Straight Privileges
Privileges can be described as the benefits entitled to enjoyment to particular persons or groups of people. Straight privileges explain the advantages accorded to individuals primarily because of their heterosexual orientations. Straight in sexuality explains the romantic attraction towards members of the opposite sex. The privileges are portrayed in a variety of ways which consequently, have significant impacts on the lives of the persons involved. The several ways include but are not limited to the following;
Open discussions regarding one’s relationship and plans intended to keep the relationship growing (Mizock & Hopwood, 2016). Couples have the freedom to talk about their love lives in public and express their feelings freely. Straight privilege also entails working in a male or female-dominated workplace freely without limited access due to gender considerations. The individuals’ sexuality should also form an excuse for their firing from jobs or failure to get promotions. The latter allows free interaction, socialization, and sharing of information between male and female colleagues within the working environment.
Straight privileges allow public expression of love and affectionate feelings to the loved ones peacefully and without obstructions. Portraying love in public is likely to build strong and long-lasting relationships and marriages as well as trust and faithfulness. Straight privileges also allow the parties involved to express pain and agony following the end of a relationship. Sad expressions following the death of a loved one are likely to bring forth financial and moral support from the public thus relieving the situation.
Freedom of expression based on one’s sexuality is also allowed. Individuals are entitled to define their sexuality in any setting without fear of being accused in a court of law. The privilege further provides that one’s basic civil rights are not subject to abuse due to the individuals’ sexual expression. Straight privileges also provide individuals with freedom of movement to every part of the globe as well as marrying from other countries and acquiring the spouse’s citizenship through marriage. Individuals are also entitled to raising and adopting children without people’s beliefs that they will develop one’s sexuality features.
Straight privileges should be incorporated in our societies and the nation at large. The latter encourages people to interact freely and share ideas, which is likely to promote national unity and social cohesion. Expressing love feelings in public, however, should be limited as it is likely to encourage immoral behaviors among teenagers. Intersectionally, straight privileges do not favor all humans. Individuals with other sexual characteristics, who embrace privacy, may feel uncomfortable with the public exposure of love affairs to the public.
Mike, for instance, should take advantage of the male privilege to ensure that he remains bound and strong enough to tackle situations despite the hardships he has experienced in the past (Surnerau, Cragun & Smith, 2017). The latter is likely to positively enhance his childhood growth as well as facilitating a better fatherhood development.
In recap, straight privileges have proved helpful to the society. Individuals have unlimited freedom to express themselves despite their sexuality claims. Measures should, however, be taken to ensure that these privileges favor all the individuals. Embracing positive privileges is likely to foster good relations amongst individuals as well as promoting love, peace, and harmony.
References
Mizock, L., & Hopwood, R. (2016). Conflation and interdependence in the intersection of gender and sexuality among transgender individuals. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 3(1), 93.
Surnerau, J. E., Cragun, R. T., & Smith, T. (2017). “Men never cry”: Teaching Mormon Manhood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sociological Focus, 50(3), 213-227.