‘Normal’ may not be what you think it is

The issue of gay marriage has made news so much, but I can’t help but wonder why. When you meet someone for the first time, do you ask them of their sexual orientation? Do you ask them anything more personal than the casual, “How are you?” Of course not, and you would be never the brighter as you keep talking about whatever daily occurrences have led you to cross paths with them.

Suppose this John Doe is gay. Are you worse off now that you’ve talked to him? Has he convinced you to be gay? Did he affect you at all besides possibly putting a smile on your face because you’ve had a rough morning?

Some of us believe it’s against our religion. That God is against gays for one reason or another. Was God against African-Americans during the civil rights movements as well? Furthermore, isn’t religion, specifically Christianity, all about being a “good person”?

I’m certainly not an avid churchgoer, but I’ve met religious people who are so self-absorbed they can’t even take a moment to consider anything but themselves. On the flip side, some of the nicest people I know are very religious, too. I’m not supporting the fact that religion is an excuse that helps you deal with what you’re unfamiliar with, but is it really all that necessary to hate someone who’s not in your same interests?

Or, perhaps it’s the fact that you’re afraid. You’ve always been the “normal” type, working “normal” hours, doing whatever else “normal” people do. The majority of the world is heterosexual, and you have to be, too. So, what if you’re not? Times are changing fast, and this “normal” you seem to think you’ve perfected just might not be what you think it is.

Rachel Robb

Hawthorn Woods