...are two key histories that create the history of sexuality starting in the seventeenth century. These two histories are the history of an attraction to speak and learn about sex, as well as a history of power. This paper will explain how both these histories have been used by Foucault to craft a historical account of sexuality. The history of speaking and learning about sex outlines that it has always been present in society. Foucault disagrees with the repressive hypothesis of sex by saying that with the rise of the bourgeoisie class never has sexuality never been more spoken of before. He claims that the tightening of language and the proper times to speak of sex has only changed the way it is thought of in...
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...“The History of Marriage- A Right or Privilege?” Tatayana Mcfaddin English/147 9/21/2015 Annie Oakes “The History of Marriage- A Right or Privilege?” In early times, same-sex marriage was not considered taboo and in many cultures, it was encouraged. Random history (2011) explains that in the early civilizations of Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt, the union between couples of the same-sex was recognized by the kingdom. During Greek’s early years, attraction between a man and another man was normal and was considered an expression of love. “The main considerations in same-sex relationships in early history were often love, beauty, and excellence of character rather than gender. “(Random History, 2011, P.1). Same-sex Marriages were often believed to be more pure than a heterosexual marriage. Marriage was believed to be the union of two people based on love. A marriage consisting of two males or two females, if women had the right to get marriage, was not frowned upon. It was not until the rise of Christianity that a negative attitude towards same-sex marriage became introduced. The belief that marriage was based on procreation and any relationship that was non-procreative began to increase in many societies. Random History’s 2011 research describes how Eastern religions varied in their views about homosexual marriages. Japanese Buddhism records the most tolerant attitude toward homosexuality, praising it for its mystery. Today, there...
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...has became a form of personal identity over the course of history. Something that people were not allowed to talk about in the past has transformed with time and made American culture the most sexually open-minded nation. Sexual expression and repression are the influences and forces that directed the history of sexuality to what we have today. While sexual expression was a natural social desire of greater individual freedom, repression was a power of the Church or Government against sexual elements in the American society. We entered the 20th century with women being more independent and educated. Women also gained access to sports, which made a way of socializing and seeking for a more fun lifestyle. No one would even think back then that the beginning of the century, such as early 20s, was the first biggest sexual expression that has set the pace for its further development, and that pace was pretty fast. As the century started, American men came back home from the WWI. During the war, the Government was aware that soldiers had sex yet had no repression against it. Despite the warnings about venereal deceases, unprotected sex for soldiers resulted in millions of lost lives because there was no medical cure. Sex during the war mostly happen with prostitutes from Europe, and those men who survived the war, came back home with new knowledge about sex. This knowledge together with other changes in American history, launched the early 20s known as “roaring 20s”. Prior to...
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...Maitlyn Davisworth ENG 102 Professor Smille The Injustice Involving Same-sex Marriage The legalization of gay marriages has been argued and talked about in our society for the earlier few years. It really is a very questionable subject matter. It is difficult for a lot of people to accept gay marriages. Writing a same sex marriage essay is becoming a more and more popular assignment, giving scholars the possibility to express their ideas on this particular matter. Same-sex marriage (also known as gay marriage) is marriage between two people of the same biological sex and/or gender identity. Legal recognition of same-sex marriage or the possibility to perform a same-sex marriage is sometimes referred to as marriage equality or equal marriage, particularly by supporters.(Dictionary.com) In early times, same-sex marriage was not considered taboo and in many cultures, it was encouraged. Random History (2011) explains that in the early civilizations of Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt, the union between couples of the same-sex was recognized by the kingdom. During Greek’s early years, attraction between a man and another man was normal and was considered an expression of love. “The main considerations in same-sex relationships in early history were often love, beauty, and excellence of character rather than gender” (Random History, 2011, p.1). Same-sex marriages were often believed to be more pure than a heterosexual marriage. Marriage was believed to be the union of two people based...
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...Research paper: Same-sex Marriage Petra Jerabkova Sociology 316: Marriage and Family Dr. Alston April 10, 2014 The legalization of same-sex marriage has been a battle that has been raging since the late twentieth century. By not allowing same-sex marriage, the United Sates are creating discrimination against same-sex couples. People of faith are the biggest advocates against same-sex marriages. With the belief that marriage is the foundation for procreation, same-sex couples, without the ability to have their own child, should not be allowed the right of marriage. Seeing that there are many rights and responsibilities associated with marriage, same-sex couples are denied these and are being discriminated against. Same-sex couples are denied the right to make decisions regarding their partner’s health and medical treatment. This emotional trauma, as well as the inability to adopt one another’s children, is experienced by same-sex couples every day. Although many states have adopted civil unions, they are separate and unequal. Same-sex marriage should be legalized to create equality and eliminate the injustice involving same-sex couples. In early times, same-sex marriage was not considered taboo and in many cultures, it was encouraged. Random History (2011) explains that in the early civilizations of Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt, the union between couples of the same-sex was recognized by the kingdom. During Greek’s early years, attraction between...
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...for sexual activity makes invisible experiences for LGBTQ people and presents an inaccurate view on how human sexualitly works (Goodman). Sex education can be one of the few, if not the only, reliable source for information on a person’s sexuality and sexual health. Multiple studies show that well designed and well-implemented sex education can reduce the risk of behavior and support a positive view on sex, reducing teen pregnancy and STI rates. In the United States, the STD and HIV rates are extremely high in certain...
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...The topic of sex is, "one of the least examined issues of current American politics," (Paglia, 1995). Walking down the street, the topic of sex is not something that comes up very often yet it is a thing that occurs often. Why is this the case? Despite declines in rates of teen pregnancy in the U.S., about 820,000 teens become pregnant each year" (Family First). The U.S. spends about $7 million on teenage pregnancy every year. It is clear that proper education of sex is lacking both in homes and in schools, but whose job is it to teach children about sex? In this paper, these question will be explored by taking a look at the history of sex education in schools, sex education in the family, and how these two are linked in effecting the knowledge of children about the topic of sex. The history of sex education began in the 1980s when the debate of having sex education in schools really began to take off. Two of the major forces that drove this movement were the growing rates of STDs and prostitution. Therefore, "by 1989, 23 states had passed mandates for sexuality education, an additional 23 states strongly encouraged sex education, 33 mandated AIDS education and 17 additional states recommended it," (FOSE). Opponents had previously taken the stance that the topic sex should not be discussed in schools, but now they fought for the idea that the only message that should be taught in schools was the idea that sexual behavior outside of marriage was unacceptable. Today, this is...
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...SEX TOURISM Sex tourism generally refers to a travel activity that has been arranged to reach a destination and form sexual relationships with prostitutes at that place. This activity is generally encouraged by the lower cost services available at the destination country or by easy access to child prostitution. It can also get encouraged by the prostitution being either legal in these countries or ignored by the law. The history of sex tourism dates back to Marco Polo’s times when he told in his writings about Chinese villages. In these villages, travellers were being lured by women to sleep with them. In exchange, women would get some small trinkets that were proudly displayed by them in order to show their popularity and their being good marriage prospects. More recently, there have been foundations of sex tourism seen to be laid by armies of various countries across the globe. At some point in history, European men were educated to visit brothels as they went on grand tours. The trend picked up so much that risks of the disease of syphilis kept going up. This crippling disease was even used as biological warfare in Spain and Italy’s mutual war. Spanish prostitutes were especially sent for the purpose of infecting soldiers of the opposition army. In Japanese army too, there were abducted Korean women brought about to make relationships with soldiers. Similar incidences can be provided from the U.S. army wars that eventually...
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...following the Bible many learn their ethics in life. Those who follow the teachings of the Bible also believe that a marriage is between a man and a woman. They also believe that a man to lay with another man or a woman to lay with another woman is an abomination. Same sex marriages have such an ethical dynamic that it has caused great controversy. The topic of same sex marriages has become such an ethical issue in the United States and other countries through the world. Both people who are in favor and those who are opposed to same sex marriages are very strong in their beliefs. This ethical dilemma is a delicate subject. Since this topic has so many different views it makes it a very controversial topic. The issue of same sex marriages continues to change due to the very strong opinions in regards to the topic. In this paper I will touch on the past issues of same sex marriages, the current issues, the changes that are taking place, the future of this situation, as well as my opinion and the dynamics of same sex marriages. In the United States the history of same sex marriages is not very long. In 1993 because of a case in the state of Hawaii the issue of same sex marriages brought national attention to the issue. According to the article from time magazine states that “the ruling in Hawaii, in which a judge found that the state’s constitution requires a compelling reason not to extend to gays equal marriage rights”. Due to this...
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...world, everyone else seems to have their own opinion on it, whether it be negative or positive. In a perfect world, everyone would be able to marry the one they love without anyone having a problem with it, but in our world, there are laws in most countries banning same sex marriage. Even though in these same countries, people are allowed to go on wild vacations, get drunk, foolishly marry someone they barely know and then get a divorce a few days later; it is illegal for two people that have been together for years or even decades to get married because they are of the same sex. Marriage equality has come a very long way in the United States. In 1924 in Chicago, The Society of Human rights became the first known gay rights organizations in the US. Then in 1951, The Mattachine Society, which was the first national gay rights organization, was formed by Harry Hay who became known to many as the founder of the gay rights movement. One of the most well known progressions in gay rights history is the Stonewall Riots. On June 28th, 1969, the patrons of the Stonewall Inn fought back against what had become regular, tolerated, city sanctioned harassment by the police department. For the first time in history Gay people refused to accept the status quo of oppression and stood up for themselves and, ultimately, the global Gay community. The Stonewall Inn, and the rebellion here, became the iconic flashpoint that sparked the long, uphill battle towards equality for all...
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...Sexual education has a lengthy history and is still an issue in today’s society. Intro Depending on an individual’s background, sexual education can be taught in many ways. Sometimes parents prefer to be the main source of sexual education. Some parents feel that by talking to their children about this will make them feel more comfortable talking on this topic to them as well as other topics. According to the Open Letter to Religious Leaders about Sex Education, “Research projects held in Mexico as well as abroad have demonstrated, although not conclusively, that communication on sexual topics between parents and their adolescent children is positively associated with safer sexual behaviors.” I can say that this rings true with me. I have had the chance of taking a sexual education course in middle school. Even though I felt uncomfortable and thought that the information discussed was foreign, it opened my mind and eyes to this topic. As well as taking the course, my parents have discussed this topic with me. Even though parents want to be the main source, media has become a contributor to sexual education, such as “16 and Pregnant” and “Teen Mom”. So today, I am here to inform you that sexual education has a lengthy background and is an issue in today’s society. Let me now inform you on the history of sexual education. Body I. Sexual education in the 1920’s was a controversial and unexplored topic. A. Individuals that were opposed to premarital sex did not want to face the issue...
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...constantly assumed as an existing fact in Biblical history. We can trace it from the earliest twilight in which history dawns to the clear daylight of to-day” (Sanger, 1897, p. 35). For most of history, the act of prostitution was legal. Today sex work is generally treated by society...
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...Mar 14, 2012 What is This? Downloaded from jcx.sagepub.com by guest on January 2, 2013 Substance Use and Sexual Behavior Among Men Prior to Parole Revocation: Prevalence and Correlates David Wyatt Seal, PhD1, Michelle Parisot, MA1, and Wayne DiFranceisco, MA1 Journal of Correctional Health Care 00(0) 1-9 ª The Author(s) 2012 Reprints and permission: sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/1078345811435322 http://jcx.sagepub.com Abstract Men’s risk behavior during a 3-month period prior to parole revocation was assessed. Frequent alcohol use was higher among men who had more children, were homeless, or had a history of alcohol and other drug abuse treatment. The use of drugs was greater among men who were younger or had a history of sexually transmitted infection (STI). The use of hard drugs was higher among men who had history of injection drug use. Unprotected vaginal or...
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...In a country with its fundamentals based on liberty and equality, America always has struggled with those very concepts. Throughout history, Americans have been challenged to make decisions that have oppressed and freed certain groups of people. The political fight for same-sex marriages is a perfect example of this notion. This relation between spouses has created a major controversy that is creating history in our nation. A series of protests, acts and political scandal has opened America to discuss a topic that had been in “the closet” for a long time. This discussion asks questions that have caused a visceral reaction in society. Same sex marriage opens the door to a new unnatural purpose that could detrimentally influence the fragile generations to come. Tradition is a strong component in the institution of marriage. The ideal American dream usually involves the perfect fairy-tale wedding with the gorgeous white wedding dress for the bride, the matching bridesmaids, the well-arranged bouquet and, the numerous rituals that compose this well thought-out event. Usually it requires a spectacular amount of planning, devotion and dollars to make the important day memorable. Family and friends come together to rejoice in the vows that will bond the two lovers into a lifetime journey of love, commitment and fidelity. Both persons in the relation is expected to have a role in this institution. According to Judith Wallerstein and Sandra Blakeslee, “In the idealized form of the...
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...At the heart of the statement and references contained in the title are illustrations of how power is expressed through normative discourse in Western capitalist society. The process of how an act once termed ‘sodomy’ became transformed into the term ‘homosexual’ is fundamental to the nature of power in general and to the mechanism of discourse specifically. Foucault draws our attention to domains of discourse that are characterised by establishing quantifiable knowledge as truth, which society affords positions of authority, such as the medical profession. This authoritative mechanism was an instrument that was applied to an existing system of sexual relation governance resulting in a control-dynamic between power, knowledge and sex. The medicalisation of sexuality through discourse spawned a categorisation of the individual as determined by their sexual identity in a process of transforming experience into knowledge, knowledge into truth, and truth into reality. Foucault’s reference to the ‘sexually peculiar’ draws our attention to the delineation between the procreative model of relationships and all other pleasure-centred sexual acts. The child-bearing relationship’s sexual activities were regulated and protected at the exclusion and vilification of all others. Through the 17th and 18th centuries the power of discourse shifted from the morality-regulation by the church to the industrial sensibilities of institutions such as the medical community. With a ...
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