Operational Definitions: Sex is biological. This is your DNA, your genitalia, and any physiological marker of male and female. Gender is socially constructed (Berger 1967). This is a fluid construct that can change over time and context. It is your behavior at any given moment. A century ago, it was proper for a “man” to… Continue reading How Do You Gender?
Category: Self and Society
Critical Thinking in the Modern Age
Why? It is one of the first questions we articulate as children, yet we often forget to ask it as adults. Perhaps we were told too often by our parents to stop asking, and we listened too well. Perhaps we should start asking it more often. Why do I want this job? Why do I… Continue reading Critical Thinking in the Modern Age
Why Social Conservatives are Losing Society
Life is a battlefield, and we are waving the white flag. Whether you like it or not, the culture war has been, is, and will be on your doorstep. The villainous, tyrannical forces of evil pervade your soul and your children every time you turn on the television or leave the house to go to… Continue reading Why Social Conservatives are Losing Society
Has the Church Lost its Fight?
I just watched a documentary on Netflix called “Fight Church” about the increasing number of American pastors and churches that not only accept, but participate in mixed martial arts. The argument that the movie makes is this: should Christians engage in an activity that inevitably ends with two people trying to physically harm one another?… Continue reading Has the Church Lost its Fight?
The Trouble with Labels
Have you ever had a hard time explaining yourself to other people? How about when the options you have to describe yourself become limited? Any job application or survey which asks your race or gender becomes quickly confusing when you do not see your identity listed. Try telling someone your political party or religious affiliation… Continue reading The Trouble with Labels
The Slow Death of Marriage
Marriage is not a fundamental right, nor is it a government institution. Marriage is a relationship between one man and one woman that is supposed to represent an unbreakable union. The vows spoken before the altar are meant to be a verbal contract between man and wife. It is a promise that regardless of financial… Continue reading The Slow Death of Marriage
The Obesity Offense
I'm tired of suffering under the oppression of being fat. Obesity is socially constructed, and sometimes a person can carry around some extra weight and still be healthy. I used to watch the World’s Strongest Man competitions. While most of those guys lack washboard abs, they are strong enough to dead lift two young women… Continue reading The Obesity Offense
What is “Bad” Language?
Let us start with the idea of what vulgar language is. It is a social construction which I have never quite been able to comprehend. What makes a word like bitch, which means “female dog” less appropriate than calling someone a harlot, which is an actual human being who sells their sexual power for money?… Continue reading What is “Bad” Language?
The “Race” is Over.
Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder’s now infamous statement on race relations in America is now more true and relevant than ever. “In things racial, we have always been and we, I believe, continue to be, in too many ways, essentially, a nation of cowards.” The recent string of police shootings has sparked national outrage… Continue reading The “Race” is Over.
If I was President (Education Policy)
Our education system here in America has become atrocious. Our children are growing into ignorant adults. Not only do they lack basic math, science, and English skills, but they are falling short on social skills and critical thinking. Classrooms have abandoned learning for test taking. There are many reasons for this, and I would like… Continue reading If I was President (Education Policy)
Simmons' Opinions 