The Worth of a Soul

Humanity has continuously dealt with the conflict of equality. At different times and in different nations and cultures, there has been a struggle of equality... whether it be gender, race, sexual or age. In America, we have seen this happen since our forefathers came to our shores. Actions of those who segregate or discriminate can spring from a variety of reasons: fear, greed, ignorance, misunderstanding, and I think sometimes, they truly do believe they may be doing the right thing. Different levels of equality have had their time and place through history. In the early developments of America, there was the mistreatment of the Native American population. Slavery also was raging in the South, with racial discrimination happening both visibly and invisibly throughout the country. Women's suffrage soon found it's opportunity to proceed, with the Civil Rights Movement boldly marching forward. It seems that today in our nation, one of the battles of equality that has been raging for years is the question of homosexuality and where our society stands on the issue. Throughout all of history, however, one common theme seems to exist for every group seeking greater equality: their desire to show the worth of each and every individual and have that acknowledged by others.

Although each and every person has his or her own right on how they view homosexuality, I also feel that we each have a responsibility to remember that each individual on the earth is a human being. Each human being has intrinsic and unalterable worth, independent of how others view them or what they think. When we have forgotten the worth of a soul, or another human being, that is when tragedy has struck, always to be remembered and never to be fully repaired. Genocide, abuse, and even specific events such as the Holocaust, show the results of forgetting the worth of a human being and the soul of a human being.

I read an article about this topic about a high school teacher in New Jersey who is a religious woman (shown by her supervision and advisory over a prayer group) who is alleged to have called homosexuality "a perverted spirit that has existed from the beginning of creation" and a "sin" that "breeds like cancer." Even though her personal views and opinions are protected by the Constitution of the United States, it is discouraging to see people in a community who stand as role models to younger people, still forming their views and opinions about life and the world, that can influence them in a certain way. As a high school teacher, and especially as a religious woman, she should be reinforcing the ideas of understanding and tolerance of all people. Although my views and knowledge are still very limited, I feel it is important for every person to strive to understand the differences that make up the beautiful society in which we live. Below is the link to the article:

Associated Press: NJ Teacher criticized for Facebook remarks on gays

Jennie LeFevre