A Socioeconomic Reflection on Sex

Now, as much as I would like to relate this post to capitalism it might be a little harder this time, but I'm sure I'll be able to sneak it in somewhere. Alex Myers in his book Continental Divide demonstrates the struggles people who are either questioning their gender or are transgender go through. Ron also known as Veronica travels to the "west" after he is kicked out of the house by his parents. He finds himself in Wyoming, on a ranch, with quite a few quirky people. Ron hides himself away like he has something to prove, a common struggle LGBTQ+ members go through. This part of Ron connects to Myers's speech when he says that parents who force their children to act a certain way will put those feelings underneath until they find a person who will listen. This is extremely important to address because, as a society who is progressing rapidly, we must understand the struggles these unique people experience. Towards the end of the book, after Ron is forced to leave the ranch and find a new place, Steve offers some profound words of wisdom. In summary, he says, we might've not liked the news, but we had a right to know. Even if it is hard to hear we all had a right to know, even Cassie, and hiding it from us is immoral. Ron responds by saying, you would've looked at me differently and it is harder than you would think. Each argument is valid, but Steve I think was right when saying you have to tell everyone who you have a relationship with. It is unfair to others if you hide who you really are. Furthermore, the societal norms of being a male or female create this oppression that these people feel. If society did not place expectations on sex and gender more people would be forthcoming and open, but this society makes people who are unique feel bad and miserable. In addition, Steve serves as a reflection of society, but more than just a societal member, Steve was a friend to Ron. LGBTQ+ members find it hard to express his/her feelings, but Steve gave Ron an outlet to express his feelings. Ron, later, tells Cassie about his true identity and in the moment, regrets his decision, but it was the right thing to do. Cassie represents society as a whole and how it will change. At first, Cassie avoids Ron, but later, when Ron and Cassie meet face to face, she expresses how she felt. She doesn't know how to feel about a girl/boy. Later, however, Cassie wants to spend the rest of the year with Ron and even stands up for him to Gus. I think this foreshadows how our society will change and instead of letting people like Ron get bullied, we protect them and stand up for them. Furthermore, the economy will play a role in the social progression of the LGBTQ+ community. Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple is openly gay and because he came out as gay is just one example of how being at the top of the socio-economic ladder helps the other members seek equality (if that is the right word). Being at the top sets a precedent, an example for others to follow. The message I am saying is that most things are possible in a capitalistic society.