Certain people from America tend to view the world and its issues from their own view. While such a view is understandable, it can lead to biased and incomplete inferences. This essay is a critique of America's view on homosexuality. Many Americans seem to see it as a choice made my perverts, who're out to rebel. It is seen as a disgusting choice of lifestyle by the young generation. Now this is where I'd like to remind these people that there is a world outside, where homosexuality exists, and where there is no scope for rebellion or defiance. I wish to clarify that this essay is directed, not at my American friends, but at a certain group that holds such views.
In India, even after the abolition of the caste system, the rigid social institution persists quietly (and yet very openly) in most of the country. This is especially true for rural India. I say, 'persists quietly', because so widely accepted is the social hierarchy and pattern it creates, that it exists as something which is not questioned, not defied. The caste is a social institution, wherein people are born into a 'caste'- Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya or Shudra. Apart from these, there are the 'untouchables'- who are considered so impure, that even their shadow is said to be polluting. The caste that one is born into determines one's position in the hierarchy, the person's occupation, the food they eat, the people they meet, the clothes they wear, and each and every aspect of their life.
The point is to show how there is absolutely no freedom of choice. Nor is there any will to question the hierarchy. The position of women too, further proves this point. Women, if they are lucky enough to be born (the sex ratio in many parts of rural India is less than 800) go through a lifetime of subordination. This too, is quiet subordination, accepted unquestioningly, as normal and ordained. They are supposed to keep their faces covered in the presence of men of the house, they are supposed to stay inside the house at all times. They are not allowed to interact with men. Once they are around 16-17, they are married off (though the law prohibits marriage before 18). Some villages report child marriages frequently (girls married off at 12-13). This marriage is forced, but in fact it is not forced at all. It takes place without considering the wishes of the girl. She is as always, not given a choice. Neither is she asked and nor does she express her opinion. She is subjected to domestic beatings, and she must suffer quietly as usual, accepting her husband's behaviour as just (because he is the 'man').
With this, I hope to have sufficiently explained the social context in rural India. It is true, that as many villagers come in contact with Urban localities, some villages have progressed. But on a whole, this is pretty much what rural India is like. The idea, as mentioned, was to explain that there is absolutely no freedom of choice, from birth to death for these people.
And yet, there is homosexuality. Yet there is same-sex attraction felt by some people who fail to decipher why this happens to them. Yet, they marry, and sexually 'fulfill' their husbands, or perform their 'family duties' as good men. But they cannot change what they never chose- their same-sex desires; a phenomenon which is hushed away in rural India, like anything pertaining to sexuality.
There are similar restrictions in several other countries, where again, homosexuality does exist. While I do not deny, some may choose it (and I see nothing wrong in such a choice), I find it absolute ignorance of people to base their views of sexuality only in terms of what happens in their backyard.
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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Some Americans are indoctrinated just the same as the eastern countries they fear, so religions are always a 1000 years behind. If you believe in god/s then your god must have made you as you are, for it's not some lifestyle choice, or some gender confusion as some mistake. It's your genetic make up, no matter who trys to change it or deny it. Ask Ted Haggard! America's biggest evangelist bigotted hypocrite!
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i love this
i am a bisexual and everyone i tell just walks away and treats me like crap. they don't understand most of the times. when you get your heartbroke you switch to liking the other sex you know? that's what's happened to me and my stepmom and dad don't understand y i want to be a bisexua;! and it's very frustrating cause i feel like i have hardly anyone to tell my feelings to and that also breaks my heart! and i hate people that discriminate against gay/bisexual or lesbians!! ;((
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good
it kinda floats around, i read the comments and i can kinda see some of the connections, but they're not real strong connections. i believe also that homosexuals shouldn't be judged as well.
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I think that this essay needs American opinions... I say ask random people on the street... that is when you will get comments that are honest. Honestly you need to focus on more countries than India. And like I said I think you should get brutal american opinions and make those your catch in the beginning of the essay.
Sorry... that was the English teacher in me...
While religiously I may not agree with homosexuality as a person I believe in respect. I have had to learn the hard way how to respect people for who they are and not to judge them. I have no issue with people who are homosexual. Who they choose to be with the remainder of their lives does not affect me or my beliefs.
Oh one more point on making this more affective... Use countries who are more liberal than the United States as a contrast.
Well anyway I think the true problem is a lack of respect and not someones view on homosexuality. Maybe when we can all respect one another we can forget to label people and see them just as people.
I hope you make effective changes. You will get stronger voiced opinions and your essay will make a better impact.
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We see homosexuality flourish in animals in all species,
What are we to accept that this is normal for humans too?
If we were to accept that man is above beasts created in the image and likeness of God
Homosexual people are born with hormones defect
so they do not know in which gender they belong
If such is the case they should be helped seeking medical expertice, or what ever
But in no way we are to accept that homosexuality is a healthy, for it is not
It is a curse to those people and to others around them
Sex is not meant to be for personal pleasure, or to be misused as we do now, it is a Holy act for reproduction of the species, and only man has lost track of this, where all animals use it when it should be at the appointed time of breading
I see no beauty in two people of the same sex commiting Sodomite acts , to what purpose, I ask
We sould help those people find their way to become normal and healthy in body and in soul.
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Firstly, I'm rather surprised you ended up wasting 3 applauses on this even though you differ entirely with what I say.
"Homosexual people are born with hormones defect
so they do not know in which gender they belong
If such is the case they should be helped seeking medical expertise, or what ever "
Ah..so all scientific research is obviously meaningless. And by the by, there is no medical "Cure" for homosexuality, and nor does it merit one. "I see no beauty in two people of the same sex committing Sodomite acts"...that is because you fail to understand that two people of the same sex can and do share the same kind of love that is shared between a man and a woman. "normal and healthy in body and in soul. " there are homosexuals who are happy and healthier than most others, and there are some who aren't. There are heterosexuals who are depressed and ill, and others who aren't. Sexuality has nothing to do will health and happiness.
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The three applauses I gave you, for the quality of the write, and that is how we wtitters should do wether or not we agree with the content or not
Unfortunatly this does not happen in this manner, and I find it is wrong
Writters should not be influenced by fanatishism in no matter or issue and should keep an open mind in all ideas and opinions
Must say, found your write very well writen and artistic
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Angelo,
"Help those people find their way to become normal and healthy in body and in soul" ?? Has anyone that is a homosexual told you that they feel unhealthy in body and soul? O that they need help because of their sexual identity? I think its funny that you use the word curse to define homosexuality. Isn't "curse" a word used in fictional stories and tales? And if sex is not meant for pleasure, why does it feel so good? I challenge you to show me where science has said that this is a hormone defect. Then I also challenge you to show me how this is a curse and at the same time, a medical issue. Can they really be both? Either you are speaking with science on your side or you are using fantastical reasoning for this topic. One more thing. Since nature is the closest thing to God, if you will. How is it that you can say homosexuality is wrong when you yourself say that it floursihes in animals of all species? For me, you just proved that it must be okay. Even the bible says to learn how to behave by watching the animals. They live by the laws governed by a higher power. There is nothing tainting their judgement. I think its time you really look at who you are and decide who the cursed one is. Is it the man or woman who happen to love who they love? Or is it you? Someone that is too afraid of the fact that they may see a little of themselves in that homosexual. The true curse is that you aren't comfortable with yourself. How you could you ever be comfortable with someone else? Especially when they are stronger than you will ever be. They stand before the world and say I am who I am. Do you really know who you are? I suggest that today you take a moment and really look in the mirror and find that lost soul that wishes to judge everyone else and send them away. Take a moment to see how you can piece yourself back together. I think you have a long road ahead of you. Good luck. I wish you all the best in your journey to realization, realty and comfort in your own skin. -
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My comment on this issue stands not as a conviction to gay people, but as a reminder of mans oposition to Nature
Man always has opposed Nature,Regretfuly to to his desantvantage
We can see the wonders of his work so evident before us today, no dought you will agree
Hitler`s, creation the" SS "was his joy ad pride, in wich Homosexuality was encouraged and practished so as to keep one faithful to another in the instant hour of heroism towards life and death.
At the end of the war he shot the lot of them because they served his purpose by becoming a miasma to the honor of his army, and which was not acceptable, nor by God`s or man`s law
I am convinced that today society has no culture, respect or values for anything and nobody, leave alone morality as such
If you talk to anybody about morality, they`ll laugh at you
That is how low man has fallen
Todays people only know, how to staff their mouths, bellies and ass holes
and that is bad, reall bad
I am sorry to say
If men were to act as women, then they would of been given a vagina not a pennis
It is as simple as that, no matter what excuses you bring up to your deffence
Homosexuality is abnormal and descasting, and goes against The Law of Nature
I stand by it
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It is clear you did some research here, but I was a bit confused with this piece for a few reasons-
1. You really DO spend most of the write discussing reaction and cultural differences in opinion on homosexuality in India and elsewhere....not so much the US.
2. Comparing these cultures and social standards is kind of and apples and oranges situation.
3. It seemed a bit 'all over the place'...claiming to be about gay issues but then veering off into women's rights, the Caste system and cultural marriage customs that do not apply to our current issues in the US.
4. In the last two pAragraphs there is some contradiction. First you say that being gay is not something one chooses, but then in the last paragraph you make comments about 'choosing' the lifestyle.
I applaud your efforts, but aI think this may need more focus. A thesis statement, supporting paragraphs that flow well, and a conclusion that ties it all together.
Thanks for sharing! Keep it up!
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Good
Truth displayed openly for the perusal of the world...doors left ajar, windows edged open, closets explored and the soul poured forth so that pain spills freely... all this and more awaits the reader as the awakening begins.
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I think that as long as lifestyles do not hurt others then they should be allowed to live and love how they wish to. This is obvo something you feel strongly about so good for you.
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This is hardly any sort of comprehensive view of the subject, but just a few random thoughts about homosexuality in the USA and in parts of India. "There are similar restrictions in several other countries, where again, homosexuality does exist" is a weird statement.
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It meant strict social sanctions and taboos which the American society cannot even imagine. The point is to bring forth the fact that homosexuality exists everywhere...in every society....even where there the luxury of choice is not available to its members. It was not meant to be a view on homosexuality...merely an examination of how homosexuality exists in the Indian society in spite of such severe and almost unimaginable restrictions of an individual's choices.
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