Sexual Racism and Discrimination

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The mid nineteenth century is the most notable historical period that was shrouded with over politicization of sexuality. This period marked the inception of powerful social movements that advocated sexual racism and oppression of persons with so-called abnormal sexual preferences (Hernton, 2002). During the 1990s, people and institutions established political and educational campaigns to denounce sexual preferences such as homosexuality and encourage chastity in the entire human race. Morality crusaders, particularly religious groups have always condemned sexual choices that appear to be outside the norm. The consequences of moral paroxysms established in the 19th century are still felt to date albeit in a diminished context. These beliefs left a relatively deep imprint on people’s attitudes regarding sex and sexuality. However, today, the society is more accepting towards homosexuals. Today, although homosexuality is not considered a norm, it is increasingly being tolerated and accepted within the society. In the US, substantial shifts occurred in the 1950s as the organization of sexuality occurred. Rather than focusing on issues such as masturbation and prostitution, the 1950s concentrated on the “menace” of homosexuality. Homosexuals were regarded as sex offenders, sharing the description with rapists and child molesters. This goes to show just how much homosexuality was loathed in the 19th century (Virkkunen, Uimonen & Davydova, 2011).

Today, the working force and family life, has become more accepting to changes with regard to sexuality. While previously the dominant culture in the society was anti-homosexual as a whole, such sexual racism is rapidly declining as people begin to accept changes in terms of other people’s preferences and choices. Sexual racism was enforced by the interlocking life patterns and institutions within the society. In the 20th and 21st centuries, people observed that these man-made patterns and institutions are changeable to accommodate all persons within the society (O'Sullivan, 1978). Some of the most notable institutions that previously repressed homosexuals and people of uncommon sexual preferences include the family, educational system, organized religion, government, business and mass media. The family has the highest impact on personalities and the creation of sexual responses. Families provide the support mechanisms for sexual differences through the provision of lessons on sexual responses. Most of the other institutions also continue to advocate changes to contemporary schools of thoughts regarding sexual preferences. However, organized religious groups are still adamant that sexual preferences outside the norm contravene societal and familial values. As noted, the modern age of technological advancements, has relatively diminished the problem of sexual racism as people use the Internet as the preferred vehicle of communication of sexual diversity. The Internet provides a platform for the expression of people’s sexual preferences, as well as sexual diversity. For instance, homosexuals are able to relay their views and thoughts on sites such as gaydarblog.com.

Primary research conducted among fellow students further exemplifies the fact that the society has shifted to accepting sexual diversity. A survey conducted among 10 students indicated that at least seven students appreciate sexual diversity and other people’s sexual preferences. Most of these students cite societal evolution as the main reason for their perspectives. However, three students surveyed did not appreciate sexual diversity citing religious reasons and familial norms. The three students who uphold sexual racism asserted that their families were also intolerant towards homosexuality and other unconventional sexual orientations. This exemplifies the role of the family in transforming people’s perceptions with regard to sexual preferences (Smith, 2010). This research proves that the age of homophobia and sexual racism is far past. Sexual acceptance regardless of one’s sexual preference is the bottom line of the contemporary age and society.

References

Hernton, C. C. (2002). Sex and racism in America. California: Anchor Publications.

O'Sullivan, K. (1978). Social stratification and mobility. Social Forces 56 (3), 982-984.

Plummer, M. D. (2007). Sexual racism: Negotiating the ethnosexual marketplace. Washington:

University of Washington.

Smith, R. (2010). “The White Knight: The myth of sexual racism distracts from real discussions

of race in the gay community” Metro Weekly. Retrieved from http://www.metroweekly.com/news/opinion/?ak=5650

Stember, C. H. (1978). Sexual racism: the emotional barrier to an integrated society. Missouri:

Elsevier.

Virkkunen, J., Uimonen, P., & Davydova, O. (Eds) (2011). Ethnosexual processes, realities,

stereotypes and narratives. Kikimora: Kikimora Publications.