I would not prefer to do BDSM because, from my personal experience, I never really felt pleasure coming out of pain. However, to some, BDSM is considered a unique method of sexual expression, and, to some, it is considered sexual abuse. It may be considered sexual abuse if one of the parties does not favor it, and, therefore, views it as being violent. It may mean more than just being chains and whips, and maybe power, privilege, and gender equality. If two people want to perform BDSM together, the main guiding principles are meant to be safety, hurt but not cause harm, no self-destruction, have full consent, and never be under the influence of any form of substance. In conclusion, these principles reveal how BDSM tends to be misunderstood by society, especially since because society rarely realizes that two people may be comfortable with performing BDSM. Therefore, BDSM is a healthy form of sexual expression. Also, many would be suprised knowing which kind of people do it. In particular, according to the National Coalition of Sexual Freedom, “You do not have to be afraid of people who engage in SM. SM players are doctors, lawyers, teachers, construction workers, secretaries, and everything else you can imagine.” Since sadomasochism is consented between adults, it is not criminal behavior. Sadomasochism is not abuse if trust, honesty, and COMMUNICATION are exchanged between two consenting adults. Finally, Sadomasochism is not non-consensual. Why? Because one does not consent to be emotionally damaged, physically abused, or mentally abused.

Dyrek, P. (2011, November 10). Workshop uncovers healthy side of sexual expression, BDSM. Retrieved March 10, 2015, from http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/thebrownandwhiteblog/index.ssf/2011/11/bdsm_the_reality_behind_the_wh.html

BDSM Defined: An Exploration of Adult Sexuality and Lifestyles. (2004, January 1). Retrieved March 10, 2015, from http://www.teramis.com/kink/bdsm_defined.htm

This article was an interesting read. Previously, I could not see how genes influence one’s sexual orientation, but I tended to think it could have been fascinating. For instance, I would question myself and think if someone claimed, “I guess I am homosexual because my uncle was.” In other words, if someone told me that, the expression on my face would have been quizzical. Also, from my experience, the majority of my gay friends do not have other relatives who are gay or lesbian. According to this article, hormones, birth order, and environment are said to play roles. However, I would agree with with American geneticist Dean Hamer claiming that sexual orientation could be partly genetic (in regards to the x chromosome coming from the mother’s side) than say it is a “lifestyle choice,” something I disagree with. For example, you would not hear someone say, “I choose to be a lesbian because women are awesome and men are jerks.” In conclusion, though, I do think the majority of individuals are born with their own sexual orientation. I believe there really is a “male-loving” gene rather than a “gay gene” coming from the mother’s side.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/06/04/the-science-of-sexuality-how-our-genes-make-us-gay-or-straight/

Graves, J. (2014). How our genes could make us gay or straight. Retrieved February 3, 2015, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/06/04/the-science-of-sexuality-how-our-genes-make-us-gay-or-straight/

I do not think it is acceptable at all for a parent to choose a child’s gender. First of all, there is no “right” to choose a newborn’s gender. That is neither ethical nor fair. In other terms, this not only harms society, but may also harm the child and the rest of his or her family, including the rest of his or her life. This harms society because other parents may be influenced in wanting to do this, which is dangerous. Our society must be equal, meaning not “more male than female,” or “more female than male.” It makes no proper sense whatsoever. Parents should not even be parents if they are not able to be prepared in accepting, and parenting either a male or a female. According to the article, “Should parents be able to choose their baby’s gender?,” by UK’s Daily Mail, Human Genetics Alert’s director, Dr. David King, claims, “The creation of a new life is the most morally serious thing you can do. We must not let it become just another consumer choice,” which I definitely agree with. Why would parents want to pay so much money for such an outrageous “operation?” However, I, slightly, agree with a different, yet ethical, point of view. According to the CBS News article, “Choosing Your Baby’s Gender,” by Tatiana Morales, previously, genetic selection was an idea used so that parents could avoid passing on a genetic disease to their children. I agree with this idea due to its safety because if I were a parent, I sure as heck would not want to pass on a genetic disease to my child. However, according to the article, gender selection has been applied to help couples achieve a balance between boys and girls. I totally understand if couples desire to achieve that kind of “balance,” but, as mentioned previously, I do not think parents should be parents if they do not accept the fact that they will likely have male children, or likely have female children. If parents do not want to pass on genetic diseases, I think a wise choice would be to not have more children because, first, it saves a lot of money from the procedure and from having more children, and second, avoid confusing a child because he or she will likely suffer from gender dysphoria or gender identity disorder. I mean, what would it be like for parents if their kid came up to them and asked, “Why did you decide I had to be male when I was destined to be female,?” or “Why did you decide I had to be female when I was destined to be male?” I would feel guilty, as a parent, if my child asked me this because I know he or she would not be happy with the response because it’s never really always about transmitting a genetic disease. It is mostly about the balance, such as the fact that a mother wanted to be able to do feminine activities with her daughter or that a father wanted his son to carry on the name. Just accept it if your kid will be a male or a female. Accept their sexuality. Accept who they are.

Should parents be able to choose their baby’s gender? (2015, February 27). Retrieved February 27, 2015 from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-144107/Should-parents-able-choose-babys-gender.html

Morales, T. (2002, November 6). Choosing Your Baby’s Gender. Retrieved February 27, 2015, fro, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/choosing-your-babys-gender/