In a land as diverse as the United States, love comes in variety of kinds and capacities. Love is a human emotion that draws out the best of us, and yes, unfortunately, the worst of us. Love can be a bond between kin, a bond between friends and yes, a bond between potential life partners. Love is powerful enough that it crosses race, religion, and gender, among other characteristics. Society's acceptance of love has changed and evolved, especially over the last hundred years.
We began to overcome prejudice of interracial relationships. This did not come easy but instead came from appealing to peoples' senses of justice and the need to view people as people, and to look at their character, not the color of their skin. In more recent times, the issue of relationships between individuals of the same gender has come to public attention with passionate views on both sides of the issue. On one hand, you have individuals who root their life views in religious texts such as the Bible. They insist that God defined marriage, thus we are unable to alter a divinely created institution. On the other hand, there are the pleas of individuals to recognize their identities and allow them to live with dignity and equality, free from unjust persecution on the part of the state. Much like interracial marriage, acceptance of same sex marriage has not come easily but is indeed a work in progress that has been advanced due to the resolve and courage of individuals to be who they are despite vicious abuse and discrimination.
Again, progress does not happen overnight, it comes in a variety of realms including but not limited to legal and social change. Legal change has happened through both the legislative and judicial processes. Change in the law, while significant, usually does not, on its own, change hearts and mind. Social change is often fueled through personal interactions with family and friends and by exposure to different relationships that cause individuals to reexamine their prior views and to realize that these relationships don't make their loved ones any less of a person than they are.
This stark reality is often the driving force behind change. Changing one's long held views can be difficult, yet it is possible if presented with the changing times. Personal guidance along the way can help to hasten social change. One must remember that in order to change ones view, it is vital to show the person dignity and respect and to not act in any way that can reasonably be perceived as disrespectful. The failure to do so can cause bitterness and hostility which can undermine efforts to broaden ones intellectual horizons.
While one must stand up against discrimination and bigotry, it is counterproductive to unnecessarily provoke individuals for the purpose of fueling a controversy. As we take strides going into the future remember to look at a world beyond yourself. Remember to consider feelings and perspectives other than your own.
