The Problem of Bisexuality in the Modern World - Essay Example

The Problem of Bisexuality in the Modern World Introduction Modern conceptions of human sexuality take into account the fact that sexuality can be presented in different forms. In particular, sexuality can be manifested in the form of same-sex love. At the same time, some authors suggest that bisexuality should be considered as a third form of expression of human sexuality, which has an equal status compared with the other two forms of sexual orientation. In this regard, the article The Scientific Quest to Prove Bisexuality Exists by Benoit Denizet-Lewis and Is Bisexual Identity a Useful Fiction? by Mark Joseph Stern are of particular interest because they give an in-depth analysis of the problem. Articles’ Reviews In his article, Denizet-Lewis introduces the reader with the problem from the inside, that is, he talks about the difficulties faced by people (both men and women) who consider themselves bisexuals. It turns out that the problem is rather complicated, because modern society does not want to consider bisexuality as a real phenomenon. Denizet-Lewis writes that those men and women who tell about their bisexuality are often faced with the fact that other people cannot understand that this is possible. In some cases, bisexuals are even faced with humiliation and insults. Analyzing this situation, the author believes that it is linked to the existence of certain stereotypes regarding human sexuality. People believe that a person can be either heterosexual or homosexual, and the third form of sexual orientation does not exist. For this reason, a person who understands that some men and women have a sexual interest for him/her is often forced to hide his/her sexual orientation. Otherwise, he/she will not be understood by other people. It should be noted that despite the fact that homosexuality has ardent opponents, however in todays world, homosexuals are rather successfully defending their right to homosexuality. Unlike homosexuals, bisexuals do not have this capability. In fact, both heterosexuals and homosexuals do not recognize the existence of a third type of sexual orientation. Moreover, in practice, homosexuals demonstrate a more aggressive attitude towards bisexuals, believing that bisexuality is a fiction. In addition, such an attitude is manifested primarily to men, claiming their bisexual preferences. Thus, the value of this article is that it allows the reader to see the difficulties and complexities faced by bisexuals in a world, which states that it is aimed at the implementation of the principles of tolerance towards various forms of sexual orientation. The second article is of no less interest. Its author, Mark Stern tries to analyze bisexuality in another aspect. In particular, he wants to see bisexuality as a type of identity. Identity is important for all people, regardless of their sexual preferences. Indeed, both heterosexuals and homosexuals consider their sexual orientation as a basis of their identity. It is a particularly important element in their identity, which defines a set of specific qualities and values ​​that are essential for humans. Stern focuses on the fact that unlike heterosexuals and homosexuals, bisexuals are deprived of their identity. This is due to the fact that the current understanding of bisexuality cannot give a definite answer to the question about what bisexuality is. Bisexuality as the author notes can have two different definitions. Some experts believe that bisexuality suggests the possibility of falling in love with people, regardless of their gender. In turn, others believe that bisexuality involves sexual attraction to men and women based on their gender differences. In the first case, bisexuality is seen as the result of chaotic sexual preferences, while the second definition focus on sexual selectivity based on gender differences between men and women. In other words, the second definition implies that a person has a sexual attraction to men and women because men are men, and women are women. Stern also points to another feature of this problem. Not having their identity, bisexuals do not have their specific culture. If one compares bisexuals with gay men, he/she can see that homosexuality is not only a sexual desire. Stern says that homosexuality is a separate culture characterized by its specific cultural features. Homosexuality is not a fiction but a real phenomenon that has its own culture, ideas and outlook on life. The need to justify their identity requires bisexuals of uniting into a social movement that on a par with homosexuals will enable them to claim their right to freedom of sexual preferences. Articles’ Comparison Comparing the two articles, one can see the main difference between them. In particular, the first author gives the reader the opportunity to understand the psychological state of people who understand that their sexual preferences have a bisexual character. These people are faced with a lack of understanding, wonder and contempt on the part of not only heterosexuals, but also gay men. The reader learns about the difficulties that arise in the life of bisexuals for the simple reason that bisexuality does not have an adequate understanding and assessment in modern society. Bisexuality is regarded as a fiction, and this is due to the fact that bisexuality is considered in the framework of modern stereotypes. According to one of them, a person can be either homosexual or heterosexual, and the third type (bisexuality) is not possible. The second article focuses on the identity of bisexuals and the absence of their specific culture on a par with the gay culture. In other words, if Denizet-Lewis shows how other people treat bisexuals and assess their sexual orientation, Stern examines bisexuality in the aspect of human identity. Thus, Stern offers a social and philosophical analysis of the phenomenon of bisexuality, while Denizet-Lewis talks about the difficulties and challenges faced by bisexuals in the modern world. Supportive Literature on the Issue Independent assessment of the literature on the topic of bisexuality allows one to see that the information provided in these articles is supported by studies carried out by other authors. In particular, such authors as Beth Firestein, Brett Beemyn and Erich Steinman give an overall picture on this issue. They note that bisexuality is often perceived negatively, since the concept does not have an adequate understanding and assessment. Some people believe that bisexuality is a fiction and those who declare their bisexuality do not understand what they are talking about. Others argue that bisexuality may be regarded as one of the stages of development of sexuality and as a result, a person becomes either heterosexual or homosexual. The authors draw attention to the existence of biphobia as a phenomenon based on negative perceptions in relation to bisexuality. In general, the authors note that bisexuality does not have a qualitative and quantitative understanding. Modern studies do not provide a clear understanding of bisexuality. In addition, they cannot provide a quantitative picture of bisexuality: given that many bisexuals conceal their sexual orientation, scientists cannot conduct a full investigation of the issue. Social Impact The social significance of this problem is extremely important. This is due to the fact that modern society must be fair in relation to the rights of people to choose their sexual orientation. If homosexuals have the right to express their sexual orientation, and society promises tolerant and respectful attitude towards them, the same attitude should be observed in respect to bisexuals. It is unfair that the bisexuals suffer from misunderstanding, contempt, and even aggression on the part of heterosexuals and homosexuals. Tolerance in relation to the right to choose sexual orientation suggests that bisexuals also should be able to exercise their sexual orientation. In reality, the fact that bisexuals suffer from mockeries of others is negative. In this case, it must be recognized that modern society is applying double standards in relation to sexual orientation. Society needs much time to understand and accept the new category of sexual minorities. People often think in black and white, forgetting that there are a lot of shades of gray. On the whole, the society is easier to recognize the bisexual a gay, lesbian or heterosexual, than to accept and understand his/her true sexual preference. Because of this, bisexuals cannot feel comfortable. They start asking questions on the topic of their sexual orientation. If bisexual men have problems with the girls, they begin to think that they are gay men. If they fail in having relationship with other men, they begin to identify themselves as heterosexuals. Others come to a compromise and behave according to the environment. They have to pretend to be gay men, since it allows them to explain the nuances of their intimate life. Similar to homosexuals, bisexuals have the right to talk about their sexual orientation, and no one should insult or humiliate them for it. In this regard, these articles have a significant social value. They allow one to see the problems faced by bisexuals and hence they are a stimulus for social changes in relation to the rights of sexual minorities. As it is known, the problem is that the various stereotypes justify the negative perception of bisexuality. These articles analyze this issue in the context of social representations of bisexuality. Thus, they reveal the cause of negative attitudes towards bisexuality and as a result they open the way to find a solution to this problem. The articles show the scale of the problem within the framework of modern society, which declares its readiness to show tolerance to sexual orientation of people. Personal Impact I have to say that reading these articles allowed me to learn a lot of new and valuable information. In particular, I had no idea that in spite of the democratic gains in many countries around the world, bisexuals are still deprived of the rights and opportunities that homosexuals have. I assumed that if homosexuals rather successfully achieve social recognition of their sexual rights, then bisexuals also should not suffer much harassment. I was surprised when I found that bisexuals primarily men are forced to hide their sexual orientation and pretend homosexuals or adherents of traditional sexual relations. I am amazed that people continue following the wrong stereotypes regarding bisexuality while modern society declares tolerance including in relation to sexual orientation. I believe that the two articles deserve special attention because they reveal the double standards of modern humans in relation to sexuality and sexual orientation. If homosexuals gain recognition in their right to choose sexual orientation, then bisexuals should also have that right. If homosexuality is seen as a conscious choice of sexual orientation that does not have any to mental disorders, why is bisexuality deprived of this possibility? Works Cited Beemyn, Brett, and Erich Steinman, eds. Bisexuality in the Lives of Men: Facts and Fiction. New York: The Haworth Press, 2001. Print. Denizet-Lewis, Benoit. “The Scientific Quest to Prove Bisexuality Exists.” The New York Times. 20 March 2014. Web. 6 March 2015. Firestein, Beth, ed. Bisexuality: The Psychology and Politics of an Invisible Minority. London: Sage Publications, 1996. Print. Stern, Mark Joseph. “Is Bisexual Identity a Useful Fiction?” The New York Times. 21 March 2014. Web. 6 March 2015. Read More