Homosexuality

The whole idea of homosexuality is something that stands out to me. By reading the books and stories we have read this semester, the conflicts, characters, the dilemmas, thematic ideas, and the messages from the authors were revealing.

The thematic issues and ideas that were constantly present in Black Like Us and Giovanni’s Room was the issue of belonging, the need to “fit in” or conform. This really stood out to me because fitting in is something we all want to do. We don’t want others to judge us or make fun of us so we kowtow with what others are doing. If we are different we don’t want others to know for fear of rejection. This theme was present in the anthology Black Like Us but one story in particular was “Blessed Assurance.” John wants his son Delly to start acting like a man just like every manly man do. He prefers his to be normal. John wants his son to fit in and be like every man out there.

The messages that the authors sent out to us were very significant. James Baldwin, the author of Giovanni’s Room gave us an important point in his novel, to love and accept ourselves for who we are because it could cause conflicts with ourselves and others as well. For example a writer named David falls in loves with a barman named Giovanni but doesn’t want to accept it or in fact believe it. He struggles with his feelings for Giovanni and Hella, whom David believes he loves. The fact of the matter is that this message be sent to everyone no matter what race, age, or gender, just love yourself and accept who you are because that’s what will truly make you happy in life.

I personally thought that everything in this course stood out to me as a reader. I have never such provocative and detailed stories that have caused controversy. I’m really glad I got the opportunity to read such great books and stories because it opened my mind to new ideas and ways of thinking.