I am ashamed to admit this, but I am not a person with strong convictions. Yes, I have things that I care about deeply, but I have never had a "cause." You know, something I would lay down and die for, fight against all comers for, and consistently donate money to. I wish I did. I have always wanted something to be passionate about. Instead I have pretended to be passionate about many things. For instance, when I was in high school, I refused to put my hand over my heart during the pledge. If anyone had asked me, I would have said it was because I was protesting apartheid. No one ever asked though. Oh, and if someone had said I was going to get in trouble if I didn't put my hand in front of my heart? I would have folded like a cheap card table. I mean, I still got kicked out of school (another time, children), but it was because I was an asshole, not because I was fighting for my rights, or the rights of anyone else.
That's why the story of Will Phillips impresses the hell out of me. Will is a 10-year old in Arkansas who is refusing to stand and say the pledge because he does not feel gay Americans are being represented in our country. He is making a small, silent protest every day. He is making it despite the fact he got sent to the Principal's office and his classmates are calling him a "gaywad." I haven't looked up to a 10-year old boy this much since "Webster" was on the air. Will makes me want to be a better person.
Now I just need to decide what route my new goodness will take. Oh, and I need to find a job where I have to say the pledge every day...
Thursday, November 12, 2009
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12 comments:
I have to say the pledge every day....... Hmmmmmm......
What strong convictions in such a young kid.
Glad to hear that the next generation is not as self-absorbed as we've been given to think. There's hope afterall!
Amazing that he is so aware.
Wow. I'm proud of him.
Wow, someone so young who wants ro stand for equality. I read the accompanying article and I think that sub DOES owe him a big apology for refusing to respect his right not to stand for the pledge. Wonderful Spin, Libby and you're the first Hero/Bravery Spin!
You're linked!
I'm glad he's standing up for gay rights, you don't even see adults doing that.
While I think it's good that kid is standing up (or sitting down, in this case) for what he believes in, I don't think he should have told the teacher to jump off a bridge. It shows immaturity and emphasizes the fact that even though he may be smart, he still is just a kid with a lot more to learn about life.
Not only is he a great kid, he's a great human who can show some adults a thing or two!
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Holler for Will Phillips!
Hopefully he'll make an impression on his classmates.
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