Critical Thinking
Strayer University
Online Campus
Critical Thinking PHI 210
‘’Critical Thinking Paper: Revised’’
Assignment 5
June 10, 2012
Submitted to
Prof. Naomi Sanderovsky
By
Janet Rivera Cruz
Introduction
In the United States, there is social unrest regarding the government’s denial of the right to marry for homosexuals. Plenty of conservatives are completely against gay marriage; and many of liberals are fighting for equal treatment. The neo-Christian politicians are using religious arguments to establish that homosexuality is an abomination. Clearly we as a nation are undecided on this issue. 36 states have passed legislation banning gay marriages, yet the state of Vermont passed a law that allows homosexual couples the right to participate in civil unions. Some other states are also debating whether or not to allow these couples to marry. Unfortunately, the dispute has left the United States homosexual community in an awkward position. Gays who gain the same benefits from marriage would be a more productive part of society for two reasons: the benefits from marriage and the pursuit of happiness obtained from the right of gay marriage. Many gays disagree with the argument that marriage is a tradition. They believe we should not discriminate who may be married. It is clear where gays stand. They do not want to settle for less than marriage status.
Those who argue against gay marriage insist that the only legitimate marriages are those between men and women. Gay marriage furthermore represents a threat to established norms of authority, identity and power. Those who possess that authority and power and who have used them to create their identities are thereby threatened by the prospective changes. Marriage is not just an institution, but also a symbol representing our culture 's ideals about sex, sexuality, and human relationships. Symbols are important they are a common cultural currency, which we each use to help create our sense of self.
Online Campus
Critical Thinking PHI 210
‘’Critical Thinking Paper: Revised’’
Assignment 5
June 10, 2012
Submitted to
Prof. Naomi Sanderovsky
By
Janet Rivera Cruz
Introduction
In the United States, there is social unrest regarding the government’s denial of the right to marry for homosexuals. Plenty of conservatives are completely against gay marriage; and many of liberals are fighting for equal treatment. The neo-Christian politicians are using religious arguments to establish that homosexuality is an abomination. Clearly we as a nation are undecided on this issue. 36 states have passed legislation banning gay marriages, yet the state of Vermont passed a law that allows homosexual couples the right to participate in civil unions. Some other states are also debating whether or not to allow these couples to marry. Unfortunately, the dispute has left the United States homosexual community in an awkward position. Gays who gain the same benefits from marriage would be a more productive part of society for two reasons: the benefits from marriage and the pursuit of happiness obtained from the right of gay marriage. Many gays disagree with the argument that marriage is a tradition. They believe we should not discriminate who may be married. It is clear where gays stand. They do not want to settle for less than marriage status.
Those who argue against gay marriage insist that the only legitimate marriages are those between men and women. Gay marriage furthermore represents a threat to established norms of authority, identity and power. Those who possess that authority and power and who have used them to create their identities are thereby threatened by the prospective changes. Marriage is not just an institution, but also a symbol representing our culture 's ideals about sex, sexuality, and human relationships. Symbols are important they are a common cultural currency, which we each use to help create our sense of self.
Cited: Bennett William. “Leave Marriage Alone”. Constructing Others Constructing Ourselves. Ed. Sybille Gruber et al. Kendall/Hunt, 2002. Sullivan Andrew. “Let Gays Marry”. Constructing Others Constructing Ourselves. Ed. Sybille Gruber et al. Kendall/Hunt Homosexual Marriage: Same-Sex Marriage." 123HelpMe.com. 28 May 2012 <http://www.123HelpMe.com/view.asp? Id=34545>.