Examining Bias: Depictions of Discrimination

by Tom Loder

Wednesday April 4, 2007

At Sarah Lawrence, we consider ourselves to be accepting of people representing a wide range of identities, especially those in the LGBT community. While me may support those that engage in so-called “alternative lifestyles,” two recent incidents make it clear that many people outside of the SLC bubble do not share our sympathies.

In Largo, Florida, the city manager, a man named Steve Stanton, was recently fired because he wants to undergo a sex change and be known as Susan. Stanton’s firing appears to be a case of simple bigotry, as he was by all accounts an excellent city manager that had held the position for fourteen years and received several awards. What one has to wonder is why people think Steven can do the job better than Susan. Susan will mentally still be Steven and will not have any deficiencies as a result of his reassignment surgery. This debate is really about homophobia and sexism. Some people think that someone who is “gay” or “different” should not be in a position of authority or in many cases even exist. It is also clear that many in this country are more willing to accept someone in a suit than a dress. While the incident is despicable, it is tame in comparison to what happened only one hundred miles north of Largo.

Ocala, Florida, the self-proclaimed “Horse Capital of the World” was the home of Clovis “Chuckie” Claxton, a convicted sex offender. Several recent child sex crimes had put the community on edge and to curb the spread of violence, members of the community put up signs with Claxton’s picture, address, and the words “CHILD RAPIST” in large block letters. Afraid and guilty, Claxton committed suicide. While it is true Claxton had engaged in inappropriate conduct, not rape, with a minor, this happened fifteen years ago, and Claxton had already spent time in prison. This event is complicated by Claxton’s being paralyzed and having severe brain damage. If one were genuinely worried about children, one would go after those who do pose a threat, not those who can barely leave their houses. The originator of the sign idea, County Commissioner Randy Harris, a Republican who proudly displays the Ten Commandments in his office, feels little remorse over Claxton’s death. “If anyone construes him as a victim, he’s a victim of his own circumstance.” What seems more likely is that Claxton was a victim of someone’s attempt to demonize him for something he never did, something that made him feel guilty enough to take his own life.

In looking at these two incidents, we can conclude that tolerance has two parts to it. In Mr. Stanton’s case, it is acceptance and the ability to understand that differences are not impairments. Mr. Claxton’s case shows us the importance of forgiveness. If we do not forgive people for their transgressions we serve only to create more hatred, which keeps the cycle of violence in place.