Public Opinion: Lesbians vs. Gays
También en español Conversing recently with a friend, the topic of lesbianism came to our attention. Upon the mere mention of girls kissing girls, his instant reaction was, “That’s so hot!” even though one of the young women in this case was treating the other abusively. When I pointed out the contradiction, his reply was, “I mean, that sucks, but c’mon! Seeing girls making out is still pretty hot.”
Sadly, this reaction is all too common when people talk about women who partner with women, though rarely to this extent. However, it does drive home the point that society generally sanctions lesbianism for no other reason than it is between two women. While it may be great that people have accepted this so willingly, it is often for the wrong reasons. Simply seeing girls as “hot” ignores any other factors, including the one in the scenario above.
There is one catch to this unquestioning approval of lesbianism: it does not apply to all same-sex couples. The public opinion is more discriminatory toward male couples. The same people who loudly praise the merits of female couples often openly condemn their male counterparts. To make this even more contradictory, they take this negative viewpoint for the same reason that they take their positive viewpoint with the women: men together versus women together. Women can love women because that’s “hot,” but the same principle does not apply for men who love men.
Why does society find it appropriate to laud same-sex coupling when it is between women, but condemn it when between men?
Creative Commons image by: Marco Gomes
I don’t really see what’s wrong with being turned on by the thought or sight of two women kissing or doing more. Sure, your friend’s comment may have been contextually inappropriate, but does he not have a right — and doesn’t it benefit others — for him to freely express himself and explore that in which he takes pleasure?
There is, of course, the problem of objectification, but over the years I’ve come to regard that as, in most cases, little more than a nuisance. If someone objectifies me and another woman, who cares? That’s their problem, not ours — they’re the one with the narrow mind. Right?
Julie, you’ve made some very important points here. I agree with you that people should have the right to express their opinions and that there should not be a problem with people appreciating what can turn them on.
On the other hand, however, I do have a problem with objectification, the fact that many people ignore all surrounding circumstances, and that this generally exposes a greater respect for female couples than for male couples in society overall.
[…] sexual, Secciones Destacadas – By Anastasia Person On Martes, julio 10th, 2012 With 0 Comments Also in English Platicando recientemente con un amigo, el tema del lesbianismo capturó nuestra atención. Ante la […]