DEFINING SEXUAL ORIENTATION

by Gail S. Bernstein, Ph.D.
Sexual orientation is a classic example of a way to categorize people that is both widely misunderstood and controversial. That's not surprising, given our society's problems with sex. Our culture is one that is both obsessed with sex and phobic about it (Gonsiorek,1988). That makes it very difficult to talk calmly about any sexual topic, and sexual orientation is no exception.
Much of the confusion about sexual orientation occurs because there is no single agreed upon definition of the term. There are at least three groups of people with an interest in defining sexual orientation: scientists and scholars, people who are defining themselves as not heterosexual, and policy makers and politicians.
Scientists and scholars need clear definitions of sexual orientation so they have a common language for talking about their theories and the results of their research. However, that does not mean all scientists and scholars agree on a single definition of sexual orientation, anymore than they agree on single definitions of other terms.
Sometimes that's because a concept is difficult to define. Sometimes definitions are influenced by cultural and political debates and biases. However, the requirement that scholars and scientists clearly define their terms helps us to understand and interpret their work. There is no one universally accepted definition of sexual orientation, nor of who is bisexual, lesbian, or gay. However, as long as those who study sexual orientation are clear about how they define it, and how they define categories of non-heterosexual orientations, we can at least know who is being studied. Unfortunately, when the popular media report on results of research about sexual orientation, those reports rarely include information about how the researchers defined their terms. One of the questions useful to ask about research results is whether the study was of sexual behavior or sexual orientation. The two are often confused.
I believe any useful definition of sexual orientation should not require that a person be sexually active in order to be defined as having a particular orientation. That is because you do not have to be sexually active to be clear about the gender of those you find attractive. There are heterosexuals who do not become sexually active until they are married, and there are lesbians and bisexuals and gay men who do not become sexually active until they are in long-term committed relationships. There are also people of all sexual orientations who are never sexually active, such as those who take vows of celibacy in religious orders. That is why it is not appropriate to define sexual orientation solely in terms of sexual behavior.
Here is one recent definition I find useful:
A homosexual is an adult whose fantasies, attachments and longings are predominantly for persons of the same gender, who may or may not express those longings in overt behavior, and whose orientation may or may not be accompanied by a homosexual identity (Reiter, 1989, p. 140).
If we extend this definition, then heterosexuals are those for whom fantasies, attachments, and longings are predominantly for persons of the opposite gender, and bisexuals are those with fantasies, attachments and longings for persons of both genders. Notice that this definition distinguishes between orientation and identity. Orientation refers to definitions applied to others for scientific and scholarly purposes. Personal identity refers to what we call ourselves, to the identity we each have as a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or heterosexual person.

Definition of Mass Media

According to YourDictionary.com, the definition of Mass Media is those means of communication that reach and influence large numbers of people, especially newspapers, popular magazines, radio, and television.
In my own personal estimation, Mass Media goes along with Information and Communication Technology in this day and age so as to mold a new-fangled way of life to the majority living in this global generation.
Mass Media are those media that are created to be consumed by immense number of population worldwide and also a direct contemporary instrument of mass communication.
Nonetheless, Mass Media is considered as the fourth estate of the society as well. It is the fourth branch of the government. The voice and weapon of the people and the society as a whole.
Then again, by and large when we speak about Mass Media, we immediately perceive that these are communications media that reach the mass of people. From Audio recording and reproduction like records, tapes, cassettes, cartridges, CDs, to Broadcasting Media such as Radio, Television, Cable, to Film or Motion Pictures whether in Cinema or in DVDs, and the Digital Media, the Internet, Mobile Phones, Satellite, and ultimately the Publishing or Print Media which includes Books, Newspapers, Magazines and the run-of-the-mill marvelous Video games.
Needless to say, whatever we have in mind about Mass Media, on th whole, it is all about innovation and modernity that is continually evolving and producing ways to speed up the way humanity is subsisting.
On the whole, I consider the following as the various definitions of Mass Media. Hence, it is now your turn, I urge each and every one right now if what is your definition of Mass Media.
Speak your mind and spread the word!

GUN SALES RISE IN THE WORLDWIDE

Gun and ammunition sales across the world have risen sharply as more people take what many consider to be the most personal step toward feeling safer.arming themselves. There has been a steady stream of serious minded first time buyers.some gun manufacturers have capitalized on the crisis by aggressively using patriot slogans and pictures to attract new buyers.many officials,though,find the proliferation of deadly weapons unsettling.someone declared we are always concerned with the overall numbers of guns that are available and out on the street making things unmanageable for law enforcement. Statistics show that guns purchased by the law abiding sometimes end up in the hands of criminals.gun control groups urge people to think before buyers. For more information you should check it out all the society and culture related ebooks and software online at: http://www.cbglobe.com/x.cgi?id=isamax there are great reasons to keep in touch with this directory. 1-you are # 1 with us.you will receive personalized attention. 2-free bonuses everytime you purchase products. 3-low payments. 4-maximum satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. While you are there why not scroll down and review for yourself all the society and culture related ebooks and software at: http://www.cbglobe.com/x.cgi?id=isamax