Top-Rated Free Essay
Preview

Barack Obama and Same-Sex Marriage

Powerful Essays
2354 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Barack Obama and Same-Sex Marriage
Barack Obama and Same-Sex Marriage Throughout the United States, many people hold differing opinions on the legality and morality of same-sex marriage. Subsequent generations of people have fought for and against the rights of same-sex couples. Sympathetic activist groups constantly strive to ease same sex couples’ enduring struggle to fit in a volatile society. The public perception of same-sex marriage has evolved methodically throughout U.S. history. In 2012, the President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, publicly announced, through the press, his stance in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage. On May 9th, the news outlet ABC News broadcasted the Presidents’ speech on national television saying: “At a certain point, I’ve just concluded that personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married.” The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate how the various news distribution centers have covered Barack Obama’s public announcement; effectively arguing how they have helped (or hindered) the legalization of same-sex marriage. I will also validate the relevance of the theory of Innovation and Information, which states how the advancement o new idea could be introduced to a society if they cause people to react, adapt, and accept it. The history of the United States of America has thoroughly demonstrated an opposing but equally passionate support in favor (and against) the rights of homosexuals. In the New York Times article “A Brief History of Gay Marriage,” Alex Altman discloses that the first time issue of the legality of same-sex marriage gained national attention was in 1993 in Hawaii, where judges discovered that the Constitution of the United States need more convincing arguments and compelling reasons to deny homosexual people the right to marriage. Furthermore, he described how, in 1996, Congress pushed and effectively passed the Defense of Marriage Act, which restrained same-sex couples from the benefits consulted in marriage. The news outlet CNN News printed some interesting facts about same sex marriage titled “Fast facts: Same-Sex marriage,” which disclosed facts and progressively recounted the history of same-sex marriage. This modern equivalent of a populist manifesto describes how in year 2004, nearly 4000 same-sex couples received marriage licenses in San Francisco, CA. That same year, the first legal same-sex marriage license in U.S. history was issued in Cambridge, MA. In 2009, the nation’s capital, Washington D.C., passed a law recognizing same-sex marriage rituals and documentation that where performed elsewhere. The organization called People and the Press reported, “Support for same-sex marriage is edging upward.” It describes how in the year 1996, 65% of Americans opposed same-sex marriage, while 27% supported it. In lieu of the advancement or evolution of the public perception on gay marriage, in the year 2010, 48% of Americans opposed same-sex marriage while 42% supported it; thus establishing a newsworthy spike in the number of supporters.
Public opinion-measuring polls indicate civilian attitudes in a certain time. It is influenced by political actions, prevailing viewpoints and mass media. The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is a federal law passed in 1996 only allowing opposite-sex couples to be married and receive matrimonial governmental benefits. Public opinion was influenced by DOMA and was not very favorable for gays during the first decade of the 21st century. However Obama’s public announcement in favor of gay marriage influenced public opinion and social polls indicated pro-gay marriage leanings. Obama also announced DOMA unconstitutional. Currently, public opinion is pro-gay marriage. News articles influence public political opinion because they cover political decisions and inform us about political action. For example, when newsmakers told the story of Obama’s recent actions, political opinion reciprocated. Public opinion is also influenced by how many people read a newspaper and by the stances different newsmakers take. More traditionally conservative news companies will expose their ideals in different ways from more progressive ones. Both sides interview political figures and tell us what they think and value. Essentially states differ on the topic of same-sex marriage and on whether they allow it or not. Public figures decide overall policies and influence public opinion through the mass medium. Legal battles have also discussed issues regarding same-sex rights and have been the action behind social change. Their respective stories in the newspapers keep the public well informed. Although there is no federal law allowing same-sex marriage, several states permit marriages between same-sex couples. Besides newsmakers, institutions like religion can greatly influence public opinion regarding gay marriage. Similar to journalists, religious figures can preach certain values and ideals relating to morality. However, journalists and news companies strive for objective storytelling and can conduct interviews to achieve political transparency and accountability. In addition to the previous methodical account on the history of same-sex marriage, it is also important to denote, and subsequently, incorporate the media-related theory called the Diffusion of Innovation & Information. This theory describes how exceedingly new ideas, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage, can be introduced to society if and when a society is ready to accept it. This theory is very much applicable to our current discussion. The theory explains via a 5-step process, which includes: the introduction of new ideas, the incoming early adopters, the opinions of leaders, the friends of opinionated leaders, and, ultimately, late/mass adopters. The opening step of the Diffusion of Innovation/ Information theory elaborates how the varying methods of mass media introduce innovative, new ideas to the public eye. Around the world, the media is constantly portraying and revealing different, if not novel ideas that will ultimately cause displease in some and joy in others. Controversial issues like the aforementioned debate are bound to arise distaste while, paradoxically, some will rejoice. There are others who will take more time accepting and agreeing with it. This involves the second step of the theory, which mentions how some early adopters of the concept will simply accept the new idea without much thought. These people are usually liberal and open-minded people; conversely, there are those who only see the negative aspects or outcomes of a society struggling to achieve social equality by creating an unhealthy and overly dramatic tie to their religious doctrines. In 1996, in the early stages of the controversy surrounding the legalization of same-sex marriage, People and the Press reported that 65% of Americans opposed it while 27% supported it. The 27% of progressive thinking Americans are considered the early adopters. In addition to the early adopters, the theory mentions a third step, which informs and suggests that the opinion of charismatic and powerful leaders, such as Barack Obama, the President of the U.S., of new concepts affects the public view. It is important to observe how media outlets cover a multitude of many leaders’ public statements. Their stance on the new idea will undoubtedly create conflict and provoke opposing stances about the issue. As previously mentioned, in 2012, ABC News presented an interview of the President of the United States of America in which he mentions his support for the rights of same-sex couples to wed. This caused an entire array of newspapers, television programs, and other forms of public broadcast to meticulously cover the President’s speech. For example, the sixty-year-old NBC program titled Meet the Press reported and discussed how impressive and influential it was that a leader, such as Barack Obama, publicly announced his favorable stance on same-sex marriage. Furthermore, it explained how this created conflict, and the resulting impact on American society. In addition, it mentions that in the year 2013, 58% of Americans supported same-sex marriage while 36% oppose it. Also, it detailed how 81% of Americans under 30 supported gay marriage (Meet the Press). It is evident how an influential leaders’ opinion has an observable impact on society and the effect on people’s reaction and subsequent adaptation to distinct innovative ideas. The New York Times article titled “Support for Gay Marriage Growing, but U.S. Remains Divided,” mentions that “Some analysts believe that Mr. Obama’s public shift played a particular role in influencing African-Americans.” Each of these exemplifies the previously suggested statement that instead of waiting idly in the background and observing debates on contradicting arguments, it is imperative to offer ideas and/or measurements that must be accepted to achieve a well sought after equality. Firstly, to properly establish a foundation of the idea it is of the utmost necessity to prove that marriage is indeed a fundamental right that all American citizens should have. Also, they intend to prove that depriving people of their obviously inherent marital rights harms both children and the couple, not to mention the emotional, social, and psychological implications. Finally, it is proven that there is no evidence to indicate that same-sex marriage affects the institution of marriage or anyone in particular. In comparison to the importance of public leaders and their influence on others, it is also vital to introduce the fourth step of the theory of the diffusion of innovation and information. This step mentions how the resulting effect of an influential leaders’ public expression has a lasting effect on the popular opinion of society. The New York Times’ article “Obama Says Same-Sex Marriage Should Be Legal,” mentions how the Vice-President Joseph Biden Jr. similarly embraced the idea of same-sex unions. This proves how Obama’s opinion truly shapes the public. Throughout the years the polls show how, the amount of U.S. citizens in support of same-sex marriage is increasing exponentially. At first, society was used to rejecting new ideas that went against their accustomed tradition, but as a result of the media they observe both sides of the equation and learn about the opinions of others; therefore, simultaneously deciding for themselves. Many people find it difficult to believe and follow ideas that are either not in specifically stated in the Constitution or that are rejected or viewed with distaste by most religions. With news media coverage and endless sources of information, more citizens are beginning to accept it as well. Although the media exposes both sides of the arguments, by covering opinion leaders and friends of opinion leaders they encourage the public to follow their views. Beside friends of opinion leaders, the final step of the theory talks about how there are late adopters that eventually join or will join the fray. There are many that instead of faithfully following the news, they decide to ignore or research about them in their own time and pace. Also, they find it hard to break tradition, so they are either beginning to accept and support same-sex marriage or they have yet to understand the concept. The media has made it extremely easier for others to follow new stories, but many either do not care or find it hard to believe. Although many people have accepted and supported gay marriage, most states have yet to recognize it. Some allow civil union and others actually approve same-sex couples to get married. Some couples feel that same-sex civil unions are different from marriage and, because of this, they are still fighting for equality. The media has extremely covered the cases and has given an opportunity for late adopters to understand both arguments. Marriages are recognized in the federal level, which means that they are acknowledged in any state of the Union. In comparison, civil unions are solely recognized in the union that took place (Phillips 119). Every state in the United States is different and they change through every state border. California recognizes civil unions but Texas does not. Finally, it is imperative to recognize that people vary throughout the nation and that media has impacted some and has had some late/mass adopters. This is proven by the fact that there are still some states and citizens that have yet to accept the idea of same-sex marriage.
The theory predicts how an idea, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage, was introduced to society and the way it has created controversy and gained significant popularity. Furthermore, it denotes how an idea originates and transitions to create public opinion. Mass media covered thoroughly Barack Obama’s public announcement, which precisely exemplifies step two of the Diffusion of Information/ Innovation theory. The theory originated with the launching of an idea, having early adopters accepting and supporting it. Many years later, Barack Obama publicly announced his support for equal marriage rights. In addition, other opinion leaders, such as the Vice President of the U.S., also supported the movement. The transition from step four towards step five is still in progression. Many people in the country are still resistant to the idea of legalizing marriage for same-sex couples. Although there will always be a group of people that oppose the idea and movement, through the years, more citizens will accept it. This might be because the media continues to divulge and cover stories that demonstrate other influential public leaders, which will significantly influence the public, or because they have reached the fifth step to the Diffusion of Information/ Innovation theory. Late mass adopters will take and need more time to accept a fairly new movement based on an idea.
After the five steps of the Diffusion of Innovation/ Information Theory, it is vital to recognize that with the media helping the legalization of same-sex marriage others have yet to learn and accept the innovative idea. The theory clearly describes how news media has, through the years, helped the legalization of same-sex marriage. This is proven with the statistics and the opinion leaders that are and continue to follow and support the idea. The media strictly covered how president Barack Obama has influenced thousands of people and has impacted and encouraged others to support same-sex marriage. In addition, how some people accepted it from the beginning, others accepted after Obama’s public stance, and some are still in the process of understanding it. News media is incredibly important in a society because it educates others in what is occurring around the country. Although it does create confrontation and controversies, media encourages citizens to create a personal opinion. News media will continue to cover controversial articles and videos about people either favoring or opposing gay marriage but as years go by, the legalization of same-sex marriage will progress.

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    A lot of time is spent attempting to decide the legal definition of a domestic partnership. What is the definition of a loving, committed relationship and what is achieved by preventing non-traditional relationships from receiving legal rights? In the article “Here Comes the Groom: A Conservative Case for Gay Marriage,” Andrew Sullivan attempts to answer this question and makes a reasonable argument for promoting the legalization of gay marriage. This article was originally published in The New Republic in August 1989. The New Republic is a magazine that was founded in 1914 and covers current political topics. It is headquartered in Washington, DC. Andrew Sullivan has a doctorate from Harvard in political science. He was formerly the editor of The New Republic magazine and is a respected…

    • 704 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Dynamic Court Viewpoints

    • 1936 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Though traditionally the courts of the United States have abided by the conditions of the constrained court, the court was being quite instrumental in the advancement of marriage for same sex couples. With the exception of the Supreme court case Bowers v. Hardwick in 1986, there had been a general trend of the courts to serve as important implementers of social change for same sex marriage. Yet, the courts have not been able to figuratively strike the mortal blow to issue. Of the accomplishments won by activists in the court, many had been rulings that simply overturned laws forbidding same sex marriage. In order for there to be true social change, the courts would need rule that not only are same sex marriages legal, they must be held to the same standard of equality as heterosexual marriages. Though activists continue to hope that one day full marriage equality can become a reality, it is important to understand the previous cases that been brought forth in the courts…

    • 1936 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Rhetorical Analysis

    • 595 Words
    • 3 Pages

    The use of facts in this editorial helped the author appeal to logos. She gave logical reasoning behind the consequences of same sex marriage. For example, she discussed divorce rate for heterosexual married couples. Stating that same sex marriage would raise this rate. Also, she appeals to her audience by talking about tax dollars. Explaining that tax dollars would be used to give marriage benefits to gay married couples. This is effective because most readers of the Wall Street Journal pay taxes, therefore she hoped to spark…

    • 595 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Arguments Against DOMA

    • 985 Words
    • 4 Pages

    The purpose of this paper is to provide a history and overview of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Next, I will analyze the impact that this policy has had on LGBTQ individuals. Finally, this paper will review support and opposition to the bill, which will conclude with personal views regarding this issue.…

    • 985 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    The dominant paradigm for gender relations in the United States has always been one of a heterosexual standpoint. “Measured against other Western democracies at the dawn of the twentieth century, the American state – slow to develop, small in size, and limited in capability – stood out as distinctive” (Canaday 1). Since the beginning of its establishment, the United States has taken a strong stance against homosexuality. One of the United States’ most evident characteristics that set it apart from other cultures was its harsh punishment on homosexual relationships. The harsh laws and regulations against homosexuals have not only continued to perpetuate the idea of a strictly heteronormative society, but…

    • 1034 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    The topic of same sex marriage is one that causes great debate in today’s society. There are many views on weather it should or should not be allowed and the effects it could have on the United States if it were allowed. The debate has been an ongoing one and as more states begin contemplating legalization the debates have become more heated. In an article written by Katha Pollitt, entitled What’s Wrong with Gay Marriage? , she argues for the legalization of same sex marriage making a multitude of valuable points. In an opposing article entitled Gay “Marriage”: Societal Suicide by Charles Colson her argues in opposition against same sex marriage using statistics and history to make his valid points. Both writers argue their points exceptionally but Pollitt’s essay is the better one as it is incredibly fair and reasonable and argues the opposition’s points perfectly.…

    • 563 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Although the world has developed-and is still developing- controversial topics like gay marriage are still prominent is today’s society. William J. Bennett, an influential figure in America, strongly voiced out his standpoint on the topic of same-sex marriage through his article “Against Gay Marriage.” His concerns persistently argue that the rights for gay marriages are “pointless and even oxymoronic” (Bennett, 2011, p.409). One does not need to fully agree with his assertions to acknowledge the intensity and goodness of his mind. Although Bennett’s stance constructs serious opposition and serves as a valuable argument, committing numerous logical fallacies in his text weaken his argument and made his overall reasoning less credible.…

    • 732 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Opposing Viewpoints

    • 1126 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Wilkins, Richard G. "The Constitutionality of Legal Preferences for Heterosexual Marriage." Family in America June 2001: n. pag. Rpt. in Homosexuality. Ed. Helen Cothran. San Diego: Greenhaven, 2003. Current Controversies. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 5 May…

    • 1126 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Better Essays

    Getting married to the same gender was illegal during the 1950s. People believed that homosexuality was a mental disease that “a cure could be found through psychoanalytic treatment.” (Homosexuality in the 1950s) “Since the 1960s, however,and especially since the Bowers decision in 1986, official and popular attitudes toward homosexuals have changed. ”(The Historian's’ Case Against Gay Discrimination)…

    • 1254 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    WGU GLT1

    • 878 Words
    • 3 Pages

    There is growing attention to the issue of marriage equality for gay people in this country. As of the writing of this paper, 16 of the 50 states in the United States of America have legalized gay marriage, either by legislation or by popular vote (Wisniewski, 2013). The discourse regarding the issue becomes quite contentious largely because of non-secular ideology that has demonized the concept of homosexuality for many years. As a sociological issue, the conflict has become a divisive force for many, from political powers as far down to the family level. The constitution guarantees equal rights for all in this country; freedom of religion, speech, etc. yet appears to stall when equal rights for the gay community are involved. There has been significantly more popular support for the cause recently, but the stigma and prejudice continue to linger. Is this a moral debate or has an outdated ideology become so embraced by many that the battle has only just begun?…

    • 878 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Chapter 8 in the textbook charts information on the public’s attitude toward homosexuality has been moving toward greater acceptance. (Macionis, 2010). In the early 1970’s the views of homosexuality were on the verge of change and gay liberation movements begin. Survey conducted in 1973 over 75% of adults in the US viewed homosexual relations as wrong and by 2006 less than 60% of adults in the US viewed homosexual relations as wrong (Macionis, 2010). In 2004 gay marriages became legal in the state of Massachusetts. This made making homosexual individuals comfortable in the world in which they lived in. Other states like Connecticut, Vermont, Maine, Iowa, and New Hampshire also adapted laws for gay marriages and the number of states is still increasing today.…

    • 493 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Marriage and Individuals

    • 1257 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Both authors have some similar perspectives on the same sex marriage topic; one of them being sociological views and the matter of same-sex couples. In addition, both Evan and Andrew believe that family and friends who support and understand gay couples have a major positive on same sex marriage. Both authors discussed that many gay or lesbian children are being raised in a non-gay environment and that has a negative impact on the lives of children. The differences between Wolfson and Sullivan’s viewpoints are that Sullivan emphasizes the individual citizen, and Wolfson emphasize the importance of same-sex marriage. Some people are still ignoring the fact that our society is changing and evolving rapidly. Same-sex couples have been suppressing their voices throughout many decades, and now they are ready to fight for their freedom and the right to be married.…

    • 1257 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Media Bias

    • 640 Words
    • 3 Pages

    The New York Times’ article about the Supreme Court taking up the same-sex marriage issue was clear and accurate. There were good statistics about states’ involvements in the on-going debate. There were hyper-links to other topics related to this article such as Social Security benefits, estate taxes, Proposition 8, and domestic partnerships in specific states. The facts that were reported in this New York Times’ article were specific and detailed enough to gather the message of the topic being presented. Other facts that support the topic, although not detailed in this report, allow for readers to research further at their own will, using the provided links.…

    • 640 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Gay marriages have been one of the hottest and controversial topics in our society. There are still problems concerning this issue of homosexuality and gay marriages. Same sex marriages are legal in Hawaii, but in all other states couples must be of the opposite sex to form a marriage. Hawaii’s decision to legalize same sex marriages is considered a milestone victory for gays and may cause a ripple affect for similar action in other states. Those who support gay marriages justify their position by the concept of love. These supporters of gay marriages feel as though gay people are being deprived of their right to love. Many people believe that gay people deserve the right to love and to take that love and form a marriage. These people believe that gays want to feel justified, meaning that as a couple they should be able to define their own marriage for themselves and make their own set of rules. Supports of same-sex marriages feel as though homosexuals are being deprived of their God given right to get married. They believe that arguments against same sex marriages are unconstitutional, and they simply do not justify a ban on same sex marriages. It is not the idea of two people of the same sex getting married that frightens people so much, but it is the thought of change and the fact that the federal government will redefine marriage to allow same sex unions. When people picture the results of same sex marriages, they see images of unstable homes. Everyone would probably agree that homosexuality has changed our society, and legalizing same sex marriages is not likely to be an exception. It would be an injustice to discriminate against a person if he or she were…

    • 305 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    There are approximately nine million people in America that represent the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) community. That represents 3.5% of the American population, with that number expected to rise as new legislation makes it safer and more acceptable for the LGBT community to identify themselves (Williams Institute, 2011). The purpose of this paper is to discuss current legislation in the Federal government pertaining to LGBT rights, as well as cover the history of LGBT legislation. The American Government has come a long way with gay rights, but there is still…

    • 909 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays