Tisei (Republican) and Barney Frank (Democrat). Tisei, who came out in 2010, pledges to have an independent voice, which is beneficial as the Republican party holds the majority in Congress. It is crucial that he remains this way because though his party may not support him fully, he gives the options for them to either reconsider or develop their own opinions about this upcoming issue. On the other hand, the Democratic party is stating the only way this issue can have a chance is through the domination of the Democratic party in Congress. Those this could be true, I think the party should support the issues they are passionate about rather than their specific party. The different sides, with the majority of opposition (Republican Party) having a LGBT individual under their party, bring a completely new element that could spark great change for the LGBT community.

Most individuals of the LGBT community seem to desire a change in the way they are treated, specifically through the government power. This has a great connection with the class material we discussed regarding the social inequality in the media, regarding that white, affluent men hold the main perspective. This struggle with "power" is true and is affecting the changing world, as the world seems to accept more groups as equal in society, compared to before of dominance of the "white man." As it states in the article, " visibility is the key thing" because we cannot force people to change their views but we can make them more educated and aware of other options so both sides can be confident in their viewpoint.

Barney Frank (left) and his spouse