So it kind of says it in my title, right? I have a few questions to raise. In class we saw and referred to several examples of heteronormativity. In my mind images are flashing of Ellen's parents saying "You're not gay you just haven't met the right guy yet," or the example Kristen gave of her daughter's teacher assuming her friend could play the role of a boyfriend. In these instances, is it the fault of Ellen's parents or Kristen's daughters' teacher? Did these individuals decide, 'I am heteronormative, therefore I will react as if everyone is presumably supposed to feel straight.'
I'm not sure these individuals ever decided to be that way. We talked about that today, that most heteronormativity is sub-conscious. Now, this isn't my way of shifting the blame off of these individuals, I simply aim to analyze the existing system.
What I am trying to elude to, isn't that complex at all. I'm really just thinking of the evolution any certain issue makes. For example, think of feminism and the way it has changed since it's first appearances. We have learned how to appeal to the rest of our unbelieving society more effectively now, and are much less often referred to as a bunch of man haters.
I think the same thing is true of homosexuality, some of the protesting has drastically turned people off and until this generation turns over, there will always be a few who remember the less effective protesting. I don't think this is the exact cause, but I think a portion of the heteronormativity today could be because of the course homosexuality has taken towards it's liberation.
I know I am no one to place blame or point fingers, I know it has been a terrible and devastating journey for the gay community. However, I see the process over and over again; in feminism, in racial differences, and now for the gay community. It seems like every time we try to fight oppression, people get pitted against each other in terribly lasting ways.
I think these heteronormative individuals are a result of the ways society has taught them, and sadly even the imperfect process homosexuality has taken. I think that's point though, isn't it? Nothing is perfect. Somewhere in the midst of the imperfection we see that we are all human, the most essential thing. I suppose most of this is just my thought process attempting to find a cause, and still coming short of finding one.
I'm not sure these individuals ever decided to be that way. We talked about that today, that most heteronormativity is sub-conscious. Now, this isn't my way of shifting the blame off of these individuals, I simply aim to analyze the existing system.
What I am trying to elude to, isn't that complex at all. I'm really just thinking of the evolution any certain issue makes. For example, think of feminism and the way it has changed since it's first appearances. We have learned how to appeal to the rest of our unbelieving society more effectively now, and are much less often referred to as a bunch of man haters.
I think the same thing is true of homosexuality, some of the protesting has drastically turned people off and until this generation turns over, there will always be a few who remember the less effective protesting. I don't think this is the exact cause, but I think a portion of the heteronormativity today could be because of the course homosexuality has taken towards it's liberation.
I know I am no one to place blame or point fingers, I know it has been a terrible and devastating journey for the gay community. However, I see the process over and over again; in feminism, in racial differences, and now for the gay community. It seems like every time we try to fight oppression, people get pitted against each other in terribly lasting ways.
I think these heteronormative individuals are a result of the ways society has taught them, and sadly even the imperfect process homosexuality has taken. I think that's point though, isn't it? Nothing is perfect. Somewhere in the midst of the imperfection we see that we are all human, the most essential thing. I suppose most of this is just my thought process attempting to find a cause, and still coming short of finding one.
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