Heterosexuals Do Not Have Superior SexTo the editors:
The arguments against gay marriage have gotten a lot dumber. Apparently now it's about how good the sex is.
In her letter "Vermont Decision Ignores Tradition," (Letters, Feb. 28) Melissa Moschella attempts to argue that heterosexual intercourse is somehow "distinct" from homosexual intercourse because only man and woman can experience "unique two-in-one-flesh communion," in which the spouses are "truly united." The fact that heterosexual sex is thus superior, she concludes, means that only opposite-sex couples should be allowed to marry, in order to encourage this superior and socially useful form of sex.
Where is this "privileged" position for heterosexual sex coming from? While there may be a figurative or emotional joining of two people in the sex act, this is just as much true of same-sex as of opposite-sex couples. I fail to see the distinction Moschella considers so obvious.
Underlying this silly "two-in-one-flesh" argument, however, is a more troubling notion--the idea that the feelings of same-sex couples are somehow inferior to those experienced by heterosexual couples, mere imperfect replicas of "real" love. Yet, the emotional intimacy between two men or two women can be just as real, and felt just as strongly, as that between a man and a woman. It's sad that people like Moschella won't acknowledge that.
Luke C. Platzer '00
Feb. 28, 2000
Hockey Far From WWF
While I can side with Brad Sohn's view in "How Not To Stick It To Them"(Column, Feb. 28) that prosecution in the Marty McSorley NHL slashing incident borders on the ridiculous, I resent Mr. Sohn's view of Canada's national pastime.
Sohn's comparison of the implications of the slash to a boxer delivering a fatal blow in the ring is off-base. A better comparison might be to a boxer delivering a blind-sided swift boot to the head of his opponent while the latter makes his way back to his corner. Sticks to the head are far from the type of actions that he claims the NHL has "tacitly allowed...since its inception." Most fans of the game don't "buy tickets expecting a WWF-like performance." I have heard innumerable comments from first-years from warmer climates, after seeing their first hockey game at Bright, describing the excitement associated with hockey's speed and aggressiveness. Slashing, injuries and blood never accompany these statements.
Hockey is a game of aggressive body checks, tough physical confrontation and exciting competition. Feel free to dismiss the criminal aspect of McSorley's brutal, cowardly act, but please leave Canada and its national pastime out of it.
Andrew G. Braithwaite '03
Feb. 28, 2000
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