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Gays in the Military
For a long time, the issue of gays serving in the military has largely been contentious though approaches regarding the enlistment of gays in the armed forces differ from country to country. This text concerns itself with gays in the military and the issues, opportunities as well as challenges they face. Further, it highlights the society's contribution to the construction of this group's identity.
Gays in the Military: The Issues, Opportunities and Challenges They Face
It is important to note from the onset that though some countries still have laws prohibiting the enlistment of gays into the military, most developed countries have in the recent past gotten rid of policies seen to exclude gays from enlistment. Currently, gays in the United States can serve openly given the September 2011 lift on the ban prohibiting openly gay individuals from serving in the military (Kevin and Harris, 2011). This was a move hailed by the gay community given that "over 14,500 openly gay troops have been discharged from the U.S. military since the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy was introduced in 1993" (Kevin and Harris, 2011). This policy according...
(2008) was an arrangement in which case "gay recruits could serve in the military as long as they do not make that orientation public." Doing away with the policy availed an opportunity for those of a different sexual orientation to serve in the military without fear of victimization or dismissal. Further, given that openly gay individuals no longer have to lie about whom they are, the repeal of the policy will inevitably improve the working conditions for those who happen to be gay. Hence, regardless of sexual orientation, individuals can still rise to the highest level of responsibility within the military.
However, regardless of the gains that have so far been made as far as the accommodation of gays in the military is concerned, it is important to note that some challenges still abound. One of the challenges gays could still encounter includes harassment. Though such harassment which could include jokes and insults directed at those openly gay could be veiled, the damage it occasions in terms of a lowered self-worth and self-esteem cannot be overstated. Deconstruction of the already existing stereotypes is yet another challenge gays could…
References
Cochran, C.E., Mayer, L.C., Carr, T.R. & Cayer, N.J. (2008). American Public Policy: An Introduction. Cengage Learning.
Edlin, G & Golanty, E. (2011). Human Sexuality: The Basics. Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
McVeigh, K. & Harris, P. (2011, September 20). U.S. Military Lifts Ban on Openly Gay Troops. Retrieved February 25, 2012, from The Guardian website: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/20/us-military-lifts-ban-gay-troops
Nardi, P.M. & Schneider, B.E. (1998). Social Perspectives in Lesbian and gay Studies: A Reader. Routledge.
Wolf, S. (2004). The Roots of Gay Oppression. Retrieved February 25, 2012, from: http://www.isreview.org/issues/37/gay_oppression.shtml
However the survey is also likely to expose disputes that the services could face in getting rid of the policy, including defeating severe resistance in some divisions of the military even if they symbolize a minority (Gays in the Military Study: Most U.S. Troops, Families Say Gays OK, 2010). Earlier this year, the Pentagon was required to get rid of its prohibition on openly serving gays for eight days after
While not as sexy and "politically correct" as a direct confrontation of homophobia in the military, the author thinks that a pragmatic, gradual expansion of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy is in order. It is probably the best way to preserve the lives of gay servicemen and to protect and expand their rights. Works Cited: Bateman, Geoffrey. Don't Ask Don't Tell. London: Lynne Riener Publishers, 2003. 2, 12. . Grener, Richard. "Colonel Redl:
If he is opposed to the law, why speak of upholding it? Obama consistently pursues a cautious, bipartisan policy regarding most major social issues -- despite the substantial lack of bipartisanship on the part of conservatives in the U.S. Congress. He has been willing to sacrifice the once-sacrosanct public option for health care, and does not seem to wish to raise divisive topics such as gay marriage before a
This option would, however, allow the opportunity to eliminate the issues that stem from the existing policy and incorporate all of our objectives into our new policy. The third alternative would also require approval from Congress, but would represent a less radical change. Such changes to the law could include bulking up the protections for homosexuals against harassment (in light of the lack of enforcement on the Don't Harass side
It delved into the historical record of integration of blacks into the military, public opinions and health risks and unit disruption. It also incorporated the findings of scientific literature on group cohesion, sexuality and relevant health and legal issues and their implementation. Only one policy would fulfill the President's directive. It would consider sexual orientation as not inherent in determining who may serve in the military. It would set
Thus, the stigma of homosexuality, even in committed same-sex marriages is still seen as a sin by many, and thus, the partners face prejudice, hatred, and injustice because of their sexual orientation. In a society that values freedom and free speech, this seems like an oxymoron at best. According to the Constitution, freedom should apply to all individuals. Interesting, this is one aspect of the five freedoms emulated by