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 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."
Abstract This paper examines the issue of gay marriage, arguing in favor of its acceptance. The writer explores both sides of this debate, citing religious and moral reasons as the basis for opposition to gay marriages. Additionally cited is the recent Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) passed by Congress. The author believes that if gays are unable to have legally recognized unions, homosexual people will be continually denied rights that all United States citizens rightfully deserve under the Constitution.
From the Paper "As of now there is no state in the United States that legally recognizes same-sex marriages. The state that is closest to legalizing these marriages is Hawaii. In repute to the possibility of Hawaii's legalization of same-sex marriages, Congress passed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage as "the legal union between one man and one woman" (NOW). DOMA also allows each state to decide whether or not it will recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states or municipalities within the state (NOW). The debate over this issue is hot all across the country, with people on both sides of the argument standing firm in their beliefs. The issue is working its way through the legal system and the outcome at this point is completely unpredictable. Denying marriage to a specific group of people is unconstitutional and something must be done so that all people in the United States will be legally able to enjoy the benefits of marriage with a spouse of his or her choice."
Abstract This paper explains that Egypt has one of the most egregious records in the world concerning the rights of homosexuals because (1) homosexuality is taboo culturally, socially and politically, (2) gay men are demonized both by the press and public and, (3) for over fifty years, the legislation has made male homosexual conduct criminal. The author points out that a survey of American adults shows that the majority of Americans today attribute homosexuality to genetics and are supportive of extending rights for domestic partnerships and marriage to homosexuals; nonetheless, twenty-two states still have laws which criminalize homosexual behavior between two consenting adults, even when done in private. The paper relates that Netherlands was the first country in the world to recognize full marriage rights for homosexuals because the Dutch argue that people are going to do what they want to do no matter what the law is, so they might as well legalize homosexuality so it can be discussed out in the open and regulated.
Table of Contents
Egypt's Political Stance
The Cairo 52
America's Political Stance
The Netherlands Political Stance
Conclusion
From the Paper "The law condoning homosexual marriage passed in the lower house with a 109-33 vote and in the upper house with a 49-26 majority; the law went into effect April 1, 2001. When the first homosexual marriages were underway the Vatican denounced what was happening as a "grave danger" but the mayor of Amsterdam responded by saying, "we have gained insight that an institution as important as marriage should be open to everyone." Homosexuals now have marriage rights that are equivalent to that of heterosexuals except that homosexual couples may not adopt children from other countries because of their sensitivities."
Abstract Deviance is a behavior that does not conform to social norms, therefore is socially created. Since most people in the United States believe that homosexuality is wrong, society has created homosexuality to be a deviance. This paper argues that since deviance is relative and not absolute to a society, homosexuality is not a universal form of sexual deviance. There are many cultures that accept forms of homosexuality. The Western society is not accepting of it though, and many times this non-accepting view cause discrimination towards homosexuals. Is homosexuality a way for some people to deviate, or is it just the way some people need to live their lives? The paper argues that if it is the way of life for some people, then society has to become accepting towards this lifestyle.
From the Paper "Instead of keeping their sexuality a secret, they are openly gay at all times. They challenge societal norms in hopes that there will be a change in attitudes. Gay liberationist rose about in the early 1970s, after an event that took place earlier. On June 28, 1969, the police raided Stonewall Inn, a gay hangout. Instead of dispersing as usual, the customers rioted. This incident drew a lot of needed attention to problems of police harassment that homosexuals faced."
