Professor Boyd
Psychology 101
March 4, 2014
Question #2: How is discriminating against homosexuals similar to rejecting a left-handed person? A homosexual is a person romantically and erotically attracted to same-sex persons. Being homosexual is part of the normal range of variations in sexual orientation. Discrimination against homosexuals has been seen in history till this very day. The unfair treatment is based on homophobia and heterosexism in our society. Gays, lesbians and bisexuals tend to confirm their sexual orientation during their early adolescent years. Rejection from family, cultural differences and discrimination in hiring and housing causes homosexuals problems because it contradicts their natural feelings. Homosexuals are considered to be members of minority groups although nothing is inherently wrong with them. Conscious or not; bias against left- handed people is discrimination. Approximately 8–15% of the world's population is left-handed. Left-handers are neglected because common tools used by the population are designed for right-handed people. Making these tools dangerous, painful and difficult to use. They are considered unlucky and in some societies are forced to perform task with their right hand such as eating and writing. Discriminating against homosexuals is similar to rejecting a left-handed person because neither group can choose to be who they are nor how they function. They can’t magically change for society because sexual orientation is partly hereditary. A gay guy cannot make himself attracted to women the same way a left handed person cannot begin using their right hand. Neither of these traits is a choice and society is ignorant to that so they discriminate. This is why the view that discriminating against homosexuals is much like rejecting a person for being left-handed.