Gay Marriage - Essay Example

MARRIAGE Summary Gay marriage is a very divisive issue in society, and there are many perspectives in mainstream magazines and newspapers about it. Some of these perspective support gay marriage as political and legislative additions to states and localities. In Tamari’s newspaper article, the tone is critical. A gay marriage advocate is portrayed critically in the article, with attention drawn to their faults. This is not an experimental study with validity and reliability proofs, with a bibliography; it is a newspaper article. The author tries to be objective, but since they are writing about politics, some of it is subjective. The author makes negative comments about gay rights and gay marriage advocate Goldstein, and his “strident… overbearing, fervor has also hurt his cause among some lawmakers, including gay-rights supporters. As the push for same-sex marriage sputtered with a canceled vote in the full Senate, Goldstein faced a backlash from Democratic lawmakers who had confronted political threats and personal protests” (Tamari, 2009). Note that this article is not critical of gay marriage as a practice explicitly; it simply criticize a politician and advocate who is working for gay rights, and to have gay marriage legalized. The Los Angeles Times story did not have a reported byline, but quoted several external sources, including rock star Bruce Springsteen. Therefore, its research validity is perhaps higher than in Tamari’s article, because it is actually a case example study that quotes secondary authority, rather than a subjective journalistic opinion. In fact, in one section of this news story, there is even a quotation within a quotation, which is certainly a common sight in empirical research. “Ive long believed in and have always spoken out for the rights of same sex couples and fully agree with Governor [Jon] Corzine when he writes that, ‘The marriage-equality issue should be recognized for what it truly is -- a civil rights issue that must be approved to assure that every citizen is treated equally under the law” (Bruce, 2009). Of course, this is also a subjective news story, no matter what secondary or primary authority it may rest upon, These discussions in the mainstream media contribute to our discussion of sex and gender, because gay marriage is a gender based issue. Controversy Today’s society acts as a sort of mainstream propagator of social control in terms of labeling deviance and regulating behavior. This state of sanctioning is what is seen to jump statistically along lines of difference from what are construed as societal norms, arguably (using labeling theory) insuring the perpetuity of unreasonably detected deviant behavior in opposition to this societal perspective. This state of affairs is contrary to what is expected by the legal precedent established by the reasonable perspective. In many cases, the unreasonableness of the decision made by an existing legal structure is based on surface assessments that consider the individual’s sexuality as a primary indicator of deviance. This is controversial because of discrimination. Anti gay marriage policy can be seen as discriminatory to the individual because it is not a reasonable perception, and is based on out-group distancing. The situation is generally improving, however, as mainstream society becomes more accepting of different lifestyles and stops viewing them in terms of labeling theory as being deviant and therefore subject to discrimination. In terms of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual individuals, the legal system has shown a history of discrimination that has lately been more and more accepting, and hopefully in the future will be unconditionally supportive through an advocate of systemic change and progress. Bias is being subjectively favorable towards one group or conclusion even when faced with contrary evidence. Whether positive or negative a lot of reportage on gay marriage tends to deal more with an in-group perceiving an out-group than a true cultural synthesis of understanding. This is far from a comprehensive definition of discrimination, which can also include social decisions that are based on the gender, disability, or race of a perceived group, to name just a few possible delineations. The cause for most discrimination and prejudice is the fostering of stereotypes that seek to assay out-group homogeneity from the perspective of the oppressor. This oppressor is also seen to organize the future of the system through a media system that emphasizes paternalist authority, causing psychological damage through discrimination of certain minority populations. Psychological damage in terms of self image can be attributed to the multifaceted cycle of discrimination in ways that connect it to homophobic and other oppression in the U.S., in terms media and educational systems. The US patriarchal culture often has preconceived notions of superiority and ideas of gender, which are evidenced in the fear of slipping into a future state in which nature is left uncontrolled. Globally, there have been many progressive strides made in the movement to be aware of and stand up for gay rights worldwide in the past few decades. However, a challenge of the future remains to other generations. Reaction I am not a cultural separatist, and I believe that my acceptance of diversity is a reflection of my positive communication skills as well, because the richest experience any of us has is interpersonal experience. In terms of my personal values, I think that there are various psychological mechanisms which affect the ways in which individuals behave and are treated in what could be construed as an holistic macro-culture. I think that people form relationships and partnerships homosocially as well as homosexually and also should feel free to express issues of gender identity in a way that encourages freedom and diversity in this macro-society. Gender issues are often complicated in terms of identification and desire, in terms of antagonism and psychoanalytical theories of female mimicry and male fantasy. Homosocial desire is a strong part of culture that can be instilled into groups using a social dynamic based on love. I feel personally that themes of struggle against gender oppositions that are placed on homosexuals by a dominant male power structure is an active part of gender awareness, especially in terms of foundational problems faced by homosexuals who try to self-sufficiently determine their identity against the grain of society and fail to achieve progress. I am bothered by what I see in the external culture in terms of the specific discrimination based on out-group thinking and prejudice which is homophobia. This trait manifests itself in a society where being straight is considered normal and being queer is considered not only queer, but dangerous and somehow inherently wrong by many individuals. These complicated factors come into play when one assesses a personal stance that brings advocacy and awareness to a social work practice level. The dangers of homophobia, racism, and gender oppression re clear from a position of advocacy which states that judgment lies not in external, but in performative, measures. REFERENCE Tamari, J (2009). Same sex marriage proponent’s furor backfires. Philadelphia Inquirer. Bruce Springsteen backs Jersey’s gay rights initiatives (2009). Los Angeles Times. Read More