What is Marriage? #2

Wolfson explains his definition of marriage first because he wants to establish his definition to support his argument. Wolfson says that marriage is universal in all languages and cultures. He says that marriage is a personal commitment and that is a social statement which places someone in society. Also, marriage is a relationship between the couple and the government because of the protections, benefits, responsibility, and legal issues surrounding marriage. Marriage is also significant because is gives someone status. I think that his definition is well written and reasonable. Unlike the previous article by Santorum, Wolfson does not at all mention that it has to be between a man and a woman. His argument is not overly biased and it gives good solid facts to support his view that marriage doesn't have to be heterosexual.

It Takes a Family

Dr. Horn is comparing a traditional mother father family to a nontraditional family. He is saying that the traditional family can be compared to a plane that always get you there, but a nontraditional family can be compared to a plane that doesn't always get you there. The problem with this is that you don't to choose what kind of family you are born into. Comparing it to planes in real life, all planes have a safety records, but you don't get to choose which plane you fly on. Given his statistics, we are willing to believe that the best place for a child is in a traditional home. Just like one can't always get on the airplane with the safest record, not every child can grow up in a traditional environment. In reality, not everyone can grow up in a traditional family, which is seen as the most successful by the author. There are nontraditional families and just as less safe planes don't always crash, nontraditional families can be successful. There are many situations where the nontraditional family is more successful than the traditional. For example, a family can have a mother and father, but the parents don't get along making life for their children difficult. In this situation, it would be better to have, for example, two fathers who love each other and can provide a good environment for their family. Even though there are example where children of single parents are no successful, there are many cases where their children are successful.

Appearances

We automatically assume that Mickey and Brian are gay partly because of her physical description of them as well as the context of the description. She decides not to immediately reveal they aren't gay to show that people are quick judge based upon very little information. She waits to allow the reader to get caught in the trap of assuming from little information that someone is gay. The issue of antigay violence changes dramatically when one realizes that some of its victims are heterosexual. When this is recognized, a person realizes that it could easily happen to him or her. For example, a man wearing clothing that could make him appear to be gay, acting a certain way, or having an interest often associated with the opposite gender could make someone appear to be a homosexual when that is not the case. Something as simple as this could lead to violence, which is never appropriate, for a false impression.

Girl - #7

Always be polite; Say please and thank you; Don't interrupt when someone is talking; Don't use profanity or language that makes you seem unintelligent; Respect adults; Think before you act; Don't talk to strangers; Treat guests at your house well; Wash your hands before cooking or eating; This is how you cook; Don't put your elbows on the table; This is how you set the table; Hold your utensils properly; Sit up straight, don't slouch; Don't chew with your mouth open; Smile when people interact with you; Dress appropriately, don't look like a slob; Keep good hygiene; Stand up for yourself, but know the limits; Don't talk back to adults.

The Manliness of of Men

I disagree with Mansfield that manliness and sensitivity are incompatible. Stereotypically, manliness is seen as being tough, rugged, and willingness to die for a cause. The stereotype of sensitivity is seen as more feminine. However, in reality, one can have both qualities. A man can be manly, but not have to push people around or dominate women. There are many tough people who are at the same time sensitive because they still care about other people and how they feel. They can be strong, but know what crosses the line in how they use their strength to control. I think that having both these characteristics is valuable and leads to a more well-rounded, balanced person. Eustice Conway epitomizes manliness, but he still shows sensitivity. His sensitivity isn't related to people but rather to nature and how he appreciates it. He chose to live what one would view as a manly life partly because of his love of nature.

The Last American Man

Elizabeth Gilbert believes that Eustace Conway is the last American man for various reasons. He lives in nature on his own and makes everything for himself. He doesn't rely on anything other than what he can make or what is available to him in nature. He doesn't rely on other people and only needs himself to survive. He is not weak and will do whatever is necessary to survive, no matter now difficult or grotesque as we may see it. This style of living is much like frontiersmen, and doing these types of things to survive such as making wherever he is a home or finding his own food are seen as manly and what men should do in Gilbert's mind. Also, he is the last American man because men today don't live the same way as him and those who try to be like him and live his way are not successful.

How the Americans Understand the Equality of the Sexes

Tocqueville says that in Europe, men and women are seen as "alike" but not equal and that this degrades both genders. In American society, men and women are seen differently and he says that this is democratic. This democracy allows men and women to be equal in their own ways and in their own strengths (according to Tocqueville). Both genders are giving something to one another by giving each other acceptance of their differences and living within those differences. Europeans do not accept the differences in gender and do not allow different genders to fully utilize their strengths. He does say that yes, they are not able to "escape from the quiet circle of domestic employments", but women are not pressured to "manage the outward concerns of the family, conduct a business, or take part in a political life". Also, he says that they never have to face strenuous physical labor. Division in genders exist "in order that the great work of society may be the better carried on".

Childhood Story

There are many different stories told such as Snow White and Cinderella, but one that sticks out in my mind is Pocahontas. It seems like the majority of these types of stories make females seem subservient or dependent. Stories such as Cinderella make one think that once a female meets the right male, her life is perfect. Also in these stories, the women have more female associated tasks such as cleaning or doing whatever someone tells her to do. However, Pocahontas displays strength and courage, which I think is a more appropriate way to show a female role. It taught me that women are capable of more than just cleaning and can have more male characteristics (according to these stories). From what I can remember, Pocahontas was one of the few stories that showed the female role with strength and did not include falling in love as a cure all.