Sociology Film Reaction 1

NOTE: THIS IS REPLACING THE INCORRECT DRAFT SUBMITTED 12/01/2008 Marisa Ruiz November 29, 2008 Sociology 251 Film Reaction Paper #2: What two aspects of culture or society may be affecting the difficulty these men are having adopting children? Historically, biologically, and socially, kinship of a family was based on the nuclear heterosexual or “traditional” family model. Today, gay and lesbian couples are recognized as one of many diverse family units in the United States. Regardless of social change and the gains these “alternative” families have made, homophobia still exist resulting in prejudice, and discrimination. While recognized as a diverse family form, many aspects of our society make it difficult for gay men to adopt and raise children In the film, Daddy and Papa, we observed the controversial phenomenon of gay parenting through the difficulties and the challenges four families faced adopting children of their own. Religion and the law are two aspects of institutional discrimination that were key factors that contributed to the obstacles these men confronted. The first aspect illustrates how religious beliefs advocated by religious institutions have led to prejudice and discrimination against homosexuality. Religious institutions promote religious agenda and activities. Its leader(s) interprets doctrine that preaches a code of ethics and teaches moral character to their members accordingly. Many religious people feel that homosexual families endanger heterosexual families. Some religions consider homosexuality as an epidemic that can be cured. Others may see homosexuality as a simple choice. Most view it as a sin. For example, John and William is a bi-racial gay couple who want to adopt Zachary, an African-American boy. In accordance to the beliefs of her faith as a Pentecostal Christian,

Dora, Zachary’s foster mother was opposed to having two gay men adopt and raise him. After a series of home visits, Dora realized that there was a sincerelove between the three of them. Contrary to her beliefs that homosexuality is a sin, Dora became open minded and had change of heart. She currently participates in their lives as “Granny.” The other aspect regarding the law and legal institutions is illustrated in the story of Doug and eight-year-old African-American boy, Oscar. Oscar’s father, a patient of Doug’s could no longer care for him. Doug, a nurse practitioner became legal guardian of him when he was three years-old. Oscar who had chronic health problemswas given a better life with Doug, than any his father could have provided. Early on Oscar had a rough transition from being bounced around and tended to be clingy. Now Oscar has become self confident with his stable life with the Doug. Doug’s attempt to adopt him was shot down by Florida’s Law barring homosexuals and lesbians to adopt children. Eventually, the ACLU offered to represent Doug in his appeal to the Supreme Court. Social prejudice limited gay men access to the foster care and formal adoption of children. When met with apprehension from these respectful agencies, gay and lesbian couples had been forced to seek alternative means to become parents – such as private adoption and surrogates. Most importantly, the best interest of the child is the fundamental factor consistent in cultural and social aspects that contributedto the difficulties these families contend with. There are many widespread myths on the effects of gay parenting on a child’s well-being. For instance, gay parenting supposedly hinders child’s emotional and sexual development, causes gender confusion and identity issues, affects stability and sexual orientation, and lack adequate gender role modeling. In all the research, there has been no evidence finding that children of homosexual parents are any different from those of heterosexual parents. The children in the featured families were resilient, well adjusted, and happy.

Most institution assumes that parents are in a heterosexualstructured family. Prejudice and discrimination is a social fact in the lives of these gay parents. Bias favoring heterosexual couples is evident in the policies of these institutions. Rights of gays and lesbiansto become parents have taken years of perseverance. Nevertheless, homosexual parents are still subjected to prejudice and discrimination in many aspects of society and culture. Although, adopting children is a difficult challenge, the doors are opening slowly.