I decided to use an article from Townhall, the Fox News online site,
concerning same-sex marriage. The article was written from a very conservative
standpoint and describes how it feel that same-sex marriage will threaten the
institution of marriage and the dangers that redefining marriage will have for
us in the future. The original article argues that recognizing same0sex
marriage as legitimate will sacrifice the best interests of children. I rewrote the article for a more liberal, pro
same-sex marriage audience. I changed the language to suit this new audience
and replaced skeptical, negative opinions about same-sex marriage to opinions
reflecting a supportive view of same-sex marriage. The rewritten article
endorses an acceptance
Redefining
Marriage Raises Concerns For Children and Society
Much of the discussion around same-sex marriage involves the
impacts it may have on society. The advocates reassure us that redefining
marriage will not bring harm to anyone and this is a reassurance that we can
confidently trust.
The concept of traditional marriage as a social institution
is something that is becoming increasingly outdated. The family is the social
institution that holds true significance and it is in institution that comes in
various types and forms. Altering the definition of marriage to include all
forms of marriage will positively impact the public’s understanding of the
institution and affect society’s acceptance of the cultural norms associated
with it. The redefinition will shift the institution from a child-centric to an
adult-focused institution.
Children are still held at the utmost importance and are
loved and cared for by same-sex couples in the same way as heterosexual
couples. Same-sex couples are still able
to create a traditional family by adopting children who cannot be cared for by
the so called ‘traditional’ heterosexual couple. Solely because a marriage is
between a man and a woman does not mean that they are fit to raise a
family. The interests of children are
not being sacrificed by the new definition of marriage.
The decisions of court reflect these beliefs that children
are still being valued. The California court declared that children derive no
benefit from having both a male and female parent, and that genetic
relationship between a parent and a child is irrelevant in a child’s
upbringing. Additionally, the court puts the force of the constitution behind a
conception of marriage that (1) severs it from any inherent connection to
procreation and children, and (2) transforms marriage from a public institution
with child-focused purposes into little
more than a private self-defined relationship focused on adults. It denigrates
the importance of mothers
Officially changing the public meaning of marriage sends a
message to the public that we all need to learn to be more open to broader
definitions of marriage and that love and marriage transcends gender.
We as Americans stand on a precipice regarding marriage – an
age old and fairly outdated social institution. Just as we evolve in so many
other aspects of society – civil rights, women’s rights, etc. – we need to
evolve in our acceptance and legalization of gay rights as well. It will not
destroy the institution of marriage but instead create a countless number more
happy, loving families and create a much more accepting and tolerant nation. We
need to let go of these traditional institutions that we so desperately cling
to and change along with the times. We
should move forward with confidence that endorsing same-sex marriage will not
have any negative ramifications on us as a nation.
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