Serving in Silence

1. Describe these reactions:

A. Military: A law had been established years earlier stating that homosexuals would be discharged. They were surprised when Margarethe willingly admitted that she was a lesbian.

B. Father: He as just a little shocked, but he took it well, even though he had mixed feelings. He said: "I'm sorry you had to say anything about this. I hope it doesn't hurt your carrier."
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C. Children Each Son (s): The three oldest ones are completely okay with it, and they even say that they already knew. The youngest, however, is in denial right up until the end of the movie, when he finally re-conciliates with his mother.


2. Margarethe's decision to tell:

A. the military: She was being interviewed to be a general ad when she was asked if she had committed immoral practices she asked what they meant by that. She answered  that she was a lesbian, but that it was only an emotional connection to women, it was who she is, her identity, not because of the physical contact of sexuality.

B. her children: She was almost forced to resign from the army or she would be discharged. Before anything happened, she decided to tell her children so that they heard it first from her.

C. her father: Her father wanted to move in with her, so she felt it was the moment to tell him.


3. 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.

As a group, we came to the conclusion that this true story was inspiring because she was very brave by accepting who she was. We believe that she made the right decision, because it is better to be at peace with yourself and be honest rather than having to hide how you feel and being dishonest. To fight for her and every other homosexual rights was a good quality for her to have. Having told everyone she made a difference, sure at first there were some consequences but it was worth it at the end. 

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?

As a group, we find it hard to use this scale because one moves through it. It's possible that she didn't know she was homosexual until she fell in love with a woman; this could help explain how she is a mother despite being a lesbian. I don't think she is "any less of a lesbian" (as odd and ridiculous as that sounds) because she has kids; if she feels she is a lesbian, then she is. Ultimately, I believe she would be a 4 on the Kinsey Scale due to the fact that she lived as a heterosexual woman until the events in the story. Finally, I don't think anyone chooses to be heterosexual or homosexual; I certainly don't remember choosing to be heterosexual. Therefore, I don't think it's her choice, it's just who she is.

5. Personally I find that she had no other choice but to face it all, if you believe in something  you must be willing to face the world and defend it. In the end she did exactly that.

Synopsis of the movie: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114395/plotsummary 

I leave this song here that suits the mood