Not allowing the coming together of same-gender couples via legal marriage creates a 'separateness' that attributes to a wall being built between families and throughout society (pp.154). In the article "The 'M-Word': Why It Matters To Me" the author, Andrew Sullivan, states his belief that legal marriage between members of the same sex is the only way for a homosexual to become a 'full and equal part of the human race' (pp.154). He claims that euphemisms, such as civil union, undermine the sanctity of marriage.
Sam Schulman presents the precepts of the civil rights argument in his article “Gay Marriage - And Marriage”. Proponents of this line of reasoning state that marriage is essentially a legal contract between a man and a woman in which participants receive benefits, including tax breaks (pp.163). Both Schulman and Sullivan equate legalized marriage to spiritual satisfaction and connection to nature.
Is a government issued contract really what separates an individual from true fulfillment in their relationship? Perhaps it is the view of marriage that has been skewed, not our view of civil unions. Only a few centuries ago marriage was for procreation and love was a considered a separate human experience. Looking at the history in heterosexual terms allows an individual to see that “marriage” is an artificial connection to nature, created by society; one meant to assist financial and social standing rather than emotional fulfillment (pp.167). It is this very fact that should undermine the true sanctity of committing oneself fully to another human being. Perhaps the evolution of socially accepted views of marriage involves taking steps to reach universal fulfillment between regardless of orientation.
Taking down the wall is just as much a part of the process as building it.
Sullivan, Andrew. The ‘M-Word’: Why It Matters To Me. Goshgarian, Gary. What Matters In America. Stock. New York: Pearson Longman, 2007. 153-154.
Schulman, Sam. Gay Marriage - and Marriage. Goshgarian, Gary. What Matters In America. Stock. New Work: Pearson Longman, 2007. 162-167.
Sam Schulman presents the precepts of the civil rights argument in his article “Gay Marriage - And Marriage”. Proponents of this line of reasoning state that marriage is essentially a legal contract between a man and a woman in which participants receive benefits, including tax breaks (pp.163). Both Schulman and Sullivan equate legalized marriage to spiritual satisfaction and connection to nature.
Is a government issued contract really what separates an individual from true fulfillment in their relationship? Perhaps it is the view of marriage that has been skewed, not our view of civil unions. Only a few centuries ago marriage was for procreation and love was a considered a separate human experience. Looking at the history in heterosexual terms allows an individual to see that “marriage” is an artificial connection to nature, created by society; one meant to assist financial and social standing rather than emotional fulfillment (pp.167). It is this very fact that should undermine the true sanctity of committing oneself fully to another human being. Perhaps the evolution of socially accepted views of marriage involves taking steps to reach universal fulfillment between regardless of orientation.
Taking down the wall is just as much a part of the process as building it.
Sullivan, Andrew. The ‘M-Word’: Why It Matters To Me. Goshgarian, Gary. What Matters In America. Stock. New York: Pearson Longman, 2007. 153-154.
Schulman, Sam. Gay Marriage - and Marriage. Goshgarian, Gary. What Matters In America. Stock. New Work: Pearson Longman, 2007. 162-167.
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