The Marginalization of Blacks and Homosexuals

Marginalization is not a new concept. Groups of people have been marginalized in the past and are still today. For example, in America, black people had been discriminated against since as far back as the 16th century. Frequently bought and sold as slaves, they were generally disregarded of importance; mere animals to the majority. The majority just came to understand that black people were of no value. Newborns birthed by these types of parents then believed the same, stupid beliefs that these people instilled into them during their upbringing. It’s a vicious cycle that is common in the relationship between the oppressed and the oppressor which typically continues until the oppressed fights back. This loop is called psychological marginalization because people are influenced into believing a negative illusion of the minority group; homosexuals have been a victim to this abuse as well. Outside forces such as religion, social conducts, and propaganda, had influenced society to hold negative attitudes towards homosexuals. Shockingly, it is illegal to be gay in some countries today. A bill was recently passed in Uganda which stated that the typical punishments for “the offense of homosexuality” are capital punishment and life imprisonment. This is just one example of a powerful influence that divides society’s majority from homosexuals. In “Life after High School”, Zachary faces the divisional pressures of religion and social conduct which lead to his maniacal despair and his eventual suicide. Born in a Christian family, he was brought up with Christian values and beliefs which restrict homosexuality. Not only his religion, but the people in his social environment also looked down upon gays. Aware of the potential marginalization, he kept quiet about his “sinful thoughts, deeds, [and] desires”; Zachary knows that he doesn’t live in a “free world” as opposed to Barbara who says that they do. He strived to be “normal” and attempted to achieve this by using Barbara to convert him into a heterosexual. He just wanted to live his life, being his true natural self. If he couldn’t be a part of the impeccable majority, then perhaps he wanted to go somewhere where he would be accepted for who he is. Perhaps the reasoning for his suicide was to reach the place where he knew he wouldn’t be judged and where he could be his authentic self – heaven. Even when he carried out his plan, he deliberately hid his homosexuality to preserve his honour and his family’s honour.