HIS-217-J7417 week 4 journal
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American Public University *
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217
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Communications
Date
Apr 3, 2024
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docx
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Uploaded by maelandi
Throughout history many narratives have been used to justify marginalizing LGBTQ+ groups. The main narrative that has harmed the community has been that of moral decay. This narrative will paint LGBTQ+ individuals as a threat to societal norms and values and puts forth that their presence and actions are a sign of a declining society. Another historical narrative that has been used to justify the marginalization of LGBTQ+ groups is that of mental illness. Well into the 20th century, the medical and psychological communities perpetuated the notion that homosexuality was a mental illness, and in fact was classified so until the publication of the DSM-V in 2013. This narrative was also used to argue for the criminalization of same sex behaviors and behaviors and contributed to the stigmatization of LGBTQ+ communities. A third historical narrative that has been used to justify the marginalization of LGBTQ+ groups is that of
pedophilia. This narrative has been used by some individuals and groups to argue that LGBTQ+ people threaten children and society at large, and that their presence in schools and other public spaces poses a risk to children's safety. This narrative has been used to exclude LGBTQ+ individuals from education and other areas of public life and has contributed to their isolation.
The major dominant narrative that I personally have encountered to ”explain” LGBTQ+ sexuality is the myth of choice, which states that LGBTQ+ people can simply choose to be straight if they want to. This myth is untrue and disregards the complexity of sexual orientation. Another is mental illness, as explained above.
LGBTQ+ narratives differ from the dominant narrative in many ways. One way is that our narratives portray as people with complex inner lives who happen to have different sexual attraction or gender identity than what is considered the norm. Another way is the healthy way it portrays LGBTQ+ relationships and expression, instead of painting us as abusers and crazy people. Additionally, they provide a platform for the recognition and celebration of sexualities
and gender identities that may not be present or even demonized in the dominant narrative. It also
brings to light LGBTQ+ history and celebrates our contributions to the societies in which we live.
Dominant groups acquire and maintain a power structure over marginalized groups in relatively simple ways. Firstly, they limit the marginalized groups' access to education and other resources, while also limiting their freedoms and basic rights. They do this through the passage of laws and policies, backed by their financial and political dominance. Perhaps the most pervasive is the use of social mores and societal disapproval. This ensures that these groups are shunted into undesirable economic and social positions.
Throughout history dominant groups have benefited in many ways over marginalized groups. They often have access to more resources; whether that be wealth, political power, or land. Furthermore, dominant groups have better opportunities for education and advancement. This allows them to move up the social ladder, which leads to the next way they have benefited. By having higher positions in society, more political power, and more wealth, dominant groups have often been over-represented in government and business, allowing them to grow and maintain their power. Lastly, they benefit from social acceptance and privilege, which gives them
an advantage professionally, academically, and in the housing sector.
Stryker, S. (2009). Transgender history
. Seal Press.
Hill, M. (2023). Diverse Historical Narratives: Selected Readings
. McGraw-Hill Learning Solutions. https
://online.
vitalsource.com/books/9781265836535
Video: Understanding the Complexities of Gender (16:29)
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