Ms. Osberg

When I was in the third grade I thought that I was gay, 'Cause I could draw, my uncle was, and I kept my room straight. I told my mom, tears rushing down my face She's like "Ben you've loved girls since before pre-k, trippin'." Yeah, I guess she had a point, didn't she? Bunch of stereotypes all in my head. I remember doing the math like, "Yeah, I'm good at little league." A preconceived idea of what it all meant For those that liked the same sex Had the characteristics The right wing conservatives think it's a decision And you can be cured with some treatment and religion Man-made rewiring of a predisposition 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 Full lyrics can be found here: Title: “Same Love” Artist: Macklemore (with Ryan Lewis) Year: 2012 Medium: Song

“Tears rushing down my face” “You’ve loved girls” “A preconceived idea of what it all meant” “Right wing conservatives think it’s a decision” “You can be cured with some treatment and religion” “We paraphrase a book written thirty-five-hundred years ago”

The tone of this song is rather forthright and frank. Being gay is not a decision or something that can be changed. It is important to accept all people. Don’t forget to love all people, despite what your religion might tell you otherwise.

The perspective of someone who is gay—Macklemore is a straight, white rapper. What do we do with our level of acceptance once gay marriage is legal? Whose responsibility is it to continue this movement?

Title: Gay Marriage and Lady Liberty Author: Daniel Kurtzman Year: 2011 Medium: Political Cartoon

Rainbow flag as the flame of Lady Liberty Lady Liberty’s arm holding up the flame Flame is illuminated Black and white colors

Critical—Lady Liberty holds up freedom for all people, not just those that are straight. This is a black and white issue, there is no misunderstanding; all people should have these same rights upheld by the government.

Who is responsible for ensuring these rights? What happens if people do not agree? Can we force people to accept ideas they do not agree with?

Same Love Self-expression through music is a common way for people to get a point across. It provides a way to process thoughts, feelings, information, and important issues. Macklemore, while not gay, is taking a stand for those who are and making awareness to the public and important part of his music. Gay Marriage and Lady Liberty Political cartoons are often used to comment on current events/issues. This political cartoon is taking a stand for gay marriage and rights, stating that Lady Liberty upholds the rights of all people, not just people who are straight.

Same Love Same Love was published in 2012, which is during the period of time when gay marriage and the rights of the LGBT community are at the forefront of legal, political, and social outlets. This is a movement gaining much force and support from those outside of the community; Macklemore is joining the movement by writing a song advocating for the same love, rights, and acceptance for the LGBT community. Gay Marriage and Lady Liberty This political cartoon is representative of the time period because it offers a strong comment on the issues important and often discussed in society. It is reflective of the movement advocating for gay rights and freedoms to be protected by the government, which are being legalized state by state today.