Quote:
Originally Posted by SeattleUte
tooblue, I'm sorry if my posts hurt you. You tell an inspiring story of personal tragedy and triumph. You're a man of great character and an impressive artist to boot.
But I disagree that "a link between homosexuality and child abuse is well established." This in fact is an old, fortunately now discredited though still invidious prejudice against gays. The scientific community, and equally important, general public opinion (based on common experience), don't support your assertion. Anita Bryant saw her brilliant musical career go up in flames after she made this same charge against gays (she is now sorry for what she did), and the same accusation made implicitly by the Boys Scouts of America has practically wrecked the Boy Scouts' public image.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anita_Bryant |
The simple fact of the matter is it is not discredited in whole by the larger community that deals with issues of abuse and sexuality but by a relative vocal few who have a vested interest in maintaining the political correctness gag over a more expansive study on the subject. To say it is discredited is to put your head in the sand and admit an unwillingness to delve deeper into the heart of the issue.
The percentages are undeniable Seattle. There is a direct correlation that cannot be argued. In the link Mike posted 1 – 7 homosexuals report being sexually abused. I have read elsewhere that 80% of incidents of sexual abuse go unreported. The Child pornography industry, supported by the so-called soft porn industry is a world wide billion dollar industry that shows predatory sexual behavior is epidemic. Common sense dictates a connection. Political sensitivities curtail open and outward expression of said connections.
I am not prepared to discuss all of my personal experiences in such an open forum. Yes, it is cathartic to find ways to reach out and help others. Sometimes however it is exceptionally difficult and painful. No, I am not nor have not suggested that it is exclusively an issue of choice. I only advocate that choice is a MAJOR factor. SEQ very perceptively outlines the issues with his thoughts posted in another thread;
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Sleeping in EQ
I don't think there is a genetic cause, but I do think sexuality is mostly beyond one's control. A combination of genetic and early formative experiences (beyond one's control) probably explain most of it. The rest can probably be chalked up to the cognitive reinforcement that comes with the sense of self that is constantly being constructed and reconstructed through behaviors and reasoning.
I do think people's sexuality has a range within which it can shift. Not all homosexuality is the same, and neither is all heterosexuality. Homosexuals are often keenly aware of this fact, heterosexuals are less likely to be so.
|
You must understand that exposure to abuse leads to compulsive behavior that is part of a larger cycle of potentially self-destructive behavior:
http://www.stopitnow.org/asit_survivors.html
Again, I confidently assert, framed by the limitations of you intitial poll, that Homosexuality is a choice.