This January, 2016 marks the 82nd anniversary of the list of homosexuals, commanded by Adolf Hitler. There are some who may know this story, only know part of the story, and then there are those who don’t know it at all.
Why am I bringing this up, other than it is a date to remember? I’ve been working with a young man (32) who is intelligent, fairly well informed and very interesting to talk to. Unfortunately, I’ve found that his lack of some basic historical facts somewhat disturbing. Not just him in particular, but by a lot of people of his generation.
The phrase, ‘Lest We Forget’ keeps coming to mind. Then of course, ‘If we do not remember history, we are doomed to repeat it’ follows that initial thought. As humans, do we not have the ability to learn from our mistakes? If I were to touch a hot stove, burn my hand, do I not remember that and not do it again? I don’t know about you, but I’m sure I’d remember that.
Plenty of people know that many gay people were arrested, imprisoned and died in concentration camps during the Holocaust. But did you know that those who survived were not released? They were actually transferred to prisons, where they lingered for most if not all of their lives? Homosexuality was, after all, a crime.
Ever seen the show/movie Cabaret? It portrays Berlin, when it was considered the gayest city in Europe. Just before the Nazis took control, there was legislation to do away with the prohibition on gays was to be repealed. Talk about taking a huge step backwards. Of course we know what happened next.
Fast-forward some eighty years later… Look at Russia. Several years ago they also did away with making homosexuality illegal. Where are they now? Well let me tell you: they now turn their heads, sit on their hands while young men are tortured and even put to death by anti-gay groups.
There are over seventy countries around the world where you can be imprisoned or executed just for being gay, several of which belong to the British Commonwealth, by the way. Hey Queenie… got a minute? I found that tidbit of information rather disturbing. Now in 2016, I shake my head as I wonder what the hell happened.
Here in the United State of America, we are going through the painful process of the Presidential elections. I listen, I read, I watch the candidates parade around like angry peacocks. Then I ask myself a few questions: Will this person keep me safe, do well with managing the economy, and be a kind person who has honor. Yeah, well I kind figured that the honor part is already out the window. They are politicians after all.
Then I have a whole list of sub-questions that I ask myself. I’m not going to go into all that. Most of the time it gives me a headache and I really do try and keep my political beliefs and opinions to myself. However, I do believe that our respective governments should take into consideration human rights around the globe before dealing with the crazies of the world.
My momma always told me to avoid politics and religion when at parties or anywhere that casual conversations took place. That has bode me well so far. This is where I straddle the fence a bit. At what point does one open their mouths to protest such human atrocities? When is it over stepping the line? At what point do I stand up and scream, enough is enough?
In my very humble opinion, the only way to fight such things is with knowledge. Knowledge is the ultimate power. Only when enough people stand together, scream together, shout together are we heard AND recognized. Think of it as a great choir, making the most incredible and glorious music. Singing the praises of humanity and the right to be who we truly are.
Does anyone remember the old Coca-Cola commercial where people, one by one, start singing “I Want to Teach the World to Sing”? It’s kinda like that. Yeah. We can join voices, singing for the right to be, the right to love, the right to give and to share love. Love is still love, no matter how you split it. It’s the real thing.
While I’m still on my soap box, I want to ask you a question: Have you done something nice for someone today? Lent a helping hand? Reached out to another human being? Have you made someone smile today? Try it. You may like it.
Now… go forth and sing!