In searching for a topic for this blog, I came across a commentary from Rayne on Fire Dog Lake. Rayne is a parent who was very upset about a comment made by Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Obama, in an interview with Jonathan Capehart, Washington Post, on September 14, 2010. Ms. Rayne targets the phrase "lifestyle choice" which was said by Valerie Jarrett, when talking about the recent suicides involving gay youths. Ms. Rayne compares her own "nearly thirteen year old child" with the teenager that Valerie Jarrett was talking about in her interview. Rayne goes on to talk about the changes and challenges that youths of all ages face while growing up. Basically, Rayne implies that Ms. Jarrett was insensitive and disrespectful to Justin Aarberg, his family and everyone that might be going through this tragedy.
I admit that I was pretty riled up myself after reading her commentary.
However, after watching the video interview, it is clear to see and hear that Valerie Jarrett was showing sincere compassion, prior to making the comment, for the families and children that are affected by the reality of gay youths and suicide.
I do agree with Rayne that being gay is not a “life style choice” and that we should be more vocal when it comes to protecting our youths to prevent these types of results. Finally, I can understand how offensive it may sound, but I do not agree that Valerie Jarrett was being malicious or intended to sound disrespectful. In my opinion it was just a mistake.
