By analyzing the concept of normative heteronormativity, it has become clearer with the use of Adams’ readings, that our discourses and practices of heteronormativity are reinforcing and normalizing the known concept of the normalized behavior of heterosexuals in our society. Adam’s argues that “homosexualities and hetereosexualitites are dichotomized”. (p.59) In sense, there can be no heterosexuality from which homosexuality can differ from: there can’t be on without the other. She argues that society pushes the normalization of having a heterosexual relationship as being categorized as a healthy relationship, while a homosexual intimacy is seen as an “abnormal or perved appetite toward the opposite sex.”(p.60) With this perception, Adam’s
The readings from Chenier positively supports Adam’s argument of how our society heterosexual concept of moral integrity is insistent the practice of modern normative heteronormativity. As a new mother, Chenier wanted to raise her daughter against heteronormative norms and decided to bring up her daughter in a homosexual matter; because she believed that family upbringing has an effect on our sexuality. In her parenting quest, Chenier’s fellow friends did not believe that what she was doing was right and that she was imposing immoral values on her daughter and were “concerned that [her] biased ideals will ultimately restrict her natural development” (p.78), of her daughter. The moral integrity of Chenier’s friends believed that raising her child in a homosexual way, which
Pharrs’ readings are examples of an effort to resist this heteronormative normalization of heterosexuality for women with the concept of lesbian batting. The concept of ‘lesbian batting’ is the act of classifying other women as a lesbian, based on certain perceived behaviours that don’t seem feminine or women like. (p114) Unlike, Adams’ and Chenier’s beliefs, Pharr acknowledges that our society is normalizing heteronormative relationships, yet emphasize that it’s also normalizing homonormative intimacies through this act of batting. Lesbian batting is resistance towards Adam’s belief because this act of batting is normalizing lesbians throughout a heteronormative dialogue. Though the action of lesbian batting is used as an insult towards strong women who “resist[s] male dominance and control”, (p.114), this labeling is an acknowledgment of homosexuality through our heteronormative society. Unlike, what Adam’s was arguing that society shapes homosexuality as abnormal; Pharr’s switches this abnormal perception, to a declaration of acceptance in heteronormative actions. To continue, being a heterosexual female does not ultimately lead women to a safe passage through adolescence, since lesbian batting is not stigmatized to one’s sexuality (p.114) Thus, the concept of the Panopticon theory, (the act of self-policing one-self for the male gaze) comes into play; because though society acknowledges and
Although language manipulation can be broken into countless categories and sub-categories, diction is arguably the common denominator. When one conducts an analysis of another’s words, it is both logical and necessary for one to address the author’s word choice. Vàzquez’s essay is full of strategically placed adjectives and transitions to pull the reader to her message. She refers to society’s gender roles as being a “straitjacket” that “suffocates” (p. 493, 3rd paragraph). Both of the words “straitjacket” and “suffocates” not only embody the frustration felt by homosexuals, but also suggest that society is bound by its own unreasonable expectations. The author’s metaphorical suffocating straightjacket serves as a signal to the reader that society’s treatment of gender roles is in dire need of reform.
It is often found that the stereotypical “butch” and “femme” pairing are more visible than other lesbian relationships. However, this does not mean that they do not exist. The ever-growing popularity of the lesbian social sphere has symbolized both difficulties and effects of identifying with such a label. The label or identity itself, though distinctly separating lesbians from “normal” heterosexuals begins to exhibit pre-existing conflict experienced by gay males: “there’s always been something wrong (Aldrich, 38).” This quote implies the conditioned and ingrained belief that homosexuality’s “taboo” existence was more than just wrong, but distasteful and something that society should look down upon for being an “abnormality.” Sometimes, this social reality for lesbians made it hard for them to “come out the closet” and be visible. This experience is exemplified as “The repressed lesbian has a harder time of it, for she is less aware of her abnormality (Aldrich, 41).” Additionally, to be able to clearly and accurately identify “the lesbian is to meet the many women she is at close range; to see her against her various backgrounds, hear her sundry voices, and familiarize yourself with the diverse facades of her several lives (Aldrich, 42).” Here, the presence of the “double life” is demonstrated to further analyze the lack of privileges that the lesbian community had, including the social aspect of their
In an effort to legitimize all subcategories of sexuality considered deviant of heterosexual normatively, queer theory acknowledges nontraditional sexual identities by rejecting the rigid notion of stabilized sexuality. It shares the ideals of gender theory, applying to sexuality the idea that gender is a performative adherence to capitalist structures that inform society of what it means to be male, female, gay, and straight. An individual’s conformity to sexual or gendered expectations indicates both perpetration and victimization of the systemic oppression laid down by patriarchal foundations in the interest of maintaining power within a small group of people. Seeking to deconstruct the absolute nature of binary opposition, queer theory highlights and celebrates literary examples of gray areas specifically regarding sexual orientation, and questions those which solidify heterosexuality as the “norm”, and anything outside of it as the “other”.
Cohen addresses “heteronormativity” as “localized practices and those centralized institutions that legitimize and privilege heterosexuality and heterosexual relationships as fundamental and ‘natural’ within society.” Cohen believes heteronormativity will “work to support and reinforce institutional racism, patriarchy, and class exploitation.” Heteronormativity provides power to the “‘morally correct,’ white, state authorized, middle-class male heterosexual” and oppresses the “culturally deficient, materially bankrupt, state-dependent heterosexual woman of color.” Heteronormativity gives people a sense of privilege and “feeling of supremacy” if they are to be within the norms of
Homosexuality is a sensitive topic and often avoided in conversation. For centuries the human race has oppressed and persecuted others strictly because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual etc. Although disturbing to most of us, these actions still occur in our society today, as many believe that homosexuality is abnormal and disgraceful. One supporter of this belief is Michael Levin, who strongly believes that homosexuality is highly abnormal and thus, undesirable. Although his beliefs and theories supporting this claim are subjective, there is evidence that can support his stance on this topic; we will analyze this claim in further detail and how it relates to his other views mentioned in this essay.
She tells the girl to “walk like a lady” (320), “hem a dress when you see the hem coming down”, and “behave in front of boys you don’t know very well” (321), so as not to “become the slut you are so bent on becoming” (320). The repetition of the word “slut” and the multitude of rules that must be obeyed so as not to be perceived as such, indicates that the suppression of sexual desire is a particularly important aspect of being a proper woman in a patriarchal society. The young girl in this poem must deny her sexual desires, a quality intrinsic to human nature, or she will be reprimanded for being a loose woman. These restrictions do not allow her to experience the freedom that her male counterparts
The normalization of being a heterosexual presence would classify you as normal and you’d feel accepted by many different groups and communities by default. Certainly no one would deny that being true. What seems to be the issue is why is being heterosexual is the only type of normality society seems to accept. While reading Gloria Anzaldua’s Borderlands/ La Frontera, the author brought up her personal struggles with her sexuality within her culture and with society. As well as other difficulties when being a female and being lesbian (Anzaldúa and Saldívar-Hull, 41). The scope of this essay should cover the many different borders we face as humans when it comes to where we draw the line on sexuality.
Most of the current social work clients and workers are women. This gender is also over-represented among women, which implies that women continue to face considerable issues in the modern society despite the changes in the traditional role of men and women in the society. Social welfare policy are usually developed and implemented to confront various issues in the society including the plight of women. However, recent statistics demonstrate that social welfare policy does not always meet women’s needs effectively. This is regardless of the fact that sexism and heterosexism play a crucial role is shaping social welfare policy. Therefore, it is important to develop effective social welfare policy
Sexual violence is sometimes thought of as a natural part of life. That men have an inherit biological trait that predisposes them to violence and that it cannot be helped. The famous quote is “boys will be boys” meaning that men have no control over their actions and that if they sexual assault someone, that it is just human nature. This is in fact false. There is nothing in the biological makeup of males that can explain away sexual violence. It is a learned cultural behavior generated by gender norms and the medias perpetuation of sexual violence.
Gender roles in a small, rural community are specific as to what a woman “is” and what a man “is”, and these norms are strictly enforced by the rural society. Cooper says that in childhood, “Rejection of the traditional feminity appeared in three ways:1) taking the role of the male, 2) being a tomboy, and 3) avoiding feminine dress and play” (Cooper, pg. 168). This rejection of the traditional roles as a child creates a stigma, or label, attached by society to these individuals. The punishment from society is greater than the punishment of an unfulfilled self. The lessened ability to obtain health insurance, health information on the partner, and other benefits also plays a key role in coming out. The rural lesbian society is so small a...
Note: This paper has a very long Annotated Bibliography. In recent years, same-sex relationships have become more encompassing in US society. State legislation is changing such as accepting gay marriages, enforcing anti-discrimination laws, and legal gay adoptions; the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community is becoming public. Gay-headed families, like heterosexuals, are diverse and varying in different forms.
As Corvino’s discussion with the naturalness of gay sex suggests, it is plausible to suppose that the relationships do not violate what constitutes sexual ethics. However, as I have argued, we cannot over-generalize sexual ethics, encompassing gay sex as moral in the areas of marriage, reproduction, and creating a home. Thus, Corvino fails to provide an adequate reason to believe his claim that gay sex is not “unnatural”.
“Does the text have a political purpose? Can we identify the lesbianism of the authors and characters? What do these writers and characters say about lesbianism and more particularly their own lesbianism?” (Farwell 11)
Gender is a socially constructed phenomenon, and how acceptable one’s relationship is determined by society’s view of gender roles. Because the majority of the population is characterized as heterosexual, those who deviate from that path are ...
In the face of a homophobic society we need creative and critical processes that draw out the complexity of lesbian lives and same sex choices, not a retreat into the comforting myths of heroines and unfractured, impeachable identities