United States vs. Colombia Equality: Civil Rights, Research Paper Example

Abstract

Cultural diversity is present in all nations and is represented in different forms. It is important to recognize these differences and to approach diversity with an open mind to improve outcomes for all population groups. However, many countries and cultures are not embraced and challenge the status quo and the people who reside under these conditions. It is important to embrace these differences and to accept all persons and their cultures unequivocally. Nonetheless, many persons find it very difficult to embrace different cultures and to accept their values and beliefs as a part of daily living. In addition, in comparing different countries, it is important to identify the issues that are most relevant so that cultural diversity is better understood.

Introduction

Each country possesses its own historical perspective and approach to cultural diversity in different ways. It is important to address these concerns and to take the steps that are necessary to understand how these differences play a role in supporting the growth and expansion of populations and their influences on cultural identity and customs. In particular, sexual orientation is a challenging issue which requires further consideration because the acceptance of sexual differences are only beginning to be embraced in some nations, while others are against these choices altogether. Sexual orientation is an increasingly prevalent topic in modern society that tends to divide population groups on the basis of acceptance or denial of these differences. Therefore, it is important to address this issue and its overall impact on different populations, including specific beliefs and other considerations that influence the gay, lesbian, and transgender groups. The use of interviews and personal experiences serves as an opportunity to investigate the dimensions of different cultures and to embrace their differences so that they are better understood and accepted by all persons, regardless of their own culture. These opportunities support the development of new directives that will have a positive influence on culturally diverse interviews and related outcomes. Columbia is a country with a host of diversity and contradictions and is a strong study in cultural diversity and in comparison to the United States, in particular on the subject of sexual orientation. The following discussion will address cultural diversity and sexual orientation in these countries and will consider the level of acceptance of these differences, the ability to understand these differences, and the willingness to embrace diversity, based upon existing customs, patterns, and trends within these countries and their people, so that additional learning and insight might be provided in the support of all persons and their individual circumstances.

Analysis: United States

Sexual orientation, as well as individual rights and rights as couples is a current topic of much acclaim and controversy in the United States. Supreme Court involvement in these decisions in 2013 has forever changed the landscape for gays, lesbians, bisexual, and transgender individuals and its ability to have the same rights as heterosexuals. Religious beliefs and freedoms continue to be instrumental in how these discussions are addressed and also raise questions regarding why these groups are not treated equally and with respect in many communities. The United States’ public opinion regarding this population group is beginning to evolve and change gradually towards acceptance; however, a significant divide remains that must be addressed in a cohesive and appropriate manner to support effective outcomes for this population group. However, in order to identify the most important and relevant differences within this community and other culturally diverse communities, it is important to identify the different challenges that these groups face as they conduct their daily lives and to learn how cultural and sexual diversity might be embraced in some communities and less relevant in others.

In the United States, suburban communities often provide much cultural diversity in the form of different types of customs, beliefs, behaviors, and expectations (Hanlon, 2009). Within this context, it is important to note that some communities are in crisis due to their labeling as disadvantaged (Hanlon, 2009). Furthermore, social and income status, educational priorities, and cultural diversity play a role in influencing these communities in different ways, both positively and negatively (Hanlon, 2009). Therefore, cultural diversity may be significant in increasing disparities in some communities, while others have a greater tendency to embrace these differences and make the most of their diverse circumstances (Hanlon, 2009). This practice is somewhat different for gay and lesbian communities because sexual orientation does not discriminate and is identified across many different cultures. As a result, it is important to identify how these individuals are impacted by cultural diversity and other concerns that may have a significant influence on their level of acceptance within these communities.

In spite of the strides that have been made in the United States in the acceptance of diversity and sexual orientation, there are considerable obstacles that remain. Areas such as housing discrimination, stigma, and negative behaviors against gays and lesbians are commonplace in many communities (Swank et.al, 2013). These findings suggest that although strides have been made in this area, significant concerns are highly prevalent and continue to impact these communities, and in particular, those in culturally diverse groups who are also gay or lesbian (Swank et.al, 2013). Therefore, cultural diversity and sexual orientation continue to be controversial and less than desirable in communities where there is a low level of tolerance and the willingness to embrace diversity as an important contributor to the melting pot of American culture (Swank et.al, 2013).

Analysis: Columbia

In Columbia, there is a small segment of the population that is provided with significant opportunities for growth and acceptance, accompanied by their ability to embrace greater freedom and choice (Notes Interview). Based upon the interview conducted with Adriano Mesa, Columbia is a unique study because the politics and general belief system within the country only provides for a small segment of the population, rather than offering the entire nation the opportunities that they should receive (Notes Interview). Unfortunately, there is a significant rebellion taking place throughout Columbia that continues to expand in scope and prevalence, much of which impacts the general safety and security of the population as a whole (Notes Interview). In addition, this country generally does not embrace diversity in the form of sexual orientation, and discrimination is strongly prevalent (Notes Interview). Religious beliefs in the form of Catholicism are prominent in Columbia and contribute to this level of discrimination in different ways (Notes Interview).

In a case involving an HIV positive male from Columbia seeking asylum on the basis of sexual orientation and discrimination, it is important to note that the level of support and acceptance of this right in the legal system in Columbia is severely inadequate, thereby leading to the challenges that the male defendant faced in his case against the country (Johnson, 2007). Under these circumstances, in spite of the ruling, the case introduced an important issue to the Columbia court system that has become increasingly prevalent in recent years (Johnson, 2007). Therefore, it is important to recognize that in Columbia and in other nations where religious beliefs are strong and steadfast, there is a greater likelihood of religious persecution and the continued advancement of discrimination within this population that remains very difficult to overcome (Johnson, 2007).

Evaluation of Differences

In the United States and Columbia, significant challenges remain in the acceptance and support of cultural diversity and differences in sexual orientation. For the latter, this remains an uphill battle in Columbia due to strong religious preferences. However, the United States appears to have turned a corner in this discussion. Nonetheless, these issues continue to impact gays and lesbians within these communities that are often discriminatory and devastating to this population group in ways that are devastating and often unforgiveable. It is important to develop strategies that will be effective in changing the tide towards greater acceptance of these populations and their specific needs. All persons should be treated equally, regardless of their individual preferences. Although strides have been made in the United States in regards to equal rights in this area, both countries have a long way to go in this process and must continue to obtain additional knowledge regarding discriminatory practices, taking the steps that are necessary to reduce these disparities on a gradual basis. It is important to recognize that all persons deserve an opportunity to be themselves without fear of retaliation or discrimination within their communities. The ability of community members to accept others without hesitation is a challenging process, but it reflects the ability of individuals to possess greater tolerance for those persons who are different from them.

Conclusion

Many communities continue to discriminate on the basis of cultural diversity and sexual orientation throughout the world. It is necessary to address these challenges more effectively and to consider the issues that are most prevalent in order to establish new precedents for equal rights and opportunities for all persons. The United States has emerged as a frontrunner in recent years in advancing the acceptance of this type of diversity; however, a substantial disconnect remains in many communities, where discrimination and lack of support for these differences prevail. Columbia is even less accepting of this level of diversity, due in large part to staunch religious views and a corrupt political system. It is more important than ever to address these concerns in all countries and to recognize that cultural diversity, and in particular, sexual orientation, are important issues that require a greater level of acceptance and support. Those who struggle in this area may find it difficult to overcome the obstacles that come their way. Therefore, it is important to identify these challenges and to move forward in achieving greater acceptance and awareness of these issues because all persons deserve a fair shake in society and should not have to experience discrimination by others under any circumstances, especially due to their culture or sexual orientation.

References

Hanlon, B. (2009). A typology of inner-ring suburbs: class, race, and ethnicity in U.S. suburbia. City & Community, 8(3), 221-246.

Johnson, TAM (2007). Flamers, flaunting and permissible persecution. Feminist Legal Studies, 15, 99-111. Notes Interview from Adriano Mesa. Civil Rights in Columbia.

Swank, E., Fahs, B., and Frost, D.M. (2013). Region, social identities, and disclosure practices as predictors of heterosexist discrimination against sexual minorities in the United States. Sociological Inquiry, 83(2), 238-258.