The Danger of Homophobia in American Culture
analytical Essay
650 words
Homophobia has been a problem for a very long time, all across the world. For example, during the Holocaust, in which homosexuals were forced to wear the “Pink Triangle”, a pink, upside down triangle, on his or her coat for identification. Of course, the pattern of homophobia is not only shown throughout world history, but American history as well. For example, sodomy laws, laws that rule certain sexual acts as crimes, were established as early as 1963. The penalty for these laws varied from state to state. Some of the punishments include: two to ten year imprisonments or two thousand dollar fines. The cruelty of these homophobic actions should not be accepted any longer. It encourages bullying, denies human beings their civil rights, and continues to foster a mentality of indifference and intolerance towards our fellow man. According to a study done by National Youth Association in 2010, 9 out of 10 students in the LGBT community have experienced harassment in school, and over ⅓ of LGBT youth have attempted suicide. More recently, statistics by the Human Rights Campaign (hrc.org) claim that 4 in 10 LGBT youth say that their community is not accepting of LGBT people. In 1998 the Westboro Baptist Church was brought into America’s spotlight when they picketed the funeral of Matthew Shepard, a young man in the LGBT community who had been beaten to death because of his sexuality. Since then, the cruelty of WBC hasn’t ceased to leave many in sickening shock. Bullying, throughout time, has evolved. It’s not just Little Timmy being beaten up for his lunch money anymore. Now, parents are involved. Many religious households raise their children on the beliefs that bullying is A-OK if Little Timmy is a homosexual. Parents ar... ... middle of paper ... ...oot of bullying in the LGBT community. It keeps same-sex couples from sharing the benefits of marriage, and causes a mentality of indifference and intolerance towards our fellow man. Works Cited "Crimes Against Homosexuals Tracked by Government, 1988-April, 1990." DISCovering U.S. History. Detroit: Gale, 2003. Student Resources in Context. Web. 17 Dec. 2013. "GAY/LESBIAN/BISEXUALITY/TRANSGENDER ISSUES." African American Almanac. Ed. Brigham Narins. 10th ed. Detroit: Gale, 2009. Student Resources in Context. Web. 17 Dec. 2013. Grossman, Andrew. "Gay Studies." New Dictionary of the History of Ideas. Ed. Maryanne Cline Horowitz. Vol. 3. Detroit: Charles Scribner's Sons, 2005. 866-870. Student Resources in Context. Web. 17 Dec. 2013. ProCon.org. "16 States with Legal Gay Marriage and 33 States with Same-Sex Marriage Bans." ProCon.org. 13 Dec. 2013. Web. 18 Dec. 2013.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that homophobia has been a problem since the holocaust, when homosexuals were forced to wear the "pink triangle" on their coats for identification.
- Analyzes how bullying has evolved since 1998 when the westboro baptist church pickedeted the funeral of matthew shepard.
- Argues that homophobia is the reason that many same-sex couples cannot get married.
- Explains that to justify terrorizing one particular group, one has to find a way to dehumanize them in some way, to make it justifiable. labeling an entire group as evil sinners makes them less valuable.
- Opines that the inhumanity of homophobia should not be accepted in the american culture any longer.
- Cites "crimes against homosexuals tracked by government, 1988-april, 1990." discovering u.s.history.
Related
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- Essay On Homophobia In Schoolsopinionated essayHomophobia is a pervasive issue in schools across the nation. America, the country where all men are equal, is quite the opposite when it comes to one’s sexual orientation. Every day, both men and women across the country are denied simple, civil rights, because of their sexual orientation. Gaining gay rights, in general, has been a long, ugly fight over the past decade. The LGBTQ community has been ridiculed and persecuted for how they live their lives, yet they are human beings filled with love and compassion just like every one else. The LGBTQ community has previously been denied marriage rights, jobs, and even killed because of who they love. This negative attention begins in the school systems. In a 2012 study, fifty-five percent of lesbian, gay, and bisexual students in secondary schooling experienced
In this essay, the author
- Opines that homophobia is a pervasive issue in schools across the nation. america is the opposite when it comes to one's sexual orientation.
- Explains that homophobic discrimination is a widespread issue in schools today. bullying can be distinguished in two ways: harassment and overt offenses.
- Opines that the levels of sexual harassment are high across the board for lgbtq students.
- Opines that the majority of discrimination against lgbtq youth emanates from the schools that they attend.
- Opines that schools and parents can diminish discrimination against lgbt youths. they explain that anti-gay bullying students were ignorant to the subject, so schools modified a system where all students could be educated.
888 wordsRead More - Homophobia And Homosexualityopinionated essayMost societies view homosexuality as something that is morally wrong. Individuals view sexual relations between like genders as sick. For many years homosexuality has existed, so why Homophobia is related to gender socialization still exists? As a human they see things they cannot understand as wrong in society. Homophobia issues in society are the discussions when subjects like religion and morals are talked about. There are numerous agents of gender socialization in society like family, religion, school, and media. The media is the most pervasive correspondence medium depicts highly stereotyped roles for men and women. Religion is strong emphasis on gender differences with explicit affirmation of the authority of men over women. Family they
In this essay, the author
- Explains that homosexuality is a choice, as an individual could easily fall in love with the same sex.
- Explains that there are so many disadvantages in society like being killed because of your sexual orientation.
- Opines that religion has been a big issue with judging homosexuality. some christians believe that the bible speaks with one clear voice.
- Explains why homosexuality is related to gender socialization in society. the media portrays highly stereotyped roles for men and women.
- Explains that the lord god formed out of the ground all the wild animals and birds in the sky and named them. the old testament says homosexuality is sinful, but free countries are governed by science, facts, and equality
- Concludes that america societies have gone far is tending to the issue of homosexuality.
1115 wordsRead More - Homosexuality has been common in many cultures throughout history, but not always known. When it came about in society many religions thought it as sinful. As a result, being gay or lesbian was a crime, punishable by death. In the twentieth century homosexuality took a turn around. As a result gay bashing became common in America. In November 13, 1986 on The Oprah Winfrey Show, a boy admitted that he and his friends hunted gay men down and beat them with baseball bats (Opposing View Points, "Homosexuals are an..."). It seems that this issue of discrimination of gays is too extreme. Society needs to know that homosexuals are fighting for civil rights, not special rights. They want to be treated equal in the workplace, in housing and in public accommodations.
In this essay, the author
- Describes how matthew shepard, a gay college student, was tortured and left for death by two bikers. he wanted gays and heterosexuals to see eye-to-eye.
- Opines that homosexuality has been common in many cultures throughout history, but not always known.
- Explains that colorado's anti-gay rights measure, amendment 2, was unconstitutional. the first, fifth, fourteenth, and ninth amendments prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender religion and disability.
- Argues that homosexuals spread aids, which causes death, and that they shouldn't be considered a minority, like african americans and mexicans.
- Opines that discrimination against homosexuals isn't the main concern, but it's getting society no where.
- Explains the aclu briefing paper on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
- Explains keyes' "on homosexual rights" and miller's "the final days and nights of a gay martyr."
1008 wordsRead More - Homosexuality and the Existence of Discriminationexplanatory essayHomosexuality is most commonly defined as a person who has a sexual attraction to someone of the same sex. To many gay men and lesbians it means much more than just a sexual attraction. It means being able to have a loving relationship with the person they choose based on their beliefs and for some the right to have this love legally acknowledged through the institution of marriage. As with many minority groups, the one thing they all have in common is to be able to live their life free from hatred and discrimination. Over the years, homosexuality has been a significant topic of discussion in our society. Although progress towards altering public perception of homosexuality has been made in the last thirty years, significant homophobia remains pervasive in society.
In this essay, the author
- Defines homosexuality as a person who has sexual attraction to someone of the same sex.
- Explains that homosexuality can be traced back to ancient times and a brief history shows many of the struggles that gay men and lesbians have had to face.
- Explains that many people moved to large cities to find work leaving their rural areas. the american psychiatric association removed homosexuality from its list in 1973.
- Explains that it is difficult for many people to understand homosexuality because of the gender roles that are put upon us at a very young age.
- Explains that although there have been significant improvements towards homosexuality in many countries around the world, gay rights in several other countries are becoming worse.
- Opines that discrimination has a long history of violence towards homosexuality and altering public perception has been slow.
- States that mississippi's michael sam announces he is gay and may be the first openly gay player.
- Describes kim, richard, and the nation's "the truth about hate crimes laws."
- Explains saner, emine, gay rights around the world: the best and worst countries for equality.
- Explains that gay bashing is one of the worst forms of discrimination. police officers would entrap and beat gay men, lesbians, and male drag queens.
- Explains that people are coming out at a younger age due to seeing more gay people in the public as positive role models and on television programming.
2380 wordsRead More - Gay Marriage and Other Issues Surrounding the LGBT Communityexplanatory essayTo better understand the reason for such prejudice against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community, we must first explore the history that surrounds it. Until the late nineteenth century, there were no labels for homosexuals or heterosexuals—we were all merely people. Around the 1860s, however, the government noticed certain groups had “lost their morals” and stopped focusing on the household, the family, and reproduction, but rather focused on their own pleasure. These people were labeled as deviants, or homosexuals. Homosexual activity and those who engaged in it then became a target for medical, legal, and psychiatric “help.” People gathered in places like Bavaria to fight sodomy, and hundred of thousands of homosexuals were sent to concentration camps to be exterminated. After WWII, thousands of LGBT people were dishonorably discharged from the army and dumped into port cities. Because many of them would not or could not face their families back home, they stayed there. It is said that hundreds of ex-service members were found in San Francisco every day.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that elton john's quote shows the minority opinion when dealing with homosexuality or homosexual marriage.
- Explains the history of prejudice against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (lgbt) community.
- Explains that the mattachine society is the first known homosexual organization in the united states.
- Explains that the american civil liberties union, and the lutheran church publicly opposed anti-homosexuality laws between 1960 and 1970.
- Explains that the fight for gay rights was over, but there was a widespread backlash. in the late 1970s, people who strongly opposed homosexuality began to compete with gay right activists and leaders to win over the hearts of the american people.
- Opines that homophobia is infiltrating so many people, that they cannot handle the thought of two people who love each other, no matter their gender.
- Opines that they do not expect homophobia to vanish or tolerance to peek its head out in a day. there are many stories of courage, triumph, pain, and even hardship.
- Explains that there is no explanation for why people discriminate against those who are different. there are many common stereotypes toward the lgbt community.
- Opines that sexuality should be free, and there are numerous people you can reach out to if you are a part of the lgbt community.
- Opines that tolerance is the most important aspect of everyone's life. everyone strives to fit in at least once in their life, and when we don't it hurts.
- Opines that kindness and understanding are important moral values people should learn to live by.
- Describes the works of robert baird and stuart e. rosenbaum. same-sex marriage: the moral and legal debate.
- Explains that gay marriage rights—where is gay marriage legal? 2009. gay life. kafka, tina.
1559 wordsRead More - Gay Marriage Should Be Legal in All Statesanalytical essayGay bashing is the verbal of physical abuse towards someone who is thought to be homosexual. This form of bullying has become strikingly common in the United States and has only increased. While the frequency of hate crimes towards gays (20.8% in 2011) is less than half that of racial biased hate crimes (46.9%) it is still the second most common source for a hate crime in America, among other such as religious or gender bias. That percentage is still an increase from the previous year at 18.6%, meanwhile the overall count of hate crimes decreased. The types of hate crimes ranged from property crimes, intimidation...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that human nature is the general psychological characteristics, feelings, and behavioral traits of humankind, regarded as shared by all humans. children have minimal influences from society and are encountering many ideas and experiences for the first time.
- Argues that the strongest opposition to gay marriage comes from religious groups, who say homosexuality is sinful. the paper's goal is not to argue the right and wrong of religious values, but in a political setting this argument has little validity.
- Explains that many arguments against gay marriage stem from an ideology of what a family and marriage should be.
- Argues that government is not in place to determine the success of a family, or the happiness of the children in that family.
- Explains that gay marriage is one of the most widely contended and discussed topics in the united states of america.
- Describes the 16 states with legal gay marriage and 33 states with same-sex marriage bans.
- Explains the federal bureau of investigation's "annual report released." matthews, meredith. "words that hurt." current health teens 38.5 (2012): 14-17.
- Analyzes bradlaugh's "secular right | reality & reason." rss. n.p., 29 apr. 2009. web. 25 nov. 2013.
- Analyzes wang, wenjing, and junjie li's study on single parent family teenagers' educational problems and social worker intervention. mcpherson, gareth.
1370 wordsRead More - Hate Crimes Against Gaysopinionated essayLong ago it was declared by the republic of this nation that all men are created equal. By this statement, our founding fathers agreed upon the fact that no matter your race, religion, sexual orientation, sex or disability, as a citizen of the United States of America one has the same rights as the next man. Although it was recognized in the past and action was taken, prejudices still exist in today's society. As time progresses, American's seem to find a new fault in their common man so that they may have some hostility and blame the problems of the nation upon them. Today it is suffice to say that many citizens have overlooked the aspect of race, sex and religion, and instead hold animosity against those who retain a separate sexual orientation then themselves. People of the homosexual, bisexual, and transgender sexual preferences are now the nations prime target in the fear and anguish against those who are different. This primary topic, which falls under the key issue of Civil Rights, must be dealt with accordingly for there to be any chance of the nation to have complete peace.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that homosexuality is no advantage, but it is nothing to be ashamed of. many highly respectable individuals of ancient and modern times have been homosexuals.
- Explains that the republic of the united states of america declared that all men are created equal. however, prejudices still exist in today's society. many americans overlook race, sex and religion, and instead hold animosity against those who retain a separate sexual orientation.
- Explains that the majority of society holds deep in childish hate against homosexuals. hate crimes thrive in the united states and other countries around the world.
- States that the hate crimes prevention act (hcpa) amends the current federal law to include real or perceived sexual orientation, gender, and disability so the fbi could investigate and prosecute violent hate crimes against gays, lesbians and bisexuals.
- Explains that a gay man was beaten to death after coming out in the united states navy in 1993. the victim's family believes that the 50-year-old ban was violated.
- Explains that the government established the hcpa in hopes of drastically reducing the number of hate crimes against gays and lesbians.
- Opines that citizens of the nation must take responsibility for what is happening around them and take a stand against the hate and prejudices in the country.
- Analyzes how luckson lambert publicly denounced george w. bush after his brother, jeb, angered him by declaring an end to racial set-asides meant to help women and minorities overcome disadvantages in getting jobs and education.
- Opines that every citizen of the nation must rise above the hate that many hold within their hearts and find a common ground to focus on instead of differences.
- Describes the h.r. 1082/s. 622's hate crimes prevention act.
919 wordsRead More - Gay Marriage Persuasive Essayanalytical essayMany teenagers who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans are often bullied by their peers. In 2013 a National School Climate Survey showed that seventy-one point four percent of LGBT students were called gay or other derogatory terms often, fifty-four point six percent also heard comments about not being masculine or feminine enough. Almost fifty-two percent of students reported even hearing homophobic statements from teachers or other school workers. Sixteen point five percent of students were also physically assaulted by other students because of their sexuality. Because of these events, LGBT students were three times more likely to miss school than non-LGBT students, had a lower GPA, and had higher levels of depression. A girl I knew in high school named Donna identified as bisexual and I often saw her being pushed around in the halls and called countless terrible names. This soon lead to her feeling bad about herself, becoming depressed, and even self-harming by cutting and burning her arms. Donna also had to drop out of school and start being homeschooled because of the amount of bullying she encountered on a daily basis. The Trevor Project is a LGBT supportive organization that focuses on bringing awareness to homosexuality in young people, works to provide support for youths that are questioning their sexuality or are depressed because of the effects of bullying, and to prevent suicide among these youths. The Trevor Project explains that LGBT youths are four times more likely to attempt suicide than straight youths of the same age. This organization also tells us that young people who come out to their families and are rejected by them are eight times more likely to attempt suicide than people who were not pushed away by their families. These numbers are not only alarming,
In this essay, the author
- Opines that gay marriage is illegal in the united states because of what the bible says about it, despite the fact that the us constitution says that there is to be a separation between church and state.
- Explains that many teenagers who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans are often bullied by their peers. the trevor project focuses on bringing awareness to homosexuality in young people.
- Analyzes how the trevor project explains that lgbt youths are four times more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth of the same age.
- Opines that homosexuality is not uncommon in the united states and that same-sex marriage should be accepted and legalized.
- Explains the 2013 national school climate survey: the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth in our nation’s schools.
- Argues that homosexuality isn't a choice because not everyone practices the same religion and beliefs.
- Analyzes stallard, brian, and coghlan, andy. "largest study of gay brothers homes in on gay genes."
1374 wordsRead More - The Fight for Guy Rights at Schoolsexplanatory essayThe Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender population has been suffering for years but historically the fight for their rights is still new. The fight for these people’s right has just started for adults and it is even more new for the youth. In the late 60s and 70s this fight for gay rights joined the other civil right fights. This fight they have been fighting is still going on today,more than 50 years later. Bullying by peers has lasting effects on LGBT youth but it is not only other kids that can bully these kids. Teachers and other adults can also have negative effects on LGBT youth both directly and indirectly. So many problems take place in schools and the schools have a responsibility to take action to stop them in root but this has often not been the case. They are not proficient in their responsibilities to protect all of their students.
In this essay, the author
- Explains how mental health played a role in the history of lgbt peopl.
- Explains that sexual orientation was a civil issue that needed attention in the 1960s. discrimination on lgbt people has not really been taken care of until today.
- Opines that schools and teachers are playing catch up on their responsibilities.
- Explains that gays, bisexuals and transgender youth have been and will be going through difficult times in the school system. during the civil rights movement lgbt people fought for the rights that all people should have.
- Explains that the fight for lgbt rights started in the late 60s and 70s. bullying by peers has lasting effects on lgbt youth but it is not only other kids that can bully them.
- Opines that schools aren't prepared for the battle they're fighting for lgbt youth in america. the funding in schools is low and teachers are stretched to their limits.
1218 wordsRead More - Is Being Gay, Okay?opinionated essayWe believe that Violence and hate against homosexuality need to diminish severely. Gay bashing, gay bullying, and hate crime is very popular when it comes to hating on homosexual people. LGBT people of all ages die every year, whether caused by suicide, injury or homicide. From 1999-2010, the Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention program says that suicide is the 3rd leading cause (4,600 deaths) of death among young people ages 15 to 24. In 2011 there were 1,572 victims that received hate crimes based on sexual orientation. In an article on PBS, written by a woman named Karen Franklin, a description of an interview with a man called Brian states that him and his ...
In this essay, the author
- Opines that homosexuality should decrease, and the homosexual rights should increase.
- Explains that homosexuality dates back to times before the bible was written. the bible does not state anything about 2 women being together.
- Opines that violence and hate against homosexuality need to diminish severely. in some countries, a death penalty is implemented for people who are gay, in others, you can be imprisoned for several years.
- Explains that homosexuals aren't natural, but there are less gay people in the world than hetrosexuals because of genetics. over 1,500 species of animals have homosexual traits.
- Argues that if gay people choose to gain children, they will lack the ‘sufficient’ parenting role of the other sex.
- Argues that homosexuality is a sin, and that it's not natural for gays to get married. christianity originated from judaism.
- Explains that over 1,500 species of animals are found with homosexual traits, including sea urchins and aphis, and that same-sex pairing in many species alleviates the likelihood of divorce.
- Opines that lgbt people everywhere should be accepted in their societies. 19 states legalize gay marriage, and the human race is evolving to create a better future.
- Cites cdc's injury: wisqars - data use restrictions.
- Explains the trevor project's "facts about suicide" and "do animals exhibit homosexuality."
- States rupar, terri, here are the 10 countries where homosexuality may be punished by death.
- Explains that "lgbt rights by country or territory." wikimedia foundation, 26 may 2014. murray lipp, "the top 10 arguments against gay marriage: all receive failing grades."
- Explains mahoney, kelli, "what can the bible tell christian teens about homosexuality?" about.com.
- Explains how religion changed over time from the middle ages to today.
- Summarizes the fbi's "annual report shows slight decrease."
890 wordsRead More