Homosexuality and Bulliying

In partial fulfillment of the Academic requirements in Reading, Writing and Research Skills (English 12)

Group No. 3 Flores, Rina Jane S. Frias, Kimberly R. Gomez, Maria Richelle F. Ligayo, Angelica S. Nival, Michelle R. Peligro, Swiziejoe L. Sacristan, Jayson M.

Introduction

Homosexuality is a romantic or a sexual attraction or behavior between members of the same gender. It also refers to an individual's sense of personal and social identity based on those attractions, behaviors expressing them, and membership in a community of others who share them. Studies show that the rates of suicide for young males rising sharply in the past few decades (Dudley, 1998). The past three decades have produced growing evidence of increased suicide risk amongst same sex attracted youth (SSAY) (Remafedi, 1999; Howard et al. 2002). Bullying at school is thought to be a contributing factor. Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior manifested by the use of force or coercion to affect others, particularly when the behavior is habitual and involves an imbalance of power. It can include verbal harassment, physical assault or coercion and may be directed repeatedly towards particular victims, perhaps on grounds of race, religion, gender, sexuality, or ability. The "imbalance of power" may be social power and/or physical power. The victim of bullying is sometimes referred to as a "target". Homophobic bullying can involve physical or mental violence by a group or an individual. It is often aimed at someone who has poor defences and who, as a result, may be significantly upset. Victims may be male or female. What distinguishes it from other forms of bullying is the language that is used. Words like queer and poof and lezzie have been used abusively for many years. They have now been joined by words (such as gay and lesbian) which were formerly descriptive but which now may be used as general insults. In some youth cultures, gay is now used as a derogatory adjective to describe objects and people that may have no connection whatsoever with homosexuality. Both boys and girls may be subjected to homophobic abuse. The root cause may well be prejudice against gay and lesbian people. Even very young children, who do not understand what homosexuality is, may be encouraged to indulge in homophobic behavior by this general prejudice. Individual motivations may be more complicated and, as in the case of other forms of bullying, may include a desire for power or a need for affiliation: some people gain satisfaction from imposing their power on others and a group will be strengthened if someone else is outside that group. Identifying people as being different because of their gender orientation may be a convenient excuse for isolating and persecuting them. The bonds that tie the members of a group together are strengthened because the members are not different. Many adolescent boys say that the worst thing anyone can call you is gay. In accusing others of being gay they may seek to demonstrate their own masculinity.

Statement of the problem This research aims to address the following questions: 1. What can be done to help homosexuals from bullying and harassment? 2. How would a teacher respond when an incident or situation arises? 3. What are the responsibilities of parents in terms of intervention and counseling?