or are lgbts at an advantage when it comes to being all you can be? or is it pretty much even stevens these days?
is it really necessary to follow maslow's theory in order to be happy? can we be happy just as we are now?
2006-08-28 03:48:27 · 9 answers · asked by swot 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
Nah, orientation has little to do with it unless you live where homosexuality is criminalized or killing LGBT ppl is condoned. Then, you're always challenged to maintain safety and may not be able to get beyond fear to get to the top of the pyramid.
In the US, we generally don't have that going on. Here as almost everywhere, prejudice exists on many levels for many differences -- physical appearance, handicap, illness, skin color, accent, religion, culture, dress, etc. Sexuality is just one factor, and at that, lot's of straights accept their sexuality and differences in others while certain LGBT ppl accept themselves but hold resentment and distaste for others.
Self-actualization is an individual thing about fully accepting yourself and living to your fullest potential. By it's very nature, it's a transitory state that changes as the world around you changes. Yes, of course you can skip levels, but it'd be more difficult to maintain or stay close to that full awareness when your more basic needs require greater attention.
Happiness and self-actualization aren't achieved by following directions. Maslow's theory is a construct framing an observation on living. You are; theory is just description.
Good question. It got me thinking.
2006-08-28 04:42:01 · answer #1 · answered by Alex62 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Where does one look for happiness? I like to think that it needs for the person to be honest in themselves; so that they can look around them and find contentment in what they have. Straights have it slightly easier, in one sense, in that they are a majority and don't suffer phobic persecution borne from ignorance (at least in the sexual plane). However LGBTs make a conscious effort to identify themselves and work through the challenges that being different from the majority presents.
Consequently, I'm just as unsure of the current state of play as I was before I had thought about it!
Thanks for this question though - something else to muse over
2006-08-28 11:03:26 · answer #2 · answered by unclefrunk 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't feel sexual orientation matters when it comes to the goal of self-actualization. One can be open-minded in one area of life, but still closed off to higher thinking.
I really like Maslow's hierarchy of needs structure, but it's not a stepping stone process. Some days you jump ahead, possibly skipping a step. Other days you may go backwards a step. The important thing is to be you, to be comfortable with your life, and to always strive for more. A very wise friend gave me this mantra, which I'm really enjoying: "Everything is perfect as it is, and yet may be improved."
Good luck, and Namaste! :)
2006-08-28 10:54:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Self actualization cannot be so broadly applied, truth is, each of us have our own defined constructs of what will make us happy, content and fulfilled. I for one, am quite content and happy in my life, partially due to some hard lessons life taught me at a young age, but it is worth it in the end, you can't get out alive so you might as well enjoy what you can.
2006-08-28 12:22:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Self actualization, as I understand it, is the top of the pyramid -- and I think most of us have food, shelter and someone to have sex with -- beyond that. I can't imagine that either gays or straights have an advantage -- and I can't imagine it as a deliberate act, it just happens as you are full as a person and you care about others.
Reyn
believeinyou24@yahoo.com
2006-08-28 12:20:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
im quite happy apart from i went out from 1.30pm sunday and stayed at a party til after 3.00am and then had a 40 minute walk all on my own to get to my mates flat.today i feel like $***
2006-08-28 11:10:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
We are not happy unless people have accepted us in who we are. I think that's why our society is kind of screwed up and people are not true to themselves or others.
2006-08-28 10:51:36 · answer #7 · answered by justincausejustintime 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i don't think it has anything to do with sexual orientation ... it has to do with being honest with yourself. i'd say it's pretty even steven, yeah.
2006-08-28 15:22:17 · answer #8 · answered by kittens 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
geez, i don't have any hang ups that i know of. I'm pretty happy.
2006-08-28 10:53:36 · answer #9 · answered by moveplease 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋