One way of going 'beyond reason' for me is to try to build a bridge between heterosexuality and homosexuality. As a heterosexual, christian, 19-year-old black guy, homosexuality has always been--and still is--a big deal thanks to social construction (I sure wasn't born seeing homosexuality as an issue); however, I want to put all my beliefs, experiences and views aside so I can find out what homosexuality is truly about. But before I can step into gays/lesbians' shoes, I need to state my opinions and more importantly, my expectations.Here's how I became the cultural subject I am today, or in other words, here's how I've got all the opinions I have about homosexuality: As a christian, I believe that one of the human race's missions is to recreate itself so, being an homosexual goes against that. From a scientific point of view, it has been shown that anal sex, which is gays' main, if not only way of engaging in sexual intercourse, causes serious damages to the body. Finally, our society as a whole (all the myths, stereotypes about the gay/lesbian community, etc..) has pushed me into thinking that homosexuality is deviant.
Personally, I think being an homosexual is more of a choice than anything else, no matter if one was born or became gay (just as one chooses to eat veggies instead of meat), and all I want is to understand how people choose to become homosexuals. What do homosexuals believe in (religiously speaking)? What do they think of heterosexuals? How does one get in a relationship with a person of the same sex? The answers to all these questions would definitely help me have a clearer view of homosexuality, help me go beyond reason, but unfortunately, I can't come up with those answers myself. Moreover, just as Susan Bordo suggests when she talks about 'feminazism' (women viewing themselves as being oppressed by society) Vs. 'true' feminism (women explaining what being a woman is all about), gays/lesbians consider themselves as victims of society as well and therefore spend a lot of time fighting against society rather than providing plausible explanations. It may take a while, but the bridge of sexuality will eventually be built.
This is exactly what I addressed in my post. My view, being a white heterosexual female, is that being homosexual is part of someone's identity, not a choice. Sure someone chooses to act on their sexual preference, but there is no way that anyone can control what they like, especially when it comes to love. It is interesting to see this position that you have, because this is a view that is hard for me to understand, just like it must be hard for you to understand my view. I like that you say that eventually this bridge will be built, because that is all I, and I think all of us, can really hope for.
ReplyDeleteAlso, on your topic of being gay as a choice: Why would anyone choose to live a life where you are constantly judged and ridiculed? I am also wondering what your take is on the fact that many heterosexuals frequently engage and enjoy anal sex, and also disagree with sex being strictly for reproductive purposes?
ReplyDeleteI think that you bring up some good points regarding this issue. There are however some political and economic aspects involved in the issue of accepting homosexuality and specifically gay marriage. I think that bridge of sexuality will eventually be built like you state although its slow process. Our society is having difficult time in accepting something like gay marriage due to the fact that there is struggle going on politically. If there is full acceptance of homosexuality than polygamous marriage supporters will be dissatisfied. This results in complete mixup of what and whom defines a marriage. Certain laws and restrictions have to be lifted so this acceptance idea is a tedious long process.
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