Shelby Meaders: The Rising Modern-day Phenomenon.

The newest phenomenon arising in this current society often counteracts many human’s beliefs.  Homosexuality causes several controversies in cities around the world. The morality of homosexuality is starting to evenly divide among Americans. In a Gallup Poll posted on www.Gallup.com (June 18, 2008), the percentage of Americans believing homosexuality is morally acceptable is slowly increasing. On the other hand, the percentage of Americans believing homosexuality is NOT morally acceptable is starting to develop a negative slope. Without a doubt, if the same poll was taken this June (2009) the rates would continue to rise/fall as they started to in 2008. Many questions arise in one’s thoughts when debating on the issue of the morality of homosexuality. “Gays”-to some- are seen as outcasts or rebels. Most homosexuals are afraid of ‘coming out’ because society might reject them-because they do not follow society’s regulated norms. As an effect, homosexuals are becoming rather unstable. Nevertheless, someone against homosexuality gains social stability because they are defending their beliefs and position in society.  Homosexuals are impacted by their society and motivated by their surrounding social forces. Unfortunately, society continues to apply a severe pressure on individuals to be ‘straight.’ Homosexuals, also, try to convince society that they are normal heterosexuals-by acting straight. Gays that are open about their homosexuality are said to be committing an act of resistance. In society, homosexuals who don’t uphold the set norms are not seen as “real individuals.” The free will each individual gains-that helps one make decisions about who they are- is referred to as “agency.” Homosexuality is gaining popularity in societies-becoming the key trouble for these individuals. Gays are reaching to a new height in this century-hoping to gain complete equality as a heterosexual automatically holds. The Social Imagination quotes “…is the idea that the individual can understand his own experience and gauge his own fate only by locating himself within his period, that he can known his own life chances in life by becoming aware of those of all individuals in his circumstances.” Heterosexuals often view homosexuals as inferior. Therefore, homosexuals are seen as under the “regulars” on the social ladder. Ethnomethodology is the study of how people make sense of what others do and say by adhering to pre-existing norms. This concept can be used to describe the presented argument on the morality of homosexuality. Pre-existing norms and understandings allow for the everyday interaction among individuals. Homosexuality is relatively becoming its own culture-and its own society. The homosexual society has regulated a set of their own rules they consider norms. These norms are different from those of the ‘normal’ or heterosexual society.  Homosexuals violate the norms of contemporary society. The norms for sexual relationships are expressed between a male and female-not two males or two females. How far will this new phenomenon reach? If a new level is touched in today’s society-what effects will result?

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