One theory as to why some individuals are homosexual while the majority is heterosexual has to do with the size of their hypothalamus. It regulates sexual behavior, and in in homosexuals, it tends to be enlarged. There are other theories suggesting that the environment has to do with an individual's sexuality. Next, the book takes a look at sexual scripts--these are the ways we are most likely to respond to sexual situations based on gender (men are supposed to always be ready for sex, while women are more likely to be self-conscious about their bodies) and race (in Middle Eastern countries, for example, boys have much more sexual freedom than boys). We tend to have sex for the first time for four reasons: love, peer pressure, parent's input, and also if we have issues with family. Many things influence whether or not we have sex: parents, peers, religion, media, and sex ed. If we do decide to continue into sexual behavior, we often follow these steps: flirting, kissing, autoeroticism (sexual feelings toward an individual), oral or anal sex, and then finally, sexual intercourse. Sex changes for us throughout the years: from adolescents to late in life, it takes on many different forms and roles. Another studied showed that women would be more hurt if their partner had an "emotional affair" instead of if they just had sex with someone with no feelings attached. Men, feel oppositely. Infidelity often occurs for the following reasons: economic problems, opportunity, sexual needs are not met in marriage, gender roles are changing, un-excitement in the marriage, and retaliation against their partner. Next, the book looks at GLBTs. The general public is accepting of homosexuality. However, religion and the media do not always concur with this idea. Lastly, we learn about how STIs are transmitted and how to protect against them by always asking if your partner has any STIs (also, demanding tests) and ALWAYS wearing a condom.
2. Interesting
"Tradition or Torture" on page 171, was extremely interesting (and disturbing). I knew a fair amount about this before I read the section, but I didn't realize that women who cannot prove their virginity before marriage are often shunned and not allowed to marry. I thought this practice was just a disturbing tradition, I didn't realize the women were virtually forced into undertaking in it otherwise they would not be allowed to marry and would have to live in poverty.
3. Questions
What are your views on gay marriage? Should it be allowed? Or are we going against nature?
--Bonnie Noel
I'm all for equal rights for everyone. if that's what would make someone happy i say go for it. but their is a difference between state and religion. an with that said i don't think they should be married because marriage is a vow in front of god, who i don't think agrees with what they are doing. i believe they should get a certificate recognizing relationship and be given the same right as if husband and wife. i don't think anyone has the right to judge so god will be the judge of that and while hear on earth i and everyone else should respect their choice. its not causing harm to them or anyone else.
ReplyDeleteI somewhat agree...I am completely for gay marriage. Marriage can be associated with any religion or non at all. I am not religious, but I can still get married, so I feel that everyone else should be allowed to as well.
ReplyDelete