(no subject)
Usually things don't get to me, and its been a while since I've been on here because I've been happy ad involved with other parts of my life. However, today I had to do a peer editing for my english class, and this was the paper I had to edit.
We'll just call the author Ana.
Ana
Eng 102
Homosexual Convenience
"10 percent of American men are homosexual and 5 percent of women are lesbian." (Family Research Institute). If 10% of society is homosexual it can be constituted as a significant minority. Should society be worried or comforted that gays and lesbians are freely claiming themselves homosexual? There is a variety of explanations of the homosexual characterizations from several medical doctors, psychologists, and physicians. Within society, homosexuality must have similar behavior and choice-making traits that should affect the market as a standard minority would. Also, it is questionable whether homosexuality fits in society’s traditions, beliefs, and values. Certain established religions in the United States do not tolerate homosexuality and consider it morally wrong. Within society, homosexuality has been defined differently within its classification, its economic situation, and its religious acceptance.
To begin with, homosexually has been defined in a variety of different ways. Within many different communities homosexuality has either been natural or unnatural. For instance there are two present theories regarding whether homosexuality is genetic or just mere behavior. The theory of a homosexually genetic gene provided a direct response to answer how people were gay or lesbian. Dr. Dean Hamer performed a genetic experiment on several homosexual and heterosexual participants to prove whether homosexuality is genetic. Dr. Dara Newman, Ph.D. in organismal biology and ecology, explains, “Hamer's research involved studying thirty-two pairs of brothers... none of the sets of brothers were related. Of the thirty-two pairs, Hamer and his colleagues found that two-thirds of them shared the same type of genetic material.” The results encourage the theory of existing hereditary homosexual genes. However Dr. Newman also points out, “Hamer's study also acknowledges the fact that while it does suggest that there is a gene that influences homosexuality, it has not yet been determined how greatly the gene influences whether or not a person will be homosexual” (Hamer).
Without sufficient evidence a theory cannot be successfully confirmed. Most studies supporting the “born that way” theory are incredibly weak and questionable. Dr. Paul Cameron, chairman of the Family Research Institute, counters the “born that way” theory and declares, “The evidence supporting the "born that way" claim of Isay and other gay activists is tenuous. It has been uncritically accepted and hyped by the media and some less-than-careful researchers. But it hasn't been replicated by others and is riddled with technical problems. On the other side is a body of scientific evidence that suggests that homosexuality is adopted by people who are confused, sexually adventurous and/or rebellious. This evidence suggests that sexual orientation is flexible, not immutable. And the evidence comes from the largest studies on the subject, conducted by researchers on both sides of the gay rights debate.” (Cameron). Homosexuality is simply a rebellious act and people are capable of controlling their sexual desires. Statistics show 82% of those currently lesbian and 66% of those currently gay said that they had been in love with someone of the opposite sex, 88% of lesbians and 73% of gays had been sexually aroused by someone of the opposite sex, 67% of lesbians and 54% of gays reported current sexual attraction to the opposite sex, 85% of lesbians and 54% of gays, as adults, had sexual relations with someone of the opposite sex. The majority of the homosexuals have encountered attraction to the opposite sex which therefore demonstrates that their feelings can be steered differently. Dr. Cameron agrees that homosexuality is people who are “sexually adventurous or confused” (Cameron).
It is not odd to believe that a homosexual will be influenced in their economic decisions because of his or her sexual orientation. Since gays and lesbians are also consumers within society, marketing to homosexuals is somewhat different than marketing to heterosexuals because homosexuals have both consumption and political objectives to their market. Homosexuals also affect the market through their income rates. Dr. M. V. Lee Badgett explains, “My own study of data from the General Social Survey at the University of Chicago makes a more detailed comparison of people with the same education, experience, occupation, and location, and I find that gay and bisexual people (who are defined by behavior) actually earn less than straight people.” (Badgett 1995). Within homosexual economic situations, events such as boycotting between the homosexual communities are held. Homosexuals in order to grant civil rights and promote homosexuality in the market have boycotted certain trade marks. “The gay, lesbian, and bisexual communities have used consumer boycotts of Coors, Cracker Barrel, and Colorado, for instance, to exert economic pressure to reverse homophobic employment practices and laws.” (Bridgett) Lesbians and gays, as producers, are mainly concerned about their political rights. “In survey after survey lesbian and gay people report experiences of employment discrimination. In my own research I have found evidence that discrimination against lesbian, gay, and bisexual people reduces their incomes relative to heterosexuals with the same education, experience, and other important characteristics.” (Badgett 1995). Therefore, lower incomes can reduce economic status within the homosexual community and society also.
Religions within the general public also play an important role defining homosexuality. Some consider it morally wrong and others believe it is innate. Jewish religion does not accept homosexuality and fully depend its beliefs on Leviticus 18:22 saying, “It is an abomination for a man to lie with another man as he would lie with a woman.” (182). If a member of the Jewish religion is either gay or lesbian, it would be seen as a horrific state of being which deserves to be punished. According to “most writers on this subject”, They all have “agreed that Judaism sees homosexual behavior as a sin and as a crime, that the tradition assumes that such behavior is not the result of mental illness, and that in no way can such behavior be justified as an alternative Jewish lifestyle.” (181).
Since each religion defines homosexuality differently, most religions lean towards the same angle. For instance, the Catholic religion does not support homosexuality but it neither prohibits it, “On the issue of homosexuality, the Church would have to say that sex between people of the same gender would be-in moderation-fine for heterosexuals but not for homosexuals. In fact, of course, the Church teaches the opposite, arguing that the culpability of homosexuals engaged in sexual acts should be judged with prudence-and less harshly-than the culpability of heterosexuals who engage in “perversion”. Overall, the Catholic Church is not entirely against homosexuality as long as it is not insulting to the church.
A third religion expressing its stand on homosexuality is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints homosexually is strictly a behavior problem, their beliefs regarding homosexuality is “...as follows: (1) The practice of homosexuality is unnatural because it is biologically unfruitful; (2) only within heterosexual marriage may sexual desires be expressed with full intimacy; (3) homosexual inclination must be suppression or reorientation of sexual feelings within heterosexual marriage; (4) suppression or reorientation is possible because homosexual inclination ad practice are learned behaviors and lie within the control of personal choice; (5) indulgence on homosexual acts is a grave sin, punishable by excommunication.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints does not allow any homosexual activity and immediately banishes these members out of the church (259-260).
In conclusion, homosexuality is apparently only a behavior that can be repaired according to Dr. Cameron. As much as doctors would like to believe gays and lesbians are “born that way”, there is no radical proof that there are homosexual genes. Not only does science provide evidence to this explanation but society’s beliefs also take part in demonstrating that homosexuality is not natural and there are ways to adjust and modify. Homosexuality seems as an overall damage to society since even society’s economy is affected by homosexuals knowing that many homosexuals incorporate in within their jobs their personal life and eventually do not gain respect leading towards an effect in their income which evidently decreases. As many employees have a decrease in income, the economy behaves directly proportional to their income and ultimately hurts the economy as the market is damaged. Overall, homosexuality produces more disadvantages for society than support or progress.
I was pretty upset after reading this, it just reminded me that there are people out there who hate me just because I want to be happy. This anger and hurt will pass and fade, but I still can't believe people actually say this stuff. Why would anyone even through around opinions like if you're gay you automatically make less money. She has no evidence, nothing to back it up, and unsurprisingly there was information from church organizations.
I tried to talk to some friends about it, and something was said that kinda upset me more. "love the sinner, not the sin." Am I really sinning? I guess it all depends on what you believe in. For now, I just need to think
I'm going to go think about things for a while.
We'll just call the author Ana.
Ana
Eng 102
Homosexual Convenience
"10 percent of American men are homosexual and 5 percent of women are lesbian." (Family Research Institute). If 10% of society is homosexual it can be constituted as a significant minority. Should society be worried or comforted that gays and lesbians are freely claiming themselves homosexual? There is a variety of explanations of the homosexual characterizations from several medical doctors, psychologists, and physicians. Within society, homosexuality must have similar behavior and choice-making traits that should affect the market as a standard minority would. Also, it is questionable whether homosexuality fits in society’s traditions, beliefs, and values. Certain established religions in the United States do not tolerate homosexuality and consider it morally wrong. Within society, homosexuality has been defined differently within its classification, its economic situation, and its religious acceptance.
To begin with, homosexually has been defined in a variety of different ways. Within many different communities homosexuality has either been natural or unnatural. For instance there are two present theories regarding whether homosexuality is genetic or just mere behavior. The theory of a homosexually genetic gene provided a direct response to answer how people were gay or lesbian. Dr. Dean Hamer performed a genetic experiment on several homosexual and heterosexual participants to prove whether homosexuality is genetic. Dr. Dara Newman, Ph.D. in organismal biology and ecology, explains, “Hamer's research involved studying thirty-two pairs of brothers... none of the sets of brothers were related. Of the thirty-two pairs, Hamer and his colleagues found that two-thirds of them shared the same type of genetic material.” The results encourage the theory of existing hereditary homosexual genes. However Dr. Newman also points out, “Hamer's study also acknowledges the fact that while it does suggest that there is a gene that influences homosexuality, it has not yet been determined how greatly the gene influences whether or not a person will be homosexual” (Hamer).
Without sufficient evidence a theory cannot be successfully confirmed. Most studies supporting the “born that way” theory are incredibly weak and questionable. Dr. Paul Cameron, chairman of the Family Research Institute, counters the “born that way” theory and declares, “The evidence supporting the "born that way" claim of Isay and other gay activists is tenuous. It has been uncritically accepted and hyped by the media and some less-than-careful researchers. But it hasn't been replicated by others and is riddled with technical problems. On the other side is a body of scientific evidence that suggests that homosexuality is adopted by people who are confused, sexually adventurous and/or rebellious. This evidence suggests that sexual orientation is flexible, not immutable. And the evidence comes from the largest studies on the subject, conducted by researchers on both sides of the gay rights debate.” (Cameron). Homosexuality is simply a rebellious act and people are capable of controlling their sexual desires. Statistics show 82% of those currently lesbian and 66% of those currently gay said that they had been in love with someone of the opposite sex, 88% of lesbians and 73% of gays had been sexually aroused by someone of the opposite sex, 67% of lesbians and 54% of gays reported current sexual attraction to the opposite sex, 85% of lesbians and 54% of gays, as adults, had sexual relations with someone of the opposite sex. The majority of the homosexuals have encountered attraction to the opposite sex which therefore demonstrates that their feelings can be steered differently. Dr. Cameron agrees that homosexuality is people who are “sexually adventurous or confused” (Cameron).
It is not odd to believe that a homosexual will be influenced in their economic decisions because of his or her sexual orientation. Since gays and lesbians are also consumers within society, marketing to homosexuals is somewhat different than marketing to heterosexuals because homosexuals have both consumption and political objectives to their market. Homosexuals also affect the market through their income rates. Dr. M. V. Lee Badgett explains, “My own study of data from the General Social Survey at the University of Chicago makes a more detailed comparison of people with the same education, experience, occupation, and location, and I find that gay and bisexual people (who are defined by behavior) actually earn less than straight people.” (Badgett 1995). Within homosexual economic situations, events such as boycotting between the homosexual communities are held. Homosexuals in order to grant civil rights and promote homosexuality in the market have boycotted certain trade marks. “The gay, lesbian, and bisexual communities have used consumer boycotts of Coors, Cracker Barrel, and Colorado, for instance, to exert economic pressure to reverse homophobic employment practices and laws.” (Bridgett) Lesbians and gays, as producers, are mainly concerned about their political rights. “In survey after survey lesbian and gay people report experiences of employment discrimination. In my own research I have found evidence that discrimination against lesbian, gay, and bisexual people reduces their incomes relative to heterosexuals with the same education, experience, and other important characteristics.” (Badgett 1995). Therefore, lower incomes can reduce economic status within the homosexual community and society also.
Religions within the general public also play an important role defining homosexuality. Some consider it morally wrong and others believe it is innate. Jewish religion does not accept homosexuality and fully depend its beliefs on Leviticus 18:22 saying, “It is an abomination for a man to lie with another man as he would lie with a woman.” (182). If a member of the Jewish religion is either gay or lesbian, it would be seen as a horrific state of being which deserves to be punished. According to “most writers on this subject”, They all have “agreed that Judaism sees homosexual behavior as a sin and as a crime, that the tradition assumes that such behavior is not the result of mental illness, and that in no way can such behavior be justified as an alternative Jewish lifestyle.” (181).
Since each religion defines homosexuality differently, most religions lean towards the same angle. For instance, the Catholic religion does not support homosexuality but it neither prohibits it, “On the issue of homosexuality, the Church would have to say that sex between people of the same gender would be-in moderation-fine for heterosexuals but not for homosexuals. In fact, of course, the Church teaches the opposite, arguing that the culpability of homosexuals engaged in sexual acts should be judged with prudence-and less harshly-than the culpability of heterosexuals who engage in “perversion”. Overall, the Catholic Church is not entirely against homosexuality as long as it is not insulting to the church.
A third religion expressing its stand on homosexuality is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints homosexually is strictly a behavior problem, their beliefs regarding homosexuality is “...as follows: (1) The practice of homosexuality is unnatural because it is biologically unfruitful; (2) only within heterosexual marriage may sexual desires be expressed with full intimacy; (3) homosexual inclination must be suppression or reorientation of sexual feelings within heterosexual marriage; (4) suppression or reorientation is possible because homosexual inclination ad practice are learned behaviors and lie within the control of personal choice; (5) indulgence on homosexual acts is a grave sin, punishable by excommunication.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints does not allow any homosexual activity and immediately banishes these members out of the church (259-260).
In conclusion, homosexuality is apparently only a behavior that can be repaired according to Dr. Cameron. As much as doctors would like to believe gays and lesbians are “born that way”, there is no radical proof that there are homosexual genes. Not only does science provide evidence to this explanation but society’s beliefs also take part in demonstrating that homosexuality is not natural and there are ways to adjust and modify. Homosexuality seems as an overall damage to society since even society’s economy is affected by homosexuals knowing that many homosexuals incorporate in within their jobs their personal life and eventually do not gain respect leading towards an effect in their income which evidently decreases. As many employees have a decrease in income, the economy behaves directly proportional to their income and ultimately hurts the economy as the market is damaged. Overall, homosexuality produces more disadvantages for society than support or progress.
I was pretty upset after reading this, it just reminded me that there are people out there who hate me just because I want to be happy. This anger and hurt will pass and fade, but I still can't believe people actually say this stuff. Why would anyone even through around opinions like if you're gay you automatically make less money. She has no evidence, nothing to back it up, and unsurprisingly there was information from church organizations.
I tried to talk to some friends about it, and something was said that kinda upset me more. "love the sinner, not the sin." Am I really sinning? I guess it all depends on what you believe in. For now, I just need to think
I'm going to go think about things for a while.