Homosexuality a personal choice
Homosexuality started as a movement during the sixties. The movement talked in terms of sexuality being as central as sociological discourse as class caste or gender. They called the males as gays and females as lesbians. However, Radical feminists have always argued that there is unequal sexual equation in heterosexual relationships. This happens primarily because of patriarchal values and the power associated with it, which expects a woman to be subordinate to man in all areas including the sexual. This has led Feminists to espouse empathy with alternate forms of sexual expression not only in terms of fulfilment of desires but also as a form of resistance to patriarchy.
This is what paved the way for queer culture’s culmination during the sixties. And it was because of the disenchantment with social life that queer culture evolved.
The first two phases of this movement which lasted from 1968 to the 1980's started out with condemning the fact that homosexuality was a psychological disorder. However, it moved on from there wherein these movements gained even political identities and it also progressed to such an extent that homosexuality as a variable was brought in form of texts, in the movies and also in academics. The last phase, which began in 1980's and is still continuing, is a backlash against the gay and lesbian movements. However the whole movement has now taken a new route and as a result it started faltering.
It has come to such a stage now where conservative ideas have crept in due to the changing times and where homosexuality began as equal power for both the individuals now a whole new identity has been created. The couples have now begun to feel the need to conform to the societal norms and hence have started indulging in marriages, adoption and also pre nuptial bonds like property etc.
The media has, however, played up the movement and its role in the entire issue is one of sensationalising the movement. In fact till date the individuals are given an overdose of publicity which in all its 'saneness' makes them look insane and weird. The publicity given to homosexuals is absolutely hyped and the motive clearly shows that they are being projected, as they are something, which needs to be noticed, and the image is being promoted only in a negative manner. Take for example the movie Fire, even there the movie was given unnecessary publicity because of which there was a dire need to screen separate shows for men and women. The movie after censorship lost its identity from its original version and the modifications, which were made, were done to adapt to what the society demands.
What I feel personally is that lesbians or gays it's entirely one's own discretion and we don't have any say in it. And I can speak confidently about it. This is because I feel I'm more open minded about the entire issue. Maybe this is because we've been taught about it and I know the correct and actual reasons for the beginning of the movement. Also by tracing its entire journey I have a fair idea of why its faltering and why its taken the shape as it is now. The society I feel is not acting objectively at all and is forcing the gay couples to conform jeopardising their state and thereby creating an identity crisis for them in life.
The feeling is that there is a need for creating awareness and not in creating them as show pieces. Lesbians or gays they have a life of their own and also they have the power to decide what they want to do with it. The media or politicians needn't make them as some manifestations of what they are not. Taking such a decision as that to go against society is already a challenging choice and living it is equally difficult. Let us not create more trouble and hassles for them. They are not queer or abnormal they are like us maybe they just prefer to be different and this difference should be seen in only in a positive way.
I would just like to say that they do not need our sympathy if we can't accept them at least lets not certainly criticise them and make them feel unwanted. And to sum up all what I have been saying I would like to end by saying 'each to his own…'
Thursday, October 20, 2005
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6 comments:
I never knew the 'beginning' of the 'movement'. Thank you for enlightening me. All movements change. Your post however, ignores the fact that homosexuality was prevalant - though not very visible - even two-three thousand years ago. Its seen in nature... swans, certainly (that's a paper on it) Lets call this pre-1960 the "underground" stage, shall we?
Just like the man-woman relationship is unequal, the homosexual relationship has always been less approved of than the heterosexuality - simply becuase there will be no propogation of the species in a homo-dominated society.
It was never really only a protest against a patriachial society - there was a factor of desire there, and that cannot be explained merely by abuse or rebellion, there are factors that people haven't been able to detect. Genetic predispostion has not been ruled out.
I do not believe that their wanting recognition and acceptance in the society is succumbing to pressure- its' just a affirmation of the belief, 'Why should I hide?', a refusal to cower in the closets now that they know that they are ntoa lone. Becuase let me tell you, better this equality than abuse and divorce for any child they adopt.
I belive we can't choose or control our sexuality (affirmation, savage garden)
Well,Nice Post. I agree that there is no necessity to ridicule a person's sexual orientation. However it was a test of my self-control when a guy actually made a pass at me!! and it was quite disgusting for me, I may laugh looking back at it now, but it was not funny at that moment. Hence, everyone may have their orientations, but it is important not to try and "Convert" others.
I Like Lesbians.
Niranjan
When I came to know about what is sex.
I started liking/attracting towards lesbian girls.
I Understand their feelings.
Niranjan
www.angelfire.com/amiga/vu3pai
If U R true Archana, I am Ur Niranjan, pl come & meet me, I am fond of U
Who is true Archana that we have to confirm from Railway Administration and from CBI department of India.
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