Polygamy has been making the news recently with the case of the Texas group being removed from their compound. Specifically, where 437 children were taken from their mothers out of the State's concern for child abuse. Just this week, the police have determined that the call from the supposedly 16 year old member of the group was a hoax. Yet, the State of Texas is still choosing to move forward with DNA testing to determine "who the children belong to."
The article referenced below reflects a point of view from someone who chose to join a polygamist group. It is interesting to read this article and hear the words of an individual who has "walked in the shoes" we are all so desperately trying to understand. Discrimination is at the top of the list on this one. I am left pondering many things.
Why are we so intolerant of people when they are "different" from us? Why is it that in order to "fit-in" to society a person must act like the clone of the group? Why is it that society feels the need to break-up groups like the polygamist groups? I believe that the answer lies in the desire to be dominate over the weak--that hegomonic powers fear the minority group when they begin to gain a foothold position in society.
Everyday we are exposed to things that mold our ideologies like the Media, school, newspapers, and other people. All of these exposures become part of our social construction that tells us how we should live. Over and over we are exposed to these elements until we begin to internalize them as part of our own personal beliefs.
It is time for American's to stop being led around like "puppy dogs." It is time that we all do not become "bystanders" any longer. It is time for each and every one of us to get involved for what is right--even if the other person is "not just just like ourselves." We all have a right to be who we are without the fear of persecution by the State or by the People.
As a note, I do not support any action that permits children to be abused; however, I do believe that it is important that we examine things carefully and not fall into the trap of lumping the whole together "just to be safe." No longer should the saying be the needs of the whole outweight the needs of the one. It should be the needs of the one outweight the needs of the whole. Otherwise, we are no better than the Nazi's who persecuted a group of people for the sake of power.
Here's the link to the article:
The photo is part of the following website:
3 comments:
This continues to be a very interesting case. There are so many issues involved that it's hard to have a clear idea of how the issues are related ... In addition, I wonder how much we (the public) don't know. This is why is important to work towards transparency in government, so we know that we are getting all the facts.
Why is it that society feels the need to break-up groups like the polygamist groups? I believe that the answer lies in the desire to be dominate over the weak--that hegomonic powers fear the minority group when they begin to gain a foothold position in society.
Good point and historically accurate. For the record, that universal hegemon is controlled by white, capitalist, straight, Christian, American(...)men. lol :)
I've been following this case closely, too. Its hard to believe this is really happening and its not part of some crappy science fiction book where robots take over and remove those who are "different." The government has begun the removal of the very young children now and is placing them in (temporary?) foster care as well. Yikes.
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