Ignorance as a Precursor to Discrimination in Jones’ When We Rise.
Cleve Jones’ When We Rise narrates his involvement in LGBT+ movements over a period of almost 3 decades. Jones describes his experiences as a boy who got bullied for being homosexual before he knew what that meant. He embraces his sexuality after meeting others like him at a Quaker meeting and eventually move to San Francisco. In his new neighborhood, he meets new people like him, becomes actively involved in protests and eventually becomes a leader of the movements. When We Rise defines the strength of LGBT+ movement as close-knit community which grows stronger and closer as opposition and ostracization from mainstream society becomes more oppressing, and this sense of community
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This is portrayed in When We Rise when Senator Briggs with the support of Anita Bryant raises a campaign called the Briggs initiative or proposition 6, a bill that would make many gays and lesbians lose their jobs and in turn economic independence. One of the most surprising elements of this campaign was the false assumption it was based on, that gay men are child molesters. The opposition against the LGBT+ community was founded mainly on stereotypes and a vehemence to logical reasoning or rational arguments. This is conveyed in page 148 when Jones speaks to a lady about the damage proposition 8 will cause. She responds by saying “I am tired of hearing gay this, gay that … respectable people don’t talk about that.” Her insistence on remaining ignorant was widespread as seen in Jones’ father’s response when he tells him he is gay, “Why are you telling me this,” he replies. The unwillingness to discuss LGBT rights is still relevant since there are colleges and institutions that would not have classes on these topics or allow open academic dialogue about