The Times They Are A-Changin'

Five years ago I was sitting at a dinner table with an older, conservative crowd of family friends when the topic of same-sex marriage was brought up. I added my thoughts to the discussion with the best example of recent history I could muster up at that time. I said, "Less than sixty years ago, whites and non-whites were not allowed to marry in this country due to anti-miscegenation laws. So when I think about same-sex marriage, it is not a matter of whether it will be passed, but when. It is inevitable." I was met with a silent response and awkward glances sent around the table.


There were a number of whirlwind news reports last week: A certain "high-end" grocery store was under fire for price gouging, Anti-vaxxers lost (in California), Universal Healthcare won, Housing Equality won, progress for women who are pro-choice (in Kansas). On Friday morning, my news feed lit up with news reports that would have fit perfectly with the liberal-left leaning views of my University newspaper years ago when Proposition 8 was ruled unconstitutional in California. The only difference was that the source of this news was being generated from the Supreme Court of the U.S.A. in Our Nation's Capital. Same-sex marriage is now legal across all fifty states.


The United States has taken its time to get on the bandwagon for this important human rights issue. Several countries in the European Union and Canada have already passed their own similar laws regarding same-sex marriage. Regardless, this is a major landmark given the United State's global influence on issues.


How Does This Topic Relate to Webcomics?

The majority of webcomics I have read over the last decade have been forward-thinking in their subject matter. There are several popular webcomics online and here on Drunk Duck that have featured same-sex couple romance in their storyline. It has become so commonplace that same-sex relationships are viewed as equal as heterosexual relationships.

The turn of the tide did not happen because a few government officials in power decided to make history last week. There has been a cultural shift in the way this country and the rest of the world views same-sex marriage because of each television show, movie, and comic book that features characters in a same-sex relationship. Pop culture has played a humongous role in influencing public opinion.


I do not expect everyone who reads this article to agree with me. In fact, I know everyone is not on the same page with this issue. I happen to be fortunate enough to live in a country where the citizens are free to disagree on controversial issues and not get persecuted for their beliefs. And that is the main reason why the passage of a law that reflects Human Rights is so important today.

So throw your hands up in the air. Understand that all humans are entitled to be treated with respect, and that a larger percentage of the population is no longer ostracized for loving who they love. Celebrate today's Progress for a happier, healthier, and more enlightened tomorrow.


MILESTONES


USED BOOKS



Used Books by usedbooks reaches its 1225th page on Drunk Duck today!!

Check out today's update: http://www.theduckwebcomics.com/Used_Books/



HEY CANUCKS!

Gather all your Red and White gear for Wednesday. Happy (early) Canada Day July 1st!!



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