Relativism Approach
One of the interesting news stories causing lots of media buzz and commotion among the people of Nigeria, my country is the debate on whether to legalize “Same Sex Marriage” or not. It was reported that there was a march by some Gays and Lesbians activists to the House of Representative demanding that there should be passage of law to legalize same sex union in Nigeria. Consequently, it was unanimously voted against by the house.
“Abomination, Sinful, this is an invitation of Biblical Sodom and Gomorrah to Nigeria, never would that be allowed in my lifetime”. These are some of the words and quotes used to describe the bill not only by the members of the house but also the majority of the populace to describe those that are involved or believed in this type of relationship.
I can’t deny the fact that Gays and Lesbians doesn’t exist in Nigeria, or any Sub-Saharan African country it’s just that based on the cultural values and norms of the society, union of same sex is considered a “taboo” and under no circumstance should it be allowed to exist. To many Africans that is the cultural practice of the “Western States” and because we are constantly embracing the sociological changes brought to us by globalization and civilization should not be a factor that would mar us from our own cultural belief.
This is a typical example of what Newman described as “Relativism approach to defining deviance that rests on the assumption that deviance is socially created by collective human judgments and ideas”.
To the Western States polygamous is considered grievous just like Gays and Lesbians are perceived overwhelmingly in African society.
I think you did a very great job of highlighting relativism from a cultural standpoint. I don't think many people stop to think about how an controversial issue such as this can effect culture.
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