First article
Karimi, Faith. "Michigan auto repair shop says yes to gun owners, no to
homosexuals." CNN. CNN, 17 Apr. 2015. Web. 19 Apr. 2015.
<http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/17/us/
michigan-business-bans-openly-gay-people/>
Summary Paragraph:
A Michigan Auto Repair Shop owner has basically stated in a Facebook post: that he would not engage in business with openly gay people, but would engage in business with gun owners. This Facebook post was posted sometime earlier this week. We do not know where exactly this man has posted his post from, but some possibly guesses from me would be from his house, or his repair shop. Brian Klawiter (the Michigan Auto Repair Shop owner) involved his family into this situation with his Facebook post as his family received many threats from people with different views than him, and also many people have gotten involved in this controversy by posting their opinions on Brian’s statement online. Brian has decided to go through with this action to demonstrate on how freedom of speech applies to conservative Americans, just as much it applies to liberal Americans. He has also backed himself to go on with this action to stand up for conservative white Americans who back down when they are labeled as conspiracy terrorist (and other things) for having a job, going to church, and owning a gun.
Response Paragraph:
After reading this article, I respected Brian for publicly advising his views on gay marriage in a country which is largely influenced by liberal Americans at the current moment. I believe that everybody has their own right to have their own views on gay marriage, and just because somebody does not support it, they shouldn't be considered mean, cruel, or hating. To me the important thing for America, is that America has to create a country where people who support and don’t’ support gay marriage can live together in a peaceful, and harmonious society, and where everybody can respect each others views. To do this, people who do not support gay marriage have to accept that some people will be gay, and people do support gay marriage should acknowledge that people who don’t support gay marriage are entitled to their own views. Despite these views though, I belief that Brian should do business with gay customers, as I worry for the protection of his family and relatives, and I feel that by putting them in risk, Brian is being immature. Plus by not accepting gay customers, Brian is going against my idea of creating a harmonious and peaceful society.
Second Article
Dasgupta, Saibal. "Chinese minister asks India not to be ‘over concerned’
about Pak corridor." Times Of India. Times Of India, 18 Apr. 2015. Web. 19
Apr. 2015. <http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/china/
Chinese-minister-asks-India-not-to-be-over-concerned-about-Pak-corridor/
articleshow/46965425.cms>.
Summary Paragraph:
Liu Jianchao, a chinese minister ask asked India to not worry about the new economic corridor which would connect Gwadar ( of Pakistan) with the seaport Xinjiang( of China), of which China and Pakistan are planning to go through in the upcoming future. Liu Jianchao made this statement to reporters on Saturday, April 18, 2015. He has asked India to not worry about this economic corridor in order to prevent international conflict, as it will pass the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Kashmir, of which India and Pakistan both claim to be part of their country. Liu has also stated the reason for this economic corridor between both countries is really to deepen the China-Pakistan relationship. India will be widely involved in this situation, along with Pakistan and China, and India’s prime minister (Narendra Modi) will probably bring up the Kashmir dispute in his visit to Beijing in May. We could not find out exactly from where Liu made this statement, but Kashmir, and Beijing will be points of interest for China, Pakistan, and India for the future.
Response Paragraph:
I was very surprised by Liu statement and how he felt that India should not worry about the economic corridor which is about to be built, in the disputed land of Kashmir. I mean first of all, Kashmir does belong to India, after Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir joined Kashmir to India in 1947 through a series of official documents. So why shouldn't India not worry about an economic corridor which is about to pass through their land, which could be potentially dangerous and bad for India in the future. Also I feel like India should react to Liu statement in public with disgust as China has also occupied a part of Kashmir, and India should never stop in their efforts to retain the Chinese part of Kashmir back. I also do not think this corridor should be made, because it will only increase Chinese-Indian and Pakistani- Indian tensions, and possible military conflict. Despite of all these feelings though, I am wondering if the Indian government is actually worrying about this corridor, because in the future if India is to finally gain the whole of Kashmir back, it could slowly and gradually cause India and China to become friends.
"'Mysterious' disease kills 17 in Nigeria: Official." Times Of India. Times Of
India, 18 Apr. 2015. Web. 19 Apr. 2015.
<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/
Mysterious-disease-kills-17-in-Nigeria-Official/articleshow/46969862.cms>
Summary Paragraph:
17 people from Nigeria have recently died due to a disease which has not been identified just recently. The disease started to claim victims early this week, though has not claimed more victims since the 17th one. The disease has originated from the Ode-Irele town in south-eastern Nigeria. Death due to the disease is preceded with : sudden blurred vision, headaches, and unconsciousness. Even though the disease has not been identified, study has clearly eliminated: ebola, as being one of the possible options. Still the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and the World Health Organization are using collected samples from victims to try and determine what the disease is, in order to prevent further deaths due to the unknown disease.
Response Paragraph
I feel that all countries should join together and combine all their medical knowledge together in order to help these victims. I also believe that the Nigerian government or other countries should provide aid to any possible future victims of the disease. Though the problem with this idea which came to me was, what would Boko Haram do if more government action was taken in their home base of Nigeria. I mean, if an American aid group went to help these people, would Boko Haram try their best to kill these caring Americans (in order to demonstrate a message), or would they not get involved and allow the Americans to continue on with their work. Reading this article also made me realize that their are many people in the world who are in constant fear of death and torture, and that I should appreciate what all of what has been given to my by the people who cared for me. This article also urged me once again to study hard so that I can become something big in my life, which in turn would allow me people around the world, who need my help the most.
How can we live in harmony if gay people and those against their right cannot interact?They will be separated. How will they bridge that divide?
ReplyDeleteHow can we live in harmony if gay people and those against their right cannot interact?They will be separated. How will they bridge that divide?
ReplyDeleteDude, i never supported any social barriers between gay people and people who do not support gay marriage. I believe that people have to come together despite their different perspectives on life and respect each others opinions.
DeleteOkay, first of all, Ankur, your response to your first article is, in fact, ignorant. People have rights. Ideas don't have rights. Religion should be expressed freely, I agree. But many religions conflict, so how do we let people express religious freedom in law if other religions contradict it. Religion should not affect laws, because it affects the lives of other people who do not practice that religion. Denying service to gay individuals is homophobic, and just as bad as denying service to black people, or muslims. I think your response is prejudiced and inconsiderate. As someone who is a part of the gay community I have more knowledge in this topic, and I urge you to look into the issue more.
ReplyDeleteStefani, let me clarify that I do not agree with this man not accepting gay customers. But I support him on revealing his true feelings. Why should someone have to keep their feelings on a controversial topic inside of them just to appease an another group of people. They should be allowed to express their feelings as long as they do not have the intentions to hurt peoples feelings.
DeleteYou have to realize that people have grown up in cultures (including me-indirectly) in which gay marriage is not allowed. I mean I come from a hindu family of warrior descent in India, and my family patriachal name is associated with people who directly fought against the mughals. Also hindu culture ( which was in part made by my long time ago ancestors) is against gay marriage. So if I was to be gay, I would insult my whole family and ancestry in terms of Indian/Hindu culture. So how can you expect people (like me) to so eaisly lose their family values ( and their family dignity in some cases) just because another group of people say that their values are wrong. Remember, that blood is thicker than water.
So same thing probably applies to the repair shop man. Shouldn't he be allowed to follow his religon and state his opinions on gay marriage. Despite what the law in his state to regards to gay marriage says or not.
In regards to your religon and law question. Seperation of state and church is an argument for an another day.
I did not mean to be mean and hurtful in my last response. I have nothing against gay people and have no negative feelings towards them. Also think of it this way. Just because somebody is against drinking alchol, does it mean he/she has to hate their alcohlic friends?
Thanks
Ankur
Ankur,
DeleteYour example with alcohol brings up a sentence that I have heard a lot: "Love the sinner, hate the sin". I ask you to watch the video in this link so you can learn more about what you are saying. I realize that you are Hindu and not Christian, but this is an important thing to hear. Though I do realize that there many people have values that condemn gay marriage. You say that he is justified to have his views on the issue but I believe that you are wrong there. If someone outwardly said "I hate black people and do not think that interracial marriage should be legal. I am now going to refuse service to anyone who is black, be it African-American or Hispanic." there would be a complete public outcry about how racist this person is. Denying service to homosexuals is no different. Humans, no matter what the skin color or gender should be judged by the content of their character not the color of their skin. If someone believes that homosexuals should have less rights they are as bad as a racist or a misogynist.
Hi John
DeleteFirst, can you post the link again, I cannot seem to pick it up.
Now in regard to my core of your comment. I never said people should treat other people unfairly based off them being gay. I believe that all have to treat others fairly despite any negative feelings some of us may have towards a certain group of people. Still, people can have their own opinions on certain topics. Like if people feel like that homosexuals should have less rights. They are entitlled to feel that way. Who are you to say that they are wrong or right. Anybody has their right to have their own personal opinion about any group of people. You cannot force someone to think one way. I mean yes, I believe that all people should treat each other fairly, regardless of what people really want to do (treat them fairly or not). But I cannot force this opinion upon others.
If you do not get what I am saying, let me give you an example, In India, gay marriage and being involved in a gay relationship is illegal, and can sometimes lead to a jail sentence of ten years. Now you might say that is bad, because gay people are entitled to have their own rights and decide to be involved in a gay relationship. But most Indians probably say that this is good, as the Indian government is trying to get kids from leaving the "evil trance of being gay". Now you tell me, who can decide what is right and wrong on such controversial topics which have such a gray area. I mean even on legal issues which we believe to be black and white, such as the killing of others. Some terriorist groups believe that killing is justified. Just the same way you would never accept killing of innocent people to be ok, the terriorist groups feel the same way towards accepting the non-persecution of gay people.
On the terms of race, I feel that they is quite unique from our gay topic idea, as I think most people believe that people are born into a race. While in terms of gay marriage, some people belief that it is a choice,a and other people believe that it is a biological orientation.
And also John, even though I do not agree with it. People have their own right to personally hate a certain group of people in a certain race if they feel like it.
Thank You
Ankur Singh
http://www.upworthy.com/if-youve-heard-someone-say-love-the-sinner-hate-the-sin-you-should-share-this-with-them-5
DeleteAnkur,
The link is at the top of this comment. I agree with you that everyone is entitle to their own opinion, that is one of the rights we are afforded here in the good old US of A. However one should not be able to deny service to another person based on race,gender, or sexual orientation. People cannot control if they are born gay or not, its just something that happens biologically. You say that the owner should do business with homosexuals for his own family's safety but I think that is a very ignorant response. He should do business with them because even if he disagrees with how they were born he should still treat them as human beings. As your favorite person, Mahatma Gandhi once said "Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding." By not tolerating homosexuals the business is not understanding that they cannot control who they are, and not seeing that they are human too.
Hi John
DeleteWell first of all some people do not believe that people are born gay. Some people believe that being gay is a life style choice, and that even if it may be biological, that you can program yourself to live a straight life.
Also I never agreed to people discriminating each other based off different opinions and personal beliefs.
Mahatma Gandhi is not my top favorite person of all time. I dont have one. And can't you say that for some people the gay people are not being tolerant by not living a straight life style. ( Note that I said ssome people.) I cannot get to your video at the moment as I am in school, but will watch it and respond to you later.
Science has shown that people are in fact born gay. Your point that gays are being "intolerant" by not being straight is the most disrespectful thing I have ever heard. No one would chose to put themselves through that much bullying and ridicule. The only intolerant ones are the people who continually discriminate against gays. We need to respect others and do our societal duties even if we do not agree with the life some people are living, as many things such as race and sexuality are not choices.
DeleteSorry for the late response
DeletePlease John pay heed to the fact that I said SOME people. I mean some people around the world think (please not that this does not represent me) being gay is disrespectful towards society. So what I am getting is that, how do we know who is right or wrong? I mean why should I believe (theoretically speaking) that your beliefs are right and theirs are wrong? Also lets suppose the anti gay people believe that being gay is natural. Couldn't they argue that it is a genetic disease, and the only way to cure it would be by the gay person marrying a person of opposite gender and that in end would "cure them"/
Also religiously people are against it, how do we know who is right. For example. most people interpret the Bible to be agaisnt gay marriage. But the bible has so many quotes on being nice to others despite differecnes, and how to be a caring person in society. So are those values wrong too? Or are some Bible teachings right and some wrong? I mean who are we to answer these questions. Only a true Christain can correctly interpet the Bible which brings up this whole controversy?
So please John, tell me, how do I know which way is right or wrong, gay supporters, or anti gay supporters. Also what is right or wrong, in your opinion what should we base these values off of?w
Sorry for the late response
DeletePlease John pay heed to the fact that I said SOME people. I mean some people around the world think (please not that this does not represent me) being gay is disrespectful towards society. So what I am getting is that, how do we know who is right or wrong? I mean why should I believe (theoretically speaking) that your beliefs are right and theirs are wrong? Also lets suppose the anti gay people believe that being gay is natural. Couldn't they argue that it is a genetic disease, and the only way to cure it would be by the gay person marrying a person of opposite gender and that in end would "cure them"/
Also religiously people are against it, how do we know who is right. For example. most people interpret the Bible to be agaisnt gay marriage. But the bible has so many quotes on being nice to others despite differecnes, and how to be a caring person in society. So are those values wrong too? Or are some Bible teachings right and some wrong? I mean who are we to answer these questions. Only a true Christain can correctly interpet the Bible which brings up this whole controversy?
So please John, tell me, how do I know which way is right or wrong, gay supporters, or anti gay supporters. Also what is right or wrong, in your opinion what should we base these values off of?w
We should base these off of giving human beings human rights, such as the right to service. Surely, you cannot believe that people should be denied human rights based on their gender or race. Why is sexuality any different? The belief that gays deserve rights is simply right because all humans deserve equal rights. Pertaining to genetics, homosexuality cannot be cured it is how someone is born, and the fact that you would even think to call it a genetic disorder shows how backwards religious beliefs have influenced out society. In the Bible close to where it states homosexuality as a sin, it also states that divorce is worthy of death, as is planting two different crops side by side. Parts of the Old Testament are outdated and we have ignored them, why should homosexuality, an uncontrollable event be any different. The bottom line is that people are people, no matter their race, gender, religion, or sexuality.
DeleteJohn
DeleteAre you even reading all of what I am posting? When did I ever say that I was okay with people denying service based off of homosexuality. I have never said that. Please stop trying to label me as a gay person hater.
I'm just saying that I do not know why I should easily not listen to any argument that a anti-gay marriage person makes. Also I was just giving you genetics as a counter example. I mean so if someone is born diabetic due to genetics, we should just let them live like that, instead of maybe trying to cure it? (PLEASE NOTE THIS JOHN, i am not saying diabetes is bad in context to a person, I am just saying that: wouldn't somebody with diabetes want to get rid of it if they could? I mean it could make life so much eaiser.)
Also John, in a majority Christian America, we would follow the New Testament, not the Old Testament. Plus religous beleifs cannot be backward. Maybe today we are living in a backward world in terms of ethics and values in relativity to our past.
Also if most of the world is straight, and a very small minority, very small is gay, and you seem to think that it is biological, isnt that a genetic disorder? As mutations effect very small parts of the human population pool.(NOTE- THIS IS NOT ME SAYING THIS AS I AM NOT FULLY CONFIRMED IF HOMOSEXUALITY IS NATURAL, OR IF IT IS A CHOICE)
Also please refrain from calling religous beleifs backwards. Because same way you falsely accusing me of hating gay people. By calling religous beliefs backwards, you are using your own personal opinions to insult peoples religon. Also religous beliefs have not guided me on this topic.
Thanks
Ankur Singh
While I agree with your opinion that Brian should not have denied gays service, I disagree for a different reason. Your beliefs should not negatively affect how you treat others, whether you're for or against gay marriage. I also question the reason why Brian posted this on Facebook, this seems like needless publicity, and a blatant call for attention.
ReplyDeleteHi Ellie
DeleteI also agree with you. What I indirectly meant in my response is that we can create a peaceful society by people accepting each others differences and not judging each other based off of different personal opinions.
Hi Ellie
DeleteI also agree with you. What I indirectly meant in my response is that we can create a peaceful society by people accepting each others differences and not judging each other based off of different personal opinions.