Laramie project refers to an American documentary film that attempts to explain the death of the gay man Shepard Mathew that occurred in 1998. The key issue discussed in the film is the attitude and people’s opinion on gay rights as well as hate crimes (Simons 62). Ideally, the film seeks to answer the question, “Are the locals of Wyoming intolerant? “According to the film, the residents of Laramie hold divergent opinions on the issue of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. Some of Laramie people support gays and lesbians while others do not.
The director together with his assistants derives evidence from judgments, beliefs and facts by interviewing various characters. Notably, clergymen have a different opinion on the rights of LGBT. To clergymen, homosexuality is a sin that is not solvable by death; therefore, it was wrong for the Laramie people to kill gay men such as Mathew. Similarly, the arguments raised by Zubaida Uba, a university student acted as another reliable source of hate crime in the film. After an intellectual assessment, Zubaida revealed the hate crimes targeting gays and lesbians that existed within the Laramie society (Kaufman 29). Fact illustrating that hatred for homosexuals is the court process; cases handled by the court indicated that some individuals in Laramie violated human rights granted to gays and lesbians. Another credible source indicating that hatred for homosexuals existed is the protest rally organized by Reverend Phelps to eliminate gays and lesbians in the town (Kaufman n.p). Phelps argued that God hates homosexuals; therefore, they have no place in Laramie and Wyoming at large.
In essence, the sources utilized are clearly presented and reliable. The characters represent the people of Laramie. The views of the characters on LGBT rights are the true representation of the reality in Laramie town. The inhabitants of Laramie have a perception that their city is tolerant. However, the murder of Mathew clearly portrays the intolerance that exists in the city. The evidence presented in the film is current and acceptable. Therefore, it is true that the Laramie people violate gay and lesbian rights (Simons 64). The evidence submitted is reliable since it is not biased. Ideally, the evidence exhibits a balance of its arguments. The authoritative sources utilized in the film also ensure quality and reliable evidence. Facts presented from sources such as the hospital as well as arguments from Mathew’s close friends guarantees a reliable source of information in the movie.
Upon viewing the film, an individual can draw inferences basing on the credible evidence and the facts presented (Kaufman 24). For example, the brutal murder of Mathew. The movie abhors hate crimes especially towards its end where an accused individual face life sentence because he violated the gay rights; this leaves the viewer with an impression that justice has been served. However, the vice still exists irrespective of the legislations that are in place. Arguably, human rights guarantee the right to life that everyone should enjoy. I believe in equality as long as no one contravenes other people’s rights. It is vital to respect all people regardless of their sexual orientation.
Concisely, the murder of Shepard Mathew portrays a hate crime that exists in the society. People should change their attitudes towards their lesbian and gay counterparts. Lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people should not face death penalties. Judy, Shepard's mother, played a crucial role in championing hate crimes and LGBT rights legislation. Ostensibly, the film has shaped American history especially on the rights LGBT (Simons 66). Therefore, people should respect the rights of homosexuals.
Works Cited
Kaufman, Moisés. "The Laramie Project." YouTube. N.p., Feb. 2000. Web. 28 Feb. 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1qiTmF0p4A>.
Kaufman, Moisés. The Laramie Project and the Laramie Project: Ten Years Later. N.p., 2014. Print.
Simons, Sara M. "Teaching Tolerance Without Pushing the Envelope: The Laramie Project in High School Theatres." Youth Theatre Journal 29.1 (2015): 62-72. Print.
