The authors start off by saying “…Marriage is how society recognizes the intimate and lasting bond between two people, and in turn it has become a cornerstone of the American family…” Just in the way it starts, it somewhat defines how or what the overall paper is about. Although the authors make many valid points in making their case the issue is less of being related to ethics and politics to more of being an opinion. Gay marriage will never be fully accepted just as homosexuality will never be viewed as being okay. Because of the closed mind perception of the people in the united states the grounds given for denying gays and lesbians their rights are simply rooted in ignorance and bias.
As stated in a polling report (2013) supposedly the mindset of the U.S.is changing. 55% percent of Americans are supportive, 36% oppose and %9 remain unsure. Where four years prior, those figures were reversed. These number of course also do not reflect the thoughts and opinions of those not polled. Some views may change and the issue hits closer and closer to home and family life. In an article written by Keith Wagstaff in 2013, he takes a trip down memory lane and just how far we have come but also reflects how far we have to go.
Nava and Dawidoff make a compelling argument as to why the issues of same-sex marriage of are important to everyone. By doing this, they successfully avoid discrimination and stereotyping, as we are all Americans. We all have feelings and we are supposed to have equal rights, As stated in the article “…..Gay want the right to marry for the same reason as others…” so why is this subject so controversial? What is REALLY the issue at hand?
As far as the opponents saying that allowing gays and lesbians the right to marry and to choose their mates would be like encouraging illegal sexual activity. Making this assumption is using a slippery slope fallacy. They are attempting to introduce a topic that in all actually nothing to do with it at all, in all attempts to divert the attention of the real subject. By saying if “A” is allowed to happen, then “G” will happen…so “A” should not be allowed to happen.
It would be wonderful if we could all get what we wanted in live in a world where we all agree, but until that happens, if ever; we need to try to find a common ground. In order to find that common ground, we will need to find the ability to accept more than we are currently willing to accept.
Bloomberg National Poll conducted by Selzer & Company. Sept. 20-23, 2013. Retrieved from http://www.pollingreport.com/civil.htm
Connelly, Marjorie (2012, December 7) Support for Gay Marriage Growing, but the U.S. remains Divided. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/08/us/justices-consider-same-sex-marriage-cases-for-docket.html?_r=0
Wagstaff, Keith (2012, October 21) America's gay-marriage evolution: A timeline. Retrieved from http://theweek.com/article/index/241550/americas-gay-marriage-evolution-a-timeline
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