Abstract This paper examines the causes of sexual orientation and cites many sources that indicate that homosexuality is a biological condition related to a region on the bottom of the X chromosome in the homosexual male.
From the Paper "As the 20th century gradually becomes a smaller and smaller object in the rear view mirror of time, society's tolerance of discrimination based on one's sexual orientation is rapidly decreasing. While it may seem that homosexuality and bisexuality are relatively new compared to heterosexuality, this is not the case. This popular misconception is likely do to an increased presence and awareness of persons with these minority sexual orientations due to society's more tolerant attitude. In reality, it is likely that homosexuals and bisexuals have been around since the dawn of man; however, most were forced to hide their sexual orientation for thousands of years because of societal pressures. In fact, homosexuality and bisexuality did not begin with the evolution of humans. Despite the widely accepted belief that animals do not exhibit homosexual behavior, one of the main arguments behind the belief that homosexuality is somehow ?unnatural,? scientists have found evidence of homosexuality in over 450 species of animals (Price, 1999). Therefore, if humans evolved from animals that have heterosexual, bisexual, and homosexual individuals, it would be expected, or at the very least not surprising, that humans would also exhibit these sexual orientations."
This paper addresses the concept of homosexuality in respect to the religions of Taoism and Buddhism. These two Eastern religions have significantly different perceptions regarding homosexuality than the traditional assumptions in Western religions.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 8 sources, 2002, $ 89.95
Abstract This paper addresses the concept of homosexuality in respect to the religions of Taoism and Buddhism. These two Eastern religions have significantly different perceptions regarding homosexuality than the traditional assumptions in Western religions. Buddhism openly embraces homosexuality as part of its tradition, and Taoism does not openly object to homosexuality.
Tags: GENDER AND SEXUALITY / HOMOSEXUALITY, homosexuality two faiths
Abstract This essay will explore the subject of homosexuality by examining Michael Levine's article, "Why Homosexuality is Abnormal," and Timothy F. Murphy's "Homosexuality and Nature," which counters Levine's assessments. This context sets up a polemic about homosexuality from the viewpoint of happiness and legislation, which will be assessed in relation to John Rawls theory of social justice in order to determine the weakness of Levine's argument against homosexuality.
This paper examines director Alfred Hitchcock's practice of inserting homosexual imagery into his films, while focusing in particular on the film "North by Northwest."
2,725 words (approx. 10.9 pages), 0 sources, 2006, $ 81.95
Abstract This paper analyzes Alfred Hitchcock's film "North by Northwest," while detailing the areas in which the director inserted homosexual references, albeit on a sub-textual level. This paper discusses the critical analyses of Robin Wood, author of "The Murderous Gays: Hitchcock's Homophobia" and D.A. Miller author "Anal Rope," who both explore Hitchcock's use of gay images in many of his films. This well-written paper details the manner in which the main character of Roger Thornhill's homosexuality is portrayed as perverse. The writer of this paper clearly describes how Thornhill's character is at first gay, his perception of the perversity of homosexuality which force him to become somebody else, resulting in his being reborn as a heterosexual. This paper also touches on the attitude of the film industry in the 1940s and 1950s regarding the issue of homosexuality, which at the time was considered illegal.
From the Paper "The scene at Townsend's is a critical situation in Thornhill's character development. This is the first time that Thornhill is introduced to Van Damme, and at this point, Van Damme closes the drapes and turns on the lights. This presents two points that portray a homoerotic meaning. First, drapes in Hitchcock movies are usually portrayed as vaginal symbols. When Van Damme closes the drapes, he is denying Thornhill any kind of heterosexual sex. His turning on the light symbolizes the lighting of Thornhill's passion for Van Damme. The other point is that, with the drapes closed, they are free to do whatever they want without the intrusion of voyeuristic eyes. This is the beginning of the subtextual homoerotic relationship between Thornhill and Van Damme, which will play a major part in the overall context of homosexuality in the film."
Tags: film, analysis, gender, director, homosexuality, gay, industry
Abstract This paper explores the issue of homosexuality in a wider social context, with particular focus on it being deviant behavior. The author considers this behavior in different contexts, including how homosexual families are deviant. The paper also discusses the issue of homosexual marriage.
From the Paper " Socially homosexuality is considered deviant, by many, as it does not meet the social needs of the development of a traditional family, capable of creating offspring. Though the definition of family is changing even as this work is being written, the homosexual, same gender couple cannot and will likely never be able to create offspring, without the intervention of an outside party. Many would also say that the social implications of a homosexual couple of either gender raising a child is deviant as said child would then not be exposed to the norm of the family with regard to a man a woman and a child, or all the implications of it. (Zingo & Early, 1994, p. 1)"
Tags:homosexuality, society, deviant, behavior, prosocial, heterosexuality, homosexual, marriage
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."
Abstract This article serves as a discussion of homosexuality. The paper looks at homosexuality through the eyes of the Episcopal religious leader John Spong. The writer discusses Spong's book 'Living in Sin: A Bishop Rethinks Human Sexuality'. The writer examines Spong's acceptance of homosexuality. In addition, the writer looks at Spong's beliefs about interpreting the bible.
From the Paper "John Shelby Spong's book 'Living in Sin A Bishop Rethinks Human Sexuality' deals with homosexuality from a unique perspective which has not as yet been discussed in this treatise on homosexuality. Spong's book is at the heart of the debate within the Episcopal Church about the issue of homosexuality. Paula Chin of 'People Weekly' writes that Spong has long been a renegade by favoring abortion, the ordination of women and the blessing of homosexual relationships. Spong set off a furor when he was the first to ordain an ... "
Tags:homosexuality, gay, lesbian, Christianity, tolerance, intolerance, acceptance, god's will, full participation, nature vs nurture.
This paper defines institutional discrimination and explains how it applies to homosexuals in Canada by denying them access to some governmental institutions.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 0 sources, 2006, $ 35.95
Abstract This paper argues that Canadian homosexuals face institutional discrimination. This prejudice upholds stereotypes of gays as well as impacts their ability to have equal rights in a free society. Institutional discrimination as a term is defined and applied to the current situation faced by homosexuals in Canada. The author contends that although overt discrimination against homosexuals is disappearing, institutional discrimination maintains the status quo.
From the Paper "Overt discrimination against homosexuals seems to be disappearing. However, homosexual people in Canada still don't have the same access to institutions that other Canadians do. This would seem to indicate that homosexual Canadians are facing a high degree of institutional discrimination. Institutional discrimination is defined as the policies and or behaviours of an institution that negatively impact subordinate and or minority groups in a society (Pincus 1996: 186). Institutional discrimination of homosexuals is basically used to maintain the dominant status of heterosexuals in Canadian society by excluding homosexuals from these institutions. In order to become full and equal members of Canadian society homosexuals need to be able to be a part of any institution they wish."
Abstract This paper examines Christianity's attitude towards homosexuals in light of recent exposure of high-ranking church official's homosexual and pedophilia tendencies. It draws on many biblical sources in order to determine a stand to be taken amongst various Christian branches - Catholics, Presbyterians, Baptists and Mormons.
From the Paper "Christianity seeks to justify the marginalization of homosexuals by variously interpreting these passages. One must recognize that homosexuality, as a sexual proclivity, was acceptable in biblical times. While criminal by today's standards, in the Roman era, some men used younger boys for sexual gratification without the associated predatory, pederast behavior. The passages should be viewed within the social mores of the times. Biblical scholars also agree that the rigidity of interpretation of certain words: the etymology and relevance have changed, based on translation (Helminiak 85)."
Abstract This paper identifies sexuality of all kinds all around us, on the Internet, on movie posters, on radio "shock-jock" programs and on street corners where people of all genders attempt to sell their bodies to pay for rent or drugs.The author states that despite all this supposed openness, where even America's president has admitted a dalliance in the Oval Office, the idea of homosexuality as acceptable behavior still eludes the majority of Americans.The paper concludes that although homosexuality is more common it is still not accepted as it should be.
From the Paper " For far too long in the Twentieth century, we have laughed at the limp-wristed beautician and window dressers, and on TV, there was Paul Lynde, and in older movies, Franklin Pangborn and Eric Blore and Edward Everett Horton. But, these people never threatened the rest of us. And then, came the AIDS crisis, and the deaths of masculine stars like Rock Hudson. Funny, we would say to our dates, or our parents, "He doesn't LOOK gay."
Abstract This paper considers the fact that many Christian groups have a problem with homosexuality and with giving homosexuals any rights tied to their sexual orientation in any way. The paper considers why this is so, the source of this antagonism, and the idea of Cosgrove concerning how a rule needs to have justification to analyze why the rule might not be applicable today.
From the Paper "Given recent conflict on the issue of homosexuality in the United States, it appears that many Christian groups have a problem with homosexuality and with giving homosexuals any rights tied to their sexual orientation in any way. This has emerged most recently with the issue of gay marriage, but even without the question of marriage, many Christian groups decry homosexuality as a sin and condemn the practice, with some claiming that it is chosen or learned behavior and not an innate trait, which is contrary to current scientific opinion. Some of the reasons why this is so lead to a consideration of how to consider the influence of scripture on such judgments."
Abstract This paper deals with the concept of genetics as it applies to Darwin's natural selection within pigeon varieties. The paper presents, for a basic understanding, the concept of genetics, chromosomes and traits. The topic then shifts to genetic testing in early screening for newborns, why it's important and what can be done if the child tests positive, such as genetic counseling for all family members.
From the Paper "In order to understand how the multitude of pigeon varieties came to exist, a basic understanding of genetics is required. The University of Utah's basic genetic lessons tell us that within each cell, chromosomes carry the genetic material from their parental DNA. Each pigeon parent contributes one complete set of its DNA to the offspring. According to the University of Utah, within the double helix DNA strand, genes are encoded which tell each cell what to do and allow for individuation and cell specialization. The combination of chromosomal matching from a pigeon's parents and the resulting genes that carries the basic encoding for pigment building proteins account for the majority of pigeon varieties."
Abstract This paper discusses the newly discovered phenomenon of genetically engineered and genetically modified foods that are being produced, sold and consumed in the United States of America. First, the paper describes and explains this phenomenon by using media sources. Then, it discusses various media sources and the concerns and questions they have regarding genetically engineered or modified foods. Finally, the paper notes concerns that neighboring countries, in this case Mexico, have for their own people and environments.
From the Paper "Throughout the history of the United States, science has played a large part in the foods and products that the nation's citizens consume. From new foods that are imported and incorporated into the national crop and diet, to older, standby foods that are improved or used in new or different ways, American eating and consumption has long been shaped by technology and scientific advancement. And, as such shifts and innovations have made their way into the country's fields and barns and supermarkets and onto its dinner tables, the American media has also had much to say, for good or for bad, about how science is helping or hurting the consumers that depend on and utilize such developments."
Abstract This essay takes its basis from the comment of one politician regarding his "reservations" about homosexuals in the police force. It argues the moral implications of discriminating against gay men and women as projected into the greater community. Highlights outdated beliefs and humanitarian arguments.
From the Paper "The Victorian Police Minister's comments regarding his "great reservations about gays and lesbians in our police force" has been met with public outrage. So too has the Police Force's threat to sack three police members who responded to the Police Minister's comments. However, these comments and threatened sackings have a much more widespread implication for our society than momentary outrage. They have an implication for homosexuals in our community on a whole and not just homosexuals in the police force."
Tags: argumentative, editor, homosexuality, letter
Abstract This paper examines the "don't ask, don't tell" policy enacted in 1994, which allowed more gays and lesbians to serve in the military. The author points out several cases of homosexuals serving in the armed forces.
From the Paper "The issue of gays in the military has been a topic of significant debate in the United States for decades with many people opposing the inclusion of homosexuals."
