The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

A timeless story of innocence lost and humanity found.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (or in American English, Pajamas) is a film that profoundly moved me. Stories of the Holocaust have always interested me as evidenced by a multitude of research papers throughout my school years. This one is a bit different as it is told from the perspective of a young German boy, Bruno (played beautifully by English actor, Asa Butterfield), whose innocence doesn't understand the very adult world around him. In one scene, a camp inmate helps dress young Bruno's wounded knee where he discloses peeling potatoes has not always been his life's work. It nestled a bit of naive humor on a very grave subject, but did so without becoming preachy or condescending. It was interesting to hear the story told from the German perspective. The hauntingly beautiful James Horner score adds the perfect balance of innocence while never letting us forget the true nature of the environment.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is based on a 2006 novel by Irish novelist John Boyne. Tossing the nonsense Twilight books aside, this will be my next read.

Currently, the movie is only playing in 406 theaters throughout the United States (3 of which are in Salt Lake). With Twilight and another James Bond movie out, I hope this unique film doesn't get swept away without notice. If you see it playing in your area, I strongly encourage you to go see it. Please note, however, it is PG-13 for a reason. The subject matter may be difficult for some to watch. Difficult, but as I said, profoundly moving.

Refuse to Hate...

This short video is borrowed from Refusetohate.com. It helps put a few current issues into perspective. In it, we are encouraged to find out more about Bayard Rustin. I first found out who he was last summer while Josh finished his degree at the University of Utah. He quickly became one of my heroes. He is only mentioned briefly in the video, but I would also strongly encourage you to find out more about him and how his mostly unsung contribution helped change the face of this country for good. We are all better because people like Bayard Rustin are willing to stand up and let their voice be heard.


Refuse to Hate from Refuse to Hate on Vimeo.

Do unto others...

MSNBC's Keith Olbermann delivers an emotional Special Comment on the outcome of California's voting of Prop 8 which eliminated the right of same-sex couples to marry.

A missed opportunity...

Last Friday night, a large public rally marched through the streets of Salt Lake City. I've included the KSL news story for those of you (like myself) who may have missed it. Friday was my mom's birthday and while dinner plans didn't work out, when I called to wish her well, she was thrilled that I did not plan to march. That was the best present I could have given her. One of my mom's biggest fears is that my rather opinionated and outspoken personality would naturally gravitate toward the news media covering such events. She fears the neighbors will see, then condemn her for being a bad mother. That issue has been covered in previous posts in this blog (see June posts if you missed it). Every Pride day (now weekend) mom gets a bit anxious about what the neighbors will think. She didn't say, but I suspect my not marching in Friday's protest, and thus not getting interviewed on TV, was the best present she received. Maybe some day she and my other family members will realize that I am the same Steven they knew and loved before I came out and their isn't anything to be ashamed of, especially if the neighbors found out.

This march protested the huge percentage of donations the church (and those directed by Church leaders) made toward passage of California's Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage. Some reports had the donation percentage at 40% of all funds donated on the "Yes for 8" campaign came from the Church. They were also very aggressive in finding and punishing church members who opposed Prop 8, saying members are expected to support their leadership. While I agree with that sentiment, I also believe in a church of over 12 million members, differing opinions will naturally play a part. It would be nearly impossible to keep such a large membership to only one voice, but that is exactly what the Church did. News reports have shown everything from formal censure to removal of temple recommends and even excommunication. That, to me, is quite a heavy hand for voicing an opposing view.

I understand that one of the requirements for tax-exempt status is to remain neutral in political battles. Not sure if that is true, but would be consistent with the many letters read throughout my youth from the sacrament meeting pulpit before major elections. The letters always encouraged participation in the political process, but stated the church did not support, nor endorse and political party or candidate. While their support for Prop 8 was a ballot initiative, not a party or candidate, I understand that also violates the rules for retaining tax-exempt status. At least one complaint has been filed with the IRS against the Church challenging their tax exempt status after such a thorough involvement in this campaign. Although additional research is needed on my part about the specifics of the claim, I joined the cause and signed the petition.

Gays are not asking for special rights, but the same rights as everyone else. Homosexuals are regular people just the same as straight people are. They deserve to have the same rights. Anything less is encouraging discrimination. We did not choose to be gay. Why would we actively choose to be a minority whose basic rights at happiness are robbed at nearly every turn? Straight people frequently suggest we may not have chosen to be gay, but we chose to be out. What an asinine argument. There are many who live that way, but are they happy? Is living a lie fair to anyone who is involved? The homosexual? The spouse? And any children? No. For every one's sanity, we should push them to be the very best person God made them to be. Living in a way contrary to what God created me to be is arrogant on my part. There must be a purpose in difference, or we would all be the same. I believe it is to help us all learn tolerance and respect. Not marching Friday night fulfilled a birthday promise to my mom (I ended up having to work through the entire event). But watching the news story makes me a little bit sad that my voice wasn't there supporting the cause I believe so strongly in. By not marching, my silence enforced complacency and said what the Church did to get Prop 8 to pass was OK, and it wasn't. Living with regrets is not healthy, but if I had it to do over again, I would have marched and hoped my mom would have understood and loved me all the same.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Steve Young is just awesome!!!

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=14&entry_id=32216

This is the link for the San Francisco Chronicle article (below). There were many comments below the article, both for and against Steve's actions. If interested, check out the link. At the end of the day, it comes down to whether or not you are for or against promoting discrimination, for or against separation of church and state, and simply doing the right thing. There is a lot of fear out there, but most of it is just biased rhetoric. I encourage everyone to look at those you know and love. Chances are, there is at least one homosexual. For those who know me, perhaps I am that token representative. There is no proof that gays love any differently than straight people, or would be less effective as parents. Why should we allow anyone to be treated as if their love didn't matter?

Homosexuals yearn for equal treatment. Look at how many homosexual couples have gone to California to get married, knowing full well that bigoted voters may invalidate such actions in November. Tons. I'm so excited for two friends of mine who did, but also saddened that I may never get that chance. Why shouldn't I have a chance at happiness like everyone else? I didn't choose to be gay. Why should I be discriminated against because of something I didn't have a choice in? Please, I urge you to do whatever you can to defeat Prop 8.

Steve Young's wife lines up against Mormon church on Prop. 8

The signs on the front lawn of former 49er quarterback Steve Young's Peninsula home say "No on Prop. 8," which normally wouldn't be much of a story in the Bay Area, a gay-friendly region which is the center of opposition to the effort to ban same-sex marriage in the state.

But Young isn't only a Hall of Fame quarterback. He's also the great-great-great grandson of Brigham Young, the second president of the Mormon church. The church has pushed hard and publicly for Prop. 8 and Mormons have pumped millions into the campaign.

Young also isn't just any church member. During his years in the NFL, he was one of the nation's most visible Mormons. He graduated from BYU, which was named for his ancestor, and received his law degree there. In a 1996 "60 Minute" interview, he said that he still had plans to go on the church mission he missed in college and had no problem tithing 10 percent of his earnings to the church. He retains close ties to Utah, married his wife, Barbara, at a temple in Hawaii and even served as narrator for a short video on the Mormon church and its history, done for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah.

Given all that, it's surprising to see Young's family lining up on the opposite side of the church, especially after Mormon leaders in Salt Lake City sent a letter last June that asked all California church members to do all they could to support the Prop. 8 effort by "donating of your means and time to assure that marriage in California is legally defined as being between a man and a woman."

While it's Barb Young's name that appears on the checks, she made it clear in a statement issued today through Equality California that the contributions are a family affair.

"We believe ALL families matter and we do not believe in discrimination, therefore, our family will vote against Prop. 8," she said.

Later, she clarified her remarks with this update: "To expand on my earlier email, I am very passionate about this issue and Steve is completely supportive of me and my work for equality. We both love our Church and are grateful that our Church encourages us to vote our conscience. Steve prefers not to get involved politically on any issue no matter what the cause and therefore makes no endorsement."

So, the French aren't all bad...

Besides French Toast, French Dip Sandwiches and the occasional French Fry, this may be the only other thing the French have given us that I like. I don't know what any of it says, but I sure like it. Catchy little tune and the visuals are stunning. =)

Enjoy. I did. (Three times.)