Most of what we discussed in class did not have to do with are difference or similaries however.We talked about equality and homosexuality, both branches from the discussion of male and female differences and similarities. Since the women's revolution, there has been so much of a push for women's rights and gender equality. After watching videos of some of the leading women in theis revolution I just have to say. "Simmer down ladies!" Don't get me wrong, I love to see people fighting for something they believe in and am so proud to be a woman in this age with so many opportunities afford to me. But ladies, play nicely!
Something I found interesting that was discussed in the arguments about equality is what equality really means. If we could define it in the same way I think we might get somewhere with this controversy! The way I see it, women have the right to ask for "equal opportunities" but to ask to be literally "equal to men" is just impossible. Psychologist and biologist have agreed that there ARE differences between men and women's brains and we all know there are other anatomical difference not only in body parts but in strength as well. To assume that women could be "equal" to men to is to assume that women should BE men. I think we can all see what the problem with that would be!
The controversy lies in how we can give women "equal opportunities" while taking into account our obvious differences from men. An example in a news study we watched was female firefighters. In some places they have actually lowered the requirements necessary for the job so females could do it. Is that really a good idea? Personally, if I need to be saved from a burning building I would rather be carried out than dragged out because the person rescuing couldn't lift me. By changing the requirements it only reinforces the fact that there ARE difference between men and women. Women may get the jobs but the can't prove that they are equal to men because they aren't doing the SAME job as men. I feel that in these situations women should either rise to the occasion and do the SAME job as men, or find another job. To have to simplify a job so a women can do it doesn't really benefit anyone. It is not a win for women's right.
We also discussed homosexuality. I learned so much information that I had no idea about before! I wish I could share everything I learned but alas, I'm sure some people would just stop reading when they got to the tenth page of this haha! But there are a few points I would like to make. The controversy about homosexuality is whether it is genetic or not, whether people who claim to be homosexuals were simple "born this way". Several fields of science are in on this topic: biology, sociology and psychology and all have similar results. They cannot prove that people are born as homosexuals.
The popular information out there would claim differently but science speaks for itself. Though they cannot say that it is genetic they are theories for the development of homosexual tendencies. The most logically one to me is one we discussed in class. A theory by a Daryl Bem, a self identifiying homosexual, explains homosexuality from a sociological perspective. He believes that homosexuality might begin with behavioral differences when we are young. For the sake of explaining the theory I will use boys as an example. We are a society that has created gender typical and gender A-typical roles. Now, when a little boy would rather be creative or draw than play sports with the boys we would say that is a gender A- typical behavior, not "typical" for boys. Because of this difference this little boy would be more prone to play with little girls because he has more in common with them. So as children get a little older they start to look at the opposite sex as something "exotic" or new and interesting. However this little boy already knows about girls, they aren't such a mystery to him. Instead he looks at other boys wondering about about them and wishing he was more accepted by them. It is important to note that this longing to be accepted is NOT a homosexual desire. It is absolutely normal for humans to crave intimacy and acceptance. Since this little boy already receives that from girls he looks towards boys. Now when children get older than that this "exotic" feeling turn erotic or romantic. Sometimes this feeling of intimacy will get confused with the romantic feelings. Boys become confused. They will especially be confused if they had been sexualized at an early age by someone of the same gender, which many who claim to be homosexual have. If they act on this curiosity and their body reacts they automatically assum it must mean they are homosexuals. From Bems theory we can see that homosexuality is a learned behavior. Anything that is learned can also be unlearned. There is information out there about this controversy and I would encourage everyone to be wise consumers of it.
I know that gender was ordained of God! That men and women are to be husband and wife and are to raise a family. Anything that prevents us from fulfilling our roles in Heavenly Fathers plan for his children is NOT from God. We as men and women have different roles and strengths to carry out in this plan. Not more or less than each other, simply different. I know if we accept our role in the plan and develop further the strengths and talents we have been given we will be blessed. Our families will be happy and success now and forever because the family IS forever.
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