Comments
Gay rights are one of the biggest social issues that Generation Next has to deal, or work with. Generation Next has a open, or liberal, opinion to this issue but there is still a lot for gay people to fight for. Many cities still do not have laws against sexual orientation discrimination, thus a gay or lesbian person can loose their job simply because they love a person of the same gender. I believe that as Generation Next continues to branch off into the work place and take government jobs, gay rights will be accepted and looked at more cloesly.
Posted by: Kyle Flood | January 13, 2007 4:03 AM
Homosexuality - Leave that up to our creator. God certainly did not intend for man to lay with man, yet in a world engulfed in sin we struggle to see that as a problem. Being that is an issue though, with no much common ground, I don't believe anyone is to say it is right or wrong. A sin is a sin, right? Not one should be set higher than the other. So let’s let God be the judge of that one.
I totally believe our generation struggles with religion. No one knows who they are anymore because no one is at peace with themselves. That can be argued, but this cannot: Our generation is blinded with technology. Life "has" to be fast paced. If you can't throw it in the microwave, we don't want it. That mentality has in a sense shied people away from religion. Back in the day our grandparents did not have computers, cell phones, television with 72 channels. They had time - time to spend on morals, values, beliefs, and self worth. They also did not have such degrading, demoralizing idols to look to for style. What's up with our pop culture, our main stream media? It extols everything but what’s right! Ok I'm done now. I think I've said enough.
Posted by: Kimberly Berger | January 13, 2007 4:40 AM
I am 19-years-old and openly gay. I feel like if I were born 40 years ago I would not have been able to be comfortable enough to come of of the closet. Most of the people my age accept me, even though they might be Jesus freaks (see comment above).
This generation is the most accepting generation when it comes to same-sex marriage or interratial marriage. Most of the people that I know would or have had an interration relationship without even thinking about the "issue."
Posted by: Fili | January 14, 2007 12:35 AM
Generation-Next is filled with a more computer driven lifestyle. Electronics are more compatible to the way people are today. The new technologies give more ways of communication to people everywhere in the world, and getting connected to the new music beats. From Ipods to cell phones and different types of communication on the computer, people are linked to what is going on around them. The way technology is happening so fast, it makes the American people more spoiled because they expect the fast moving pace.
Posted by: Lindsey Bus | January 26, 2007 7:26 PM
As time passes, and with each new generation, some things that may have been unacceptable and even taboo are no longer "a big deal" for many people. In some ways, I think this new generation of kids is very accepting of others. But I think they also have to realize that some things should not be accepted, and they individually need to be strong enough to stand up for their beliefs and maintain their positions on the issues they feel are important.
On one hand, I appreciate the fact that people can accept others for who they are. But it also worries me a bit, because I feel that, as the years have passed, society has lost some of the control necessary to maintain a decent, moral and ethical world for our children. When I was a kid, there was nothing lewd or risque on regular TV, especially during the hours when families would be watching. Anything remotely sexual would be on later at night, and would really be so subtle that I had no idea what it meant. Now if I turn on the TV in the middle of the day, I never know what I'll find - people killing people, people doing drugs, people having sex...it's scary for a parent, because you wory that your kids will think it's okay because it is EVERYWHERE! I would love for my children to grow up in a world where people accept and care about each other, but I would rather them not grow up in a society that has the attitude that "anything goes" - you can do what you want whenever you want, and not worry about the consequences. Young people today don't understand the value of self-control. Because the media is such a huge influence, parents have to start at a very young age and work twice as hard at teaching their kids what is acceptable behavior and what is not. Because of the media, I think it's really hard for teenagers today to maintain their self respect and values - harder than it was when I was a teenager.
Posted by: Dana | March 25, 2007 3:57 PM
It does not surprise me that 'Generation Next' is more liberal on homosexuality. Being a member of Generation Next I think that it is great that we are able to view ideas such as homosexuality as something that we're okay with, at least 60% of us. Being more accepting of other lifestyles is a huge stride towards being okay with other races, inter-racial dating, etc. I don't think that religious views are changing; I don't think accepting people has anything to do with religion. Personally, I am a devote Roman Catholic, and I find no problem with inter-racial dating and homosexuality. I think that those people in my generation that are against certain things are brought up that way, not by choice. Many beliefs and customs are passed on through the generations and with it now being "okay" to come out and tell people that you are gay, many of those older customs are being let go. I'm sure with many individuals it's circumstantial, but with that figure of 60% being acceptant of gays and lesbians, that number can only go up.
Posted by: Ann Marie M. | March 26, 2007 4:18 AM
What are your thoughts on Generation Next's more liberal views on homosexuality and interracial relationships?
since the generation is more openminded, it is understandable that they will have a more liberal views towards homosexuality and interracial relationships
Do they have a different relationship with religion than older generations?
yes, because now days there's so much to chose from, that one can even create their own religion and belief system and be accepted.
Speak up about your thoughts on Generation Next and social issues in this forum
i think generation next think highly of themself, they are what typical american back in the day stand for. doesn't undersatnd the value of saving, create a family and be a parent. most of them are about fun and living life, they tend to want to do so much. you can admire their self esteem and cockiness.
Posted by: danie pierre-louis | March 26, 2007 9:57 AM
I believe that everyone should be free in what realtionships they want to be in; if that consists of being gay or straight everyone has that right.
Posted by: kayla | August 31, 2007 5:35 PM
I believe everyone person has the right to choose & we should except whether there gay or straight.
Posted by: stephanie | September 1, 2007 8:19 PM
I think our generation has a harder decision to make in terms of how to view homosexuality then previous generations have. As homosexuality becomes more accepted it is difficult to know where to draw the line of acceptance. Church is telling us one thing, that we shouldn't accept it, but media and our peers are telling us another. In my opinion it is a difficult decision and one that shouldn't be taken lightly. What we choose now will effect our future, and I don't think enough people take that into consideration.
Posted by: Rita | September 3, 2007 9:01 PM
Why would anyone even want to be gay. God created and developed man to be attracted to women. Its like peanut butter and jelly...it just goes together. I really have no intent on saying what's right or wrong but the debate about this subject is overwhelming. All I can say is that this topic belongs in the hands of God.
Posted by: Michael Gormley | September 4, 2007 4:58 AM
I believe that everyone can deside what they are and want for their own lifes, what comes to sexuality, because life is too short to hiding and doing what other people wants. And all countries should accept that right. If you are gay, be gay. Don't hide it.
Posted by: Suvi | September 4, 2007 5:54 AM
I don't think people should be judged on what kind of relationships they have and weather its with someone of the same sex or a different race. I believe we have the right not to be discriminated against and i think our generation makes that possible by being more accepting to everything even on religion.
Posted by: Desiree J | September 4, 2007 3:14 PM
I think that if people are gay they shouldn't express it openly because it just makes some people uncomfortable and insecure.
Posted by: Ethan | September 4, 2007 5:03 PM
I thought the documentary on Generation X ers was great.
I did note something special though. One of the authorities on the show said that Generation x ers don't get enough credit for having a lower pregnacy rate amoung teens and young adults. Apparently he attributes this to more controceptive use, less promiscuity, or maybe even more responsiblity on the behalf of young women.
WRONNNGGGGG!!!
I have no statistics, no evidence (other than anecdotal) and no reports to mail to you all-- But what is most mind-boggling is that he said this DIRECTLY after a segment on homosexuality rising in our generation.
Let me see if I can simplify this- If more teens are praticiing homosexual behavior and at the same time pregnancy rates are dropping- Can we not draw a line there? I don't think my generation is having less sex, I don't even think we are acting as more responsible with our sexual choices. I think its a matter of trading one vice for another.
I apologize for offending anyone who may be mad that I called both hetero and homosexual promiscuity a "vice". But that its simply for a lack of a better word. I do think both are poor choices.
As a Christian I recognize why God says they both are innappropriate and why His love for us supercedes our shortcomings in both of these areas.
I just wanted to note my two cents and make sure your staff realized what an odd piece that was to have the homosexual segment follow the teen pregnancy segment.
Thanks,
A Generation X PBS supporter!
Posted by: Nicole M | September 6, 2007 3:59 AM
The concept of "marriage" is only a legal term. What effect does that have on two peoples mutual feelings? Absolutely nothing! The relationship is what matters not the title. Now enters the term "civil liberty". Their are rights inherent to all men and women. The playing field will have to be leveled... for ALL people. It seems America has to redefine that every so often even though it's one of our founding principles. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness... these are our values. That is what must be defended, This generation or the Next.
Interarcial relationships is a non-issue. I thought it was understood "love knows no boundries" and that includes race.
Posted by: Chris | September 6, 2007 6:22 AM
Judy: 1.How did you pick the profiles you chose to air? 2.Why did you choose to pertray stories that by your own account were not "typical" of this generation? (Like African-American single mom, after you said this generation had the such a low pregnancy rate, or the (former?) gang member ex-convict, right after showing the statistics for the male prison population (hispanics being the lowest). If the result intended was to tell stories that were "out of the norm", it might have been good, but unfortunately it seems like the result was to reinforce every possible stereotype my grandparent's generation has (the single, black mother, the dangerous Hispanic who cannot support his family). I am otherwise a fan of PBS, but unfortunately this documentary reminded me of something my high school social science class in Oklahoma put together 10 years ago, full of stereotypes and we actually got a c-. Thank you for answering our questions, maybe I am missing a good point as to why you chose to do this the way you did.
Posted by: Michelle Estrada | September 7, 2007 12:26 AM
It is very hard to say anything now-a-days without offending people. I also believe we need to personally stand up for what is right and wrong. Everyone sins in their own way and I believe as long as we are doing what we feel is right then there is no business in judging what others are doing. That is God's business, whether you beleive in a god or not. I think that is a feeling being perpetuated as well - "Do your own thing" kind of attitude. As a 22 year old I have felt both sides influencing me. I beleive the openess and acceptance might not be so much of everyone embracing the lifestyle, as it is everyone saying be your own person and don't worry about the next guy.
Posted by: Britt | September 7, 2007 3:50 AM
I am proud to have been profiled in Generation Next. I am equally proud to belong to Generation Next. We are uniquely positioned to benefit from the lessons of those who came before us. Less than fifty years ago, interracial relationships were denigrated and prohibited due to spurious notions of compatibility. To perpetuate hatred on the basis of physicality is both foolish and immoral. The fit of a person in a healthy relationship lies in their intangible being, not their anatomy. Furthermore, our intellectual evolution requires us to transcend the superficial. As a gay Christian, my faith dictates that how we love supersedes who we love, as the latter should not even be of issue. By definition, love does no harm. The problem is that people often confuse love with other emotional processes. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals should no longer be demoralized due to such ignorance and untruth. The nature of love is far too varied to set biased standards that clearly exclude entire demographics. Understanding sexuality and gender is our opportunity to recognize and appreciate the beautiful vastness of love and the intricate diversity of humanity. Regardless of residence, ability, status, race, nationality or religion, everyone is entitled to responsible human connection and supportive community. The time has come to make this a reality for all who would seek it.
Posted by: Jarrett | September 9, 2007 2:54 AM
Generation Next may be more accepting and approving of homosexuality but even a majority of popular opinion doesn't make it right. In our post-modern world, right and wrong are anchored in space and not faith.
It is not up to Christians to judge those in the world, those that have not accepted Jesus as lord and Savior. But it is our place to point of the error for those that claim to be followers of Christ.
Dealing with the temptations of homosexuality is no different than the temptations to commit adultery of other sexual sin. But it is still sin and it hurts God. Please do not twist His word to fool yourself that it is His will. It is not. Flee from this sin and throw yourself at his feet and let His healing grace cover you in love.
We all come to Him as broken sinners and He still loves us the way we are. Homosexuals seeking to break from this wicked sin are no different.
Posted by: Steve | September 10, 2007 10:00 PM
Here's a comment for Nicole M (above). Whether or not young gay men and women are more sexually active in their teens (with people of the same gender) is not going to affect teen pregnancy rates. The reason is simple: regardless of the historical time period, gay people aren't interested in, and are consequentially far less likely to, engage in pre-marital sex with people of the opposite gender in high school anyway, whether or not they are in or out of the closet.
Posted by: James | September 12, 2007 7:12 AM
As a member of generation "next," I believe that we are much more open minded society, that allows people to live their lives in which ever way makes them the most comfortable and happy with themselves. I do believe that with our generation we are becoming a little to accepting of people who are choosing to "expirement." I am all for gay people who are truely gay having a loving relationship and a nice life together but with all the girls in High School acting like it's the cool thing to expirement with I belive it is an insult to any true homosexual person. No person would chose to be gay, they may be happy and embrace it and thats great for them and they have all of my support, but the expirementation thing I don't know how to react to that.
Posted by: Courtney | September 12, 2007 5:23 PM
Generation next is the accepting generation. Accepting of religions, sexual orientations, races, etc. But as time reveals for the first two mentioned, the more religions accepted, the more people tend not to have a religion altogether. Religion may become a set of guidelines instead of an actual faith. Also, the more rights for the progression of homosexuality, tensions will being to rise between both sides of the arguement. Despite the growing number of people accepting this lifestyle, there are still those out there who are completely opposed. Civil rights are not the same thing for sexual orientation. Different races are natural for different parts of the world. Homosexuality is not natural due to the way the human body works.
Posted by: Melvin Miller | September 21, 2007 6:18 AM
I believe that anyone person should be open to love whomever they choose. Without the pressure of what is so called " the right thing to do".Gay, straight, or bisexual everyone should be treated with the same equal rights as one another. Society should make people feel at ease with who they are,We shouldnt feel the need to hide our true selves.
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Posted by: Dana | September 21, 2007 8:59 AM
i beleive that people should have the right to choose the way they want to live their life. It isnt anyoneelses to judge.
Posted by: lindsay | September 21, 2007 3:22 PM
I Think is all about how we as kids are raised in the world today with technology and how we act. People in other gen. never came out about being gay. Also how the media has changed our life.
Posted by: Ben | September 25, 2007 3:22 AM
This was the first time I took the time to read through the discussion forums of a PBS documentary but I am glad that I did so. I wish they could have featured more people from the LGBQT community. This generation is also more accepting of trans gendered people compared to the past, which wasn't addressed at all. I don't believe there is anything wrong with homosexuality and that's my opinion, there's no use in trying to change the opinions of other people because we all perceive things in a different way. It was interesting to see Soul Force during one of their protests. This is just a start to a long discussion but if people are talking about it, it's just one step closer to understanding.
Posted by: Savannah | October 24, 2007 8:11 AM
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