The Oppression Of Opposite Sex Sexuality And Relationships

Journal Heterosexism is the oppression of opposite-sex sexuality and relationships. In our society heterosexuals is the normal and those who do not fit into this category are shunned. Throughout history, â€Å"homosexuality and bisexuality have been called many things; from sin, sickness, and crime, to orientation, identity and even a gift from God.† (372). Labels and judgments are justifications for society to marginalize people due to their sexuality. Our society tends to look for ways to justify homosexuality by looking for â€Å"deficiencies† through â€Å"medical or psychological terms† (373). Language is another powerful tool that society uses to gain authority in order to define the normative. Language can dehumanize homosexuality by using words such as â€Å"queer, faggot, and dyke† in order to gain empowerment over their sexuality. The efforts to make homosexuality inferior in our society, causes heterosexuals to view homosexuality in negative ter ms. From a young age, society teaches us to be heterosexuals and those who go against the norms are viewed as â€Å"trespassing† (399). In the essay â€Å"How Homophobia Hurts Everyone† a quote by Douglas shares how society manipulates our perceptions. In the quote Douglas recalls his slave masters wife as a kind lady whom allowed â€Å"slavery to divest her of her heavenly qualities. Under its influence, the tender heart became stone, and the lamblike disposition gave way to one of tiger like fierceness† (381). It is important to realize that as a societyShow MoreRelatedFemale Sexuality : Male Sexuality846 Words   |  4 PagesFemale Sexuality Female sexuality has been a controversial subject that plays a crucial role in our everyday lives. There is a constant double standard women face. In terms of sexuality both males and females are more similar than society deems them. It begins with parents; they have a great impact on how their daughters view sex and their own sexuality. 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