Alan Sanders, director of behavior genetics at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Research Institute, has suggested that 40% sexuality is determined by genes. Although just a suggestion, this would leave another 60% up for grabs. If assumed that the other 60% is environmental, or at least some of it is environmental, then that would pose the idea that sexuality is not an argument of one or the other, but rather a combination of the two. Both perspectives would be compromised and then forced to accept at least some of the other. I personally accept the idea of a combination when it comes to sexual choice. There are too many variables people encounter to just have one determinant in their preference. Even though this argument has no definitive answer, it is a conversation that has yet to leave the mainstream media. Homosexuality is a well-established co-culture of the United States. They live in society with everyone else, and expect to be treated as such. Whether biology is the main cause or environmental effects reign true, homosexuals would agree that their sexual preference is not a choice, but rather what feels 'correct' in their lifestyle. Sexuality is dynamic. Sexuality is also historic. Based on the person and their background, sexual preference is different for everyone.
http://www.psych.northwestern.edu/psych/people/faculty/bailey/research.html
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
Body paragraph(s)
As science continues to advance, there is new evidence about homosexuality and its relation to the mind and body. Many scientists believe genetics has a large role in determining sexuality. This means that genes from either the father or mother, or both, determine whether or not an individual is gay. Supporters of this claim are often in favor of the belief that sexuality is inborn. In other words, heredity and genetics determines sexuality, an individual does not choose their own beliefs. Many studies have been done to try and observe a families genetic history, and most of the studies found the same thing; if there is such thing as a gay gene, then it is linked maternally. Heterosexual women would be a carrier of the gene and if received by a male offspring, they have the possibility of becoming gay. Studies have also linked the genetics between gay brothers. In the region of the X chromosome, Dean Hamer of the National Cancer Institute in Washington D.C. observed that more than 66% of brothers had a similar genetic make up. This region, also known as Xq28, has not pointed out a specific gene in which the homosexuality trait is located, but there is overwhelming evidence that genetics has a large role in sexuality. As recent as 2006, studies have been done to support that claim that genetics and the X chromosome may be the main cause for sexuality. Sven Bocklandt, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California at Los Angeles, observed that "'when we looked at women who have gay kids, in those with more than one gay son, we saw a quarter of them inactivate the same X in virtually every cell we checked.'" (2). Whereas the DSM used to view sexuality as a disease, everyday, researchers are getting closer and closer to proving that it is linked genetically.
http://allpsych.com/journal/homosexuality.html
http://drdeborahserani.blogspot.com/2006/05/genetics-and-sexuality-gay-gene.html
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f97/projects97/Newman.html
Of course, not everyone is a supporter of genetics. Environmentally, sexuality can change based on experiences and knowledge. Some believe that homosexuals opt to be gay, that there truly is a choice in their sexuality. There are 2 common environmental beliefs. Jean Foucault believes that sexuality is nothing more than the depth of desire, that superficial tastes and preferences determine preference (20). David Halperin not only disagrees with Foucault, but believes that homosexuality is deeper than superficial tastes and a psychological condition (20). Environmentalists that agree with Foucault also commonly accept individuals should not be broken up into categories, but that homosexuality is not always equal and influenced by 'superficial' tastes. He also supports the notion that homosexuality has not always been around, but was created "because we made it so'" (18). Supporters of Halperin believe the opposite, they believe that there are 3 different sexuality groups, heterosexual, gay men, and lesbians, and that homosexuality is an equal and symmetrical relationship level. Halperin also supports the idea that homosexuality is an accident, that it came around through error. Another reason many people support the environmental viewpoint is because of religion. Homosexuality is not openly accepted in all religions, and therefore receives negative connotations from these organizations. Homosexuality is seen as wrong and in many cases, a sin. Another famous environmental supporting theory is made by the famous Sigmund Freud. Freud suggested the possibility of innate sexuality, in other words the belief that humans are all born bisexually. Psychological development, both environmental and biological, develop your monosexuality. Homosexuality still elicits many questions that have not yet been solved, but environmental causes may answer a great deal of them. Although neither genetics nor environmental causes have been 100% proven, both seem to have an input on an individual.
Up until now, we have been talking about researchers, psychologists, and scientists. To fully understand what an individual is feeling, you must ask them and get inside of their head. Most gays agree on one thing; they feel that being either homosexual or bisexual was not a choice, but an inborn characteristic that they cannot change. Most homosexuals are proud of who they are. They are offended when you do not accept them as anyone else, for they believe that they are no different. Many homosexuals just want the same rights as heterosexuals have, and are in a constant battle for the fight against government and social discrimination. Jennifer Baumgardner expresses her opinion in an article of Bitch magazine. Jennifer is a feminist that writes journalism for both Ms. and the Nation. She is also a published author and has a son. She believes in certain morals such as self-identity and purity. She also emphasizes that homosexuals are very different in nature and there are no tell tale signs of sexuality. As she says, she doesn't believe that she looks gay, nor are her hair and fashion choices classically gay (51). You cannot characterize someone as gay, no matter how feminine or masculine, the clothes they wear, the people they are around, none of which are telltale signs. She finishes with saying, "I'm much more interested in art around these topics than the labels put on them, which I don't think convey much at all" (95). The labels commonly associated with homosexuality are often found offensive and misleading. These generalizations are often wrong and have little or nothing to do with deciding a person's sexuality. During my research, not a single article portrayed sexuality as being linked to acceptance, popularity, or peer pressure. Though some characteristics are common among certain groups, no specific traits have been tied to homosexuality. As Jennifer states, she wants to make sure her "self-worth remain[s] intact" (50). Everyone has a different appeal and the characteristics involved do not determine sexual preference.
http://allpsych.com/journal/homosexuality.html
http://drdeborahserani.blogspot.com/2006/05/genetics-and-sexuality-gay-gene.html
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f97/projects97/Newman.html
Of course, not everyone is a supporter of genetics. Environmentally, sexuality can change based on experiences and knowledge. Some believe that homosexuals opt to be gay, that there truly is a choice in their sexuality. There are 2 common environmental beliefs. Jean Foucault believes that sexuality is nothing more than the depth of desire, that superficial tastes and preferences determine preference (20). David Halperin not only disagrees with Foucault, but believes that homosexuality is deeper than superficial tastes and a psychological condition (20). Environmentalists that agree with Foucault also commonly accept individuals should not be broken up into categories, but that homosexuality is not always equal and influenced by 'superficial' tastes. He also supports the notion that homosexuality has not always been around, but was created "because we made it so'" (18). Supporters of Halperin believe the opposite, they believe that there are 3 different sexuality groups, heterosexual, gay men, and lesbians, and that homosexuality is an equal and symmetrical relationship level. Halperin also supports the idea that homosexuality is an accident, that it came around through error. Another reason many people support the environmental viewpoint is because of religion. Homosexuality is not openly accepted in all religions, and therefore receives negative connotations from these organizations. Homosexuality is seen as wrong and in many cases, a sin. Another famous environmental supporting theory is made by the famous Sigmund Freud. Freud suggested the possibility of innate sexuality, in other words the belief that humans are all born bisexually. Psychological development, both environmental and biological, develop your monosexuality. Homosexuality still elicits many questions that have not yet been solved, but environmental causes may answer a great deal of them. Although neither genetics nor environmental causes have been 100% proven, both seem to have an input on an individual.
Up until now, we have been talking about researchers, psychologists, and scientists. To fully understand what an individual is feeling, you must ask them and get inside of their head. Most gays agree on one thing; they feel that being either homosexual or bisexual was not a choice, but an inborn characteristic that they cannot change. Most homosexuals are proud of who they are. They are offended when you do not accept them as anyone else, for they believe that they are no different. Many homosexuals just want the same rights as heterosexuals have, and are in a constant battle for the fight against government and social discrimination. Jennifer Baumgardner expresses her opinion in an article of Bitch magazine. Jennifer is a feminist that writes journalism for both Ms. and the Nation. She is also a published author and has a son. She believes in certain morals such as self-identity and purity. She also emphasizes that homosexuals are very different in nature and there are no tell tale signs of sexuality. As she says, she doesn't believe that she looks gay, nor are her hair and fashion choices classically gay (51). You cannot characterize someone as gay, no matter how feminine or masculine, the clothes they wear, the people they are around, none of which are telltale signs. She finishes with saying, "I'm much more interested in art around these topics than the labels put on them, which I don't think convey much at all" (95). The labels commonly associated with homosexuality are often found offensive and misleading. These generalizations are often wrong and have little or nothing to do with deciding a person's sexuality. During my research, not a single article portrayed sexuality as being linked to acceptance, popularity, or peer pressure. Though some characteristics are common among certain groups, no specific traits have been tied to homosexuality. As Jennifer states, she wants to make sure her "self-worth remain[s] intact" (50). Everyone has a different appeal and the characteristics involved do not determine sexual preference.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Introductory Paragraph
My goal is the introduction.
As history has shown us, the only certain thing is change. There was a change when slavery was abolished, and a change when women got the right to vote. This same type of change is also seen today, with actions such as gay marriage. And all of this change is eventually understood and accepted because all people deserve equal rights, but the difference between now and then is the root of sexuality. Gender and race have always been large issues, but sexuality has only recently become a mainstream argument. Gays are now searching for new laws to be passed on their behalf, and most of all, want to be treated as equals. Between religion, science, and the government, homosexuality has become a new topic for debate in the United States. Of course the biggest interest to mainstream media related to the topic is what causes this change in sexuality. Between religion, science, and the government, homosexuality has become a new topic for debate in the United States. Many scientists argue that genetics is the main determinant for homosexuality, and I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, biology probably has a large part to do with sexuality. On the other hand, the environment of an individual may also change a person's preference. Because both arguments have such great evidence, many would agree that sexuality is a combination of both.
I finished drafting my introduction. I need to move onto my first main body paragraph about biology.
As history has shown us, the only certain thing is change. There was a change when slavery was abolished, and a change when women got the right to vote. This same type of change is also seen today, with actions such as gay marriage. And all of this change is eventually understood and accepted because all people deserve equal rights, but the difference between now and then is the root of sexuality. Gender and race have always been large issues, but sexuality has only recently become a mainstream argument. Gays are now searching for new laws to be passed on their behalf, and most of all, want to be treated as equals. Between religion, science, and the government, homosexuality has become a new topic for debate in the United States. Of course the biggest interest to mainstream media related to the topic is what causes this change in sexuality. Between religion, science, and the government, homosexuality has become a new topic for debate in the United States. Many scientists argue that genetics is the main determinant for homosexuality, and I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, biology probably has a large part to do with sexuality. On the other hand, the environment of an individual may also change a person's preference. Because both arguments have such great evidence, many would agree that sexuality is a combination of both.
I finished drafting my introduction. I need to move onto my first main body paragraph about biology.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Hey Magellan, it's exploring time!
Many scientists argue that genetics is the main determinant for homosexuality, and I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, biology probably has a large part to do with sexuality. On the other hand, the environment of an individual may also change a person's preference. Because both arguments have such great evidence, many would agree that sexuality is a combination of both.
Biological
More and more evidence is being found support the claim that genetics is a main factor in sexual preference. In other animal species, tests have determined that sexuality can be decided by altering the nervous system. This argument sides with the idea of inborn sexuality, that sexuality is handed down from your parents DNA. Some scientists have suggested that even an infection, possibly early on in life, could be a determinant for sexuality. Other claims have to do with the size of the brain, or certain areas have slight mutations.
Environmental
There are many factors outside of direct science that can a person to change their sexuality. If environmental effects are proven true, supporters of the claim that sexuality is a choice will win the argument. One of the biggest environmental effects is religion, and the acceptance of individuals based on sexuality. Most religions of the world, and many of mainstream America, view homosexuality as a sin or negative action.
Gay's Views
Most individuals that are gay claim that they did not make the choice to be gay, but simply feel as if they are born differently from everyone else. Gay's also emphasize how others treat them more so than the issue of why they are gay. Many individuals are afraid to be themselves because of what homosexuality will classify them as. First hand accounts show homosexuals as powerful individuals that have the ability to make change. Many gays also believe that sexuality is a caused by a number of reasons, both environmental and biological.
My Views
I agree that more likely than not, sexuality is determined by many factors. I also believe that there is nothing wrong with homosexuality, and that sexual preference should not hinder an individual, whether it be socially, politically, or any other issue. The ethics behind both arguments is what fuels the fire in this argument.
Biological
More and more evidence is being found support the claim that genetics is a main factor in sexual preference. In other animal species, tests have determined that sexuality can be decided by altering the nervous system. This argument sides with the idea of inborn sexuality, that sexuality is handed down from your parents DNA. Some scientists have suggested that even an infection, possibly early on in life, could be a determinant for sexuality. Other claims have to do with the size of the brain, or certain areas have slight mutations.
Environmental
There are many factors outside of direct science that can a person to change their sexuality. If environmental effects are proven true, supporters of the claim that sexuality is a choice will win the argument. One of the biggest environmental effects is religion, and the acceptance of individuals based on sexuality. Most religions of the world, and many of mainstream America, view homosexuality as a sin or negative action.
Gay's Views
Most individuals that are gay claim that they did not make the choice to be gay, but simply feel as if they are born differently from everyone else. Gay's also emphasize how others treat them more so than the issue of why they are gay. Many individuals are afraid to be themselves because of what homosexuality will classify them as. First hand accounts show homosexuals as powerful individuals that have the ability to make change. Many gays also believe that sexuality is a caused by a number of reasons, both environmental and biological.
My Views
I agree that more likely than not, sexuality is determined by many factors. I also believe that there is nothing wrong with homosexuality, and that sexual preference should not hinder an individual, whether it be socially, politically, or any other issue. The ethics behind both arguments is what fuels the fire in this argument.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Annotated Bibliography
Kosslyn, Stephen M. & Rosenberg, Robin S. "Sexual Orientation: More Than a Choice." Fundamentals of Psychology in Context (2007): 324-326.
There is evidence that male homosexuals have different brain structures than male heterosexuals. Studies show the hypothalamus may be different between the 2 types of sexuality. There is also evidence that women differ in certain parts of the neural system depending on sexuality. This article does not portray sexuality as a choice, but more so a biological difference.
Murphy, Timothy F. (Fall 2000). Now What? The Latest Theory of Homosexuality. Newsletter on Philosophy and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues, 00. 7/11/07, from http://www.apa.udel.edu/apa/publications/newsletters/v00n1/lgbt/04.asp
In this article, Timothy Murphy introduces the idea that homosexuality could be caused be a microbial infection. If true, this theory would challenge the argument that homosexuality is genetically influenced. Murphy believes that if homosexuality is caused by a microbe, "that research could re-pathologize homosexuality and open the door to methods of prevention and treatment" (13). The research so far is not enough to support the claim, but it is a surprise to both scientists and social structures.
Daly, Meg. (2007, Fall). Bi-Rite. Bitch, 37, 48-51, 95.
In this article, Meg Daly interviews Jennifer Baumgardner, a feminist and author about bisexuality. She strongly believes that labels bring the homosexual and bisexual community down. She emphasises the purity of a relationship, no matter the sexuality involved. She also states that some women are afraid of being catagorized as lesbian and therefore have trouble being accepting of who they are or standing up for their sexuality. It is important to understand Jennifer's views because she is a first account of a modern day bisexual. She is a very good symbol of the gay community, for she has taken the criticism and anger very well, and lets what others say brush off her shoulder.
Morrison, Suzanne. (November 7th, 2007). Further Evidence that Genetics has a Role in Determining Sexual Orientation in Men. McMaster University. November 12, 2007 from http://fhs.mcmaster.ca/main/news/news_2007/sexual_orientation_genetics.html
Sandra Witelson, a doctor at McMaster University, has found new evidence that the size of the posterior corpus callosum may be related to sexuality. The callosum is larger in homosexual men than in heterosexual. What makes the information important is the idea that sexuality could be controlled biologically. The researchers were able to predict sexuality in 95 percent of their test subjects.
White, Jamie. (October 15, 2007). Scientists Alter Sexual Orientation in Worms. November 12, 2007 from http://unews.utah.edu/p/?r=101207-1#Media_Contacts
University of Utah professors Jamie White and Erik Jorgensen have found a way to alter the sexual preference in nematode worms. Through altering the nervous system that is directly connected to the brain, they were able to control the sexuality of female worms to make them think and act like males. Although not conclusive in humans, “‘it raises the possibility that sexual preference is wired in the brain,’" Jorgensen says. The ethics are substantial if ever found to be the case in humans, for sexual preference could be altered by surgery.
There is evidence that male homosexuals have different brain structures than male heterosexuals. Studies show the hypothalamus may be different between the 2 types of sexuality. There is also evidence that women differ in certain parts of the neural system depending on sexuality. This article does not portray sexuality as a choice, but more so a biological difference.
Murphy, Timothy F. (Fall 2000). Now What? The Latest Theory of Homosexuality. Newsletter on Philosophy and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues, 00. 7/11/07, from http://www.apa.udel.edu/apa/publications/newsletters/v00n1/lgbt/04.asp
In this article, Timothy Murphy introduces the idea that homosexuality could be caused be a microbial infection. If true, this theory would challenge the argument that homosexuality is genetically influenced. Murphy believes that if homosexuality is caused by a microbe, "that research could re-pathologize homosexuality and open the door to methods of prevention and treatment" (13). The research so far is not enough to support the claim, but it is a surprise to both scientists and social structures.
Daly, Meg. (2007, Fall). Bi-Rite. Bitch, 37, 48-51, 95.
In this article, Meg Daly interviews Jennifer Baumgardner, a feminist and author about bisexuality. She strongly believes that labels bring the homosexual and bisexual community down. She emphasises the purity of a relationship, no matter the sexuality involved. She also states that some women are afraid of being catagorized as lesbian and therefore have trouble being accepting of who they are or standing up for their sexuality. It is important to understand Jennifer's views because she is a first account of a modern day bisexual. She is a very good symbol of the gay community, for she has taken the criticism and anger very well, and lets what others say brush off her shoulder.
Morrison, Suzanne. (November 7th, 2007). Further Evidence that Genetics has a Role in Determining Sexual Orientation in Men. McMaster University. November 12, 2007 from http://fhs.mcmaster.ca/main/news/news_2007/sexual_orientation_genetics.html
Sandra Witelson, a doctor at McMaster University, has found new evidence that the size of the posterior corpus callosum may be related to sexuality. The callosum is larger in homosexual men than in heterosexual. What makes the information important is the idea that sexuality could be controlled biologically. The researchers were able to predict sexuality in 95 percent of their test subjects.
White, Jamie. (October 15, 2007). Scientists Alter Sexual Orientation in Worms. November 12, 2007 from http://unews.utah.edu/p/?r=101207-1#Media_Contacts
University of Utah professors Jamie White and Erik Jorgensen have found a way to alter the sexual preference in nematode worms. Through altering the nervous system that is directly connected to the brain, they were able to control the sexuality of female worms to make them think and act like males. Although not conclusive in humans, “‘it raises the possibility that sexual preference is wired in the brain,’" Jorgensen says. The ethics are substantial if ever found to be the case in humans, for sexual preference could be altered by surgery.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Rolls 4 Re Surch Righting
Synthesizer of Current Best Thinking on a Problem.
What is the current view of experts on the causes of bisexuality/homosexuality?
What is the current view of experts on the solution/acceptance of bisexuality/homosexuality?
What is the current view of experts on the causes of bisexuality/homosexuality?
What is the current view of experts on the solution/acceptance of bisexuality/homosexuality?
How is your topic research so far? It is wonderful, thank you for asking.
So far I have been a little disappointed in finding sources that focus on the "both" issue involved with bisexuality and more so had luck with "either/or." The genetics and bisexuality is very interesting though, and leading me to a lot of interesting conclusions so far. It seems like most articles have to do with someone coming out or the issue of inborn/choice. I hope I can find more articles about why and how people embrace their bisexuality and what makes them bisexual.
Overall my research is interesting on how today's culture effects bisexuality, and how bisexuality effects culture.
The focus needs to continue to be maintained as to what causes this choice in modern society and if it can be "cured," as seeing that many individuals see it as a disease or deformity.
Overall my research is interesting on how today's culture effects bisexuality, and how bisexuality effects culture.
The focus needs to continue to be maintained as to what causes this choice in modern society and if it can be "cured," as seeing that many individuals see it as a disease or deformity.
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