Topical Discussions

We all have opinions. Opinions are not wrong – though at times people like to tell us that our
opinion of something is wrong. Especially on a “hot” topic. The purpose of this assignment is for
to explore some of the opinions you hold surrounding several of today’s hot topics. You will not
be graded on whether or not you picked the right side – rather, on how well you can defend your
position. Remember, you must use hard evidence (i.e., research, statistics, data). Religious texts
can be used to support a position, but it must be used in tandem with hard evidence.

You will have 1 single-spaced page to make your defense (max of 1.25 pages). APA format –
remember to cite your sources! You will need a reference page (see Purdue OWL APA for
guidance on APA).

You must choose a topic from the list below. If you have a topic that you would like to write
about, please see Sam for approval prior to writing your paper. You will find a description of the
topic in italics below.

Instructions:
1. Give an overview of the topic that you are discussing
2. Briefly discuss the opposing view (the side you aren’t taking) – discuss their viewpoint
since it is good to know both sides
3. Discuss your view in detail – bring in at least 2 peer-reviewed sources (journal articles,
books, etc. – no Wikipedia or opinion pages. Remember you need data!).
Grading:
Description Points
Overview of topic to be discussed (2-4 sentences) 5
Opposing view (4-6 sentences, good to include data here) 5
Your view (10+ sentences – include empirical sources, also good to discuss
why you disagree with the opposing view) 25
At least 2 empirical sources & reference page 10
Grammar, spelling, APA 5

Topics to Choose From:
1. Pornography: Empowering or degrading?
Is pornography empowering to women or does it demean them into more subservient
roles that cannot function without a man?
2. BDSM kink: Teaching men to assault women? Or partners subservient to the other?
BDSM is the erotic practice or roleplaying that involves types of bondage, dominance
and submission, discipline, sadism, and masochism. Some instances are mild in which
someone may just be handcuffed or tied up. Other instances are more extreme – involving
inflicting/receiving physical pain. For individuals who are interested in BDSM activities,
is it teaching men that it is okay to assault women? Or vice versa? For same sex couples,
is it possibly teaching one partner to be subservient to the other?
3. Transgender bathroom rights
Should transgender individuals have the right to use the bathroom of their choice? Or
should they be forced to use the bathroom aligned with their genitals?
4. Should individuals with Intellectual and Development Disabilities (IDD) be able to
engage in sexual behaviors?
Individuals with IDD typically are not permitted to engage in any kind of sexual behavior
because they are told they do not have the mental capacity to full comprehend what they
are about to engage in. However, they are developing human beings so they feel the same
urges we do. Should they be allowed to engage in sexual behaviors like we do?
5. At what age should transgender individuals be allowed to transition? When is it too soon?
As our world becomes more accepting of diverse populations of people (and that people
are able to access more information sooner), we are seeing more and more children and
adolescents identifying as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. One of the hardest
questions to ask though, is when is it too soon for transgender individuals to transition?
Should adolescents be allowed to transition or should they wait until they are legally able
to make that decision on their own (age 18)?
6. Transgender Athletes: Should they be allowed to compete?
Recently, we have seen a lot of allegations against transgender women competing in
sports – many claiming it is unfair. Biologically, we know that men are just a bit stronger
than women. Despite undergoing reassignment surgery and hormone therapies,
transgender women are still being berated for competing in their gender classes. Should
transgender athletes be allowed to compete in their gender classes? Or should there be
an alternative?
7. Should we legalize sex work?
Currently, it is illegal in the United States to engage in sex work (a.k.a. prostitution).
Those in favor of decriminalization say that it will promote health and human rights of
sex workers, their families, and their communities. Those who oppose it say human
trafficking, pimping, and other similar crimes will increase. Which side do you choose?
8. Should we still be pushing for abstaining from sex before marriage?
Whether or not to engage in sex before marriage is a personal choice. Founded in
religious beliefs and morals, society has pushed abstention. However, in recently, it
seems as if everyone is having sex whenever they want. Some have sex with those they
will marry, while others engage in one-night stands. With a society that may not place as
much value on sex, should we still push abstaining from sex before marriage?
9. Should LGBTQ+ members be allowed to donate blood and organs?
Most people are not aware that LGBTQ+ members are not allowed to donate blood and
organs due to living what is known as a “high-risk lifestyle.” Some of this comes from the
stigma that HIV is a LGBTQ+ disease, and not one that affects all sexual orientations.
Even though all blood and organs are tested for diseases prior to transfusion or
transplantation, LGBTQ+ members are still denied the ability to donate. Weighing all
the options, should LGBTQ+ individuals be allowed to donate blood and organs?
10. Are child beauty pageants sexualizing children?
We have all seen a beauty pageant – whether in person or on television. They can be
highly sexualized affairs (I mean come on, it’s in the title). Over the years, child beauty
pageants have become more popular, especially with shows like Toddlers and Tiaras. In
these pageants, children undergo the same (or similar) activities that someone in an
older beauty pageant would participate in. So are beauty pageants sexualizing children?
11. How inclusive should we be?
Inclusion is a great thing! Everyone deserves the same chance to succeed in this world.
But are there instances in which we have gone too far? Should there be a limit on how
inclusive we should be? Or should we be even more inclusive?
12. Should there be a Pride Parade for heterosexuals?
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month. This month is to remember the riots that started at
Stonewall Inn in New York City between June 28 and July 3, 1969, as well as celebrate
the inclusion of LGBTQ+ culture into the mainstream culture. While allies
(heterosexuals who support LGBTQ+ culture) have always been accepted at Pride
events, recent discussions have surfaced focused around celebrating “straight pride.”
Should there be a pride celebration for heterosexuals?
13. Should we force men into fatherhood?
We’ve all heard of a woman’s right to choose about what to do with her body. Every
political season brings up the debate about pro-choice or pro-life. But the one thing we
never hear about is a father’s right to choose. In non-committal relationships (aka a one-
night stand or casual fling), should a man be forced to pay child support for a child that
he may not want (if the woman chooses to carry the child to full term)? Or what about if
the woman chooses to terminate the pregnancy, but the father wants the child – should
the woman be “forced” to carry the child to term for the father?
14. Should same-sex couples be allowed to adopt children?
Much like abortion, this topic seems to make the political rounds each election cycle.
Within the last few years, we have seen states pass legislation allowing adoption agencies
to refuse placing children with same-sex couples because they may believe homosexuality
is morally wrong. Weighing all the options, should same-sex couples be allowed to adopt
and/or raise children?

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