USA, Inc. by Rebecca Immer
USA, Inc. is [a website] about the effect the Citizens United decision by the Supreme Court has on social justice. I am invested in politics because I am an American citizen and I should be invested in politics in some form -- or at the very least, informed. I am also very interested in Political Philosophy and I found very compelling connections between social justice theories and political theories. I know that most people are not interested in politics and that most people do not even really understand the ramifications that politics have on our daily lives. I completely understand this apathetic view because I lived it for many years. I began making connections (or rather, disconnections) between what I was hearing politicians speak about and what I was seeing on a daily basis and it inspired me to become more informed... My hope in making this website was to inform more people, especially young people, about the current state of our political system and to encourage them to get involved because regardless of one's affinity for politics, they do affect all of us.
Faggot by Kendal Moore
A Picture Says 1000 Words
1.) Me- This is the image of me when I was “gay bashed.” This image brings me good and bad feelings. It makes me feel bad that someone who doesn’t even know me, wanted to fight me. He showed so much hatred that he felt the need to put his hands on me, and try to hurt me, physically and emotionally. This image also brings me pride. It lets me know that I am still a person and I fought for myself and for who I am. I am proud of the person that I am, and I accept myself to the fullest. It shows me that I cannot and will not change for any person in this world. For that, I am proud!
1.) Me- This is the image of me when I was “gay bashed.” This image brings me good and bad feelings. It makes me feel bad that someone who doesn’t even know me, wanted to fight me. He showed so much hatred that he felt the need to put his hands on me, and try to hurt me, physically and emotionally. This image also brings me pride. It lets me know that I am still a person and I fought for myself and for who I am. I am proud of the person that I am, and I accept myself to the fullest. It shows me that I cannot and will not change for any person in this world. For that, I am proud!
2.) This image is an equal sign. It stands for the marriage equality for all. As written in the Declaration of Independence: “…all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness…” That says it all. Why should ‘faggots’ or ‘dykes’ be treated any different than ‘straight’ people just because we love the same sex? It goes against everything our country is supposed to stand for.
3.) The Gay Pride Flag- This flag not only represents the pride of being homosexual, but the pride that most homosexuals do have and what all should have! Again, I am proud to wear this flag in which is a part of me.
4.) Sahara León – Sahara is one of my best friends who is a drag queen. She is showing the community that big girls do it well, too.
Nicole Starr – Nicole is a beautiful woman, inside and out. She shows the Chicago gay community that it is okay to be yourself – no matter who you are. Also, she shows that it is good to stand up for yourself, and if you really want something – go for it.
Momma Thinks
My mother is very accepting person to the subject of homosexuality. She feels as if it is not her life and what people choose to do in their lives, in the privacy of their home in which they pay their own bills is none of her business. Long before I came out of the closet, she always had this mentality. I think that is so logical and so many more people should have that thought.
What’s Music Talkin’ ‘Bout?
“…Playing God, aw nah here we go
America the brave still fears what we don't know
And God loves all his children, is somehow forgotten
But we paraphrase a book written thirty-five-hundred years ago
I don't know…
…Have you read the YouTube comments lately?
‘Man, that's gay’ gets dropped on the daily
We become so numb to what we're saying
A culture founded from oppression
Yet we don't have acceptance for 'em
Call each other faggots behind the keys of a message board
A word rooted in hate, yet our genre still ignores it
Gay is synonymous with the lesser
It's the same hate that's caused wars from religion
Gender to skin color, the complexion of your pigment
The same fight that led people to walk outs and sit ins
It's human rights for everybody, there is no difference!
Live on and be yourself…” – Same Love by Macklemore
This song as a whole supports my topic! I’ve used these excerpts of lyrics because they really mean a lot to me. He explains the exact revolution on how society sees loving the same-sex as “wrong” but we are all the same. I couldn’t agree more on these lyrics! Macklemore really spoke the truth, in my opinion, about the reality of homosexuals. When I first heard this song, I cried my eyes out. To me, it felt like he was speaking to me. Same love.
Ride of a Lifetime
1.) In 2008, I was walking with my two friends, one of which was a transsexual. We were on our way to her house when a car full of what we call “gay bashers” pulled up on the street. They started yelling out of the window, calling us faggots and laughing at us. I can still hear the passengers voice yelling out, “Aye, y’all fag ass niggas goin’ to get some dick? You lucky I don’t get out this motha-fuckin’ car and beat all y’all asses!” Of course we were in a not-so-good area, and knew that we had to be ready to fight these boys in the car. My friend pulled out her mace as we were getting ready to fight, and they started throwing eggs at us. The eggs were flying out of the car like a machine gun. That was one of the most painful things. Needless to say, we all walked home bruised up and smelled like raw eggs.
2.) One night last summer, I was leaving a graduation party late at night. I was walking to the bus when I hear a man behind me laughing and saying, “Aye, look at this faggot ass nigga. He over here switchin’ and shit. He gay than a mothafucka,” I turned around and asked him, “Do you have a problem? What the fuck are you lookin’ at my ass for?” He didn’t respond so I turned around and continued walking to the bus stop. Seconds later, I hear him running towards me, and when I turned around, he struck me in the face. We were fighting for what seemed like forever, when he couldn’t take it anymore and he grabbed me by my shirt, and threw me into the brick wall. My face scraped against the wall and he ran down the alley. Ride of a lifetime. Some people just don’t get it!
Hey! Wanna Hear a Joke?
Q.) What do you call a gay drive-by?
A.) A fruit roll-up!
Q.) How many faggots does it take to put in a light bulb?
A.) Only one.....but it takes an entire emergency room to remove it!
What Are People Sayin’?
1.) Promiscuous
2.) All gay people have Aids
3.) All of us are flamboyant
4.) We all do hair/nails/makeup
5.) We all dress like girls/do drag
6.) We are all going to Hell/ God never loved us.
7.) We all have great style
8.) Our parents hate us
What’s on the Television?
1.) Noah’s Arc – I can remember in one episode of the show when Noah, (the main character), went to a gas station in Los Angeles for gas. He was pumping gas and as he was going to pay for his gas, a group of men walked out and started calling him names and making fun of him. He tried to defend his self, but there were just too many of them for him to even get away. They beat him to a pulp and he was sent to the hospital.
2.) Leave It On The Floor – In the beginning of this movie, the main character, Brad, was in his room watching gay pornography on his computer. His mother burst in the room and found out what he was doing. She started yelling at him and telling him how much of a disgrace he was and kicked him out of her house. Eventually, he falls in love and becomes more comfortable with himself.
I Have Some Questions!
1.) How many homosexuals are in fact infected with HIV/AIDS?
2.) How many reported people are depressed due to issues of being homosexual?
3.) How many school-age kids report bullying due to being gay?
These are all important issues, but what are the numbers? How many people does these questions effect? When will society open its eyes and realize that we’re “normal”, too?
My Peeps
1.) DeShaun/Sahara León – DeShaun and I went to high school together and is my best friend. One day he found that he had a talent for doing make-up. We were at a local night club and they announced that they had an amateur night for new drag queens. I persuaded him to go and tryout so he can show the ‘girls’ what he’s got. We went on a Thursday night for the drinks and drag show. He performed and the crowd went wild. That was the night that Sahara was born. He loved it so much that he eventually became a regular performer at the club.
2.) Nicole Starr – Nicole Starr is a well-known transsexual in the Chicago gay community. Along with that, she is my friend. Nicole has had to struggle with society accepting her, even though she accepts herself. She is a beautiful woman that works hard for what she wants, yet, society doesn’t see her that way. They see her as a ‘man in a dress.’ It’s not fair to her. What people don’t understand is that she has always felt as if she was a woman on the inside but without the physical appearance. I take off my hat to her and applaud her for her courage and her pride in herself!
So What About the Crappy Stuff?
Below are some examples of things that are not so great for us same-sex lovers. Whether these things are illegal, or unethical, they happen more than you think. We don’t live in a perfect world, (yet), so until we do, we still struggle with these issues and more.
1.) Sometimes it is hard to get employment
2.) I’ve had problems finding an apartment
3.) You are not able to donate blood
4.) Being talked about constantly
5.) Having to act a certain way when in certain situations or areas
6.) Church problems
7.) Looked down upon by some as if we’re not real human beings
My Revolution
If there was a revolution on the word “faggot”, that would mean the world would be accepting to gay people. We would see homosexual couples in advertisements, having their own television shows on regular TV. We would see same-sex couples walking down the street and holding hands without discrimination. The rate of crime which involve hate crimes based on sexual orientation would drop down to zero. That is the type of world we should all want to live in. Zero discrimination, zero hatred, all love.
My mother is very accepting person to the subject of homosexuality. She feels as if it is not her life and what people choose to do in their lives, in the privacy of their home in which they pay their own bills is none of her business. Long before I came out of the closet, she always had this mentality. I think that is so logical and so many more people should have that thought.
What’s Music Talkin’ ‘Bout?
“…Playing God, aw nah here we go
America the brave still fears what we don't know
And God loves all his children, is somehow forgotten
But we paraphrase a book written thirty-five-hundred years ago
I don't know…
…Have you read the YouTube comments lately?
‘Man, that's gay’ gets dropped on the daily
We become so numb to what we're saying
A culture founded from oppression
Yet we don't have acceptance for 'em
Call each other faggots behind the keys of a message board
A word rooted in hate, yet our genre still ignores it
Gay is synonymous with the lesser
It's the same hate that's caused wars from religion
Gender to skin color, the complexion of your pigment
The same fight that led people to walk outs and sit ins
It's human rights for everybody, there is no difference!
Live on and be yourself…” – Same Love by Macklemore
This song as a whole supports my topic! I’ve used these excerpts of lyrics because they really mean a lot to me. He explains the exact revolution on how society sees loving the same-sex as “wrong” but we are all the same. I couldn’t agree more on these lyrics! Macklemore really spoke the truth, in my opinion, about the reality of homosexuals. When I first heard this song, I cried my eyes out. To me, it felt like he was speaking to me. Same love.
Ride of a Lifetime
1.) In 2008, I was walking with my two friends, one of which was a transsexual. We were on our way to her house when a car full of what we call “gay bashers” pulled up on the street. They started yelling out of the window, calling us faggots and laughing at us. I can still hear the passengers voice yelling out, “Aye, y’all fag ass niggas goin’ to get some dick? You lucky I don’t get out this motha-fuckin’ car and beat all y’all asses!” Of course we were in a not-so-good area, and knew that we had to be ready to fight these boys in the car. My friend pulled out her mace as we were getting ready to fight, and they started throwing eggs at us. The eggs were flying out of the car like a machine gun. That was one of the most painful things. Needless to say, we all walked home bruised up and smelled like raw eggs.
2.) One night last summer, I was leaving a graduation party late at night. I was walking to the bus when I hear a man behind me laughing and saying, “Aye, look at this faggot ass nigga. He over here switchin’ and shit. He gay than a mothafucka,” I turned around and asked him, “Do you have a problem? What the fuck are you lookin’ at my ass for?” He didn’t respond so I turned around and continued walking to the bus stop. Seconds later, I hear him running towards me, and when I turned around, he struck me in the face. We were fighting for what seemed like forever, when he couldn’t take it anymore and he grabbed me by my shirt, and threw me into the brick wall. My face scraped against the wall and he ran down the alley. Ride of a lifetime. Some people just don’t get it!
Hey! Wanna Hear a Joke?
Q.) What do you call a gay drive-by?
A.) A fruit roll-up!
Q.) How many faggots does it take to put in a light bulb?
A.) Only one.....but it takes an entire emergency room to remove it!
What Are People Sayin’?
1.) Promiscuous
2.) All gay people have Aids
3.) All of us are flamboyant
4.) We all do hair/nails/makeup
5.) We all dress like girls/do drag
6.) We are all going to Hell/ God never loved us.
7.) We all have great style
8.) Our parents hate us
What’s on the Television?
1.) Noah’s Arc – I can remember in one episode of the show when Noah, (the main character), went to a gas station in Los Angeles for gas. He was pumping gas and as he was going to pay for his gas, a group of men walked out and started calling him names and making fun of him. He tried to defend his self, but there were just too many of them for him to even get away. They beat him to a pulp and he was sent to the hospital.
2.) Leave It On The Floor – In the beginning of this movie, the main character, Brad, was in his room watching gay pornography on his computer. His mother burst in the room and found out what he was doing. She started yelling at him and telling him how much of a disgrace he was and kicked him out of her house. Eventually, he falls in love and becomes more comfortable with himself.
I Have Some Questions!
1.) How many homosexuals are in fact infected with HIV/AIDS?
2.) How many reported people are depressed due to issues of being homosexual?
3.) How many school-age kids report bullying due to being gay?
These are all important issues, but what are the numbers? How many people does these questions effect? When will society open its eyes and realize that we’re “normal”, too?
My Peeps
1.) DeShaun/Sahara León – DeShaun and I went to high school together and is my best friend. One day he found that he had a talent for doing make-up. We were at a local night club and they announced that they had an amateur night for new drag queens. I persuaded him to go and tryout so he can show the ‘girls’ what he’s got. We went on a Thursday night for the drinks and drag show. He performed and the crowd went wild. That was the night that Sahara was born. He loved it so much that he eventually became a regular performer at the club.
2.) Nicole Starr – Nicole Starr is a well-known transsexual in the Chicago gay community. Along with that, she is my friend. Nicole has had to struggle with society accepting her, even though she accepts herself. She is a beautiful woman that works hard for what she wants, yet, society doesn’t see her that way. They see her as a ‘man in a dress.’ It’s not fair to her. What people don’t understand is that she has always felt as if she was a woman on the inside but without the physical appearance. I take off my hat to her and applaud her for her courage and her pride in herself!
So What About the Crappy Stuff?
Below are some examples of things that are not so great for us same-sex lovers. Whether these things are illegal, or unethical, they happen more than you think. We don’t live in a perfect world, (yet), so until we do, we still struggle with these issues and more.
1.) Sometimes it is hard to get employment
2.) I’ve had problems finding an apartment
3.) You are not able to donate blood
4.) Being talked about constantly
5.) Having to act a certain way when in certain situations or areas
6.) Church problems
7.) Looked down upon by some as if we’re not real human beings
My Revolution
If there was a revolution on the word “faggot”, that would mean the world would be accepting to gay people. We would see homosexual couples in advertisements, having their own television shows on regular TV. We would see same-sex couples walking down the street and holding hands without discrimination. The rate of crime which involve hate crimes based on sexual orientation would drop down to zero. That is the type of world we should all want to live in. Zero discrimination, zero hatred, all love.