The "Truth" Isn't Always So True, Huh?

It seems the nation, and the world for that matter, have been grossly mislead in regards to the Matthew Shepard case. Originally it seemed obvious that it was a hate crime. The Laramie Project made sure its readers left with that impression. It has been interesting to learn more about it from all sides and to see that in reality the "truth" is not necessarily true. The play teaches us a good lesson about how hate can tear families and communities apart, but it is not an accurate representation of the case for all people. Yes, it gives good insight into the people's lives who were somewhat involved, but what good are emotion-ridden humans? They're great if you're trying to illustrate human response to unusual stimuli. However, people went to jail for the remainder of their lives for this. It should not be taken as lightly as how people feel about it. Stephen Jimenez, in his video description of his beliefs and motives for his book, discusses the necessary expulsion of "mythologies" and the importance of sticking to "what is true", like the pastor in the play who said the "word is either sufficient or it is not".

Reflection

After only having read The Laramie Project, and not having any other information about the crime concerning Matthew Sheppard, it seemed that is was surely a hate crime. The way the dialogues and interviews are portrayed make it seem certain that this was the motive. However, after watching the 20/20 news show about it, the idea that it was not gay related is more and more convincing. It almost seems certain that it was drug related and drug induced. Then again, maybe the 20/20 is twisting it to seem that way, just like the play did. It's difficult to decipher what is completely accurate and what is exaggeration when everything is a personal account of the event, but one truth start to makes sense after hearing many personal truths.

Act one Analytical Reflective

Believing or not believing that gay people deserve equal rights can involve hate, but often opinions on this subject are entirely based off alternate circumstances. The parents of Jedidiah Shultz in The Laramie Project show that not supporting gay culture does not automatically entail feeling hatred. Although his parents must love him very much, they "believed that homosexuality is wrong-they felt so strongly about it that they didn't want to come see their son do probably the most important thing he'd done to that point in his life." (Kaufman 12) and refused to attend a major event in his life due to it. 

He said they had gone to every other event he had ever done, meaning they did care about his successes, and I'm sure it was hard for them to miss it.

 I think that people have moral views and opinions that can't be changed, much like gay people say they can't change their sexual orientation. Even the love felt by a parent couldn't change this feeling, despite how much he means to them. As much as gay supporters and supporters of gay rights claim to be unfairly stereotyped negatively, they do the same to the opposition as being cold hearted haters.