Do Gays and Lesbians Threaten the System of Male Dominance?
analytical Essay
2249 words
Do Gays and Lesbians Threaten the System of Male Dominance? "In short, by not complying with their assigned gender roles, gays and lesbians threaten the system of male dominance (Calhoun 157)" A debate is raging in America about who people have a right to marry. In response to lesbians and gays asking for the right to marry, many legislators are writing laws to ban same-sex marriage in their respective states. Even President Bush supports a Constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage (prez.bush.marriage/). Opponents of such legislation do not want discrimination passed into law and are protesting at every opportunity. One must understand the reasons that people want to ban same-sex marriage before he or she can effectively argue about the subject. Many advocates of same-sex marriage bans say that allowing gays and lesbians to marry would degrade the institution of marriage because marriage is only supposed to exist between a man and woman. In addition, allowing same-sex marriage would cause problems for society (Issues and Controversies on File). One theory why opponents may fight against same-sex marriages is that heterosexual marriages have long reinforced traditional gender roles within marriage and that allowing same-sex marriages would cause males to lose their authority to subordinate females as heterosexual couples begin to model same-sex marriage gender equality (Calhoun 157). The traditional argument against same-sex marriage states that marriage is defined as the emotional and spiritual union of a man and a woman. According to that definition, a pair of men or women cannot marry. Opponents of same-sex marriage bans, however, argue that marriage is a basic personal and social right and a social contract that is devoid of gender consideration. Cheshire Calhoun states, "the dominant goal of marriage is and should be unitive, the spiritual and personal union of the committed couple" (151). The sexual orientation or gender of the partners does not lessen the importance placed upon entering such a union and need not be used to restrict who can enter into such a union. Heterosexuals have enjoyed the right to marry throughout recorded history, though there have been restrictions placed over who could marry that have been overc... ... middle of paper ... ...at sodomy is immoral or that same-sex unions are immoral, but nevertheless think the state should adopt a neutral position, refraining from criminalizing sodomy and offering legal protection for same-sex unions under domestic partnership laws" (Calhoun 168). Bibliography LOVING ET UX. v. VIRGINIA. http://web.lexis-nexis.com/universe/document? _m=5fc1bb0239c8912aa97d779528e9d62b& _docnum=2&wchp=dGLbVlb-zSkVb&_md5=60c85af0cd3ade6c85561f31ba41bdc7 http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/02/24/elec04.prez.bush.marriage/ Calhoun, Cheshire. Feminism, the Family, and the Politics of the Closet: Lesbian and Gay Displacement. Oxford University Press: New York, 2000. Corvino, John. Why Shouldn't Tommy and Jim Have Sex? A Defense of Homosexuality. Rowman & Littlefield: New York, 1997. Issues and Controversies on File. Same-Sex Marriage. Facts on File News Services: New York, 1996. Levin, Michael E. Sexual Orientation and Human rights. Rowman & Littlefield: New York, 1999. B.A. Robinson. “CONSERVATIVE RELIGIOUS OPPOSITION TO SAME-SEX MARRIAGES”. http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_marj_c.htm. Sullivan, Andrew. Virtually Normal. Alfred A. Knopf Inc: New York, 1995.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that gays and lesbians threaten the system of male dominance by not complying with their assigned gender roles.
- Argues that the traditional argument against same-sex marriage bans states that marriage is defined as the emotional and spiritual union of a man or woman.
- Argues that homosexuals have enjoyed the right to marry throughout recorded history, though there have been restrictions placed over who could marry.
- Argues that the concept of the natural family is a roadblock in the path to homosexual rights.
- Argues that the positive repercussions of same-sex marriage add momentum to gay and lesbian activists' arguments.
- Explains that gender differences are irrelevant in same-sex marriages, so there are no gender roles that can seem discriminatory and thus the relationships are more egalitarian.
- Argues that homosexuality is linked to sexist ideas of proper male and female behavior.
- Analyzes the arguments against same-sex marriage bans in hawaii. they argue that the best environment to raise children is in a heterosexual marriage.
- Argues that homosexuality is harmful, but society's treatment of gays and lesbians leads to depression and suicide, not the actual homosexual acts.
- Opines that promiscuity makes heterosexuals and homosexuals have a higher risk of getting disease. they argue that if society was worried about gay and lesbians not having monogamous relationships, they could allow them to marry and there would be incentives not to divorce
- Argues that the defense of marriage act's proponents did not compare heterosexuals and homosexuals. they argued that any efforts to redefine marriage would destroy the institution.
- Explains that people confuse a church's right to marry with the government’s responsibility to issue marriage licenses to all citizens without discrimination.
- Argues that the slippery slope argument against anti-miscegenation laws is still ineffective today. they argue that homosexual marriages hurt the sanctity of marriage because they do not fight television shows that trivialize marriage.
- Opines that for equality to exist for gays and lesbians, their way of life must be more than tolerated. culture needs to give up the view that homosexuals are unfit for marriage, parenting, and family.
- Cites the bibliography on et ux. v. virginia: feminism, the family, and the politics of the closet.
- Cites corvino, john, levin, michael e. sexual orientation and human rights. rowman & littlefield: new york, 1999.
Related
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- Pro Gay Marriage Rightsexplanatory essaySullivan, Andrew. Same-sex Marriage: Pro and Con : a Reader. New York: Vintage Books, 2004. Internet resource.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the defense of marriage act, through the federal government, rejected gay marriages. the privacy act regulated conception, procreation child bearing family relation and marriage.
- Explains that the exploration for gay marriages has been severe over time and can be likened to the movements that fought for civil rights for the americans long before the law stood in.
- Explains that the issue of gay marriage has attracted a lot of public opinion and called for political views on it.
- Cites cahill, sean, eskridge, william n, and darren r. spedale. same-sex marriage: for better or for worse?
1196 wordsRead More - Homosexual Marriages: Two Sides of the Storyanalytical essayThe topic of homosexual marriages, or the marrying of two people of the same sex, is rather disputed among the majority of people in today’s society. Only small amounts of the population have opinions that are strongly favoring one side of the debate. For most of society who are the middle-of-the-road citizens, it is a tough call to make one way or the other. The main topics that are disputed are raising children in a same-sex household, the capacity of churches to allow such a marriage, and the integrity of a marriage as a legal document. These arguments will be expressed through the viewpoints of Andrew Sullivan and William Bennett. Sullivan is the author of the essay “Let Gays Marry” which was printed by Newsweek in June of 1996. William Bennett also contributed his essay to Newsweek in 1996 which was entitled “Leave Marriage Alone”.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that homosexual marriages, or the marriage of two people of the same sex, are disputed among the majority of people in today's society.
- Analyzes how andrew sullivan believes that homosexuals should have the right to get married. he does not want churches to change their practices, just to allow everyone to be themselves.
- Analyzes how william bennett, an editor, takes the opposing side of the argument when he writes that gay marriages should not be made legal.
- Explains that sullivan and bennett agree that marriage is a bond between two people who are in love. however, they disagree on the legality of polygamy.
- Concludes that homosexual marriages are a controversial topic. both andrew sullivan and william bennett present convincing and provocative arguments for their respective sides.
811 wordsRead More - The Term “Marriage” Should Have No Boundariesopinionated essayZremski, J. (2011, July 21). New York's gay couples still limited : Federal law restricts marriage
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the topic of gay marriage is an issue that our nation is undecided upon. many believe that gay and lesbians deserve no rights at all and should have the same privileges as heterosexual couples.
- States rauch, j. the future of children, volume 15, number 2, fall 2005, pp.
- Opines that new york's gay couples still limited — federal law restricts marriage.
- Opines that the united states has an extensive history of sexual ideology, including boundaries on how children function within a family, correct responsibilities, and conduct for which heterosexual couples must abide to in the union of marriage.
- Opines that marriage between homosexuals is an unwelcome thought to most. the state of new york allows gay marriages, but cannot afford the rights of heterosexual couples to the gay couples.
- Explains that religious rights groups have easy access to radio, television, and print media outlets and can influence a sway in the republican party. christian theological doctrines were widely accepted until recently.
- Explains the innermost center of the opposition against gay marriage is the reality that gay couples cannot bring a child into the world themselves without assistance.
- Opines that a utilitarian approach would resolve the controversial ethical issue of gay marriage by considering the outcome of an action and choosing the option that creates the greatest outcome for most parties involved.
- Explains that the virtue ethics theory seeks to define what causes an individual to be moral, no emphasis is placed on the deed itself. society has placed an iron curtain between sharing love and happiness for the lesbian and gay community.
- Explains that the american civil liberties union (aclu) has a project specifically for the lgbt communities. they believe that religious convictions should have no justifiable bias towards the equality efforts put forth by lesbian and gay couples.
- Explains that gay and lesbian members of the u.s. armed forces were discharged from the service if they admitted to being gay. the dadt law was repealed on september 20, 2011 allowing them to serve their country openly gay
- Opines that being a lesbian does not give them specific rights, but it takes away many rights that their straight friends are afforded.
2488 wordsRead More - Definition of Marriage Essayanalytical essayBecker, Joe. "A Conservative’s Road to Same-Sex Marriage Advocacy." New York Times 18 Aug. 2009: 1-3. Print.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that people have been arguing about the definition of marriage. andrew sullivan believes in same-sex marriage, while william bennett speaks against it.
- Analyzes how sullivan's essay argues for accepting same-sex marriage in the supreme court.
- Analyzes how bennett divides opinions about same-sex marriage. one is whether homosexual marriage strengthens or weakens the institution of marriage, and the other is what the definition is.
- Opines that sullivan agrees with the same-sex marriage and bennett is the opponent. bennett focuses on marriage.
- Analyzes how the bible teaches about love argues for the other side of gay marriage.
819 wordsRead More - Homosexual Marriage Should Be Legalargumentative essayRich, A., & Wagner, G. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2014, from Same Sex Marriage:An Overview: web.ebscohost.com/Pov/detail?Sid=ffb0c876-35e1-45fd-83d9-6c24c21bb78b%40sessionmgr1108vid=28hid=112&bdata=JnNpdGU9cG92LWxpdmU%3d#db=pwh&AN=23259475
In this essay, the author
- Argues that homosexual marriage should be legal because it is a symbol of love and passion for one another, and prohibiting gay marriage is unconstitutional discrimination.
- Argues that marriage should be a union between two people who truly love and care for each other and plan to spend the rest of their lives together.
- Opines that the conservative course is not to banish people from making such commitments. we should insist on gay marriage.
- States that the supreme court ruled in nineteen seventy-eight that marriage is considered an important aspect of culture and community. homosexual couples experience discrimination on not only the personal level but the legal level as well.
- Explains that children living with homosexual families are often overlooked. according to the two thousand united states census, about twenty-eight percent of homosexual homes have children.
- Concludes that children raised by homosexual parents are just as well as those raided by heterosexual parents.
- Analyzes how the defense of marriage act harms married homosexual couples by withholding federal responsibilities and protections accorded to all other married couples.
- Opines that every single american gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender deserves to be treated equally in the eyes of the law and our society.
- Concludes that the united states constitution does not explicitly prohibit homosexual marriage, but the federal government doesn't recognize the validity of such marriages.
- Concludes that homosexual marriage should be legalized because it is a symbol of love and passion for one another, and prohibiting gay marriage is unconstitutional discrimination.
- Explains that same-sex marriage;moral wrong or civil right? minneapolis: tenty-first century books. gay marriage research paper.
- Cites hudson, m., and wagner, g. (n.d.). gay marriage: http://gaymarriage.procon.org.
1121 wordsRead More - Rights toward Equality: Fair for Homosexuals or Not?analytical essayThroughout the United States there are many rights that should be practiced by everyday citizens, but there are many people that would not agree to that statement. Homosexuality has gone the distance in the past two decades and is finally being accepted by most people. Although it is being accepted, most rights that have been passed have not been equal to that of non-homosexuals. Discrimination towards homosexuals is the most problematic topic, for the very reason, they have been mistreated and/ or bullied by others for not being considered the norm. The way homosexuals do something, communicate, stride, and so on are being put on the line and should not be taken as being different. Equality should be seen with every man and woman without thought of their sexual orientation. Within different communities you can see the difference between the rights of dissimilar sex oriented people, and should be justified to where everyone is treated the same. With many different types of religion practiced around the United States, homosexuality is most likely problem considered a sin toward a religious person. Going against any normality that people have can cause a catastrophe within; let us just say the Catholic society. With only six states that have recognized to legalize gay marriage and actually follow through, many people from states that don’t have the legalization may think it is erroneous to be so called "married" to someone of the same sex. Partnerships no matter what the sexual orientation should have identical rights in a marriage. Adoption is also another matter homosexual couples have to suffer with. Furthermore, adoption agencies believe that homosexual couples could not be responsible for a child, nor have a loving home, in suc...
In this essay, the author
- Argues that homosexuality has gone the distance in the past two decades, but most rights that have been passed have not been equal to that of non-homosexuals.
- Analyzes how eskridge's journal discusses discrimination, with regards to where it is at this moment in america.
- Analyzes how the tendency of mainstream society to view gay people through the totalizing, and hysterical lens of sexual acts is one reason we need the employment non-discrimination act.
- Opines that many people look at homosexuals and want to automatically reflect about sodomy, instead of thinking about a potential friend or just another person in this world who should have the same privileges as they are. discrimination hurts people and society, but so can religion.
- Explains how people's misinterpretation of the bible has left a trail of suffering, bloodshed, and death.
- Describes how matthew williams and his brother, tyler, murdered a gay couple, gary matson and winfield mowder, in their home near sacramento, california.
- Analyzes the westboro baptist church (wbc), a notorious religious society that shows pure hatred on homosexual individuals.
- Analyzes how religion plays a major role in marriage, stating that gay couples want the same rights as heterosexuals.
- Explains that bill clinton proposed a law for gays to serve in the united states military, as long as their superiors didn't find out nor the homosexuals themselves, "came out".
- Explains that clinton could not afford to have his first veto over-ridden by congress if he tried to enact an executive order.
- Explains that clinton issued an executive order for the current "don't ask, don't tell" policy and congress dropped the legislation which would have made a federal law forbidding homosexuals to serve.
- Opines that homosexual americans will face some extent of hatred against them in the military because of the repeal of "don't ask, don’t tell".
- Opines that although non-homosexuals face hardships, they still have the ability to live their lives just as any one person would do. discrimination and hatred from other people may be the one thing that would get homosexuals down.
- Explains that marriage between homosexuals is good for marriage. the national catholic reporter, 42(5), 20-20.
- Explains that eskridge, william n. jr., "a jurisprudence of "coming out": religion, homosexuality, and collisions of liberty and equality in american public law."
1764 wordsRead More - Oppression and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Personsanalytical essayLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Oppression Generations ago, the United States was a country of the male wardrobe. Today's movements for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community are leveraging the existence of more globalized and open systems. Besides, the promotion of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender population have been acknowledged through smart partnerships within conventional, political and economic scene, while the males and heterosexuals are still pervasive. Beyond the simple justice to give this element of equal rights to lesbians and gays, the legalization of gay marriage in selected states reflects a change in attitudes in society towards LGBT people and is a positive factor in driving major changes. In some ways, from the church to the laws, we are told in this society, whether young or elderly, there is something morally wrong in being in that type of relationship.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that the legalization of gay marriage in selected states reflects a change in attitudes in society towards lgbt people.
- Explains that prior to the adoption of bill c-38, the appellate courts in eight provinces and one territory have all found this definition discriminatory against the canadian charter of rights and freedoms.
- Cites anderssen, amlie, and ytteroy for their review of studies on children with lesbian or gay parents.
- Analyzes ellsworth's work on repressive myths of critical pedagogy. miller, a. v., and rasmussen, m.
1093 wordsRead More - Gay Marriage in the USA: Tides of Changeargumentative essayThere is a large group of Americans who are not included in this current definition; these people believe the same unalienable rights should be available to all citizens of this country. This is where a new concept was born: gay marriage. The main purpose of this paper is to discuss the history of the LGTB(Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, and Bisexual) movement in the USA, and the different positions that oppose that movement. Also, the current trends indicate a change is coming soon for this country on the issue. There are more gay supporters standing on the side of gay couples affirming that equality is necessary in America. Opponents just claim that gay relationships are uncommitted and shallow, and because of these facts they should not have the right to marry.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that marriage is a legally accepted relationship between man and woman in which they live as husband and wife. it causes many feelings of guilt, humiliation and strife in relationships where trust has been compromised.
- Analyzes the history of the lgtb movement in the usa and the different positions that oppose it. there are more gay supporters standing on the side of gay couples affirming that equality is necessary in america.
- Explains that gay marriage or same sex marriage is one of the most controversial and discussed issues around the world today. many people are pro-gay rights, while others consider it anti-christian and say it goes against god.
- Explains how the stonewall riots of 1969 strengthened the effort to recognize the rights of the lgbt community.
- Explains that in 1993, three same-sex couples filed a discrimination suit against the state of hawaii for denying their marriage requests, and the state supreme court nearly legalized gay marriage.
- Explains that many religions do not allow gay marriages or are against homosexuality, while reform judaism allows same sex unions. catholics and christians are among the most problematic groups.
- Explains that in 1997, two lesbian couples and one gay male couple from vermont started requesting marriage licenses in their state. in 2003, it was declared in massachusetts that same-sex couples should have equal rights to marry under the state constitution.
- Explains that the federal government does not recognize gay marriage as legal in the usa. the district of columbia, connecticut, iowa, vermont, new hampshire, maine, and massachusetts have approved same-sex marriage.
- Concludes that gay marriage is not a break up in people’s cultures or traditions; it is just an advance in social equity.
- Cites barr, bobb, and capehart, jonathan on obama’s historic action against doma.
- Explains that the california supreme court will consider gay marriage. the pope says it's 'insidious and dangerous'.
1251 wordsRead More - The Marriage Ordeal: Rights and Ramificationsanalytical essayIn a country with it’s fundamentals based on liberty and equality, America has always struggled with those very concepts. Throughout history, Americans have been challenged to make decisions that have oppressed and freed certain groups of people. The political fight for same-sex marriages is a perfect example of this notion. This relation between spouses has created a major controversy that is creating history in our nation. A series of protests, acts and political scandal has finally opened America to discuss a topic that had been in “the closet” for a long time. This discussion asks questions that have caused a visceral reaction in society. Questions such as whether gays and lesbians should marry, and if so, should they be granted the same matrimony rights as heterosexual couples? Should marriage be protected to fit traditional American values? How would these unions affect or contribute to our definition of such a celebrated institution? .
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the political fight for same-sex marriages has created a major controversy that is creating history in america.
- Explains that tradition is a strong component in the institution of marriage. the "quickie" vegas drive-through wedding or the underwater vow exchange is not as unusual or shocking as it once was.
- Explains that same-sex unions aren't as contemporary as some might assume. there are many recorded characters and stories about them in the bible.
- Explains that same-sex marriage is at the center of one of the hottest debates of this year's legislative session.
- Analyzes how the same-sex marriage debate is a controversial topic. both groups voice out their opinions in various ways, such as the campaign for children and families rally in san diego.
- Opines that denying same-sex marriages isn't fair, but it's an important topic that deserves our attention.
- Cites baldman, anthony gay & lesbian times and san diego news for their pro-family rallies against same-sex marriage rights.
- Explains wallerstein, judith, and blakeslee, sandra, the good marriage. boston - new york: houghton mifflin company, 1995.
1792 wordsRead More - Same-Sex Marriage Affirmative Caseanalytical essayOver the last years the topic of same-sex marriage has been of great importance to our society. The idea of the same gender being lawfully married is disturbing to a group of people but in the recent years the number of supporters has increased. The cases that argue for the legalization of same-sex marriage are focusing on the relationship of the individuals and do not see anything in same-sex marriage that could harm our society as a whole. The article “How the President go to ‘I Do’ on Same-Sex Marriage,” published by Joe Becker in April 2014, explains how Barack Obama started saying that he was undecided about the subject matter but is now leaning toward the legalization of same-sex marriage. The subject matter takes a lot of analyzing of what pros and cons are to come from the legalization of same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage is a global argument that deals with unifying two individuals of the same gender under the law. The main reason that supporters give for justifying same-sex marriage is that it is for the same reason as straight people, to show love and commitment to each other. Furthermore, the argument of same-sex marriage is difficult to generalize because of the multiple factors that need to be taken in consideration when making any decision regarding this topic. Although Becker does have true premises, he lacks clarity in his terms which make his argument be false and invalid.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the legalization of same-sex marriage is a global argument that deals with unifying two individuals of the same gender under the law.
- Analyzes how becker uses material fallacies throughout the article to argue his point on same-sex marriage.
- Analyzes how becker uses the material fallacy of poisoning the well to attack a person's credibility rather than addressing the subject of the argument.
- Analyzes how becker uses predicables as a method to show the classification of the predicate.
- Disagrees with becker's argument of why obama supported same-sex marriage because he does not state logical evidence to support his claims.
- Opines that the global view on marriage plays an important role because it is what everyone is accustomed to live by.
- Analyzes becker, jo, "how the president got to ‘i do’ on same-sex marriage." the new york times, 19 apr.
1193 wordsRead More