Abstract This paper elaborates the effects of crack and cocaine use on human behavior. Cultural perceptions of crack users vs. those of cocaine users are discussed, as well as the comparative economies of crack and cocaine markets. The use of cocaine products to alleviate psychological trauma and dysphoria are discussed, as well as the causes of this dysphoria and possible connections between post-traumatic stress disorder and crack use.
Abstract This paper explores how children with gender dysphoria, who will, as adolescents and adults, form what is known as the sexual minority group, represent a particularly needy segment of the minority population. It explains that, unlike many other minorities, this one is partly defined by problems with the developmental process. It argues that, in itself, this might not be such a problem if the surrounding society did not heap additional baggage upon the young, who are just beginning to express themselves and their place within this minority group.
From the Paper "One might originally think it odd to approach a question about the experienced childhood development of minorities by opening a discussion of the children who will grow to be sexual and gender-identity minorities. Unlike most other minorities, these children are not generally being raised in a minority culture and family, and do not have the immediate support of their own race or culture about them to help prepare them for life as a minority. So in some ways, this is actually the ideal place to start such a discussion, because in this area one has unmitigated access to the experience of being a minority on the child's development, without the sheltering environment that surrounds other minorities. These children will, a majority of the time, emerge from the crucible of childhood as homosexual or possibly bisexual adults. A few more will go on to actually have their gender physically altered. (Ceglie) Gender Dysphoric children experience many of the developmental difficulties of other minorities, in addition to (obviously) specific developmental problems regarding gender roles and body image, they also experience setbacks in other areas: attachment and social development, aggression and victimization, unique problems with their parents, and general social dysfunctions."
Abstract This paper examines why the case of the pregnant man, Thomas Beattie, sparked so much hatred and controversy. Citing Lennard Davis, the writer suggests that one reason is that we assert our normalcy and reaffirm the belief in our wholesome, established self by contrasting ourselves with the 'Other'. The writer cites the American Psychiatric Association's pre-1973 entry for homosexuality, which categorizes it as a disorder, and the criticism of a lesbian feminist, for whom her kind of sexuality is the norm, to support this idea. The issue of choice, which underlies the bigger issue of gender transgression is also discussed. The paper concludes that the negative response to transsexuals is perhaps largely based on the fear of the loss of our safe sense of self.
From the Paper "Following the extensive media coverage of Beattie's pregnancy and finally the birth of his daughter, many have questioned the issue of choice: whether a woman should be allowed to become male, and vice versa, or whether a male should want to give birth to a baby: "Somehow biology has arbitrarily been replaced by "deciding" in order to determine one's gender. It sounds so similar to the increasingly heard argument that an unborn baby, at any stage, is only human if the mother "decides" it is wanted, and if she decides not - she can kill it," (Connolly) read one Catholic Newspaper response to the news of Beattie's pregnancy. It becomes clear that the answer to the question whether a person should have the right to decide over his or her own body is overwhelmingly, No!"
