Maybe it’s how I was raised, or maybe it’s my desire to be independent, or maybe its my lack of willingness to deal with idiotic comments. Yet again, our society is basing individuals’ ability to be parents based on their appearance or in this case, sexual preferences. An article in the New York Times discusses a study saying that same-sex couples ultimately fail as parents, “The study, Dr. Regnerus wrote, “clearly reveals” that children are most apt to succeed when they grow up “with their married mother and father.”
Not only did this comment make me angry, it made me question
where these children are. I've encountered plenty of children throughout my
lifetime from working at camps and swim teams. I've met some outstanding
parents and great kids, but I wouldn't say they are all flawless. EVERYONE has their
issue, that’s how life is. If we base our values off of how television shows
portray the ideal family, we will forever be stuck in a world of
disappointment.
The article
continues noting that Dr. Regnerus wrote in a pretrial brief, “it remains
prudent for government to continue to recognize marriage as a union of a man
and a woman, thereby promoting what is known to be an ideal environment for
raising children.”
Excuse me while I provide you some examples of “quality
parenting” of heterosexual individuals.
1. A mother is accused of leaving her two children in a cold car
while she got her makeup done at a mall in Charles County.
2. 8 Monstrous Mothers Who
Killed Their Own Children.
And if the stories aren’t enough, enjoy the photos.
Wendy D. Manning, a
professor of sociology at Bowling Green State University in Ohio notes: “only
about half the children in the United States live with married, biological
parents.” The article also mentions, “Children of single mothers, adopted
children, children of divorce and children in poverty all have worse outcomes
on average than children in stable middle-class marriages.” That’s shocking; I
thought ALL children from heterosexual parents were perfect?
Regardless of the sexual orientation of the individuals
raising a child it’s understandable that a child may lack the characteristics
of a male or female figure in their life. This would promote people to
encourage strict “rules” of only having heterosexual marriages. However, this
would equally be the case for a child being raised by a single parent.
I guess I’m confused why America cares SO much about what the
‘gays’ are doing OR even why they are referred to in that category? Why do we
think that we know the answer to how children should be raised? Why are we so
scared of letting people be parents? It’s probably safe to say those who oppose
this lifestyle and say that gay people aren't good parents are also the people
that walk away when they see a parent scream or even hit their child in public.
It’s a double standard. It’s not fair or even logical to automatically assume
that if a man and a women have a child together they will instantly be
fantastic parents.
xoxo
