Biculturality and Homosexuality
Biculturality is an important aspect in the lives of millions of Americans every day. The concept of “Biculturality” has been used to explain cultural identification and cultural difference without suggesting that one culture is superior or better than the other. The United States has never concluded being the “promised land” for many different cultures during all periods of its existence. Minorities will always be an important element in the American experience, and the ability of a minority to adapt to his or her surroundings is nearly as important as their ability to adapt to their surroundings while also keeping the fundamental values of their own unique culture intact. Embracing biculturalism is an important stepping stone in creating optimum working and living conditions, but a growing importance has been seen in the need to accommodate bicultural homosexuals.
In the article “Biculturality and Homosexuality”, Carl A. Lukes and Helen Land first summarize the many previous theories of cultural identity, then go on to define the link between a minority’s culture and how it effects the minority if he or she is a homosexual. Lukes and Land both go on to state how the process of bicultural socialization for homosexuals varies widely from other minority group members, and both spend the next several pages convincing us of this statement.
The ability of a minority to adapt to the predominant culture of the area surrounding him or herself is particularly difficult for homosexuals in America. This is the first process of bicultural socialization. Marriage, family, parenting, education, and religious institutions all somehow prevent homosexuals from living the way they would like to live. There are many states with laws that outright ban homosexuals from taking place in religious rites, getting married, or even adopting children. Over time, some homosexuals may come to terms with these hardships, but these hardships can also lead to feelings of self-contempt.
Lukes
In the article “Biculturality and Homosexuality”, Carl A. Lukes and Helen Land first summarize the many previous theories of cultural identity, then go on to define the link between a minority’s culture and how it effects the minority if he or she is a homosexual. Lukes and Land both go on to state how the process of bicultural socialization for homosexuals varies widely from other minority group members, and both spend the next several pages convincing us of this statement.
The ability of a minority to adapt to the predominant culture of the area surrounding him or herself is particularly difficult for homosexuals in America. This is the first process of bicultural socialization. Marriage, family, parenting, education, and religious institutions all somehow prevent homosexuals from living the way they would like to live. There are many states with laws that outright ban homosexuals from taking place in religious rites, getting married, or even adopting children. Over time, some homosexuals may come to terms with these hardships, but these hardships can also lead to feelings of self-contempt.
Lukes