Abstract
The basis for the analysis of two popular films is based on the theories written and discussed by Laura Mulvey and E. Ann Kaplan. The two films discussed are "Cruel Intentions" (1999) directed by Roger Kumble, and "10 Things I Hate About You" (1999) directed by Gil Junger. Both films are based on other stories from different periods of time, and given a new swing to be popular for teenage audiences of today. The writer shows how these films help illustrate the ideas of Mulvey and Kaplan.The writer focuses on directing and the eyes of the camera, through the portrayal of women in popular culture youth centered films.

From the Paper
"Gender perspective is an important facet for studying society and culture through film. Gender is an essential perspective because we watch films on a screen as a portrayal from the eye of the camera and the director's point of view. There are two views the hegemonic male gaze and the feminist perspective, meaning through the eyes of a man, or the eyes of a women. The male gaze is the most common in film because of our patriarchal society. Most of the famous Hollywood directors are male. Very few females have made the transition into film making as a blockbuster director. Through the ranks of independent and art house films, female directors have begun to make their mark in the industry. Feminist filmmaking is often confused on negated by feminism in the broader sense. The ideologies and goals of feminism are the strive for equality, it seems that many have confused the search for equality with a more extremist view that women should be superior to men. By definition, feminism is a doctrine that advocates equal rights for women, as well as the movement aimed at equal rights for women , this is distorted in film through a fear of this empowerment and is therefore represented by bra burning, man hating, feminist cults. Equality has made many strides forward yet in some aspects of culture, a male dominance is so abundant. "

Tags:10, ann, feminism, film, hate, hollywood, intentions, kaplan, laura, masculinity, mulvey, things, cruel

Abstract
In this article, the writer explains that same-sex adoption, or as it is more commonly referred to in the media, gay adoption, is the adoption of children by individuals in a conjugal relationship with a member of the same sex. The writer notes that the topic of same-sex adoption is highly controversial, due to the arguments by those opposed to it that same-sex marriage would do a disservice to the nation, traditional values and the health and well being of the adopted children. The writer argues that the arguments against same-sex adoption are based on flawed assumptions and therefore hold little to no water in terms of being valid arguments. Furthermore, the writer maintains that research indicates that same-sex adoption provides equal, if not more benefits to children, as compared to children of heterosexuals, and that to deny same-sex couples the right to adopt is a denial of basic human and civil rights.

From the Paper
"To continue to deny same-sex couples the right and the ability to adopt children together, instead of going through long drawn out processes in which one parent adopts as a single parent followed by the partner adopting the child later, is a continuation of severe discrimination, and should not be allowed.
"There is a growing body of literature concerning same-sex parents and their children. The research covers a variety of topics, including the process same-sex couples go through when deciding to have children, how they come to the decision, and how they decide upon which method to use when having children. The literature discusses the impact on the health of the individuals within the relationship in terms of their concerns for their children about social stigma and discrimination, as well as how their own personal levels of internalized homophobia relate to their decision of whether or not to raise children together. However, the literature of most interest to this paper concerns the effects on the children of growing up in a same-sex parented household. "

Tags:children, rights, parents, couples

Abstract
This paper looks at the widespread debate surrounding homosexuality, its causes, and some societal and Christian responses. It presents the arguments of "nature" vs "nurture" - the discussion whether someone is "born" homosexual or whether it is a product of their society and upbringing.

From the Paper
"There is a war being fought. A war without guns and countries, but nonetheless a war with sides, pain, punishment and death. North American society is the battleground of a new type of war. Social ethics, civil rights and Christian dogma all play a part in the battle of homosexuality. Homosexuality is the emotional and sexual attraction to members of ones own sex."

Tags:christian, debates, god, issues, sex, sexual, social

Abstract
This paper argues that the US should legalize same-sex marriages. The paper looks at both sides of the contentious debate over same-sex marriages and points out that much of the opposition to same-sex marriages is based on religious dogma and tradition. The paper then argues that all individuals in the United States deserve the same rights and to achieve these rights, legislations should move away from being heavily influenced by religious dogma. The paper further contends that by denying this fundamental right, the US is moving backwards with respect to human rights and personal freedoms and liberties.

From the Paper
"Same-sex marriage has been called a lot of different things. Most predominantly, the media in the United States has called it gay marriage. The use of such terminology provides a good starting point for an analysis of the topic of same-sex marriage. The term "gay" is used to refer to homosexual men. However, the word 'gay' has many greater connotations within American society. Gay is used as a common slag word to imply that something is stupid, worthless, unmanly, or useless. For many Americans, the word brings of connotations of the grotesque, and of the unknown. Often these connotations of the grotesque are born not out of personal experience with other gay men, but of mental imagery, fear of the unknown, ignorance and homophobia (Saunders, 1994). Thus, the media's use of the word gay in describing same-sex marriages places a connotation on the phrase before any other details of the issue are described. "

Tags:gays, lesbians, human, rights

Abstract
This paper looks at all that is involved when changing genders. The author looks at both the surgical procedures along with the psychological implications. Detailed discussion of the surgical procedure is included -- and we therefore warn anyone before purchasing this paper that graphic accounts are given.

From the Paper
"Transsexualism is defined in the Mosby's Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary as "a condition in which a person has an intense desire to discard one's biologic sex and live as a member of the opposite sex. It is considered a psychiatric disorder if the condition continues for more than 2 years. Some transsexual individuals crossdress and seek medical or surgical help to change their physical sex characteristics". Transexualism is marked by the belief of the individual that he or she was born into the wrong sex and should be the other. This is a conviction that usually dates back as far as the individual can remember and does not seem to be subject to change through life experiences. It can also be defined as extreme gender dysphoria. There is also a set of terminology created by the transgendered community that is now being adopted by the medical community. For example, a femisexual is a transsexual who crosses the gender barriers from male to female, having completed genital surgery whereas a mascusexual is a female-to-male transsexual who has completed genital surgery. Complisexual is a broad term to refer to individuals who are either femisexual or mascusexual. Treatment of transsexualism is aimed at helping the individual match their "inner sense" to their outward appearance and body, usually through hormone therapy and surgery. There are several theories as to what causes one to be a transsexual. Some are neurobiological while many older ones are psychosocial."

Tags:change, gender, perceptions, reassignment, self, sex, surgery, tg, transgender

Abstract
This paper shows the difference between older and modern children's literature by comparing the relationship gender plays in each. Historically girls were portrayed as passive and succeed only due to the actions of others, as in "Snow White", and boys succeed because of their mischievous behaviour, as in "Jack and the Beanstalk". More recent children's literature reverses this role by making girls capable of being more active, as diplayed by the protagonist of "The Paper Bag Princess", although boys have remained reliant on mischief, as in "Haroun and the Sea of Stories."

From the Paper
"As is true in society, gender affects how certain characters deal with the obstacles inherent in both life and in children's literature. Bruno Bettelheim argues that "the message that fairy tales get across to the child" [is] that a struggle against severe difficulties in life "is an intrinsic part of human existence but that if one does not shy away, but steadfastly meets unexpected and often unjust hardships, one masters all obstacles and at the end emerges victorious" (381). What Bettelheim does not acknowledge is that historically, in much of children's literature girls do not succeed based on their own actions and boys often emerge on top by behaving in a devious manner. This is particularly true of fairy tales. In more recent literature those positions are not necessarily true; girls have become dominant through action, although boys have continued to rely on mischief."

Tags:beanstalk, books, children, english, fairy, gender, haroun, jack, munsche, passive, patterns, snow, success, tales, white

Abstract
This paper examines the ways in which communication between the genders differs, and how these styles contribute to widespread stereotypes. In addition, language is used to challenge stereotypes, as depicted. Areas investigated include verbal approaches, language usage, interruptions and silence, talkativeness and topics of conversation, harmony and competitiveness, assertiveness and compliments, dominance and egalitarianism, body language, and behavior.

From the Paper
"The differences that exist between the verbal interaction patterns of men and women are not absolute. However, the communication approaches that are recognized between males and females have frequently been described as "report versus rapport," "debate versus relate," or "competitive versus cooperative." Men seek practical advice and straightforward solutions to problems, whereas women tend to establish intimacy by sharing personal difficulties and exhibiting empathy to reinforce relationships. (Monroe, 1999) In one study that involved men-only and women-only discussion groups, it was discovered that when women converse with one another, they tend to reveal a vast amount of information regarding their personal lives. They also examine a particular issue extensively, allow others speakers to conclude their thoughts, and encourage participation among all members. Conversely, men rarely discussed their personal relationships and emotions. Instead, they competed to prove themselves better informed about such issues as current affairs, travel, and sports. The topics varied quite often within a short time span, and over time, a stable hierarchy was established, with some men dominating conversation, while others meagerly contributed. (Coates, 1993)"

Tags:communication, language, speech, gender, male, female, body, stereotype

Abstract
This paper examines how, in the introduction to the "History of Sexuality", Foucault argues that in the 17th century the role of sex and sexual activity in the discourse of western society made a fundamental and radical change. It also looks at how, in "Discipline and Punish", Foucault argues that obsessions over sexuality and society's approval or disapproval of specific actions occurs because of the infinite diffusion of power which is found as the basis of western society. In comparison, it looks at how two decades later, Butler employed themes from Foucault's philosophy in order to argue her case for the arbitrariness of anatomical sex, gender identity and gender performance. It shows that through the arguments in her work, "Gender Trouble", Butler concludes that there is no essential relationship between a person's anatomical sex, her self-identified gender and the gender performance she enacts to fulfill society's expectations of the norm.

From the Paper
"Foucault's analysis of discourses on sex comes as a reaction to the more commonly-held belief that there was a society-wide discourse of repression in regards to sex. Foucault argues against this; he questions whether or not "sexual repression is truly an established historical fact"; whether "prohibition, censorship, and denial truly the forms through which power is exercised in a general way, if not in every society, most certainly in our own"; and whether "there really was a historical rupture between the age of repression and the critical analysis of repression". Foucault argues that through the evolution of Christian pastoral practices, specifically that of confessions regarding sexual sins, society was compelled to begin an elaborate and never-ceasing discourse on sex. "

Tags:birth, disciple, homosexual, prison, punish, sex, sexuality, trouble

Abstract
Could the way we treat our children have an effect on how they think, look, and act? The paper brings in research in which psychologists analyze the behavior of infants to learn whether or not gender roles are created or stem from something biological. The writer looks at examples from items in any store that are geared towards boys and girls. The paper attempts to prove that we are possibly responsible for these stereotypes.

From the Paper
"The reasoning for gender differences is not always clear. It may have been human nature to label infants in order to better interact with them. It might be a way of dividing society into groups. There does not seem to be one clear reason for the labeling, but one thing is certain, there is a division. We treat children differently depending on their sex. Boys engage in rough and tumble play while girls often mimic the actions of their mother in the home, like cooking and cleaning and looking after the baby. These examples are not always what happens, but are believed to be the norm. Boys follow the example set for them by their father and girls in turn follow the example set for them by their mother."

Tags:masculine, feminine, labelling, research, children

Abstract
This paper discusses how "Thelma and Louise" strayed from the typical "road movie" formula in terms of casting, theme and storyline. It shows how the film not only helped to redefine gender stereotypes but also paved the way for other women, as well as gays, people of color and other traditionally underrepresented groups, to become "road movie heroes" as well.

From the Paper
"The conventional road movie twosome, which is usually comprised of either two young males or a male and female with a romantic connection, has permeated the genre since its inception. Thelma and Louise broke that tradition by not only using two female protagonists, but by portraying men in a consistently negative light; essentially as either "rapists", "bullies" or "boy toys"."

Tags:action, adventure, film, gender, roles, theme, gay, color