Why should we care?

2010-05-21

During my time in Jamaica, I spend a lot of time reflecting on the apparent homophobia that Jamaican culture expressed. The most fundamental articulated reasons I heard for this fear was the apparent believe of a moral decay that would follow once we allow homosexuality. 

Meaning that homosexuality in itself is not bad, but if you allow for this slightly “immoral” action that does not hurt anyone. Than worse would also follow, like pedophilia or bestiality for example. First of all I do not believe this is true, because there are no connection between these issues what so ever. They are sexual preferences, but just because I like food doesn't mean I would like to test everything!!! 

Anyway this is a fundamental issue that has to be sorted out and hopefully will. But what struck me even more than the homophobia was the question I was asked. Why do I care? I am not gay, so why should I care about gay rights. This question has bothered me ever since, because I didn't had a good answer to it at the time. 

Apart from the empathy to my fellow humans and not wanting to see them mistreated and marginalized. I just thought of a reason why you should care. But instead of me explaining it I think this poem captures it better than anything. 

"FIRST THEY CAME for the Communists,

and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

THEN THEY CAME for the Jews,

and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

THEN THEY CAME for the trade unionists,

and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

THEN THEY CAME for me

and by that time no one was left to speak up." 

It’s a poem of the Pastor Martin Niemöller to explain why the evil that happened in Nazi Germany could have happened. I think it captures the reason behind why we should care so superb, if its not out of empathy, than do it out of self interest.