Serving in Silence: The Margarethe
Cammermeyer Story
The true story of a decorated officer's legal challenge to her involuntary
discharge when she admitted she was homosexual.
1. Describe these reactions:
A. Military
To Margarethe, her job was
everything. She spend her life fighting and working hard at the military
because that was her passion. She wanted to be successful and she was indeed,
every day she worked harder to be better as a nurse and as a professional. As a
new goal she applied to a position in the National Guard but at an interview
she told about her sexual preference: lesbian. And for them that was against
the law and the politics of the USA Military. Al though she was an incredible
person with major achievements and professional history after a case in the
civil court they gave her a military ‘’honorable
discharge’’ because of her sexual orientation.
B. Father
The father of Margarethe never gave his
children a hug because he was afraid of them becoming gay because of that. But
her only girl was a lesbian. He was against of Margarethe telling everybody the
truth because that would end her hard work. He was sort of ashamed of her
daughter position but at the end he felt wrong of his past treatments and
decisions to his children.
C. Children Each Son (s)
When she tell that she is a lesbian her sons already know, because is what their father told, and they accept her, at first was hard knowing the truth but with time each one of them learn how to deal with it and they even move in to her house. They support her.
2. Margarethe's decision to tell
A. the military
When she tells to the military at first they said to her that she can said that everything was a lie and retract her and when refused they take it very serious and they decided to discharge her.
B. her children
Margarethe was nervous and did not want
to tell their children of their homosexuality. But she decided to tell the
truth about his sexual preference to their children when they were watching TV.
Some of them took it in good way and one of his sons were too upset and left
the house. However, one of his sons told her they already knew.
C. her father
Margarethe told her father about her homosexuality through a letter. However, her father never accepted her decision
to be a lesbian and claimed that she did not tell the truth to military.
3. OPINIONS: What is your reaction to this true story? Do you believe that she
should have kept her secret or told it to everyone? Explain your reasons why.
Andrea: It was very shocking to see how
people can discriminate o judge other people who think different or has other
tastes. Is really embarrassing seeing people doing or saying things that can
hurt someone just because they think out of the box. And I think that all
humans must understand that the diversity is the most precious thing that we
have and that made us all unique and special. People shouldn’t be afraid of
ashamed of telling who they are, they should be proud and feel special of their
own but if the society doesn’t help them to feel comfortable they can’t do
it. Because of this, I believe that Margarethe did the right thing: told
her secret was an example of a person who thinks different and deserves a
better treat from others, she made history, become a sign of braveness and gave
a lesson to many people about being honest and proud of their selves.
Carlos: My reaction to this true story
was impressive. I was totally surprised with Margarethe Cammermeyer's courage
to face all those who disagreed with her decision and accept her sexual
preference to be a lesbian. Beside this, to be a true story strikes me too
because it is impossible to think a woman had to go through these terrible
experiences. Personally, I think she did the right thing by telling everyone
the truth about his sexual preference. I understand that telling the truth make
us free. God is love and we must love freely to whom we please and make us
happy. We must not hide our feelings. When people understand homosexuality is
not bad, is when the world will change positively.
Dorimar: This story seems to me a very inspiring because Margarethe struggle to change a sistem and that is really impressive I think she did the right thing in telling everyone. She did not have to hide what she felt. Even If the society has problem with that. If society cannot accept her truth then it is not her who needs to change, it is society who needs a change.
Patria: This true story really impacted me because it represent the prejudge against homosexuals in our society. It's really sad that people like Margarethe, with a high potential to perform a good job, be dismissed because their sexual preference. I was totally agree with Margarethe's decision to tell the truth. She was honest about her sexuality and sure about who is she.
Marilliam: I love the movie and the story really touch me because it’s a reality that were living right now and since longtime. I’m not I don’t believe that she should have kept her secret, I think that she did what was best, tell the truth about herself. She didn’t made any damage to anyone so I’m not agree with the decision of the army and think if I were in her place I would made the same as her, I would told the true because I think that being always sincere with yourself and never hide or pretend to be something that your not it’s important in everyone’s life.
4. How would Dr. Kinsey explain the
Margarethe Cammermeyer's sexuality?
She is a mother of 4 boys so how can she be lesbian? Is it her choice?
Dr. Kinsey would explain the Margarethe Cammermeyer's sexuality saying that sexuality that there are different degrees of sexual behaviors. Which they are classified on the Kinsey scale. This scale goes from 0-7, where zero is completely heterosexual and 6 completely homosexual. And bisexuality is the most balanced state.
6.What does Margarethe believe about her sexuality as it relates to her
identity?
Margarethe believe that her sexuality is part of her identity. Although she was married once and is a mother, what makes her a lesbian is her feelings and emotions. She's so sure about her identity that she doesn't care about losing her dream job. She refuse to lie about her sexuality.
