This paper argues that Megan's Law, which requires persons convicted of sexual crimes to register where they are living after being released from prison, is constitutional.
Abstract This paper explains that critics of Megan's Law, which has been adopted in some version of the original New Jersey statute in all fifty states, contend that the law infringes on the constitutional rights of the sex offenders. The author points out that sexual offenders question the registration requirements based on the fact that the offenders feel they are facing a type of double jeopardy. The paper relates that the problem with Megan's Law is not its constitutionally, but rather that the legal process for the law may have some flaws because legislatures tend to respond to horrifying sexual crimes through hurried legal responses.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Megan Kanka
First Megan's Law
Constitutionality
Legal Process
Recommendations
Conclusion
From the Paper "?Megan's Law is named for 7-year-old Megan Kanka, a New Jersey girl who was raped and killed in 1994 by a child molester who moved in across the street from her house.? In July, 1994, Megan was sexually molested and brutally killed by a repeat sexual offender named Jesse Timmendequas. Timmendequas had been convicted two times of serious sexual offenses and he lived in a house with two other sex offenders right across the street from Megan Kanka. Timmendequas had recently been released from a New Jersey prison and treatment center for individuals with compulsive and repetitive sexual habits."
Abstract This paper explains that the moral legitimacy of marriage between same-sex partners hinges on marriage being perceived as a religious foundation or as a social, economic coupling. The author points out that, in countries that exclusively have monogamous marriages, some opponents argue that allowing same-sex marriage will promote the legalization of polyamorous marriage or other types of marriage they find objectionable. The paper relates that proponents of equal marriage rights for same-sex couples state that over 1,000 federal rights and benefits are denied same-sex couples by excluding them from legal marriage, which goes against the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which provides for equal protection under the law.
From the Paper "Same-sex marriage is marriage between partners of the same gender. This type of marriage is currently legal in only a few countries around the world. In the United States, the degree of legality of same-sex marriage varies between different states. In the U.S., the debate over whether or not to make same sex marriages legally binding remains one of the most controversial political debates of this century."
Abstract Gay and lesbian marriage has become a controversial debate in contemporary society. There are heated arguments for and against the legalization of marriage between couples of the same sex. This paper explains that the underlying assumption for those in favor of gay marriages is that the central aspects of love, relationship, and understanding should override all other issues. However, this paper argues that the situation is not quite that simple. There are numerous factors that militate against the acceptance of gay marriage as an institution in modern society. The paper points out that gay marriages have the potential to create serious problems with regard to a range of very important social and cultural issues that make marriages of this nature untenable in modern society.
From the Paper "The argument that I wish to propose is not based on any of these perceptions or views. The central argument against the institution of gay and lesbian marriage has nothing to do with assumptions and judgments about homosexuality, and neither do I wish to deprive people of their intrinsic and inalienable democratic rights. Rather the objection to same-sex marriage is simply based on the fact that it contributes to the downfall of society; more particularly the institution of the family - the foundation of society - and subsequently will impact negatively on the development of children within the society. Therefore, the argument against gay marriage that I propose is based purely on practical and societal considerations."
Abstract This paper explains that sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace is demonstrated not only by poor treatment of these employees but also in financial ways: Although equally qualified, male homosexuals are earning about twenty-two percent less than heterosexual men. The author points out that the Congress is considering the "Employment Non-Discrimination Act". The paper concludes that sexual discrimination could be reduced, if not eliminated, if employers trained and educated employees on sexual orientation, provided benefits for gay partners and allowed employees to form unions to voice their opinion.
From the Paper "Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees are discriminated against everyday in the working world. Although personal information, such as sexual orientation, should not be questioned in the workplace, employers are using this information to discriminate against certain people. Even employers that intend to help people have been known to discriminate. The Salvation Army is a perfect example of this. The Salvation Army in New York would pull its business out of the state rather than provide health insurance benefits to partners of gay employees. A law that will soon be enforced in New York states that all employers must provide health benefits to gay partners. Since the Salvation Army considers itself an "evangelical Christian church," it is against it's religion to promote homosexuality."
Abstract This paper explains that, in the Middle East, there is a societal belief in the superiority of men. The author explores the ways in which laws and customs based on religious beliefs and social and governmental policies violate women's human rights in Middle Eastern countries. The paper outlines the steps women have taken to attempt to protect these rights.
From the Paper "On December ..., the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration sets forth thirty Articles that listed certain inalienable rights of all human beings."
Abstract This paper is divided into two parts, with one part discussing nonverbal communication and the other paper discussing the difference between men and women in conflict. The paper discusses the fact that all communication has non-verbal cues. It then discusses how men and women communicate differently and manage conflict in a different manner.
From the Paper "Nonverbal Communication "No matter how one can try, one cannot not communicate" because the body speaks clearly in nonverbal communication to others (Introduction in Nonverbal). Simple eye contact is nonverbal communication. Any and all communication involves some type of nonverbal communication. Whether a person is happy or sad, nonverbal communication lets the other person know how the person is feeling. The pervasiveness of nonverbal communication brings us to its second characteristics: It's virtually impossible to not communicate non-verbally. Even when a person tries to be pervasive, it is impossible not to non-verbally communicate."
Abstract This paper discusses the gender conflict in the play 'M Butterfly' by David Henry Hwang. According to the paper, this work is based on the romantic relationship of Song and Gallimard. In many ways, Gallimard offers a typical sexist male gender role behavior toward the typically female, Song. These gender norms appear to be colluding in unison for the couple, but are ultimately destroyed when Gallimard learns if his lovers true sex. This provides the foundation for gender norms, and Hwang reverses these roles in a clever plot twist through romance, espionage, and culture.
From the Paper "This drama study will analyze the gender conflict that arises within the play: M Butterfly by David Henry Hwang. Much of the play revolves around Song, and her unique ability to seduce Gallimard with her submissive and seemingly passive female behaviors. However, the backdrop to her femininity is merely a mask for the male gender intrigue that surrounds her real identity as a man. In this study, the basis of gender conflict within this story reveals the darker side of male-female relationships through the conflicting masquerades of character identity within this play by David Henry Hwang. The initial and defining role of Song in this play revolves around the imperialistic sexism of Rene Gallimard, a French diplomat traveling through China. "
An analysis of Phillipe Bourgois' representation of gendered identity in his anthropological field study, "In Search of Respect: Selling Crack in El Barrio".
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 3 sources, 2006, $ 62.95
Abstract While Phillippe Bourgois' anthropological field study "In Search of Respect: Selling Crack in El Barrio" is heavily focused on issues of class, culture and economics in East Harlem, the issue of gender relations and gender construction within this cultural frame is also a prominent theme. This paper critically examines Bourgois' representation of gendered identity and how gender is constructed in El Barrio through public displays of forms of masculinity and femininity. It is argued that as traditional Puerto Rican patriarchal authority appears to be collapsing in El Barrio, the residents are improvising new gendered identities.
Abstract This paper examines how, in the introduction to the "History of Sexuality", Foucault argues that in the 17th century the role of sex and sexual activity in the discourse of western society made a fundamental and radical change. It also looks at how, in "Discipline and Punish", Foucault argues that obsessions over sexuality and society's approval or disapproval of specific actions occurs because of the infinite diffusion of power which is found as the basis of western society. In comparison, it looks at how two decades later, Butler employed themes from Foucault's philosophy in order to argue her case for the arbitrariness of anatomical sex, gender identity and gender performance. It shows that through the arguments in her work, "Gender Trouble", Butler concludes that there is no essential relationship between a person's anatomical sex, her self-identified gender and the gender performance she enacts to fulfill society's expectations of the norm.
From the Paper "Foucault's analysis of discourses on sex comes as a reaction to the more commonly-held belief that there was a society-wide discourse of repression in regards to sex. Foucault argues against this; he questions whether or not "sexual repression is truly an established historical fact"; whether "prohibition, censorship, and denial truly the forms through which power is exercised in a general way, if not in every society, most certainly in our own"; and whether "there really was a historical rupture between the age of repression and the critical analysis of repression". Foucault argues that through the evolution of Christian pastoral practices, specifically that of confessions regarding sexual sins, society was compelled to begin an elaborate and never-ceasing discourse on sex. "
Abstract This paper looks at several Disney films such as "Cinderella", "Snow White", "Little Mermaid", "Aladdin" and "Shrek" among others. The progression from strict adherence to prescribed gender roles, as in "Cinderella" or "Snow White", to the noticeably different messages about gender in "Shrek" and the films in between that provided a bridge between the differing messages regarding gender norms, are analyzed. Messages regarding sexuality in Disney films and arguably appropriate content are discussed as well. There is an emphasis on the depiction of female characters and the roles they play in Disney films.
From the Paper "When looking at female roles in Disney films, it is important to look at the inspiration behind those roles, Walt Disney. Walt Disney was a product of the 1940's and his patriarchal views of femininity most certainly reflect those ideals in the roles and manner in which his female characters are portrayed (O'Brien 157). In many of the Disney films children love to watch, the female characters are marginalized. The females are in unimportant or at least less important positions than are their male counterparts. Henke and others have this to say of Disney's female characters, "These alleged heroines are helpless ornaments in need of protection, and when it comes to the action of the film, they are omitted" (235). We see examples of this in the story of Cinderella when her gentleness and goodness is defined by her lack of resistance to the abuse she receives from her stepfamily (Henke 235). "
Abstract This paper deals with one of the most controversial issues in America today: whether or not gay marriage should be legalized. The author puts forward the three main arguments against gay marriage: 1) it can put children at risk; 2) it can cause undue expenses for employers and the U.S. government; 3) it has the potential to undermine the traditional institution of marriage between one man and one woman. The author of the paper, states however, that gay marriage should be thoroughly examined from every angle of inquiry in order to promote and encourage the democratic principles upon which America was founded.
From the Paper "One of the most basic arguments against gay marriage is related to the role of children in such unions. Legalizing gay marriage, as Peter Sprigg points out, "would of course logically lead to granting homosexual unions adoptive and parenting rights and the implications of this are dire indeed" (156). Conversely, some studies have suggested that there appears to be no solid difference between children raised in a stable homosexual home and those raised in a traditional heterosexual home, yet in truth, there are a number of problems with the potential to severely affect the children brought up in such environments.
"First of all, the development of sexual identity could be impaired among children of lesbian or gay parents. Some studies suggest that "children brought up by gay fathers or lesbian mothers show disturbances in gender identity or in gender role behavior" and that some children "will themselves become gay as a result of living in a gay environment" (Kotulski, 167). In this case, children would become confused as to their individual gender differences and might not see nor understand the differences between men and women. Also, if a child sees nothing wrong with being gay, he/she might attempt to emulate the parent's lifestyle and thus lead the life of a homosexual/lesbian."
Abstract This essay deals with the issue of beauty and its role in mate selection. The author discusses rational principles, ethical principles and biological differences, and the role they play in mate selection.
From the Paper "The problem of beauty and its role in mate selection in humans has long perplexed evolutionary psychologists, and it is only by a thorough examination of the factors involved and a clear statement of the arguments for and against the factors, that psychologists can best learn and understand what is entailed in the mate selection process. At least four basic factors or principles play significant roles in making men and women more sexually attractive."
Abstract This paper compares engraver Albrecht Durer's 16th-century visual representation of Adam and Eve as an example of of gender roles in the Bible with the text of the creation story as told in Genesis.
From the Paper "Through its dual account of the creation of Eve, the Bible reflects the conflicting nature of society's perception of woman. On one hand, she is man's equal partner, his wife and the mother of his children. On the other, she is secondary to him, inferior in both mind and body. In addition to its occurrence in Biblical literature, evidence of this dual nature of womanhood can be found in our culture's visual history. By studying various artists? renditions of scenes from Genesis, it is apparent that there are two perceptions of Eve that correspond to the double nature of women: equal and non-equal. D"rer's Adam and Eve is rife with these examples of dichotomy. In his engraving, D"rer depicts the couple in the Garden of Eden the moment before Eve accepts the apple from the serpent. Whereas certain aspects of the composition point out the physical similarities between Adam and Eve, there are also hints at an implicit hierarchy between the genders. This mixture of equality and inequality underlines the conflict in Genesis: while the likeness between Adam and Eve is reminiscent of the first, simultaneous creation story, their differences reflect the gender asymmetry that characterizes the second creation myth."
Abstract This paper examines the roles of males and females in several cultures. The author focuses primarily on the interaction between the genders in terms of sex, marriage, and reproduction. The paper also looks at the sexes with respect to finances, familial decision-making, and overall power and influence.
From the Paper "Gender relations are most easily characterized through an interpretive analysis of reproduction, production, power, and gender ideologies. These four components of the affinity between men and women in various cultures effectively illustrate the societies? perceptions and understandings of each of the sexes. Subsequently, how each sex demonstrates their core of beliefs and or knowledge is dependent upon these perceptions of their role and contribution to society. Through the application of one or more of these dimensions, each culture defines gender relation. Although one society may rely more heavily on a certain component to provide definition of distinction between gender, anthropologists and sociologists have found numerous similarities between the uses of these dimensions as a tool of definition in dissimilar cultures."
Abstract This paper discusses the ideas of community acceptance of homosexuality. The author examines society's attitude to homosexuality by referring to four personal interviews which are personal accounts of criticisms of homosexuality.
From the Paper "In our community there is common debate about homosexuality and whether it is right or wrong. There are many people who believe that homosexuality is wrong, but where we find a common problem is in the fact that these people have no business worrying about homosexuality, since it doesn?t affect their life directly in any way. Accepting homosexuality in our community would help our culture expand, and promote harmony in our community."
