'Act Straight'

Where’s the love?
In a mere five minutes of watching the news, one can become depressed, with constant visuals glaring from the television screen telling of soaring gas and food prices, wars and rumors of wars — among them wars on drugs and battles to take back neighborhoods and least importantly, the combat going on between NFL owners and players regarding billions upon billions of dollars.
On most occasions, these developments do not affect us, taking place in some remote community or county well beyond our reach. But when these issues hit home, they really can do damage.
Unfortunately, for 19-year-old Winthrop University student Joshua Esskew, every time he looks in a mirror all that can be seen is the pain and damage caused to his face — all the result of hate.
According to a report from numerous media outlets, Esskew on April 9 was believed to be walking to a gas station in the 900 block of one of Rock Hill’s main thoroughfares, Cherry Road, when he heard a group of at least eight men yell derogatory homosexual comments in his direction.
After exchanging words with the group, the Winthrop student allegedly turned around to flee the situation when he was hit with a 40-ounce malt liquor bottle. For approximately 15 seconds, the men kicked and punched at Esskew, leaving him unconscious, bruised and bloodied, and his right eye severely swollen.
It has been 10 days since the attack occurred, spurring investigations led by the FBI and the York County Sheriff’s Office, the law enforcement organizations seeking leads to the parties responsible for the brutal beating.
A relatively small university where everyone — no matter race, religion, or sexual orientation — is family, Esskew’s beating caught a lot of people off guard, and has prompted school officials and professors to stress gay students to “act straight.”
“I’ve got to let my students know (about the beating), so when they’re out and about in Rock Hill they act straight,” said Kelly James — who teaches sociology and criminology at Winthrop University, and a former professor of yours truly — to WBTV in Charlotte, N.C.
Back during my days on the playground, it was ‘mano y mano’ — no one dared cross that line, it was up to the two combatants to settle their differences. Fair fights are few and far between these days, with gangs bringing each of their friends and whatever weapon is at their disposal to a fray.
In this case, a 40-ounce bottle allegedly was the weapon of choice, being used to hit Esskew across the head. As a former drinker of 40-ounce alcoholic beverages, I for one know that could not have been a good feeling.
And believe it or not, the same can happen here.
Currently, the crime is not being investigated as a ‘hate crime’ by the York County Sheriff’s Office because the Palmetto State does not have what are termed as an enhancement of penalties for actions which might be deemed as ‘hate crimes.’ According to a report by WBTV, York County law enforcement officials are seeking charges of “second-degree assault and battery by a mob” against the attackers — a felony — which carries a penalty of up to 25 years behind bars.
But aside from the issue of how the law should step in and handle the situation, what about convictions of the heart?
There has always been a great divide when it comes to the issue of one’s sexual preference, ranging from discussions between parents and their children in the comforts of their own homes to the aisles of Congress, where the debate of same-sex marriage and the acceptance of homosexuals in the military has intensified in recent years.
Whether you choose to agree or disagree with either of those issues or the institution of homosexuality in general, it would be hard for me to believe it is worthy and just to physically accost someone because of who they are.
Regularly as ministers of the gospel deliver their sermons, you will hear them say “Love the sinner, hate the sin.” How much love do you believe was passed along with the cracking of a 40-ounce bottle across the head, a punch to the midsection, or a stomp of one’s boot to the face?
Being a Winthrop University graduate and for several years a member of the Rock Hill community, it is appalling that such a thing could occur. For all the great things and people the municipality has, it is a shame the actions of some will be what are remembered by most.
As you drive into Rock Hill, there are signs which say ‘Welcome to Rock Hill — A City With No Room For Racism.’ Is it too much to ask for hate to become part of that equation?
Where’s the love?