People are Born Homosexual Essay Example for Free

People are Born Homosexual Essay Homosexuality is not just a contemporary ideology or behaviour of people. It has been present even during the ancient Grecian times, and the early African and Native American tribes. In some Native American tribes, a man dressed as a woman was treated with great respect because they were considered to be spiritually gifted (Bidstrup, 2001). In some African tribes, masturbation and other homosexual behaviours between young boys were even tolerated (Bidstrup, 2001). They saw these actions as innocent and nothing but child-play. In the ancient Greek and Roman civilization, same sex relationships were accepted. It was not unusual to see men kissing other men in public. This tolerance was somehow changed upon the intrusion of the English. They introduced the idea that same sex relationships and behaviours were immoral. Thus, some of these people repressed these behaviours until it became taboo even today. Homosexuality is different from sexual orientation. It is a specific type of the sexual orientation of an individual. Sexual orientation is the degree to which an individual is attracted to persons of the other sex and/or to the persons of the same sex (Smith, et al, 2003). Homosexuality, on the other hand, is the attraction of an individual to the same sex and heterosexuality is the attraction to the opposite sex. The origin of homosexuality has been debated for a long time now. There were psychologists and scientists who support the idea that sexual orientation is innate. On the other hand, some say that environmental factors play a great deal of importance in determining an individual’s sexual orientation and not innate ones. But which one is true? Let me first discuss the history of homosexuality in order to have a better understanding on it. Why is it sacred and ordinary in the past? Do these histories prove the existence of innate and environmental factors in influencing an individual’s sexual orientation? Homosexuality in Prehistoric Africa According to some early text during the Inquisition period, African tribes accepted homosexuality in their culture. Even one of these tribes, the Hausa people, had terms to describe homosexuals: ‘Yan dauda which describes a transvestite and ‘dan dauda which can be translated as homosexual ‘wife’ (Bidstrup, 2001). In this tribe, they engaged in male prostitution. These male prostitutes did not have ‘pimps’ but they engaged in prostitution if an opportunity arises. There were other tribes in Africa where boys engaging in homosexual activities were considered to be innocent. They considered themselves virgins at marriage despite having experience in homosexual activities. There were also tribes where they expect men to engage in sexual activities with other men like the Bantu-speaking people of Africa. Homosexuality among Native Americans There were a significant number of men wearing women clothes in Native American tribes. These men were called Two-Spirits because they embody the two sexes the male and the female. They were respected because Native Americans believed that these men were special gifts by the God. They believed that these men have insights regarding spiritual matters. They were considered to be prophets who were able to understand the realm of both man and woman (Bidstrup, 2001). Homosexuality in Ancient Greece and Rome It was known that the Roman Empire did not tolerate homosexuality in the society. But this belief is wrong. Like the ancient Greeks, Romans also accepted men having relationships with men. It was believed that the Roman Empire declined when the tolerance on homosexuality increased. On the contrary, when it was ruled by the Senate, it was discovered that Romans had a high tolerance on homosexuality (Bidstrup, 2001). In Ancient Greece, they believed that masculinity and feminity was not two separate essences. They believed that the sex of an individual was actually the combination of both masculinity and feminity. Therefore, homosexuality was not an issue for Greeks. They do not find men kissing other men in public an unusual scene. They accept men getting married with another man and having sexual intercourse with them. Thus, we can find a large number of literature and art regarding homosexuality in these civilizations. This brief history on the presence of homosexuality among individuals proves that homosexuality is not just a mere trend brought by contemporary ideals. It has been part of our society since the dawn of man. Also, these histories show that homosexuality may be in-born and may also be influenced due to environmental factors. Despite the primitive nature of prehistoric Africans, some men were able to find themselves attracted to other men. It is possible that innate factors played in this instinctive behaviour of being attracted to the same sex. Another illustration is apparent influence of environmental factors. The Greeks’ wide acceptance of man-to-man relationships and their beliefs on gender and sexuality influenced men’s sexual orientation. Innate Factors in Sexual Orientation Psychologists say that childhood gender nonconformity is a phenomenon that shows the innateness of sexual orientation. Childhood gender nonconformity is when an individual enjoys activities typical of the other sex and most of their friends are the other sex. It was also found that adults who experienced gender nonconformity report that they had not been masculine (for men) or feminine (for women) when they were children (Smith, et al, 2003). Another evidence is the presence of a gene present in homosexuals. It was observed that gay brothers often tend to share the same X-chromosome Xq28 (Deem, 2009). This finding suggests that this gene may affect male’s sexual orientation. Environmental Factors on Sexual Orientation One evidence of environmental factors acting as determinants of sexual orientation is the nurture aspect in child development. It is said that parents play a role in the gender identity and sexual orientation development of a child. But this theory is not strongly supported by scientific studies. Another evidence is the exotic-becomes-erotic theory of Daryll Bem of Cornell University. In this theory, he believes that sexual orientation is socially determined. Thus, environment plays a role in sexual orientation development. But we should also take into account that EBE theory addresses the innateness of sexual orientation. EBE theory suggests that genes and hormones cause differences in a child’s temperament. The difference would determine if the child will be engrossed in activities typical to his/her own sex or to the other sex. When the child spends more time with the opposite sex, they feel similar with the opposite sex and become alienated with the same sex. This exotic feeling then becomes an erotic feeling when the child grows. Although the evidence for environmental factors is weak, Bem’s EBE theory supports the existence of both factors. Homosexuality isn’t just inborn in an individual, environmental factors also play a role. It is the interplay of these two factors that differences in sexual orientation are possible. References Beem, R. (2009). Genetics and homosexuality: Are people born gay? The biological basis for sexual orientation. Godandscience. org. Retrieved March 30, 2009, from http://www. godandscience. org/evolution/genetics_of_homosexuality. html Beem’s essay focused on the innateness of sexual orientation. It discussed related brain and twin studies and other scientific studies that support the innateness of sexual orientation. Bidstrup, S. (2001). Saint Aelred the queer: The surprising history of homosexuality and homophobia. Bidstrup. com. Retrieved at March 30, 2009, from http://www. bidstrup.com/phobiahistory. htm Bidstrup discussed the history of homosexuality and homophobia in this essay. He talked about the ancient tribes and civilizations that tolerated homosexuality and why it has become oppressed in these groups. Smith, E. E. ; Nolen-Hoeksema, S. ; Fredrickson, B. and Loftus, G. R. (2003). Atkinson Hilgard’s Introduction to Psychology. (14th ed. ). Australia: Thomson Wadsworth. Smith’s textbook covers general psychology lectures like emotions, learning, and motivation. It provides specific and up-to-date examples and applications of terms, theories, and definitions.

The Root of the Narcotics Problem in the United States :: essays research papers

THE ROOT OF THE NARCOTICS PROBLEM IN THE UNITED STATES The United States is suffering from an epidemic caused by the use of drugs. The majority of criminals in the prison system are convicted on drug charges, and the majority of the population has been exposed to at least one type of illegal substance. The main problem that the United States faces in the War on Drugs is the lack of education to the citizens on the dangers that the drug trade poses to the individual and the mass population.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The American child is bombarded by scenes on the television that depict the glamour of the drug world; the way that drugs make people feel good and the easy money that can be made are only a couple of examples that are presented on television. The movie and television industry make millions of dollars every year with episodes of drug lords that are victims of law enforcement and are many times made out to be the â€Å"good guy†. This type of open media, which may seem harmless to an adult, gives the child the opinion that drugs are all right.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Without proper instruction beginning at the earliest of ages, the child grows up thinking that drugs are harmless and this increases the risk of curiosity. The Department of Education mandates classes on math, reading, and science but there is no set curriculum to teach the American child about the dangers of drugs. In order to best arm children about the drug problem that will be faced in the near future, there needs to be a set standard for all students to learn about drugs and the damage that is produced from the use of the illegal substances.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The damages that drugs cause does not just stop at the individual and more often than not, the users are actually responsible for greater criminal offenses. The person that is using drugs, even if only social or experimental, is supporting a crime spree that is taking away the life of the â€Å"American Dream†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The American child will grow up and move into adulthood keeping the same idea that drugs are harmless, and this is why the drug world is tolerated and sometimes overlooked by the common citizen. Given enough education about the real dangers of the drug activity, the average American will make correct choices about the illegal activities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  On September 11 many American citizens were outraged and wanted to know what could be done about the War on Terrorism. The Root of the Narcotics Problem in the United States :: essays research papers THE ROOT OF THE NARCOTICS PROBLEM IN THE UNITED STATES The United States is suffering from an epidemic caused by the use of drugs. The majority of criminals in the prison system are convicted on drug charges, and the majority of the population has been exposed to at least one type of illegal substance. The main problem that the United States faces in the War on Drugs is the lack of education to the citizens on the dangers that the drug trade poses to the individual and the mass population.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The American child is bombarded by scenes on the television that depict the glamour of the drug world; the way that drugs make people feel good and the easy money that can be made are only a couple of examples that are presented on television. The movie and television industry make millions of dollars every year with episodes of drug lords that are victims of law enforcement and are many times made out to be the â€Å"good guy†. This type of open media, which may seem harmless to an adult, gives the child the opinion that drugs are all right.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Without proper instruction beginning at the earliest of ages, the child grows up thinking that drugs are harmless and this increases the risk of curiosity. The Department of Education mandates classes on math, reading, and science but there is no set curriculum to teach the American child about the dangers of drugs. In order to best arm children about the drug problem that will be faced in the near future, there needs to be a set standard for all students to learn about drugs and the damage that is produced from the use of the illegal substances.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The damages that drugs cause does not just stop at the individual and more often than not, the users are actually responsible for greater criminal offenses. The person that is using drugs, even if only social or experimental, is supporting a crime spree that is taking away the life of the â€Å"American Dream†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The American child will grow up and move into adulthood keeping the same idea that drugs are harmless, and this is why the drug world is tolerated and sometimes overlooked by the common citizen. Given enough education about the real dangers of the drug activity, the average American will make correct choices about the illegal activities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  On September 11 many American citizens were outraged and wanted to know what could be done about the War on Terrorism.

Facebook Addiction Essay

Facebook has come to be probably the most commonly used social networking site, nearly half of Facebook’s users view their profiles every day. Some of the users spend an unreasonable amount of their time on Facebook, whiling the hours away unnoticed, while chores to go unfinished, and even going to the extent of ignoring family and friends in the real world. Although a majority of the hundreds of millions of people use Facebook as a social networking device, it has several of negative impacts such as social isolation, communication problems, and health problems which profoundly impact the lives of the users. While Facebook addiction disorder or Facebook addiction are not medically accepted terms, the actuality of addictive behavior on Facebook is a mounting concern for scores of Facebook users, and one that psychoanalysts are seeing more regularly in their patients. According to Fenichel, if you have found that sharing, connecting and learning through Facebook has replaced all avenues of learning and communicating and in your life, it is a possibility that you have Facebook addiction Disorder. There are a variety of ways which can be used to fight Facebook addiction. Citation proposed that an addict should: Understand the symptoms of Facebook addiction and assert that it is necessary to make changes, re-examine your priorities, spend more time with family and friends to keep your mind off the computer, look for another outlet in life or learn new things, limit the amount of time spent checking your account, instead of using Facebook to communicate with your friends, send them text messages or call them so as to reduce the time spent online, and lastly seek professional help (Fenichel). Facebook as a new phenomenon is here to stay, however, as this paper has shown, a lot of care needs to be taken in the use of it in people’s everyday lives. Facebook has negative effects on a person’s life which cannot be taken lightly. This paper has also shown that although Facebook addiction is a serious matter. However, it is not all doom and gloom as there are viable remedies which can be employed in order to overcome Facebook addiction.

Racism in America Essay - 3742 Words

Running head: RACISM 1 Racism in Our Society Liberty University Online HSER 509 Multicultural Issues in Human Services Dr. Lawrence Katz Betty J. Saby December 16, 2012 Racism in our society Racism in our society has a long deeply rooted history. It has been in every part of our society and appears not to be getting any better. In order to fully understand racism one must look at the root cause of racism and the effects it has on an individual and a group. One must also look at the big picture of why there is the need for one group of people to think they are more superior than another and how it continues to progress. Experiencing racism is a traumatic experience and is something†¦show more content†¦Research on structural racism should not only focus on independent effects but also should address interactions among multiple forms of racism. Further, it is likely that forms of racism may reinforce one another, and efforts to dismantle one system may yield little effect without simultaneous efforts on another system. The study of single forms of racism would lead to an incomplete understanding and, potentially worse, biased estimates (Sacerdote, 2005). For insta nce, assume that five forms of racism fully account for health disparities, but an intervention only targets one form. That intervention may show no effect simply because it is incomplete and potentially lead to the erroneous conclusion that anti-racism efforts fail. Hence, it is absolutely critical to consider the multiple forms of racism (Sacerdote, 2005). Internalized Racism Internalized racism refers to the acceptance, by marginalized racial populations, of the negative societal beliefs and stereotypes about themselves. It is premised on the assumption that in a color-conscious racially stratified society, one response of populations defined as inferior would be to accept as true the dominant societys ideology of their inferiority (McVeigh, 2004). For some African Americans, the normative cultural characterization of the superiority of whiteness and the devaluing of blackness, combinedShow MoreRelatedRacism In America Racism1096 Words   |  5 PagesLeah Song Professor Dongho Cha English 161 22 October 2017 Racism in America The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended all state and local laws requiring segregation. The â€Å"whites only† signs have ceased to lurk over water fountains, bathrooms, and restaurant counters. However, that is only on legal terms and paperwork. Many Americans don’t want to admit it, but segregation is still around. Sometimes by design or by choice. The 21st century segregation exists only in our school systems and communities. ItRead MoreRacism In America1047 Words   |  5 Pages Many people believe that racism in America is an issue of the past. Slavery has been abolished, segregation is no longer prevalent, and the last president of the United States was African American. While these facts prove that the U.S. has come a long way since the development of Jim Crow Laws and the â…â€" Compromise, racism has still not been defeated. In the past, America’s political system made it possible for racism and slavery to thrive. Today, America does not allow for segregation or discriminationRead MoreRacism In America1187 Words   |  5 PagesRacism has shaped societies since the beginning of time, as far back as the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Even then, people living in the land of Goshen were subjugated to racism because of their differences. From Hitler and the Nazis to the Southern American slave owners, prejudice of one race against another has resulted in atrocities. 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Racism comes in the form of ethnic cleansing, hate groups, discriminationRead MoreRacism In America1757 Words   |  8 Pagesand inequity ever felt by minority groups comes from White racism, expands it into many different examples. While reading his book, I decided to research for myself if his opinions were just that, or had evidence and facts. What I found was a combination. As much as I would love to say that racism hasn’t existed in this country since 1964, that’s unfortunately not true. And while that is true, the bulk of the evidence pointed away from racism in the sense that White people were trying to take powerRead MoreRacism in America2427 Words   |  10 PagesThere is surely no nation in the world that holds racism in greater horror than does the United States. Compared to other kinds of offenses, it is thought to be somehow more reprehensible. 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Blacks continue to be undervalued in society. Not much has changed when it comes to social justice. Hate crimes against Blacks continue to go unpunished. America has evidently regressed when it comes to justice for Black/African Americans. One might ask; how do we know that racism hasnt ended? The evidence is obvious. â€Å"Emmett Till, who was 14 years old in the summer of 1955 when he walked into a local grocery store in Money, Miss., to buy gum. He was later roused