Eli Clare Freaks And Queers

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Eli Clare’s “Freak and Queers” explores how certain bodies are deemed “other” or “abnormal” while others are considered to be “standard” or “normal,” highlighting the negative perceptions regarding disability, race, class, sexuality, and gender throughout the U.S. The concept of normality and abnormality is often socially constructed, which connects to the narrow definition upheld by society of “normal” that values able-bodiedness, whiteness, wealth, heterosexuality, and cisgender identities. This narrow definition perpetuates the marginalization and stigmatization of these groups of individuals whose bodies or identities do not fit within these “normal” categories. Clare argues that the negative perceptions are not universal or objective, …show more content…

Those who are poor or working class are often viewed as “others,” while those who are wealthy or middle class are often seen as “normal” or “standard.” Class has a history of shaping access to resources and opportunities for individuals, as well as the way that it is often used as a marker of worth or value. Race is another common factor in determining who is considered “normal” or “abnormal,” as mentioned in Eli Clare’s “Freaks and Queers.” In many societies, whiteness is seen as the norm, and people of color are often viewed as “other.” This is due in part to the history of colonialism and white supremacy in the U.S., which have positioned white people as superior and people of color as inferior. Sexuality and gender additionally shape perceptions of normality as those who are heterosexual and cisgender are often seen as “normal” or “standard,” while those who are queer or transgender are viewed as “abnormal.” This is largely due to the heteronormativity and cisnormativity of societal expectations and norms, as well as the way queer and transgender people are often marginalized or

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