Spring Break
The Daily OrangeBisexuality study distorts reality
By Travis Judd
Posted: 2/11/08, 12:22 AM EST Section: Opinion
Anyone who has seen MTV's "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila" can see that bisexuality as a sexual orientation is misrepresented in our society. Tila quickly became America's most popular bisexual when she had 16 heterosexual men and 16 lesbians compete for "a shot at love" with her.
I can't say I'm a fan of reality TV shows, but being a bisexual male, Tila's show really grabbed my attention. I hoped Tila would explain misunderstandings of bisexuality in American society and rid the mass amount of myths that surround the sexual orientation. Unfortunately, she has only exacerbated these misconceptions by treating her sexuality as the driving force of petty drama and cheap entertainment.
The Daily Orange quoted several students on Thursday responding to a study on bisexuality as a distinct sexual orientation. The study showed that 87 percent of the sample group of women who claimed to be bisexual still claimed to maintain that sexual orientation 10 years later. According to the article, the results of this study poke holes in the commonly-held theory that bisexuality is a transitional period between heterosexuality and homosexuality.
But the study only targeted a small group of women between the ages of 18 and 25. While such studies are progressive, the results are often not comprehensive enough - such was the case with this one. One student quoted in The D.O. article disagreed with the results of the study, claiming that bisexuals are confused individuals who continue to experiment until they find out which sex they prefer. Another quoted student maintains that a person can be either "gay" or "straight," and that it's wrong to like both sexes.
Let me make this clear: bisexuals are not confused. We're not experimenting with alternate genders to "discover" our sexualities. Bisexuality is not a phase. It is not a relinquishing trend. I don't think any of my straight male friends would care for it much if I told them they might wake up the next morning with "the gay." It's not a contagious disease. Bisexuality is not a phase of weakness erupting from sexual frustration.
I can't say I'm a fan of reality TV shows, but being a bisexual male, Tila's show really grabbed my attention. I hoped Tila would explain misunderstandings of bisexuality in American society and rid the mass amount of myths that surround the sexual orientation. Unfortunately, she has only exacerbated these misconceptions by treating her sexuality as the driving force of petty drama and cheap entertainment.
The Daily Orange quoted several students on Thursday responding to a study on bisexuality as a distinct sexual orientation. The study showed that 87 percent of the sample group of women who claimed to be bisexual still claimed to maintain that sexual orientation 10 years later. According to the article, the results of this study poke holes in the commonly-held theory that bisexuality is a transitional period between heterosexuality and homosexuality.
But the study only targeted a small group of women between the ages of 18 and 25. While such studies are progressive, the results are often not comprehensive enough - such was the case with this one. One student quoted in The D.O. article disagreed with the results of the study, claiming that bisexuals are confused individuals who continue to experiment until they find out which sex they prefer. Another quoted student maintains that a person can be either "gay" or "straight," and that it's wrong to like both sexes.
Let me make this clear: bisexuals are not confused. We're not experimenting with alternate genders to "discover" our sexualities. Bisexuality is not a phase. It is not a relinquishing trend. I don't think any of my straight male friends would care for it much if I told them they might wake up the next morning with "the gay." It's not a contagious disease. Bisexuality is not a phase of weakness erupting from sexual frustration.
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 7
Kenneth Shaw
posted 2/11/08 @ 6:09 PM EST
No one cares. You're an idiot.
Chris Filipski
posted 2/11/08 @ 11:29 PM EST
Right on Travis. Don't stop figthing the good fight!
Schmenneth Kaw
posted 2/12/08 @ 7:26 PM EST
No, you're the idiot. Kenneth.
Isn't it great to have an academic debate?
Why should we hate and discriminate
those who happen to have plenty choice of mate?
Now I don't think there's another way to Sa'it
But I'd like to ask you out on a date!
Pick me up at eight! And don't be late. (Continued…)
iBernard
posted 2/13/08 @ 5:03 PM EST
Travis:
While admirable to address bisexuality, in this case as "pictured" in today's media, you'd have served a larger purpose by commenting on the trash television that is Tila Tequila, and how some silicone-enhanced cyber-character managed to rise up and invade our living rooms. (Continued…)
Kenneth Shaw
posted 2/14/08 @ 3:55 PM EST
The author is an idiot because he attempts to refute an opposing opinion by making conclusory statements regarding his own. He offers no evidence - whether biological, sociological, statistical or otherwise - to support his opinion. (Continued…)
Travis
posted 2/27/08 @ 12:43 PM EST
Kenneth,
First of all, let me say that I appreciate your comments, despite your crude arrogance and sarcasm.
If you are looking for biological/sociological/statistical data, I will write another column, if you wish. (Continued…)
Sirrus9658
Travis
posted 2/27/08 @ 12:45 PM EST
Kenneth,
First of all, let me say that I appreciate your comments, despite your crude arrogance and sarcasm.
If you are looking for biological/sociological/statistical data, I will write another column, if you wish. (Continued…)
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