Men of Color and Gay Marriage, Article Critique Example

Gay Marriage has been particularly highly debated within the society and politics of the United States over the recent decade unlike any other topic. Within the article by C.W. Clarks, the researcher attempt to examine the external variables that can have an influence on African American males choosing to engage in sexual activity with other men while some engage in gay marriage and others main opt to stay out of this legal union. This article utilizes a review of published literature to summarize and draw conclusion on these external variables that influence behaviors while also attempting to link particular psychological elements to the behaviors and decisions chosen by individuals faced with this ethical dilemma. The use of outside resources is the primary research method and the author solely attempt to connect the dots in linking research from other psychological, economical and sociological sources to allow the audience to view the issue more clearly than currently possible.

The author begins by engaging in a clear representation of the external variables that will be explained and reviewed throughout the entire article. “The intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, religious involvement, and the expression of sexual behavior potentially impact these men of color’s perspective toward same-sex marriage” (Parks, 2010, p. 133). Parks clearly organizes the article in a method that draws a road map for the reader and helps to understand the external variables that impact “black males” behavioral decision-making processes. Perhaps the best component of this article stems from the author’s apparently willingness to succumb to other professionals by including over 45 different references throughout the article and using these references to support these clearly defined external variables. Instead of assuming a position of authority on the topic, the author uses outside references not only as the primary research method but also to be used as an authority on the topic to create a sense of credibility with the audience.

One flaw in this author’s article is that there are very few clear conclusions drawn from the material. The only definitive position that the author takes during this informative article is that “it is the civil and human right of each lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender person to have the opportunity to become legally married to the partner that promotes their human growth and potential” (Clarks, 2010, p. 144). Although the author makes it very clear that there is an overwhelming aura of social injustice surrounding the topic of gay marriage – and that this is clearly felt by men of color – the author does not present any new ideas to help the audience see how to effectively resolve these issues by examining each of the external variables. The audience is able to understand the variables, understand why (in theory) the men of color make decisions to engage in gay marriage or refuse to do so, but Clarks fails to explain whether or not these are variables that can be resolved. Instead, the audience is only able to finish reading this article and understand one half of the equation without a clear well-thought conclusion.

The in-depth research and quality of the information is without a doubt a strong representation of the current state of affairs regarding the ethical issue of gay marriage. By examining the issue from a minority perspective – men of color – the author reviews the issue from a finite lens identifying a very particular scope. However, the author clearly shows through a lack of a conclusion that one must come from another source and the debate over this topic cannot stop – it must continue in order for society to come to peace on this sensitive ethical issue.

References

Parks, C. W. (2010). A Window Illuminating the Reservations of Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in Fully Embracing the Institution of Same-Sex Marriage. Journal Of Gay & Lesbian Social Services, 22(1/2), 132-148.