Abstract This paper details the various stressors gay youth encounter when they 'come out' from parents, friends, school, and society in general. The paper ties these variables together and makes the argument for increased suicidal ideation in gay youth, citing the aforementioned stressors as antecedents.
From the Paper "Young people are particularly impressionable to the attitudes, ideologies, and norms of society, thus homosexual youth are affected by "negative attitudes and hostile reactions of our society to homosexuality" (Chauvin et al,. 2000:9). Furthermore, society offers little in ways to seek refuge from homophobia and the attitudes it places upon the oppressed youth, and many areas require minors to have permission from their parents before engaging in therapy or attending gay/lesbian programs at outreach centers. "The outcome of societal barriers along with negative responses to a homosexual orientation may facilitate a young gay or lesbian person to exhibit a low self-esteem, depression, and a generalized fear, consequently, resulting in a deteriorated and fragile identity on the part of a young homosexual person" (Chauvin et al., 2000:9-10)."
Summary and discussion of an article by D. Dyrne and M. Hogben on human sexuality, "Using Social Learning Theory to Explain Individual Differences in Human Sexuality".
Abstract This paper discusses an article about human sexuality that emphasizes an approach to studying the concept of human sexuality and human sexual behavior from the perspective of the social learning theory. The paper also explains and analyzes how the theory is applied to the study of human sexuality and behavior and examines contemporary research that supports this approach.
From the Paper "Dyrne & Hogben (1999) in their work "Using Social Learning Theory to Explain Individual Differences in Human Sexuality" approach the concept of human sexuality and human sexual behavior from a social learning theory approach. This article is of interest because it presents a new model for exploring human sexuality and the reasons that humans act in a particular manner with regard to sexual behavior." The article analyzed is appended to the paper.
Abstract This paper examines how society, especially the media, damages the natural development of boys and girls growing into adulthood. It shows that images produced by action figures, Barbie dolls, and advertising send out messages, which ultimately confuse the youth and bring about problems, such as steroid abuse, anorexia, and other eating disorders, to name but a few.
From the Paper "What has made children feel that they must be a part of society? Society itself! Besides the fact that society makes children become physically developed, it also burdens them with many roles. For girls, it creates -isms like sexism and capitalism. Sexism is based on the fact that women are not physically as strong as men are. It links this fact to an obscene idea that physical deficiency creates mental deficiency."
Abstract This research paper attempts to define cyber-dating, explain its dangers, and argue that it is absolutely necessary to regulate this activity. Hopefully, regulation measures will be taken before more and more people are murdered for trusting someone they met online.
From the Paper "Online dating is a dangerous phenomenon that has increased sexual crimes an murder rates. There is one important way in which online dating dos this. Namely, cyber dating gives people the opportunity to be whomever they want, to take on any personality and identity they desire. In fact, it even allows people to mis-represent their gender, age and background. Consequently, on online dates, one is never really certain whom the other person is. Nevertheless, they do chat with them and eventually, if they feel compatibility and attraction may agree to meet in real life."
Abstract Beginning with the discharge of Gotthold Fredrick Enslin from the U.S. military in 1778, this paper examines the history of homosexuality, which has emerged as one of the most salient issues within the U.S. military, as harassment, abuse, expulsion, and, in rare cases, murder, have become prevalent practices towards homosexuals. The paper examines the policies of the American government towards banning homosexuals from the military and Bill Clinton's 1993 law, which repudiated the ban that has enabled the U.S. military the legal right to exclude homosexuals from military service. The paper also looks at the issue of modesty and the the opinion of those who who feel that heterosexual soldiers might become sexual objects for homosexual soldiers if they were admitted into the military.
From the Paper "While the military's policy necessitates that gay men remain reticent of their sexual orientation, Professor Aaron Belkin affirms that if the ban were to be lifted, very few gays would actually come out of the closet because in most cases an openly gay individual would find himself in a rather precarious situation. The malicious nature of fellow service-members is a consequence of our society's unfamiliarity with homosexuality, consequently creating a propensity for many soldiers to make presumptions based on little information. Moreover, the policy of preserving the modesty of heterosexual men is based on the prudishness of American society and more importantly a naive conviction that homosexual attraction is congruent to heterosexual attraction."
Analyzes several reality TV shows that pertain to love and dating, including the "Bachelor," "Blind Date," and "5th Wheel," and looks at their attraction for society.
Abstract This study researches various reality television shows with themes of love and/or dating. The paper summarizes and analyzes various shows that each main network has aired. These networks include Paramount Domestic Television, Universal Worldwide Television, and Telepictures. It discusses how these networks used fame and exceptionally good-looking contestants to gain viewers. The paper discusses which shows have been popular and which have failed. It analyzes the use of stereotypes in dating reality shows and suggests why these shows are popular in American culture.
From the Paper "Although shows which focus on a plot and script about love and dating have existed for decades, reality television has taken them to a whole new level which has recently become more popular and the focus of attention in American culture. Since the late nineties, the big networks such as ABC, NBC and CBS, as well as smaller or cable channels such as WB and MTV have scurried to broadcast their own love or dating based reality show that will be the next big hit among viewers. This genre of dating based reality television which was basically non-existent until recent television history now competes for the top slots in television ratings and sometimes earns them. Each channel has their own dating based reality show which they are best known for. By taking a look at each of these popular shows, one can get a better understanding of why love has become a particularly popular subject to focus on in reality television."
Abstract The paper argues that, while there have been some cases in which women proved themselves to be worthy military leaders and good soldiers, an analysis of the qualities of the good military leader and the good combat soldier illustrates that women will not serve well in this capacity. It argues that the nature of the work itself versus the nature of the female, and the stereotypes surrounding women could serve as obstacles towards soldiers following a woman's command. Includes annotated bibliography.
From the Paper "Leadership is defined as the sharing of responsibilities, where the leadership applied must be validated by the agreement of the followers. It is a studying of problems relying on past practices to ensure predictability, being willing to take risks and to consider new approaches. A leader should emphasize the importance of making decisions independently and consider himself as the prime vehicle for decision making. Leaders should have certain characteristics that set them apart from others. Good leaders develop through a never-ending process of self-study, education, training, and experience. However, the military leadership is defined as the process of influencing others to accomplish the mission by providing purpose, direction, and motivation. The efficient military leadership traits are efficiency, stability, vitality, action, power, endurance and maturity. Many have argued that females do not have these characteristics of military leadership as they are inferior to men and therefore cannot lead men. It is very probable that as Kim Field and John Nagl, both members of the U.S. military, argue, the physical inferiority of women compared to males, supported the general view of women as inferior. However, the stereotyped image of the woman as weak and needing the protection of a male figure has been destroyed."
Abstract This report looks at existing literature portrayals of female circumcision in Africa. The findings of this report concern the ethical, moral, and medical rationalizing that prompt a bias in the existing literature against the practice of female circumcision from a number of different perspectives.
From the Paper "When discussing the subject of female circumcision in Africa, one must also be familiar with concepts and theories regarding culture. From one point of view, often called the cultural relativism point of view, cultures are viewed as being understood by their participants, and not necessarily by those outside of the specific cultural milieu, in this case
of traditional African societies. This point of view does not presuppose universal ethics from a perspective of influence on or interaction with the culture from policy directives. These policy directives can be seen in the case of female circumcision in Africa as the intervention of organizations, often worldwide organizations, which seek to delimit the cultural process of female circumcision from a predominantly western
cultural view, which finds the process abhorrent from an ethical and rights-based perspective. The effectiveness of this cultural imposition, however, is limited to the cultural relativist."
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of legalizing same-sex marriages. The paper presents the views of both proponents and opponents of gay marriage, claiming that, while both parties approach the issue in America through the legalization process, the issue touches upon personal and religious convictions as well. The paper contends that like the issue of marriage between different races, it may be that concerns for civil liberties and the children produced by such unions will win out over societal definitions of what morally and historically constitutes the uniquely heterosexual nature of marriage.
From the Paper "When recently, on February 7, 2005, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg stated that although he supported gay marriage on personal, ethical grounds, but worried that a recent ruling by a New York judge allowing same sex unions might get the city into legal troubles, he was roundly denounced as expressing a lack of political backbone. (Ruttenberg, 2005) Several gay elected officials at City Hall blasted the mayor for what State Senator Thomas K. Duane called cowardice, after the mayor stated that he intended to appeal the decision allowing gay marriages in the city, so that the metropolis could have greater legal clarification in the issue."
Abstract This paper examines how gender roles are socially created expectations for masculine and feminine behavior. Having early expectations about gender usually results in the person behaving consistently with the original expectations. It attempts to show that although gender roles are embedded into our minds, times are changing and how men and women's attitudes are slowly changing over time; occupations are not being gender-stereotyped as often.
From the Paper "Gender roles may explain why men feel the need to help and be courteous to women. Since they were born, over time these beliefs and attitudes about women have been formed, and even though the roles of women may have changed, most men are still used to this traditional way of thinking. Men may feel women are fragile and need help, according to typical stereotypes of females. Men feel women need help, or need to be treated special, which would explain why men feel the need to pay for meals, pull out chairs, and open up the floodgates for people of the female persuasion."
Abstract The paper examines how the author, designer, painter, photographer, filmmaker, and publisher known as Andy Warhol was one of the twentieth century's greatest artist. It looks at how he became a pop culture genius and how, through his work, became a part of it as a social commentator and visionary.
From the Paper "Magazines and film were two other mediums used by Warhol. After graduating from the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh, Warhol first worked as an illustrator for magazines like Vogue and Harpar's Bazaar and for commercial advertising. His magazine, however, would live on even after Warhol's death. In 1969, Warhol co-produced a magazine named "Interview" with John Wilcock, editor of an underground newspaper called "Other Scenes". The magazine featured text and loosely edited interviews from cassette tapes. Andy often said that he started the magazine to get free tickets to all the premieres. The magazine quickly turned into a monthly review of popular culture. Celebrities, fashion, art, music, movies, television, gossip, and celebrity nightlife (especially the notorious Studio 54) were all featured in the magazine."
This paper discusses Erving Goffman's "The Presentation of the Gendered Self in Everyday Life" and Pierre Bourdieu's "'Habitus' Social Class and Everyday Life" and relates them to class and gender in multicultural Australia.
Abstract This paper explains that Goffman's "The Presentation of the Gendered Self in Everyday Life" sets up a model of human interaction, which takes most of its metaphors from the realm of theatrical performance. The author points out that, as a Muslim woman, taking into account Goffman's framework, the 'front' of her performance in everyday life is wearing the veil, which lie beneath significant connotation and hence presenting herself on stage by her appearance and manner. The paper relates that Bourdieu argues that physical capital (in the form of body shape, walk and posture) is socially produced through activities such as sport, food, and etiquette.
From the Paper "Goffman in his framework uses a metaphor (a drama) to explain how social meaning is attributed to a person in ordinary, everyday interaction. We see how the persona, on and off a stage and with various audiences, is manifested through performance and roles. Through the drama, actors give meaning to themselves, to others and their situation. Interactions, which are seen to be performances before observers, deliver impressions to others according to the actor's goals. Information is exchanged to confirm identity and the significance of behavior."
Abstract This paper discusses the differences in the care needs of the transgendered community. The paper explains that the transgender community is at best, viewed as counterculture and at worst, labeled as unnatural and deviant. The paper examines how these negative stigmas have a powerful effect on the health of this community. The paper explores the intolerance of American society towards this community, claiming this to be the main obstacle to their quality of life.
From the Paper "The transgender community is a very diverse one in terms of race, ethnicity, and economic status. The members of this community also express their "transgenderness" in many different ways. Transgender is an umbrella term that encompasses any person who "[lives] full or part-time in the gender role opposite to the one in which they were born, or [displays] characteristics that are not typical of their assigned sex" (Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, www.gmla.org). Within this community there are many different types of people. There is such diversity that often the only thing that transgender people share in common is the negative stigma attached to their lifestyle. "
Abstract This study attempts to explore and delineate the problem of eating disorders among Asian-Americans. The study presents an overview of the issue and explains its finding that there does indeed exist a serious problem with regards to eating disorders among Asian-Americans, particularly among women. The paper further explains that the syndrome is exacerbated by the complexity of acculturation in American society and then discusses these and other aspects affecting eating disorders in this segment of the population. One of the central findings of the study is that there has been relatively little research of quality conducted on this subject.
Introduction
Outline of the Problem
Overview of the Major Eating Disorders
Causes
Conclusion
From the Paper "There is a common myth that eating disorders are usually found among white females and males and not among the Asian population. In general "Many assume that certain "blanket factors" protect minority communities from the disease, such as a general appreciation for larger body sizes, less emphasis on physical attractiveness, and a stable family and social structure." (Park E, 200) However, research and studies show that the Asian-American population is deeply affected by factors that prompt eating disorders. This, as many researchers attest, can be seen in the increasing number of Asian-Americans seeking treatment for eating disorders at mental health clinics. (ibid) "
Abstract This essay looks critically at Stein's writing style in her book "Tender Buttons," and shows how her syntax draws attention to the binary of man and woman, and ultimately deconstructs this binary.
From the Paper "In Tender Buttons, Stein stresses the importance of the direct treatment of objects, as well as how they appear on the page. She employs parataxis, the placement of words side by side, in order to show the importance of simultaneity, and how it affects multiple perspectives. Through parataxis, Stein blatantly rejects traditional realism, and instead shows how truth is not solely rooted in the appearance, but in the overall mood or meditation of a piece."
