History is determined by the winners.
I just read this in the NY Times – Bill Saluting Harvey Milk Brings California Fight
I want to comment on this bit:
While the day of recognition — of which there are only three in California, for John Muir, teachers and the California poppy — would impose no specific requirements on schools or close state offices, opponents say the tribute could encourage discussion of Milk and gay issues in public schools. State law encourages schools to observe days of recognition and “conduct suitable commemorative exercises.”
“The bill is so broad it could encompass all kinds of things,” said Randy Thomasson, president of SaveCalifornia.com, who has been active in opposing same-sex marriage in the state. “Remembering the life of Harvey Milk could allow for gay pride parades on campus or mock gay weddings or cross-dressing. There is no prohibition of what the bill calls ‘suitable commemorative exercises.’ The sky’s the limit.”
Fuck that noise.
Remembering J. Edgar Hoover or holding a powder puff football game could also lead to cross-dressing. Remembering Harvey Milk will most likely encompass a moment of silence or a 40-minute class discussion at most with the more liberal-minded or neutral teachers and nothing at all for conservative teachers since no one is FORCING anyone to do anything.
I hate when people object to something that no one is mandating. They are objecting to other people being given more options of what and how to learn. Of the scope of who is important being extended past the level of their own ignorance.
But then, there’s a lot of that going around right now, isn’t there?
and what’s so wrong with allowing gay pride parades on campus anyway?
that actually seems like a great idea…
Word. I wish it *would* lead to mock gay-weddings, parades and any kind of gender subversion in schools. But it probably won’t. Probably just a moment of silence for a great human being, and some kid getting the message that Harvey Milk was gay and important, which is a really important concept for kids to grasp.
Unfortunately that induces PANIC.