Laramie Project Reflection-Alec Wojack

                I never will begin to understand the reasons behind killing another innocent individual. In The Laramie Project Matthew Shepard being a gay is beaten into a coma and later dead all because of the the lifestyle he choses to live. My first impressions of the book were that it was just another book about murder. But after reading the first few chapters it set a pretty good story line. Even though the story is very sad it portrays a very important message in life. That no matter what lifestyle you choose or who you are, we all have the same rights. The ignorance of the two men that killed him still continues to amaze me in the fact that how can you take another individuals life only because of his sexuality. On top of the fact that he has a family just like everyone else and the fact that these two men believe they are better than him just saddens me even more. The book also makes a valid point that it was a major reality check for everyone because this terrible crime happened in a town no one expected it to. So it really opened up the eyes of america to these hateful things happening all over and making everyone recognize the problems that arise everyday in this world.
               The image that stood out to me the most in the book was when the cyclist Aaron Kreifels found Matthew Shepard tied to the pole. I thought this was a very horrifying scene because i could picture the sight that Aaron saw and the terror that would run throw my body after seeing such a sight. Another scene that stood out for me was when Matthew Sheppards father Dennis talked to one of the killers of his son, Aaron Mckinnley. Dennis describes to Aaron that his actions are unforgivable and sick. Which i agree with very much and i couldnt have put it better myself. He also describes how he doesnt know how another person could do this to his son because of his lifestyle, insisting that Aaron has mental issues which i believe are also true. Aaron then tries to apologize and give solutions like any rationale possible to help forgive his actions which their was no possible way that would happen. But what stood out the most was how Dennis said he would never let another person die because of this terrible accident that toke his son from him. I believe Dennis is very respectable, tolerant, and smart man who is one of many few people who strive to make a difference in the world.
                This book was one of the best novels i have read about human rights. I also believe that Matthew Sheppard has contributed to making this world a better place for everyone. Not only because he died for a unjust reason, but because he opened the eyes of americans to this rising issue of gays vs. straights. I believe that if it had not been for this case that the war between gays and straights could possibly still be intact and innocent people could be killed everyday over this unimportant way of life. I learned a lot from reading this book. It teaches tolerance, respect, way of life, reality, and death. I strongly believe that everyone has the same rights, no ones higher than another, and that everyone should treat people how they want to be treated. I believe that society describes each and every person in it. Societys not perfect, and no person is perfect. But whats wrong with trying.