...their hats, while others are paddling the claustrophobic wooden crafts. One guy even pushes a mini iceberg away with a stick so the boat can pass through the murky frozen waters. This picture is meant to elicit pride in this moment just before a major victory that would boost morale. It depicts troops who are willing to sacrifice their life for freedoms, a tradition that is carried throughout American military history. Americans...
Words: 1995 - Pages: 8
...Homosexuality in the Military Leondre L. Torrance Instructor: Lisa Smoot Sociology 17 February 2012 Introduction Modern controversy over the rights of gay people to serve in the military aside, the reality is that homosexuality as existing within the military is as old as the history of armed forces. Clearly, it cannot be otherwise, as homosexuality itself is an orientation within humanity, and consequently as old as mankind's origins. What changes is sociological perspective, and nowhere is this factor more keenly evident than in how the overt presence of homosexuality is acknowledged by the military and accepted by the societal base. Different cultures of different epochs have viewed this subject in varying ways, depending, not unexpectedly, on the belief systems in place in those cultures. No matter its direct purpose or size, the military of any nation must still be a representation of that nation's values. Consequently, the perceptions of each regarding homosexuality translate to how acceptable, or unacceptable, it is within the armed forces. It is therefore all the more interesting that the United States, arguably the most liberal and democratic of modern nations, has so long reflected an ambiguity, if not outright hostility, regarding gays in the military rarely seen in ancient, and supposedly less enlightened, eras. The U.S. consistently prides itself on a commitment to individual liberties, and most emphatically since the turbulence of the...
Words: 2142 - Pages: 9
...Homosexuality in the Military John P. Wernegreen DeVry University Professor Foley Homosexuality in the Military The issue of homosexuality in the military has long been considered a taboo subject, not to be discussed openly, and essentially prohibited with the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy established in the 1990’s. However, attitudes have changed and evolved over the years making homosexuality in general less of a stigma and more of an acceptable lifestyle that some people live. After much deliberation and research, the Department of Defense (DOD) has established its own set of rules and regulations, thus continuing the controversy and discrimination of homosexuality within its ranks and the redefining of its regulations. Beginning in 1916, the United States military began issuing an administrative discharge called a blue discharge. This discharge, also known as a “blue ticket,” was neither honorable nor dishonorable, but it “became the discharge of choice for commanders seeking to remove homosexual service members from the ranks…” (Serving, para. 1). The policy for discharging service members found to be homosexual or engaging in homosexual acts prior to these “blue tickets” was to court-martial them for sodomy, imprison them and subsequently dishonorably discharge them. When the United States began to mobilize troops in World War II, though, it was no longer practical to hold court-martials due to time constraints and troop movements, so commanders began administratively...
Words: 2681 - Pages: 11
...Gays in Society and the Effects on the Military Sean M. Czuchaj Introduction to Anthropology 101 Professor Michelle McBrady October 15, 2013 When it comes to homosexuals in society there are great many misguided opinions and active prejudices amongst the people around the world. More often than not those that associate themselves as being gay, lesbian, or even bisexual are chastised amongst their peers. The focus of this paper is to present an opinion as well as facts in a variety of subjects and how gays relate to them. Also to show the affect that gays have had on the military and policy changes that have positively impacted homosexuals. In many cultures, homosexual people are regularly the focus of bigotry and discrimination. Like those that associate themselves with many other minority groups they are the articles of prejudice, they are also the focus of stereotyping, which further adds to the “freezing out” from society. The prejudice, discrimination, and stereotyping are all representations of forms of homophobia and heterosexism (or bigotry towards homosexuals), these can include negative assertiveness, prejudice, and discrimination in favor of heterosexuality and relationships. Heterosexism can embrace the belief that everyone is heterosexual or that opposite-sex allures and relationships are normal and consequently superior. Homophobia is a fear of, loathing towards, or discrimination against homosexual people. There are a number of different...
Words: 2668 - Pages: 11
...Gays in the Military Keith Shaheen BCOM/275 June 14, 2010 Gays in the Military In this paper, the writer will locate an article on a controversial subject. Controversial is defined as “subject to controversy; debate” (Dictionary, LLC.. 2010, para. 1). In addition, the article will include an argument the writer does not agree with. In earlier times of the Crusades, the Knights Templar had been persecuted and many of their group was burned at the stake for their homosexuality in the early 14th Century. American soldiers had been discharged for acts in homosexual acts by General George Washington in 1778. Although the Military has prohibited homosexuality, the ban was not enforced until the time of World War II. Procedures had been developed and implemented in locating and excluding homosexual draftees from serving in the Military; the services screened for feminine body mannerisms, dress manner and any rectum irregularities (Webley, 2010). During President Bill Clintons term the “Don’t ask don’t tell” policy, formally known as the Military Personnel Eligibility Act was enacted (Webley, 2010). This law was passed to keep open gay women and men from serving in the U.S. Military. “As long as gays kept quiet about their sexual orientation, they were allowed to serve in the Military” (Webley, 2010). The Pentagon agreed to keep from asking about sexual preference in recruitment forms and interviews, but it never stopped with the investigations of those serving in the...
Words: 574 - Pages: 3
...HOMOSEXUALITY AT WAR Sociology Research Paper 1 George Barnes Strayer University Abstract In this research paper I will attempt to find meaning of why gays in the Armed Forces was outlawed and shunned. In my 20 years in the U.S. Army, I have met many gays, open and hidden. Is it right for society and our government to say no you cannot serve your county and defend the Constitution of the United States? Men women who are all capable of performing duties required by different jobs in the Armed Forces, some better than others. Are they different people because of their sexual orientation? Homosexuality at War Homosexuality is defined in our text books as a sexual attraction to someone of the same sex. A brief history of gays in the military before I get into the dilemma. The ancient Greeks had gays openly serve in the armies, and were no big deal. In fact they were actually formidable opponents for opposing forces. That is pretty much were openly serving had ended. In the 14th century, men were burnt at the stake for their same sex affairs. George Washington discharged a soldier for same sex affairs and homosexual acts in 1778. The U.S. Military prohibited homosexuality in the Articles of War of 1916 but it wasn’t really enforced until World War II. They started screening recruits more thoroughly by feminine body characteristics, the way they dressed and carried themselves, even patulous rectum. Women that were gay were allowed at that time to serve because questioning...
Words: 1122 - Pages: 5
...homosexuals in the United States," formed to “publish...a magazine dealing primarily with homosexuality from the scientific, historical and critical point of view, and to aid in the social integration and rehabilitation of the sexual variant,” providing an unapologetic voice for the LGBT community during an otherwise dismal time period (“History”). The magazine included fictional writings by and about LGBT people, such as a lesbian-authored poem entitled “Proud and Unashamed”, and current events concerning the...
Words: 799 - Pages: 4
...Georgetown Model United Nations Background Guide on LGBTQ Rights The Human Rights Council: The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system and a subsidiary body of the United Nations General Assembly. The Human Rights Council, which replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights, was created by the General Assembly on March 15 2006 by resolution 60/251 and it has as its designated meeting place, the UN Office at Geneva (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights) It is made of up of 46 United Nations Member states which are elected by the UN General Assembly. The latter states are assigned with the responsibility of strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the world. They are elected by the majority of the members of the General Assembly of the United Nations through direct and secret ballot. The chosen members of the council serve for a period of three years and are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights) Membership to the Council is based on equitable geographical distribution. The seats are allocated as follows: 12345African States: 13 seats Asian States: 13 seats Latin American and Caribbean States: 8 seats Western European and other States: 7 seats Eastern European States: 6 seats The Council as a whole has its main purpose grounded in addressing human rights violations around...
Words: 7195 - Pages: 29
...Homosexuality From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia This article is about homosexuality in humans. For homosexuality in other animals, see Homosexual behavior in animals. Sexual orientation Male and female symbols overlaid Sexual orientations Asexual Bisexual Heterosexual Homosexual Non-binary categories Androphilia and gynephilia Non-heterosexual Pansexuality Polysexuality Queer Research Biological Human female sexuality Human male sexuality Demographics Environment Hetero/homosexual continuum Kinsey scale Klein Grid Neuroscientific Queer studies Sexology Timeline of sexual orientation and medicine Non-human animals Animal sexual behaviour Non-reproductive sexual behavior in animals Homosexual behavior in animals (list) Category Category v t e Part of a series on Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people LGBT flag Sexual orientation Homosexuality Demographics Biology Environment History LGBT history Timeline Social movements Culture LGBT community Coming out Pride Slang Symbols Gay village Rights Laws around the world Marriage Union Adoption LGBT parenting Military service Legal aspects of transgenderism Intersex human rights Social attitudes Heteronormativity LGBT stereotypes Queer Religion and homosexuality Religion and transgender Prejudice / Violence AIDS stigma Anti-intersex Biphobia Genderism Heterosexism Homophobia Lesbophobia Binarism Sexualism Suicide among LGBT youth Transphobia Violence against LGBT people LGBT trafficking ...
Words: 12671 - Pages: 51
...Out of the fourteen million HIV-positive patients documented worldwide, in 1993, two and a half million were diagnosed as AIDS cases. These statistics are tangible evidence that explain society’s fear and concern about the looming epidemic in the 1980’s and 1990’s that caused various stigmas and fostered so much discrimination. Jonathan Demme’s 1993 film Philadelphia explores the moral and ethical issues manifested by AIDS and its relation to homosexuality. This drama suggests AIDS was viewed as a crime against the self and society as a whole. The film depicts people who believed punishment was the only viable resolution for the promiscuous conduct associated with AIDS. These symbols were also discussed in Susan Sontag’ s essay “AIDS and its Metaphors.” After viewing Philadelphia in class, I thought it would be interesting to read the script in order to analyze the director’s notes and commentary. In studying Demme’s intentions for the scenes, I was able to better understand the language and relationships between the actors. I found many intriguing pieces of dialogue I had originally missed; for instance, Joe Miller is often seen in the background advertising his law firm with the line, “if you or someone you know has been injured through the fault of others, you may be entitled to legal remedy.” Andrew’s laughter after watching Miller’s commercial in the hospital is an ironic reaction to a statement that questions guilt or innocence among the ill. Joe essentially says that...
Words: 1769 - Pages: 8
...The bestowed rights of humans have been distorted throughout time. Regarding all who deserve the same privileges as others, compassion is not shown with respect. Given that times are changing, it is only right that everybody follows suit and makes the necessary alterations to equalize all humans. I believe, if individuals are more informed on Gay Rights such as marriage, adoption and the military discussion of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) maybe we can fight to give same-sex couples the opportunities that the rest of the population have. The first and topic to establish a more equal world is same-sex marriage, collectively known as Gay Marriage. Marriage throughout time has been instituted as opposite sex only unions. As of March 18, 2011 a Washington Post-ABC poll stated that fifty-three percent of Americans are pro gay and lesbian marriage, which is up from thirty-six percent in 2006 (HRC,2011). Comparing homosexual marriages to heterosexual marriages stand to be very equal in all aspects. Both are considered loyal, devoted partners who are active and committed to their community. The advantages given to these unions are very beneficial to all involved. Not just for income sake, but health issues too. It is proven that when in a marriage, humans tend to live longer and healthier lives. So it is shown that marriage in any form is better for the world in general. Looking at the laws as they stand, in 2011 there are six participating states in America that allow the union of...
Words: 2485 - Pages: 10
...Quezon City Polytechnic University Batasan Satellite Campus Batasan Hills, Quezon City Research Paper in Symbolic Logic HOMOSEXUALITIES Submitted by Joann E. Buenavente Submitted to Prof. Fabian Avila I. Introduction Homosexuality Homosexuality is romantic or sexual attraction or behavior between members of the same sex or gender. As an orientation, homosexuality refers to "an enduring pattern of or disposition to experience sexual, affectionate, or romantic attractions" primarily or exclusively to people of the same sex; "it also refers to an individual's sense of personal and social identity based on those attractions, behaviors expressing them, and membership in a community of others who share them." Homosexuality is one of the three main categories of sexual orientation, along with bisexuality and heterosexuality, within the heterosexual-homosexual continuum (with asexuality sometimes considered a fourth). Scientific and medical understanding is that sexual orientation is not a choice, but rather a complex interplay of biological and environmental factors,[1][3] especially with regard to early uterine environment. While there are those who still hold the view that homosexual activity is "unnatural" or "dysfunctional", research has shown that homosexuality is an example of natural variation in human sexuality and is not in and of itself a source of negative psychological effects. Prejudice and discrimination against homosexual and bisexual people...
Words: 11396 - Pages: 46
...administration work of the hospital. Doing my time in the military there was a law in the military call the “The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. This law was passed in 1993 that mandated the military to discharge service man or woman that was openly homosexual or bisexual. I knew of fellow military personals who were homosexual but they were never openly telling a number of people. I knew they were homosexual just because I knew some of their close friends, who I was also close with. When gossiping with these friends they would inform me of different individuals who were homosexual. I also knew of several servicemember who was homosexual and would be open about their sexuality to get out of the military. They would do this because the knew they would be discharge from the military, so that would be an easy way out since they no long wanted to be in. Now let take a look at the history of the law, the changes that will take place, and my opinion on the issues. 1. Now let take a brief look at the past history of homosexual in the military. The Department of Defense from a policy that stated homosexual could not be in military. “According to a 1992 report by the Government Accounting Office (GAO), nearly 17,000 men and women were discharged under the category of homosexuality in the 1980s” (Herek1997- 2010, para. 15). This cause a priority for gay and lesbian advocates to fight for the civil rights of homosexual in the military. In 1992 legislation was introduced in the US Congress...
Words: 734 - Pages: 3
...Amelia Edwards ENG 105 Composition 1 August 12, 2012 Kathy Grismore Analyzing a Concept The concept of marriage is currently a hot topic and it basically boils down to different religious viewpoints. There has been a controversy with Chick-fil-A restaurants in the past weeks. This controversy began when Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy said he supported the “biblical definition of the family unit”. The controversy caused opposition from both sides. Christians rallied and supported Chick-fil-A on customer appreciation day and gay-right advocates boycotted the restaurant chains. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance against Defamation (GLAAD) supported a “National Same-Sex Kiss Day” the Friday following Chick-fil-A’s customer appreciation day. Mr. Cathy’s simple expression of his biblical belief created tons of controversial comments. Like, Mr. Cathy everyone has their opinion and beliefs on same-sex marriage. Christian’s belief what the bible teaches. Marriages should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral (Hebrews13:4). I happen to share the same belief that Mr. Cathy does. Why is it that in this controversy Christians cannot voice their opinion without reprimand? Some of the consequences from this controversy are the removal of some of Chick-fil-A’s restaurants. Some cities and college campus’ want Chick-fil-A restaurants removed. The University of Kansas does not want Chick-fil-A’s contract...
Words: 1295 - Pages: 6
... the conclusion is to be accepted or rejected because of the person (and the characteristics of that person) involved, rather than the actual argument, or reason(s), supporting the conclusion. Arguments, about hair styles is a prime example. Just because I prefer wearing my hair short, like a man’s hair cut does mean that I’m a gay person. But in today’s society when the norms sees a woman with a man’s cut they assume that you are gay, simply because you are wearing that style on your head. The reason that I like to wear that style is because it is easier for me to manage. But I would be classified a stereotype person to society. Tattoos Anything that causes a person to stand out of the accepted norms of adornment that person will be open to sarcasm, bigotry, ridicule, and stereotyping. I like tattoos...
Words: 936 - Pages: 4
