BlogPost5: Liberalism vs. Radicalism within Schools

Rofes (2005) makes distinctions between Liberal and Radical conceptualizations of addressing homophobia and heterosexism in k-12 schools. The Liberal view, is one in which homophobia and heterosexism is very much present to a higher degree are oppressed, victimized and our singled out in this view. In addition to the ideology of oppressing homosexuals, the Liberal view supports ideas such as “child protection” and “child welfare”. These ideas suggest that it is societies job to somewhat “protect” today’s youth from what the real world entails. Homosexuals the Radical view however, homophobia and heterosexism is not as present. The Radical view is much more accepting and involved in better the lives and social experiences of homosexuals. Radicalism in Rofes’ view, entails that children are “an active agent in participating in their own childhoods and adolescences. These views are now very vital in the new understandings of what childhood is about. What people believe when growing up, is often believed when an adult. Now, children will grow up with a Liberal view or a Radical one, which suggests that they will be open to all types of lifestyles, or will suffice to a “protected” and “shielded” rejecting view. For myself, I hope to teach in a Radical school setting in terms of homophobia and heterosexism. I am very much accepting to all people, regardless of their sexual preference. I hope that the staff at the school, as well as the students will use the ideology that we must be “active” and “participate” in the adolescence years of young adults.