I was really interested in reading this book because I had never read any GLBT literature before. As I was reading the book I was really taken aback by the intense descriptions of the homosexual lifestyle and culture. I didn't think that was how the book was going to be. Since our society is very 'hush-hush' when it comes to talking about the homosexual lifestyle and culture, I figured that texts about this issue would be the same way. However, it was totally the opposite. This town that the book took place in saw homosexuality as carefree. The school that was portrayed in the book portrayed many different sexual orientations. The sexual orientations were so diverse that it was almost like it was being replaced by race. For example, many schools are very diverse when it comes to race and ethnicities, not sexual orientations.
I am not sure where I stand at this point when it comes to deciding if I enjoyed the book or not. I see good and bad points to this book. On one hand, these issues were addressed in the book so they can be talked about and made aware to people who live in a society where sexual orientation isn't discussed. On the other hand, because this lifestyle is portrayed as so carefree it may give off an inaccurate portrayal of the homosexual lifestyle. Even though this lifestyle is becoming more accepted, it is still a touchy subject for some people in the society.
If I were to teach this book in upper elementary/junior high, I would make sure to take into special consideration when explaining this issue. Some children may be unaware of the facts when it comes to homosexual lifestyle, and if they do know anything about it, it may be a misconception that was told to them.
Boy Meets Boy is a book that contains many important issues that should be addressed to students, but it needs to be done in a careful manner. The teacher wouldn't want to do anything to offend the families in the classroom.
2 comments:
Good insights Meghan. I felt the same way when I was reading the book. I can understand why you thought it was interesting how sexual orientation was so prevalent in the book, more than race and ethnicities. This could possibly be because he was trying to reach out to gay youth to show them that they aren't alone and can have real relationships. You bring up a good point that if this book was to be discussed in a classroom the teacher would have to be very careful about how he/she would teach the material. This is a very touchy subject, even in high school the students may not be mature enough to understand and fully appreciate this book.
Meghan,
I felt similar to how you felt when you read Boy Meets Boy. This was my first experiene with this type of literature I was also very surprised by it too! My personal background (religion, community I come from, etc) is not accepting at all of this type of literature so it was interesting to think of how this book could be read in the classroom. I feel like this book is definitely 100% a book that needs to be on every library shelf, and teachers personal library. However, I feel like it might be a while before this is a book that could be a part of every schools curriculum. I think this is a very unfortunate thing, becuase I benefitted greatly from reading this book! I can only imagine how beneficial this book would be to an outsider student who does not know alot about this group. This book would make them become more respectful and accepting of GLBTQ. Or this book would be so beneficial to an insider student who will feel more included and represented in the classroom. It would also possibly help them promote a positive self image of themselves!
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