Women are inferior to men. Possessions are bought and sold by men as they have the authority. Besides, the violence against women in the society is considered a minor infarction of the law.
Why do you think there is little prosecution of people who victimize women, even when their identities are known?
There is lack of commitment in investigating issues of victimization of women and witness protection to safeguard the evidence. Additionally, there is inadequate training of the police thus unable to investigate and get information from the victims. They are insensitive to rape and violence.
DADDY AND PAPA (6:38)
What challenges do gay men in particular face in becoming parents?
Gay men face frustration in becoming parents as many states to do not allow them to become foster fathers. Even the ones that allow them to adopt children, they are made to undergo grueling in every aspect of their lives including psychological examination that is not subjected to other people.
What fears do people have about gay men raising kids? How accurate are these fears?
Many people have fears that two men cannot raise a child alone. They believe that the two daddies might teach the child to be like them. These fears are not right as gay people are human beings like others, sensitive to children and have their own principles. They should be given their space.
FREEHELD (5:22)
Do you believe that withholding benefits violates the Fourteenth Amendment, which ensures equal protection under the law? Why or why not?
Yes. It is a violation of their rights to equal protection. They should have been allowed to extend pension benefits to their domestic partners just like the other couples. The move to extend pension benefits is an act of compassion that should not be blocked.
Can you think of a solution that might satisfy both sides of this debate?
States should come up with a legislation on the extension of pension benefits to the domestic partners. It should have clear procedures to be followed and respect for the law of equal protection.
FURTHER OFF THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW - NEW GAY VISIBILITY ON TELEVISION, 1998-2006 (8:16)
What impact do you think gays and lesbians on television have had on our culture?
Gays and lesbian shows will make people understand the LGBT community, appreciate them and incorporate them into the society.
Do you think that inclusion of gays and lesbians on television has led to greater tolerance? Do you think their inclusion might promote future legal changes?
Yes. Their inclusion has led to increased publicity and therefore promoting the acceptance of the LGBT community in the society. It might lead to changes in the law to accommodate them and their needs. It will strengthen the journey towards gender equity, equality and inclusion.
GAY YOUTH (7:09)
Why do you think gay and lesbian teens often experience teasing and discrimination from their peers?
There is lack of policies in schools that support the LGBT youth. Besides, even the ones that have the protection policies fail to implement them. The schools ignore their needs.
What kind of treatment did gay and lesbian students receive at your high school? How are they treated on your college campus?
Gay and Lesbian students used to be bullied, excluded and discriminated against. It is not different in the college campus though the severity of discrimination is lower than the schools.
MOTHERHOOD MANIFESTO (5:01)
What are some common assumptions about single mothers?
People believe that singer mothers are burdens in the society as they abuse the welfare system. It is common for them to be denied jobs.
Why do you think working mothers sometimes face discrimination when applying for a job?
The employers believe that single mothers cannot be productive as compared to other people because they take too much time off work.
NO COUNTRY FOR YOUNG GIRLS? (5:38)
Why do you think sons are so highly valued in some cultures but not others?
Some cultures appreciate boys because they believe that they are better than girls, they appreciate them more than their female counterparts. In some communities, boys are assets as they are paid dowry before marriage by the girl’s family.
What role does economics play in the cultural preference for baby boys?
Boys are sometimes considered as assets in some societies thus their preference. For instance, in the Indian community, it is the girl’s family that pays bride price to the boy’s. Therefore, boys are valued as they would bring wealth.
SPIN THE BOTTLE (5:12)
How is alcohol abuse shaped by cultural messages about masculinity?
Some cultural messages define men by their drinking. They quantify masculinity by how much a person drinks. The more you drink, the more man you are and you get the bragging rights. If a person does not drink, sometimes people question his manhood.
Why is outdrinking others through competitive drinking part of the culture?
Outdrinking otherwise in a competition is considered to come with benefits. One increases the chances of getting girls and accepted in an exclusive brotherhood club.
THREE SISTERS (8:51)
Why is the decision to give birth in a hospital difficult for some women?
Women are illiterate and poor. Men own everything. They are the ones to decide and the women believe and accept. Besides, girls are considered to be irrelevant.
How do cultural traditions such as early teen marriage and female genital mutilation continue?
The mothers believe in the practices and persuade the girls to get married. Besides, women see their life in that perspective. They believe that circumcision is good for their development.
WITCHES IN EXILE (4:28)
What factors promote the belief in witchcraft?
Witchcraft is associated with people who are rich, boastful, loners, quarrelsome and flourished.
Why do you think superstition flourishes within cultures? What superstitions continue in our culture today?
Superstition flourishes because of the stories given to young children through oral tradition. They grow believing in witchcraft Besides, socialization has improved superstition. Even today, people believe that witches are there especially at night. They believe in supernatural powers that work at night when people are asleep. Sometimes people are cautioned not to walk alone at night.
