Matt Scinto's Blog

It’s hard to say whether or not I would classify this essay as an argument for something. I think it’s implication is clear; that the oppression and homophobia in some parts of the United States is clear, and that there are links between straights killing gays. The article pointed out a some 40,000 lesbien/gay deaths occurring in this manner. The case of Matthew Shepard however is one that can be argued in many ways. Did Shepard make a suggestion at the two men? Was he expected some sexual gain from them when they left the bar? Was his sexual orientation the reason for his death? Or was it a drug deal gone wrong? After all, the two men were on a 5 day high with no sleep; perhaps Shepard thought he was going buy drugs off the two men. Then again, I think the reason why the author used this case, as opposed to other murder cases is clear; he wanted to bring in a connection between Matthew Shepard’s terrible death and the general outlook on what it is to be a “man” in society. Also, the author may have been arguing in hope that people realize the terrible stresses that homosexuals in the United States undergo, as they are looked down upon, mocked, hated, and oppressed by many, many people in this country. The author feels that it’s despicable that homosexuals have to hide their sexual orientation out of these fears that manifest themselves. Her purpose perhaps is that she wanted to show the reader that these terrible crimes have a relationship, and that Matthew Shepard’s death perhaps occurred soley because he was looked at as a “wuss” and a “fag”. As terrible as it is, she wanted to make it clear that this is a reality in our country.

I think this writer is a “good” writer. She is clearly making a statement, but at the same time, incoporates quotations, historical information, and factual information about the case very well, to form a strong, coherent essay. There wasn’t a part, in my opinion, where I was confused or wondered why she included this. Everything was fluent and intelligent; I admired her style of writing, as it certainly kept me motivated to continue on and finish the entire essay.