Introduction
The negative and/or unfavorable judgment towards homosexuality has been on the rise across the globe over the years. Surprisingly, the United States which is considered to be a leading nation in sociology has as well had its share of prejudice against homosexuality.
However, many societies and the public at large are slowly accepting homosexuality and some going to high lengths of opposing this discrimination.
Just like racism and other institutional discrimination, homosexuals have been discriminated against in various aspects of life including work place, social movements, political aspects and schools among many others (Martin, 2000 p 1) Homosexuality prejudice can therefore be said to be the negative attitude by the public towards groups of people who have different sexual preferences form the normal ones.
This paper critically evaluates the criticism against homosexuality and most importantly, the factors influencing the rate of this criticism.
Factors influencing homosexuality prejudice
Social media
Generally, social media is the most influential medium within the society as it interacts with people in a direct manner that no other means can. This includes Television shows, radio programs, lifestyle magazines and newspapers among others. The media has had both positive and negative impacts on the ever heated topic of homosexuality.
For instance, in the United States, there have been some TV shows which have been said to have failed to depict a typical family. Even after the public appearance of a gay character in a show, “All in the family” back in 1970, Americans are still against homosexuality particularly on homosexual television personalities probably due to fear that they may influence children into changing sexual preferences later in life.
Despite the fact that there has been implementation of rights to homosexuals, Americans have not yet accepted homosexuality especially on TV. May be this is because we are not modern enough to embrace change in different aspects of our lives.
Different people have had differing views on the matter especially concerning national activities and matters. Rick Perry for instance is a very stunt anti-gay activist who protests against gays’ deployment in the US military alongside other anti-gay organizations (Romano, 2012, p 1). These activists claim that homosexuality is solely a result of choice which they regard as being indecent.
On the other hand, other TV personalities like Lady Gaga have differing views on homosexuality. This is evident from a speech she gave and said “No matter gay, straight or bi, lesbian, transgendered life…you were born this way” (Romano, 2012, p 1).
This could have an impact on the public regarding their opinion on homosexuality. For instance, fans of Lady Gaga may end up supporting homosexuality just because she does. Consequently, these fans may persuade the friends and family members that there is really nothing wrong with homosexuality.
In the event that people should give their opinions on homosexuality, may be at a national levels, all these individuals will have influence some aspects regarding homosexuality such as implementation of rights and most importantly, on prejudice against homosexuality either positively like in the case of Lady Gaga and her funs or negatively like in the case of Rick Perry and anti-gay activists.
In this context, homosexuality may be presented by the media as a matter of freedom and equality rather than a choice. At the same time, anti-homosexuality may be presented as simply being closed minded or outdated.
A very good example of TV news affecting pubic views on homosexuality is the announcement by American actor, Neil Patrick Harris that he is gay. Despite his popularity among fans all over the world, this news drew many negative feedback and posts from the public through social media such as Facebook and tweeter.
However, with time people are now embracing different sexual preferences, not only by Harris, but also among many other society members. The media contributed a great deal in all this initially by the way they reported the news.
For instance, after the actor announced that he is gay, the news were presented in a surprising manner suggesting that it was unusual way of life for normal American (Romano, 2012, p 1). This resulted to the negative responses by the public.
Similarly, as time passed by and after several talk shows with the actor who claimed he is not ashamed of whom he is and is enjoying his life like any human being. The media presented this in a positive manner meant to suggest that there is nothing unusual with homosexuality.
This changed the way that people viewed homosexuality and people began to praise him and others for being proud of whom they are. Therefore, the media has had great impact on homosexuality to the public but it has as well shed some light on the same.
Society and religion
Many people from different society levels have different views on homosexuality with religious leaders and followers arguing that the practice is disrespect to God and immoral assault to the society. On the other hand, other society members have no opposition for homosexuality relating to other acceptable situations such as racial differences or preferences in interracial marriages.
Homosexuality is slowly being integrated into the society with the formalization of homosexual domestic relationships and other benefits such as the civil-rights protection. This has helped in bringing to the open the secrecy that has been for long time associated with homosexuality.
With some society members opposing homosexuality and others advocating for it, some states are going to the lengths of conducting votes like depicted in the state of California (Martin, 2000, p 1). This clearly shows that the society has its great influence in the prejudice against homosexuals. Many societies are now focusing on making benefits available to homosexuals through provision of civil rights.
Despite some society members having positive views on homosexuality, many religious personalities and clergies have always been against same-sex marriages due to their strong religious beliefs that strongly oppose homosexuality.
Religious advocates are very much concerned not only by the rising acceptance of homosexuality among society members, but also by what they call erosion of society morals evidenced by teen pregnancies, erosion of the traditional nuclear family, high rates if divorces and many other immoral deeds facing our societies today.
In fact, religious leaders are now the only parties who strongly oppose homosexuality due to their faith which maintains that nobody should change humanity regarding to God’s purpose for humans concerning man and woman (Richard, 1977, p 42).
This creates prejudice among society members through their followers who are most likely opposed to homosexuality as well due to the teachings they get from the leaders. Other society members have prejudice against homosexuality with no basis at all.
This may be because they do not have any social contact with the homosexuals themselves something that might give them an insight of the reality involved.
However, this may not be the real in determining factors that cause prejudice against homosexuality among society members as different people may be brought up within the same beliefs in regard to sexuality but have different attitudes towards the same later in life.
Whatever the factors resulting to prejudice against homosexuality, the fact remains that the society including religious personalities have a great influence on discrimination against same-sex marriages.
Conclusion
The society today is changing drastically in almost every aspect of life. Lifestyle is no exception including sex preferences which have started to change in the recent past.
One of the most heated debates on the issue of sex preference is the homosexuality which continues to rise with many same-sex individuals engaging in intimate relationships to the point of getting married and even having children through surrogate birth.
For the longest time, homosexuality has been greatly criticized by the society due to its immoral values relating to sex as well as religious views which claim that the practice is disrespectful to God (Johnston, 1979, p 1). However, with time, people have now accepted the fact that homosexuality is part of us and that we should respect every one’s choices and preferences as they define who we are.
Although religion and society have their influence in the prejudice against homosexuality, the media has had the greatest impact as it portrays the views of the homosexuals themselves and those of the public.
It also influences the views of the public in a way by the way news are presented trough TV programs. This is also done through interviews done to homosexuals to help the public see their reasons for different sexual preferences.
Reference List
Johnston, R. (1979). Homosexuality and the evangelical: The influence of contemporary culture. Evangelicals at an impasse: Biblical authority in practice. Retrieved from http://www.religion-online.org/
Martin, W. (2000). Religion, morality, prejudice influence views of gay marriage vote. (The orange county register). Highbeam research. Web.
Richard, L. (1977). The active homosexual life and the church. Church and society. 5, 37 – 58.
Romano, S. (2012). Prejudice against gay characters in Television still prevalent. The observer: the student voice of Fordham College at Lincoln center. Retrieved from https://fordhamobserver.com/9811/opinions/prejudice-against-gay-characters-on-television-still-prevalent/