Basic human rights still an issue in Modesto
No one should be harassed for using a bathroom
Harassment of any person while in a public restroom is a serious issue.
North Carolina’s controversial House Bill 2 (HB2) or “bathroom bill” was enacted by Gov. Pat McCrory and the Republican-led General Assembly in efforts to stymie harassment of women, children and the elderly by men allegedly posing as transgender women in public restrooms. The measure overruled a local ordinance in Charlotte, N.C., that would have allowed transgender individuals to use the bathroom corresponding to their gender identity.
McCrory was heralded by churchgoers in Greenville, N.C., for his “boldness and wisdom” in this endeavor to protect vulnerable citizens.
Turns out that’s a canard, and HB2 adds to the problem, not the solution.
HB2 scapegoats transgender people and subjects them, especially those still in high school, to increased harassment by exposing their transgender identity to their peers.
Worse, it doesn’t make sense.
Many transgender people transition to the opposite sex through surgery, yet their birth certificates remain unchanged.
Under HB2, they are legally required to use the bathroom that matches their gender at birth, regardless of current gender.
Ironically, in an attempt to stop men from using women’s restrooms, North Carolina’s lawmakers and others around the country enacted legislation that forces men to use women’s restrooms – a blatant misunderstanding on the part of the lawmakers of what it means to be transgender.
Now the fight has come to California and Stanislaus County. A coalition called Privacy for All is pushing for a similar measure to appear on California’s ballot in November, and an affiliated group is collecting signatures here. We should learn from history, and North Carolina, and refuse to sign or vote no, if it comes to that.
Jody Strait is a Waterford resident and University of California, Berkeley, student. Send comments to columns@modbee.com.
We cannot tolerate racism in our midst
It’s been decades since segregated water fountains, schools and city buses could be found in the South. Employers, schools and other public entities are forbidden to discriminate by law. Yet, bigotry and prejudice clearly exists in America.
Unfortunately, we can even find it in Modesto.
On the heels of an incident involving two 16-year-old boys arrested in connection with a racially charged video that threatened the life of a classmate at Central Catholic High School, The Bee editorial board sat down with three local spiritual leaders, including the Rev. James Anderson, Pastor Darius Crosby, and Homero Mejia of Congregations Building Community.
We wanted to know, how did this happen? Here?
What was present for me during this conversation was how uncommon it is. As much as anyone considers themselves culturally competent, most of us still live lives of racial isolation. We don’t very often engage people who look different from us in conversation about things that are important.
Perhaps it is this remoteness that reinforces fear, even hostility, and the kind of ignorance that keeps narrow-mindedness and racism among us.
These conversations are hard.
They will require people – the ones who do it right – to look at parts of themselves that might be scary, that might cause shame or embarrassment. But these conversations must happen if we’re to make life better.
Unfortunately, it’s also not enough to simply set a good example. We can’t shield anyone, our children included, from prejudice and racism.
So, it’s up to everyone. Not just parents, schools or editorial boards. All of us.
Seek out people who look different than you. Seek to understand their story. Hold your own story lightly and make way for a contagious, deep love and appreciation of all humanity – one our children will value and embrace.
Kate Trompetter is a Modesto resident and do-gooder devoted to community and connectedness. Send comments to columns@modbee.com.
Visiting Editor Program
The Modesto Bee is accepting applications to join our Visiting Editor Program in the final two quarters of 2016. Visiting editors sit as members of our editorial board during our meetings with community news makers, elected officials and others. Our regular meetings are at 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays, but we sometimes schedule additional meetings or adjust the times as needed. Visiting editors serve for three months and are encouraged to write occasional editorial comments. If you are interested in becoming a visiting editor, or want additional information, please contact Opinions Page Editor Mike Dunbar at mdunbar@modbee.com or 209-578-2325.
This story was originally published May 23, 2016 at 9:41 AM with the headline "Basic human rights still an issue in Modesto."