Gender Norms In Adilia And Chiron

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Introduction Judith Levine argues that gender norms “narrow the sexual experience, to individuals detriment” (157). She further argues that “gendered sexuality goes far deeper than social attitudes or behavior. It shapes our fantasies which in turn fuels our desires. In comparing the characters Adilia James and Chiron we see that through perpetuating cultural norms by policing certain behaviors, gender norms are created and try to shape desire. Although, though these two characters we see how gender norms can be rejected and replaced by one’s own desires.
Overlapping Points The most apparent overlapping point between Adilia and Chiton is their class. They both came from Lower class backgrounds and no father in the household. Unlike the middle class and upper class, the lower class is unable to express their sexuality through material means. Thus Chiron and Adilia are left to find alternative ways to express their sexualities. Both Adilia and Chiron explore their sexuality through their peers. Graciela served as a catalyst for Adilia's sexual exploration. They would peek and giggle and their body parts and touch each other. Adilia stated that it felt “freeing and good.” This feeling is a sense of relief that she is able to explore her desires …show more content…

Earlier in the film, Chiron wrestles with Kevin to prove his masculinity. Kevin notices that Chiron is softer than the other boys and tried to get him tougher to prove his manliness to the other boys. We see how detrimental this mindset is for Chiron later in the film when he fights Kevin. Chiron refuses to stay down in order to prove to his peers that he is not soft. This lands him in the principal's office where he refuses to talk. Again, due to the toxic “bro code” that prohibits boys from ‘snitching’ and sharing their feelings or

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