Reluctance of Gay Essay Example for Free

Reluctance of Gay Essay Domestic violence is a prevalent criminal and social issue because this occurs in various cultures and types of domestic partnerships. This is the reason for the establishment of laws and processes to aid victims of domestic violence. However, addressing domestic violence is not at all simple because the difficulty not only lies in the weak protective measures or loopholes of laws and criminal justice processes but also the failure or reluctance of victims to report their experiences to the police much less file action against the perpetrator, who happen to be their partners. Nevertheless, the reason for the reluctance is not entirely legal. Socio-cultural and religious factors could come into play that dictates acceptable and non-acceptable behavior. Economic factors also contribute to the reluctance. Psychological factors could also intervene in the decision to report victimization. (Roberts, 2002) A similar situation occurs even in cases of domestic violence among homosexual or same-sex couples. There is even a lesser probability of victims of homosexual domestic violence to report victimization than domestic violence between heterosexual couples because of the additional discriminatory situations that homosexual domestic violence victims face. (Renzetti, 1996) Heterosexual and Homosexual Domestic Violence Victimization Violence or abuse happens in homosexual partners as often as in heterosexual couples but there are similarities and differences in the situation faced by heterosexual and homosexual couples that could explain the reasons for the lesser likelihood of victimization reporting by homosexual domestic violence victims. As all victims of domestic violence, heterosexual and homosexual partners also undergo emotional dilemma in telling people about the violence or abuse much less report it to the authorities. However, homosexual partners also need to deal with homophobic issues arising from their social circle and the community in general so that they have to first deal with their homosexuality and homosexual relationship before even dealing with reporting domestic violence. (Renzetti, 1996; Roberts, 2002; Brown, 2008) Similar facts on domestic violence apply to both heterosexual and homosexual couples. Even partnership of the same sex does not necessarily provide a guarantee of equal status of the partners forming the relationship. It is also difficult for a victim of domestic violence in a heterosexual and homosexual relationship to leave the partnership. Blame on the victim in both types of partnership also occurs to influence the decision to report the incident. Remorse is also commonly exhibited by the abusers in both types of relationship to give the victim false hope over the cessation of the abuse. (Renzetti, 1996; Roberts, 2002; Brown, 2008) Reporting of Homosexual Domestic Violence Victimization to the Police There are differences in the domestic abuse experienced by heterosexual and homosexual victims and these differences comprise the reasons for the lesser likelihood of victims of domestic violence in same sex relationships to the report the abuse to the police. First is the limited recognition and understanding of domestic violence in the case of homosexual couples. This is perhaps due to the complex issue of accepting homosexual partnership more so with homosexual domestic violence. Lack of understanding or unacceptability of homosexual partnership would likely yield to negative reactions from society and evasion in addressing homosexual domestic violence. Aversion and evasion are the expected reactions of society to issues that it cannot understand. (Peterman Dixon, 2003; Brown, 2008) Moreover, it is not only society in general that lacks an understanding of homosexual relationship and domestic violence, the victims themselves could find it difficult to assess their situations and decide on the manner of dealing with the problem by considering emotional factors such as attachment to the partner and fear of being alone especially when they receive little support for their sexual preferences in their own social circle. Some of the victims who have not yet divulged their sexual preferences to their family, friends and co-workers also have to admit their homosexuality in reporting the abuse to the police. Many may not be prepared to do this. (Island Lettelier, 1991; Cruz, 2003) They may not even think about going to the police for protection. Even within the gay and lesbian community, domestic violence is a largely suppressed issue. An explanation is the prevention of the further antagonism of the community. Reports of domestic violence in the gay and lesbian community would further complicate attempts of the community to foster community acceptance. It was only in the late 1990s that domestic violence in same sex relationships started to receive due consideration. (Renzetti, 1996) Nevertheless, as long as the issue remains problematic on the part of the victims and the gay and lesbian community, reporting to domestic violence cases to the polices in homosexual relationships would remain nil. Second is the lack or limited services available to gays and lesbians who have experienced domestic abuse. Lack of knowledge or non-existence of venues for reporting domestic violence could be a reason for the failure or reluctance of gays and lesbians who are victims of domestic violence to report the abuse. (Peterman Jackson, 2003; Brown, 2008) Although there are help desks for women in police stations catering to gendered issues such as victims of domestic violence these are not commonly thought of as also available to gay and lesbian victims of domestic violence. These desks or sub-sectors of the police do not explicitly ban gays and lesbians or make services exclusive to women but the perception about the services offered and the people to whom the services were intended apparently do not include gays and lesbians who have experienced abuse. Of course, reports could be lodged with the police but these are likely considered as other crimes such as physical injuries instead of the more defined crime of domestic violence. In effect, even if homosexual victims make the report, they may not receive sufficient services for victims of domestic violence such as counseling and advice on the legal processes. This could be the reason why many opt not to take the risk of prejudice involved in reporting the crime and not receiving any support. Moreover, the slow response of the gay and lesbian community towards domestic violence has resulted to a small number of support groups that could help victims learn about remedies commencing with the report of the abuse to the police (Renzetti, 1996). Third is the lack of sensitization of health care workers, law enforcement personnel, and criminal justice professionals regarding domestic violence experienced by homosexual partners. In the case of medical workers, most have not received orientation or learning about domestic violence between same sex couples and the manner of dealing with the issue when raised to them. This means that they cannot give advice to victims on the remedies available to them or coordinate with law enforcement authorities in handling the issue. With regard to law enforcement officers, they could be hesitant to take reports because of uncertainty on how to handle the issue because of non-recognition of domestic violence among homosexual partners. (Renzetti, 1996; Roberts, 2002; Brown, 2008) In addition, law enforcement and criminal justice workers that are homophobic could disregard the issue altogether resulting to the re-victimization of the victim through discrimination. The police force carries a very macho culture so that gay men, who are victims of domestic violence, although by another gay partner, may be ridiculed or ill-treated. It is the risk of experiencing these adverse attitudes and behavior from the police together with the fear of stigma that dissuades victims of homosexual domestic violence to report the abuse to the police. (Renzetti, 1996; Roberts, 2002; Brown, 2008) Conclusion Victims of domestic abuse in a homosexual relationship fail or become reluctant to report abuse to the police, more so than victims of heterosexual domestic violence, because of a number of multi-dimensional reasons. Victims have to publicly deal with their homosexuality in reporting the abuse and many are not prepared for this. There is also limited support from the gay and lesbian community that for a long time has suppressed the occurrence of domestic violence among homosexual partners. There is also fear of stigma and discrimination by police officers in reporting the incident. These reasons imply that the addressing domestic violence in the case of homosexual or same sex partners would also be multi-dimensional. The solution involves change in the perception of society towards homosexuality, albeit a difficult feat. The gay and lesbian community also needs to rationalize and clarify issues relating to domestic violence to establish support for victims. Police officers require sensitization towards homosexual domestic violence in order to fulfill their duty of protecting individuals regardless of their sexual preference. References Brown, C. (2008). Gender-role implications on same-sex intimate partner abuse. Journal of Family Violence, 23(6), 457-462. Cruz, M. J. (2003). Why doesnt he just leave? : Gay male domestic violence and the reasons victims stay. The Journal of Mens Studies, 11(3), 309-323.Island, D. , Letellier, P. (1991). Men who beat the men who love them: Battered gay men and domestic violence. New York: Harrington Park Press. Peterman, L. M. , Dixon, C. G. (2003). Domestic violence between same-sex partners: Implications for counseling. Journal of Counseling and Development, 81(1), 40-47. Renzetti, C. (ed. ) (1996). Violence in gay and lesbian domestic partnerships. New York: Haworth Press. Roberts, A. R. (2002). Handbook of domestic violence intervention strategies: Policies, programs, and legal remedies. New York: Oxford University Press.

Comparing Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and The Sign of Four Essay -- compar

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde â€Å"has left such a deeply painful impression on my heart that I do not know how I am ever to turn it again† -- Valdine Clemens That which is willed and that which is wanted can be as different as the mind and the heart.   The Victorian age in English Literature is known for its earnest obedience to a moralistic and highly structured social code of conduct; however, in the last decade of the 19th Century this order began to be questioned.   So dramatic was the change in thought that Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (published in 1883) and Doyle's The Sign of Four (published in 1890) can be used to display this breaking away from strict social and moral standards.   Stevenson's character Mr. Utterson can be used to personify the earnest social morality that the Victorian age is known for, while Doyle's protagonist Sherlock Holmes personifies the shift to more individualistic pursuits.  Ã‚   In their search for answers, Mr. Utterson and Sherlock Holmes exhibit very different motivations for investigating:   the fulfillment of social and moral obligations, and persona l satisfaction, respectively.   This can be shown by comparing and contrasting these two characters' reasons for getting involved, their methods of dispensing information during their investigations, and their results at the cases' conclusions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The characters' actions in the first paragraphs of each of these works is very revealing; Sherlock Holmes is injecting himself with cocaine and Mr. Utterson is described as having resisted the theater (that he enjoys) for over twenty years.   From these beginnings, it is obvious who the pleasure seeker is and who adheres to a strong sense of morals.   Although Mr. Utt... ... Valdine. The Return of the Repressed: Gothic Horror from The Castle of Otranto to Alien. Albany: State University of New York, 1999. Print. Doyle, Conan. The Sign of Four in The Complete Sherlock Holmes Barnes & Noble, Dayton, New Jersey, 1988. Stevenson, Robert Louis. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Tales Of Horror. London: Penguin, 2003. Print. Works Consulted Charyn, Jerome. â€Å"Who Is Hyde?† Afterword: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Bantam Books. Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc., 1981. 105-114. Hume, David. â€Å"Of Moral and Social order.† An Introduction to Philosophy. Ed. G. Lee Bowie, Meredith W. Michaels and Robert C. Solomon. 4th ed. Harcourt College Publishers, 2000. 348-352 Mighall, Dr. Robert. A Geography of Victorian Gothic Fiction: Mapping History’s Nightmares. Oxford University Press, 1999. 166-209.

Distinctive Periods in History Essay

1. Discuss the causes of the Protestant Reformation. Which do you feel are most important? Why? The Protestant Reformation was caused by a number of cumulative factors ranging from socio-political developments during the 1600s to several blatant weaknesses in the Catholic Church. The socio-political factors range from the ongoing European decentralization during that period with the rise of independent nation states and the breakdown of a formerly medieval set-up under the leadership of the Pope.   Meanwhile, the causes for the breakdown of the medieval society were owed to the Black Death caused by the bubonic plague and the Hundred Years’ War between France and England. Another socio-political factor was the rise of the renaissance period wherein there was a renewed interest in humanism and a rebirth and rediscovery of the ancient arts and culture. Oh the other side of the spectrum, visible weaknesses in the Catholic Church caused a lot of discontent and rebels even among the most faithful within the Roman Catholic organization – the monks and the nuns.   The weaknesses can be further categorized as administrative divisions within the Catholic Church hierarchy, the proliferation of questionable rituals and practices, and rampant corruption and abuse of power in Church. The most blatant abuse came in the form of the sale of indulgences, certificates of remission from Purgatory and Simony or sale of higher Catholic offices to the highest bidder. However, the most important factor of the collapse of the control of the Roman Catholic Church over its followers is primarily because of the exclusion of the ordinary and regular people of direct communication with their God.   Earlier practices, literature and celebration of the Sunday Mass were all done in Latin.   Only the most educated and privileged sectors of society had access to the language.   Hence, the majority of the people felt alienated to it own religion.   Soon, several sects and break off organizations from the original Catholic practice of Christianity began to form their own groups and organizations. Some credit the start of this movement of Protestant Reformation to the posting of martin Luther King’s â€Å"95 Thesis on the Power of Indulgence† on October 13, 1517. It was a straight protest of the corruption of the Catholic Church and the inability of the Pope leadership to bring the Church to the people by making translations of the Latin version of the literatures of the Church like the Bible to plain everyday language like English.   From thereon, some of the more important Protestant groups to break away were the Lutherans, the Reformed/Calvinists/Presbyterians, the Anabaptists, and the Anglicans. The movement also led to a Catholic or Counter-Reformation within the Roman Catholic Church. 2. What advice does Machiavelli give a prince? The advice given by Machiavelli to the Prince is: â€Å"The Prince ought to have no other aim or thought, nor select anything else for his study, than war and its rules and discipline; (Machiavelli)†. In giving this advice, Machiavelli has put the full weight of a country leader’s responsibility to that of mastering the art of war and defense of its own country.   He iterated again and again that it is the single most important task of a true leader.   Furthermore, he iterated that if a leader cannot take up arms and master the craft of war, he could descend into the rank of a private (Machiavelli). However, a private who has mastered the craft of arms and war could ascend to the rank of a leader (Machiavelli).   Hence, for purposes of maintaining his ascendancy or right to lead, a leader (or prince as referred to throughout the text), should be able to protect his domain above all else (Machiavelli). Another advice that Machiavelli gives the leader (or prince) is that of ensuring he is instills fear in his subjects or domain so that nobody would dare cross him.   He further explains that such a preference of being feared instead of being loved will ensure his throne because of the nature of men.   Men apparently find â€Å"no scruples† over betraying people they love but would find it harder to go against somebody they feared (Machiavelli).   Hence, if there is a choice to be made between being feared or being loved, the leader (or prince) should have no qualms that he should make sure he is feared.   A precaution added here though is that the leader (or prince), while assuring he is feared by his subjects also should ensure he is also not hated by them (Machiavelli).   Apparently, this he can do by making sure he respects their property and their women (Machiavelli). The last advice given was in tune with the practice of the times during the 1600 when nobilities and kings would often abuse their positions and wantonly take what they want from their subjects including the so called â€Å"right of first night† with total disrespect for the husband and also the women during that time. 3. Discuss the Age of Exploration. What were the motivations for the age? The Age of Discovery or Exploration came about when the rise of capitalism was surging throughout Europe and established nations like England and Spain started looking outward of their own domain to plot new territories and sources for gold, silver and spices. From the early 1600s to the 1800s, or for more than 200 years, it was not just the age of discovery for new lands but also a surge in technological innovations of equipment and machines.   The period saw a lot of improvement in the study of cartography and a more realistic global map of nations and territories. Aside from   cartography, improvements in navigation, firepower, and shipbuilding were also flourishing. Why is it significant? This period was significant for establishing the modern day map and the confirmation that the fundamental theories that the world is round and that global meridians do exist.   This period would also plot the socio-political divisions of global powers and their respective and strategic holds on territories and influences. Please name two explorers and describe what they ultimately accomplished. During this period of exploration and discovery, there were several individuals who were made their mark in history because of their contribution to the charting of new found continents and territories.   Among these prominent individuals were Captain James Cook and Ferdinand Magellan.   Captain James Cook was from England and Ferdinand Magellan was from Portugal, but served Spain after being refused by the administration of Portugal to be entrusted with an exploration fleet (Swenson). James Cook James Cook’s beginning was humble, being born to a farm laborer father.   But at sixteen old, his interest in sea voyage was triggered by being an apprentice in a shop located in a seaport with a window overlooking the vast sea.   After more than a year, he began apprenticeship in a merchant’s vessel.   Soon, James Cook went on to study algebra, geometry, trigonometry, navigation, and astronomy.   Ultimately, these skills proved very helpful in helping him pass his apprenticeship, and later on command his own ship.   To expedite the process, he joined the British Royal Navy. He participated in the Seven Years’ War.   He was an active participant in the siege of Quebec.   Here, he was able to use the various skills he learned during his first apprenticeship when he was sixteen yearrs old.   He displayed a talent for cartography and surveying. His main contribution to this age of exploration was his mapping of the Saint Lawrence River that helped General Wolf in his famous attack on the Plain of Abraham.   Capt. James Cook was also responsible for accurately mapping the coast of Newfoundland (part of Canada). He produced the first large scale accurate maps of Newfoundland, despite rough conditions   This started his huge career and impact on the British’ direction of discovery and exploration of new territories.   His most famous quote,   â€Å"To go further than any man has been before me, but as far as I think it is possible for a man to go (Collingridge)†, revealed his primary goal in life. Ferdinand Magellan The second other prominent individual during this age is Ferdinand Magellan. Ferdinan Magellan first approached the administration of   the Portugese royalty, but was refused.   Hence he tried the neighboring nation of Spain, and he was granted an audience and given a chance to prove himself, and his objective of circumnavigating the globe via a westward route to the Spice Islands of Indonesia (Swenson). The fleet of ships started with 270 crew members.   However, only 18 of the original crew was able to circumnavigate the globe and reported the success of Magellan’s team (Swenson). Ferdinand Magellan established the colonial reign of Spain in the Philippine Islands and was the first person to successfully cross all the meridians of the globe.   He also lead the crew   to sail westward from Europe to Asia, and successfully cross the Pacific ocean. Before his discovery of the Philippine Islands, this part of the world was totally unknown (Swenson).

The Imp in Us All - 2024 Words

The Imp in Us All The Imp is taken to be a self destructive force present in all of us but with important difference in each person according to the power of will and morality. (Edwards 162) Those important differences both connect and individualize the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne. The Imp of the Perverse, The Tell Tale Heart, and William Wilson all demonstrate Poes fascination and exploration with inner conflict and torturer. These short stories deal with the same issue but present it in different ways by making the characters vary when describing their will and their morality. Hawthorne punctuates this fact through his famous character Reverend Dimmesdale from the Scarlet Letter. He demonstrates that†¦show more content†¦It is this insistent lucidity that tips off the reader to his insanity.(Kesterson-78) With the stories being so similar it is imperative for Poe to create subtle differences that make the two tales able to stand on their own. The inner struggle of this second character develops much more quickly in this story. His whole torment happens within one day of the actual murder. This would lead the reader to believe that this man is one of weaker will and with more morality then the previously mentioned character. In fact the man hears the beating of the heart before he actually kills the old man, the hellish tattoo of the heart increased. It grew quicker and quicker, and louder and louder every instant. The old mans terror must have been extreme! It grew louder, I say, louder every moment!-do you mark me well.(Poe-137) The beating of the heart continues after the murder and it is then that Poe investigates another aspect of inner struggle. By making the police come to scene the man is forced into immediate confrontation. Even though he is sure that there was no trace of the sin committed, his mental torture was so agonizing, and apparent, he found it impossible to maintain his secret any longer. 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