Blog Post 5

Rofes (2005) makes clear distinctions between liberal and radical conceptualizations of addressing homophobia and heterosexism in k-12 schools. Discuss these distinctions with examples from schools you attended. How does Rofes (2005) discuss childhood? What do the liberal and radical distinctions of addressing homophobia and heterosexism have to do with contemporary understandings of childhood? What do you believe and what is your vision for the school where you hope to be teaching in the next four years? (250 thoughtful words).

     In the schools I attended, there wasn't any negative behavior towards the LGBT students. I went to a public school where homosexual students had the same rights as the heterosexual students. We did have a radical case where a male student was transitioning into a female and started to wear female clothing. At first no one really minded and viewed him as a regular student. Once the weather got nicer, this student began to wear short skirts, which brought attention to the student. Girls argued their rights to shorter skirts and how this was night fair. The principal then made an announcement that all students had to same dress code "with reason." This was the only radical case that occurred at my school while I was there.
     Rofes discusses childhood as a period in life where what the child thinks, doesn't matter. our society is set up so children's viewpoints are irreverent because he or she is too young to understand something, but in reality that child is learning the more, just by listening and observing what an adult or parent is doing. Rofes also mentions childhood should be more structured around the child's needs and wants because he himself had to conform around what people wanted and not what he wanted.
     When we address homophobia and heterosexism I think that in order to address it in a contemporary way we must create an enviorment where the student feels comfortable and freedom to tell how he/she feels without being judge. I think that starting a Gay-Straight Alliance will help with the a lot of things other than with LGBT students. I had this club at my school and I thought it was cool how it wasn't just LGBT students joining the program, it was everyone. their motto was to "feel comfortable in your own skin" which was a great motto because it create a chance for everyone no matter what size, gender, color or preference to feel at home
     I believe that we should view every student as the same. As a nation, people as becoming more accepting and opening to LGBT students and people, which is what I like to see. if I get a chance to teach somewhere in the next four years, I hope that the students, as well as the administrators are accepting to these students and giving them the same opportunity as others.