The beliefs of the majority of society control what is right and wrong. Our legislation, actions, and elected officials all usually reflect the stance of most people. The power that public opinion has over society is unbelievable. That is why changing public opinion and military views are so important for acceptance. Legislation can be made, but it doesn’t immediately fix inequality. Take the 1964 civil rights amendment. Despite it being illegal to be discriminatory toward minorities like African Americans, it still was a constant. People cannot change overnight and even today there is still plenty of persecution, but people can no longer be outwardly hateful without repercussions. When the general public agrees something is wrong, people will do what they can to stop that injustice. If the majority of Americans agree that LGBTQ+ should not be discriminated against and takes action against persecution, a more equal society can be created.<\/p>\n
Take women in the military for example. For the majority of history, people agreed with the idea that a woman’s place was in the home. Gender roles made women subservient and dependent on their husbands. Marital rape and domestic abuse were normal. Women did not even have the right to vote until the 19th amendment in 1919. Today, despite cases of discrimination, domestic abuse, and rape, oppression of women is no longer accepted. There are laws in place protecting women giving them the right to vote, more equality in the workforce, and breaking down or previous gender roles making women inferior to men. An I side with poll shows that of those who answered a survey asking if women should be in the military, 85% of Americans agreed that women should be able to serve. Some reasons given for acceptance of women is the idea that rejection would be discrimination and if women can pass the same tests men can, there is no justification to keep them out. This is proof that over time with steps in the right direction, no matter how small, LGBTQ+ individuals can be accepted in active service roles.<\/p>\n
Changing public opinion is no easy task. It takes many people speaking out and demanding change as well as a lot of time. A small group needs to demand a change and fight for their rights, usually in public demonstrations. Eventually, because of their courage and persistence, they gain a larger following of those who are also discriminated against or allies to the cause. When a majority of the population supports change, the legislation also changes. Over time, discrimination is no longer accepted. Take the civil rights movement fo African American rights, the suffragette movement for women’s right to vote, and the progressive movement for making life during the early 1900s better as a few examples.<\/p>\n
Another part of how to change public opinion is education. In the case of LGBTQ+ youths, mental health such as depression, anxiety, and suicide is heavily prevalent. There is a lack of acceptance in schools from peers and staff as well as a lack of education. The most I talked about LGBTQ+ history in school was in a history elective. The misunderstanding of definitions and myths surrounding LGBTQ+ individuals creates an atmosphere of fear and hate. By providing students with education about acceptance and LGBTQ+ history, sexual education, and facts can help the next generation be more equal. New Jersey has recently passed legislation starting in the 2020- 2021 school year. This law makes LGBTQ+ history education part of the curriculum. Another example is how some colleges constantly discuss sexual assault, gender discrimination, and the overall acceptance of others. Many others have LGBTQ+ safe spaces and clubs as well. By providing the resources for LGBTQ+ students to feel accepted, it can make such a difference in the life of those students and the overall environment of the college.<\/p>\n
Educating the general public is also important. There is a drastic lack of consensus among public officials causing confusion. If not only medical professionals but other authority figures and role models like teachers, sports figures, celebrities, community leaders, high ranking military service members, and political leaders all promote education and facts about LGBTQ+, people would become more accepting. People listen to authority and role models. The information is out there, but by authority figures promoting learning about people different from you, there would be a more accepting society, a more accepting military.<\/p>\n
Education could also include sensitivity training in the military and all other fields. promoting an accepting environment and immediately punishing harassment would make people think that discrimination is not acceptable and may deter oppression against minority groups.<\/p>\n
Changing public opinion is a daunting task, but it can be done. By speaking out, educating people, creating legislation supporting equality, and appealing to the empathy of others it can be done. American ideals are based upon freedom and equality and by keeping these morals in mind, a more equal society can be created.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Power of Public Opinion The beliefs of the majority of society control what is right and wrong. Our legislation, actions, and elected officials all usually reflect the stance of most people. The power that public opinion has over society is unbelievable. That is why changing public opinion and military views are so important for … <\/p>\n