Cultural Competence with Gay and Lesbian Essay Example for Free

Cultural Competence with Gay and Lesbian Essay Being gay or lesbian has several implications notable of which are the manifestations of discrimination. Such effect is aggravated by a condition wherein the homosexuals are part of a diversified culture. This paper aims to make a presentation on â€Å"Cultural Competence with Gays and Lesbians† as discussed in the textbook written by Doman Lum. In doing so, it is the ultimate objective of this paper to make the public realize the important functions of social work professionals particularly their cultural capabilities in handling issues such as discrimination concerning homosexuals. Cultural Competence with Gay and Lesbian Introduction There is a joke about four people who are about to be fired because their company is facing profit loss. The manager failed to fire the initial three employees composed of black man, Mexican and woman. This is because the three threaten to sue the company for discriminating people based from their race, ethnic or culture and gender. The manager then was bent in firing the fourth employee noting there will be no problem at all because he is a male white American. Hence, to avoid dismissal, the fourth employee simply says â€Å"Well, I guess I could be gay† (â€Å"Gay joke – positive discrimination,† 2007). The said joke and its implication manifest that the concept of homosexuality has long been of undeniable significance to humans’ existence and the reality of being in different cultures where they belong. Hence, it is of equal relevance that being homosexual and the idea of cultural competence with gay and lesbian are effectively presented. This is because of the notable relationship which exists between homosexuality and racial or cultural color. Most importantly, it is also empirical to talk about that being gays and lesbians in a diversified culture results into the very damaging practice of discrimination. It is, therefore, of ultimate concern and objective that the value of having understandable presentation about being homosexual in varied culture is realized. This is possibly achieved if people with expertise will discuss the subject matter. This is due to the need for clear presentation of all the details which paves the way for being culturally capable with homosexual persons and eventually resolving the issue of discrimination. Of Gays and Lesbians In today’s modern society, the commonality of being and lesbian has sets ground. In fact, social recognition and work practice have advanced due to the fact that significant number of gays and lesbians from various cultures already came forward. Gone are the days that homosexuality is perceived as a social ill which requires change. Thus, concerned field professionals realize nowadays the existing personal and cultural identities of homosexuals by exerting earnest efforts at upholding their distinct nature of being gays and lesbians. This condition was what Walters, Longres, Han and Icard (2006) stated when they discussed the concept of â€Å"cultural competence with gay and lesbian persons of color† (Walters, Longres, Han Icard, 2006). In presenting further the issue, Walters and company explained that while homosexuality is now openly talked about, it is significantly worthy to consider and focus on the conditions affecting gays and lesbians of color or what they called GALOCs. This is because through a clear and mind-opening discussion about the negative or harmful situations that homosexuals of diversified cultures are experiencing, the society is aimed at realizing the important contributions and roles of social work professionals. In doing so, addressing, if not resolving concerns and the various forms of discrimination against GALOCs are easily achieved (Walters, Longres, Han Icard, 2006). Cultural Competence with Gays and Lesbians It is necessary for social workers or professionals to exemplify cultural competence in dealing with homosexuals of various ethnic roots. This is in order to identify the nature and eventually come up with possible solutions to the experiences of discrimination against gays and lesbians. Prejudice due to being homosexual is itself not in accordance with human nature thus aggravating the situation by subjecting gays and lesbians to unfairness due to their respective or varying cultures causes more alarm (Walters, Longres, Han Icard, 2006). Walters and company emphasized the principle of cultural ability and proficiency of social workers or professionals in handling issues concerning gays and lesbians. They stated that the effective development of a well and cultural characteristics among GALOCs calls for the social professionals’ competence to talk and resolve issues such as discrimination against gays and lesbians of different race. This is where the clear link between racial personality and sexual distinctiveness of gays and lesbians definitely matters. This is because once recognized, social professionals are able to respond and resolve the condition of bias inflicted among homosexuals of various colors (Walters, Longres, Han Icard, 2006). This is particularly realized based from the manifestations of discrimination made to several homosexuals from racial groups composed of â€Å"First Nations Peoples, African Americans, Asian Americans and Latino/s Americans† (Walters, Longres, Han Icard, 2006). In doing so, Walters and company learned that there is indeed a need for cultural competence among social professionals in order to underline the harmful effects of social injustices which the gays and lesbians inevitably suffer (Walters, Longres, Han Icard, 2006). Supporting the above-mentioned principles, it can be said that cultural capability, particularly as regard the social professionals’ service and practice towards GALOCs, requires the critical assessment of numerous social and private characteristics. It also needs the recognition of inconsistent duties as well as several factors that relate with discrimination of gays and lesbians coming from different cultures. Social fairness orientation, as far as social work service and practice towards homosexuals is concern, makes us wary that oppression and discrimination should cease to exist. If it is otherwise tolerated to happen in the areas of culture and gender or sexual preference, then nobody, not even the gays and lesbians are really free (Walters, Longres, Han Icard, 2006). Conclusion Cultural competence with gays and lesbians is attributed to the abilities of social professionals. This means that culturally-capable social work service and its professionals need liberating pedagogy which respects the value of the fight for cultural and gender impartiality for homosexuals. And this ultimately includes the fight against discrimination. References In my mind’s eye. (2007, December 19). Gay joke – positive discrimination. Message posted to http://pure-eyecontact. blogspot. com/2007/12/gay-joke-positive-discrimination. html Walters, K. L. , Longres, J. F. , Han, C. Icard, L. D. (2006). Cultural Competence with Gay and Lesbian Persons of Color. In Doman Lum (Ed. ), Culturally Competent Practice: A Framework for Understanding Diverse Groups and Justice Issues (389-423). Kentucky: Thomson Brooks/Cole.

Analysis of Neuromancer by William Gibson :: Neuromancer Essays

Analysis of Neuromancer by William Gibson  Ã‚         William Gibson's Neuromancer sets tone 'postmodern science fiction' or 'cyberpunk science fiction.'   According to the author of "Science Fiction and the Postmodern," John R. R. Christie, postmodern requires that humans take the associations of everyday life and transform them into something different (39).Sarah also claims that Neuromancer follows the cyberpunk category.Unlike other science fiction books that we read in this class, Gibson's story takes place everywhere in this planet, starting from Chiba in Japan, Istanbul, Paris and Vancouver in Canada.   These familiar settings make Gibson's story more understandable and believable.      Gibson's Neuromancer reveals itself as apostmodern science fiction contrasting postmodernity and humanism by setting the story in familiar places.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The story begins at one of the bars in Chiba, Japan.   This bar is where only foreigners (gaijin) come to drink the Japanese beer, Kirin.   In fact, these types of bars existed in Japan even when ten to twenty years ago.   Gibson used many specific names of places and companies' names in the story.   For example, Tokyo Bay, Shinjuku, and even minor city, Sendaiwere used with less description to make readers feel that the places are common in our life; it is not strange like the city in The Martian Chronicles.  Ã‚   Throughout the book, Gibsonused existing companies' names, such as; Fuji Electric Company, Mitsubishi-Genetic, Hilton Hotel, and Sony.   Melissa thought that this setting is representative of what American percieve to be what they can expect in the future. Gibson's setting uses glo bal level and includes minor cities such as Sendai, Istanbul, and Vancouver, to show this story could take place anywhere.From our perception, these cities are far from relating to science or technology development.   The traditional science fiction writers usually set their stories in the major cities of the United States or other well-known technologically-developed countries.   The author of "Preface from Mirroshades,"Bruce Sterling noted that "Cyberpunks aim for a wide-ranging, global point ofview," (347).   Gibson's Neuromancer proves this notion by setting his story in worldwide.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Cyberpunks or postmodern science fiction writers create their story into our everyday life and make it more real.

Antigone Tragic Hero Essay Essay

Most Greek tragedies were based on myths and consisted of a series of dramatic episodes mixed with a chorus who commented on the dramatic action or analyzed the pattern of events. The role of a tragic hero was vital to the tragic plays. Sophocles argues that a tragic hero is a character who possesses six specific traits. A tragic hero must be of noble stature, can not be perfect, their downfall most be their fault, their misfortune is not wholly deserved, the fall is not a total loss, and has a moral purpose. Therefore, Creon is the tragic hero in Antigone because he is of noble stature, posses character flaws, and his fall is not an entire loss. Creon is the brother of Jocasta, who was the wife and mother of Oedipus, who was the king of Thebes. He becomes ruler of Thebes after the s of Oedipus’ two sons, Eteocles and Polynices in the recent civil war. In his speech to the people assuring the citizens that order and safety have returned to Thebes he says, â€Å"I now posses the throne and all its powers†(line 194, page 67). This passage easily shows that Creon is the ruler of Thebes because it says that he posses the throne which is a possession of the king. This shows that Creon is of noble stature, which is one of the necessities of a tragic hero. Throughout the whole play Creon exhibits that he is imperfect. Creon is very stubborn as well as ignorant, which results in his many problems all through the play. In his dispute with Haemon over the fate of Antigone he says, % –show me a greater crime in all the earth! She, she destroys cities, rips up houses, breaks the ranks of spearmen into headlong rout. But the ones who last it out, the great mass of them owe their lives to discipline. Therefore we must defend the men who live by law, never let some woman triumph over us. Better to fall from power, if fall we must, at the hands of a man–never be rated inferior to a woman, never (lines 751-761 page 94).† The word % † basically means â€Å"without a leader.† He makes it sound as if he may be speaking about Antigone. Creon looks at as the unavoidable consequence when insubordination of the law is left with impunity. This excerpt vividly shows how Creon is very stubborn and ignorant. He refuses to see that woman play a  major role in society. He only views them as objects. He visions woman as a threat to masculine superiority and he will stop at nothing to avert this from happening. His refusal to allow Antigone to go free ultimately results in the of his son and his wife. This shows that Creon is imperfect, which is also one of the requirements of a tragic hero. By the end of the play, after the of his wife and son, Creon gains some self-knowledge and learns from what he has done. After Creon learns of the of his wife and son he says, â€Å"Ohhh, so senseless, so insane†¦ my crimes, my stubborn, ly— Look at us, the killer, the killed, father and son, the same —the misery! My plans, my mad fanatic heart, my son, cut off so young! Ai, , lost to the world. Not through you stupidity, no, my own (line 1395-1400, page 124).† This quotation from the play illustrates that Creon realizes that his stubbornness and foolishness is the cause of all of this pandemonium. Creon now understands that his flaws resulted in his family’s . He then goes on to say, â€Å"Oh I’ve learned through and tears (line 1405-1406, page 124).† This shows that he has learned his lesson so the of his family is not a complete loss because now he is aware of the fact that it is because of his stubbornness and stupidity that this occ urred. This shows that Creon’s fall is now a pure loss, which is as well, a condition of a tragic hero. Creon is the tragic hero in Antigone because he is of noble stature, posses character flaws, and his fall is not an entire loss. These flaws eventually are what leads Creon to his demise and to the of his wife and son. In Antigone there were numerous themes. One of the themes is pride and its effect on the characters. Both Antigone and Creon are exceedingly proud, making it impossible for either one of them to back down once they have taken a position on something. This character flaw leads to their downfall. In contemporary times, we can relate this type of tragic hero to powerful figures like Donald Rumsfeld, who does not waver from his positions until others have paid a heavy price for his pride. Another theme is Moral Law vs. Human Law. This is shown when Antigone’s conscience influences her to bury her brother, which conflicts with Creons law of the state. It’s a decision of whether morals should be placed above the human law. A semi-modern  example of this can be seen in World War II where the soldiers had to decide between their morals or the decision of the state in the s of the Jews. The third and final central theme is the position of woman. This is brought up several times in Antigone. Creon feels that woman are subordinate to men and should never be placed as high as men. This is also evident in present times because even now women do not have the same opportunities as men do although women have come a long way in just this century. There will always be tragic heroes in any society. They are usually high-profile people who rise and fall in the public eye. Hopefully, those of us who watch their stories unfold can learn from their experiences by debating the merits of the decisions a one-time hero made to render him/her tragic. The presence of a tragic hero is evident in modern society because even now we have people who are examples of tragic hero’s.

Middle of the World, Territory of Complexity Essay

With current advancement involving technological, and biological warfare all over the earth, the world can seem to resemble a ticking time bomb waiting to be detonated. All it would take is one rogue nation to oppose a neighboring nation and provoke a terrible conflict, and other nations would have to intervene. The conflict over territory is present in Israel and Palestine. This ancient feud will apparently cause a world war if it is not solved, The Israeli Palestinian conflict can overflow onto the rest of the surrounding nations, right into our very backyard, and it already involves U.S. Government. The Israel and Palestine conflict truly does affect us all whether we realize it now or later. Many former U.S. leaders have been†¦show more content†¦The Israelis are known to protect there neighborhoods from incoming rocket propelled grenades. Israel does certainly have the right to defend itself from the heavy opposition. It is a volatile situation when any nation can cause violence for having different beliefs. Nonetheless the definition of one’s rights varies from different countries. Israel is outnumbered, yet still manages to survive, although, the threat is not gone. Many nations surrounding the Jewish State condemn the close relationship between the United States and Israel because the United States has contributed to the preservation of the Jewish nation. The Arab resistance yearns to take total dominion over the west bank of Israel. Although Israel is a small nation by itself, people opposing Israel say that the Israelis are nothing short of military bullies. Israel is known for their military might and success in preserving there nation. Their defen se program is state of the art and far above other surrounding nations. Yet the potential of rogue nations containing nuclear capabilities are substantial. Some of the Arabian fighters are not all radicalized but are angered victims of having family members becoming casualties of war. Israel also while trying to defend itself, occasionally contribute to the unfortunate casualty victims. Naturally they would oppose Israel for taking away their sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, and also friends. TheShow MoreRelatedThe Palestinian Conflict Of The Middle East1654 Words   |  7 PagesIsraeli-Palestinian Conflict The creation of two sovereign states is the only possibility of a peaceful end to the conflict over historical Palestine in the Middle East. To achieve this, a third-party must offer enough incentive to both the Arabic and Jewish states and create a sovereign Palestinian state. This is not a very probable outcome, as the conflict is rooted in the peoples’ traditions and beliefs making it much harder to compromise. 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