Sexual & Racial Discrimination
Scott Kim
Communications 10
Prof. M. Goldstein
Katharine Hepburn, Harvey Milk, Fred Korematsu, and Kenneth Clark were all leaders representing minorities in America. These deviants to society made efforts to bring about positive cultural changes in times of strong sexual or racial discrimination. Great improvements have been made as a result of the contributions these citizens made to our country. In 1930’s America, the public view on gays and lesbians were not as liberal as they are today. It wasn’t until influential figures like Katharine Hepburn and Harvey Milk caused up a stir in social politics that changes were made. Katharine Hepburn was a successful Hollywood actor with major roles in big screen films as well as in theatre. Her close relationships with some of her female acting peers like Laura Harding created speculation and rumors about her possibly being a lesbian. Her provocative attitudes towards sex, as well as lesbian rumors brought homosexuality to the mainstream attention. Even though the U.S. was way ahead of South Korea in regards to the views on same-sex relationships; she can be compared to “Seok-cheon Hong” of South Korea who is also an actor that helped bring attention to the existence of gays in his country. Their actions in effect, made them a role model for other in-closet homosexuals to follow. Harvey Milk on the other hand was a politician who was the first gay man to be elected to office in the State of California. Though he didn’t have a political agenda of making or changing any laws about homosexuality initially, he did however have a huge impact on gay politics in America later on in his Campaigns. He was a friend and a teacher to the gay community, inspiring other young closeted men to not be ashamed of themselves. As more and more homosexuals and liberals from across the nation began flocking to California, his campaign garnered more supporters. As a result, he received the popular vote and was sworn into office in a
Communications 10
Prof. M. Goldstein
Katharine Hepburn, Harvey Milk, Fred Korematsu, and Kenneth Clark were all leaders representing minorities in America. These deviants to society made efforts to bring about positive cultural changes in times of strong sexual or racial discrimination. Great improvements have been made as a result of the contributions these citizens made to our country. In 1930’s America, the public view on gays and lesbians were not as liberal as they are today. It wasn’t until influential figures like Katharine Hepburn and Harvey Milk caused up a stir in social politics that changes were made. Katharine Hepburn was a successful Hollywood actor with major roles in big screen films as well as in theatre. Her close relationships with some of her female acting peers like Laura Harding created speculation and rumors about her possibly being a lesbian. Her provocative attitudes towards sex, as well as lesbian rumors brought homosexuality to the mainstream attention. Even though the U.S. was way ahead of South Korea in regards to the views on same-sex relationships; she can be compared to “Seok-cheon Hong” of South Korea who is also an actor that helped bring attention to the existence of gays in his country. Their actions in effect, made them a role model for other in-closet homosexuals to follow. Harvey Milk on the other hand was a politician who was the first gay man to be elected to office in the State of California. Though he didn’t have a political agenda of making or changing any laws about homosexuality initially, he did however have a huge impact on gay politics in America later on in his Campaigns. He was a friend and a teacher to the gay community, inspiring other young closeted men to not be ashamed of themselves. As more and more homosexuals and liberals from across the nation began flocking to California, his campaign garnered more supporters. As a result, he received the popular vote and was sworn into office in a