Communications and Media

If  The purpose of anthropology is to make the world safe for difference  I can argue that the world is safe because we are all different. However even after centuries of studying our various cultures, the acceptance of the individual is usually secondary to their Gender.

In trying to understand ourselves, we need to separate the individual from their gender. Biologically, our sexual orientation is no longer determined by our sexual organs anymore as Caster Semanya so publically reminded us. Further, socially, what it means to be male or female is so different in various cultures around the world. Can anthropologist breakthrough centuries of conditioning of the male ego of the Middle East
People of various sexual orientations have been using the media trying to gain acceptance by bringing their talents and personalities to the limelight not their gender. Though In some cases their personality and gender becomes the spotlight, this only heightens our understanding of the individual and ads an entertaining spin on an issue that may not have otherwise been discussed.

Because American culture and television have been such a major influence on developing countries, the open acceptance of gender differences in the American media, (television, breakthrough movies, the internet and social networks) has paved a way for many persons around the world to embrace the gay community and accept sexual fluidity. Katy Perry kissed a girl and liked it Anne Heche (after her committed relationship with Ellen DeGeneres) made us open to dating within our own gender without labeling ourselves as gay. Series such as Queer as folk, The L word and Queer Eye have given us an insight into the lives of the gay community and because of our understanding of their lives, acceptance is closer. We may not agree with their own choices , but accept they may also not agree with ours and so  in the land of the free  we live together. Films such as Brokeback Mountain, Boys don t cry and Trans America would not have grossed millions or have won critical acclaim if this were still Taboo.

But our understanding and acceptance of gender differences can only come to those who are open to change their primary beliefs. In many cultures and religions especially, gender is limited to your sexual organs and most Gay or bisexual persons either live as outcasts or  undercover . In the past many young men were sent to the Catholic Church to be cured by God of their gay sin, only to create (as we know now) more social chaos. Today, even though young people are more open with their sexuality, gay persons still find more acceptance with people of their own sexual orientation, than the wider public. The older generation is still trying to understand and straight partners are still finding it challenging to understand their sexually fluid partners.

Once we understand who the individual is though, it is  safe  for them to just be. But only safe to those who understand or are mature enough to accept them even if they do not understand. If someone thinks heshe is  different  in their sexual orientation, the onus is also on  them to gauge their safety and take measures to protect themselves and  fit in  (as did Hilary Swank in Boys don t cry) until they feel comfortable enough that their peers are ready to know who they really are. We should take some measure of responsibility for our own safety. Pockets of support are also available in various communities, online and in print. Americans are lucky. This is best place to explore your sexuality today.