Analysis of Literature

The story "Slipping Away" confronts the issue of how difficult it is for young adults to talk to each other about there sexuality. Discrimination against homosexuals can end bonds between close friends. Therefore when confronted with the issues of their sexuality sometimes teenagers and young adults feel that they can't talk to their closest friends for fear that they will be rejected. Also because of the prejudices and stereotypes of society, Jacinas family lives where they will be socially accepted. "Anyone can live here and not feel like a Pariah." Meaning that they can live in this place being a Bi-Racial family and not feel like outcasts. It makes it difficult for friendships to exist in a society where there is discrimination against people who are different both racially and sexually.

The Story "Am I Blue" confronts the issue of the loneliness that a homosexual person can feel in a society that is homophobic. Even though every individual is considered to have rights no matter what there ethnic background or their sexual preferences, as a society we take away those rights through discrimination and stereotyping. The character feels depressed and alone in relation to the horse because our society forces people to have tunnel vision. As a society we take away the freedom of the individual and put them in categories for how they are, be it ethnically or sexually. If one is to act out of this box because of their beliefs or preferences then they are sanctioned for there behavior and as a consequence they are discriminated against.

The Story "Hands," confronts the issue of how society as a whole causes our children to remain un-educated about culture and sexuality which leads to ignorance. Children use the words "faggot" and "Homo," or "spic" and "nigger" and don't even know the meaning behind the words. They are taught hatred and fear of the unknown and the misunderstood. A person can touch someone's life and be a positive influence but because of there ethnicity or sexual preference they are discriminated against, although they may be a very educated individual. Another misunderstanding or fear of the unknown in society is that people immediately relate affection to sexuality and sexual preferences not as a way of expression. They don't understand that in some cultures expression is through touching, but in our society through ignorance we are taught as children that it is not ok for a "stranger" to touch us although it could be completely harmless. A teacher teaches through words and affection that's how we learn to trust this person from day we start Kindergarten. Instead of teaching our children hatred we should teach them to be open minded and educated about all ways of life, whether it is sexual preferences and or racial differences.

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