Students discuss homophobia, hypocrisy
Katie Woodson
Issue date: 12/5/08 Section: News
On Dec. 4, a panel discussion was held by the Power of Alliance, in conjunction with the African-American Studies Club and the Black Student Association, called "Swing Low and the Down Low: Homophobia, Hypocrisy and the Black Church."
The panel included students, faculty members and a pastor. The discussion ranged from defining what homosexuality is to the question of whether or not being homosexual a choice or something one is born with. There were arguments from both sides. The topic not only brought personal opinions, but it also brought a historical one as well.
Dr. Clinton Starr, from Western Illinois University's department of history, spoke about homosexuality in Africa in a time before Europeans came to the continent. Many students said they gained a lot from this event.
Fredrick Kendricks, senior Spanish major and a psychology minor, who also helped put the program together and was the moderator, said, "Being a black gay male, I felt this program was necessary to discuss the issue concerning sexuality in the black community."
Western Illinois students in the audience actively participated by asking the panel and other members of the audience questions. The discussion did not just talk about what homosexuality is, but the perception of homosexuals and how they are treated.
"In Chicago, I have been spit on, people tried to attack me, I have been called names and shunned by church leaders," Kendricks said. "In Macomb, it is different. Here there is a more latent disapproval. Some people will only speak to me if we are alone. Sometimes when I am out, people will look at me, and if they are with a group of people they'll say 'gay' and laugh."
But those things have not stopped Kendricks from taking an active part in Western Illinois life and being opened to other people's ideas and opinions. The program coordinators hoped the event has opened minds and allowed students to think about things they have not thought about before.
"I say knowledge is the key and wisdom is the driver," Kendricks said. He and the Power of Alliance hope there will be more programs like this
The panel included students, faculty members and a pastor. The discussion ranged from defining what homosexuality is to the question of whether or not being homosexual a choice or something one is born with. There were arguments from both sides. The topic not only brought personal opinions, but it also brought a historical one as well.
Dr. Clinton Starr, from Western Illinois University's department of history, spoke about homosexuality in Africa in a time before Europeans came to the continent. Many students said they gained a lot from this event.
Fredrick Kendricks, senior Spanish major and a psychology minor, who also helped put the program together and was the moderator, said, "Being a black gay male, I felt this program was necessary to discuss the issue concerning sexuality in the black community."
Western Illinois students in the audience actively participated by asking the panel and other members of the audience questions. The discussion did not just talk about what homosexuality is, but the perception of homosexuals and how they are treated.
"In Chicago, I have been spit on, people tried to attack me, I have been called names and shunned by church leaders," Kendricks said. "In Macomb, it is different. Here there is a more latent disapproval. Some people will only speak to me if we are alone. Sometimes when I am out, people will look at me, and if they are with a group of people they'll say 'gay' and laugh."
But those things have not stopped Kendricks from taking an active part in Western Illinois life and being opened to other people's ideas and opinions. The program coordinators hoped the event has opened minds and allowed students to think about things they have not thought about before.
"I say knowledge is the key and wisdom is the driver," Kendricks said. He and the Power of Alliance hope there will be more programs like this
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