For gay people, "coming out" can be extremely difficult, especially for those who have so much influence in society. Recently, CEO of Apple, Tim Cook, officially "came out" of the closet in his published essay. In an article in TIME Magazine, author Daniel D'Adarro discusses the importance of Cook's essay and the affects it has on all of us.
Although many already new that Cook was gay, he officially "came out" in his essay. However, he did not take a traditional approach: he brought a new view to the idea of sexuality. Most influential people, when they come out, convey the idea that their sexuality does not change who they are. Cook begs to differ, saying "Being gay has given me a deeper understanding of what it means to be in the minority and provided a window into the challenges that people in other minority groups deal with every day. It’s made me more empathetic, which has led to a richer life.” Being gay has changed who he is and is a big part of who he is. He has has learned to accept this lifestyle change.
D'Adarro also comments on how Cook, now 53 years old, took so long to "come out". However, he said being gay has changed his view on life. Cook challenges the idea that being gay is the same thing as being straight because accepting his sexuality changed the way he viewed the world. It also urged him to work for the greater cause of equal rights.
Cook gives us a great insight on what it means to be great. Cook learned to believe in who he is. As teenagers, many of us struggle to find who we are. Cook, "coming out" at the age of 53, relates to how many teens feels about finding our place in high school. As a successful business man, he shows us all that we can do anything. With a new insight on who he is, Cook now wants to do more for the world.
Meg, your blog is beautifully written. Your connection to our question about greatness and to our own lives as high school students is very insightful. Great job!
ReplyDeleteMeg, I really appreciate this article and your post alike because they both embrace acceptance and greatness. It does take strength to come out in today's society, so enlightening your readers about this true greatness is a fantastic thing to endorse. Good work.
ReplyDeleteMeg, I love how you explained the difference between Cook's speech and other "coming out" speeches. I agree that Cook is a great example for all of us, in the sense that we can be successful no matter our sexuality and other differences. Great job!
ReplyDeleteMeg, this was a really great topic to write about, as it shows that even the most successful people in the world might be different. I'm happy that Cook came out, and am looking forward to seeing where this may take the gay community
ReplyDeleteMeg, I find it interesting how you were able to relate the 53 year old CEO of Apple to us normal teenage students through something as basic as human sexuality. Your blog was very well written, and I’m glad you chose to write about this! Good job
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