Kai Myers

Special Topics: Women's Studies

Professor Soyoung Park

11-20-13

Homosexuality and Heterosexuality

      According to Jagose's Theorising Same-Sex Desire, there have been conflicts in defining homosexuality. Essentialists see homosexuality "as natural, fixed, and innate" while constructionists "assume identity is fluid, the effect of social conditioning and available cultural models for understanding oneself". (Jagose, 1). Most scholars use a combination of ideas of supposed sexual abnormality. But is it really helpful to dissect orientation?

      For organizational purposes, the division of sexual orientation between homosexual and heterosexual is beneficial; however, groups have taken into account negative connotations. Homosexuality (although scientifically defined earlier) is considered abnormal while heterosexuality is the consistent norm. This ideal is to benefit and keep those, of our patriarchal society, in power. For example, Jagose clearly links the relation between feminism and lesbianism as seeming like uncharacteristic aspects of women that threatened the authority of the nation."Hence, the sexologists' theories frightened, or attempted to frighten women away from feminism and from loving other women by demonstrating that bother were abnormal and were generally linked together".

      It is perplexing to think that heterosexuality is not taken into consideration as heavily as homosexuality given both are just as prevalent.

Kai Myers

Special Topics: Women's Studies

Professor Soyoung Park

11-13-13

Racism and Heterosexuality

      Patricia Hill Collin's Prison's for our Bodies, Closest for our Minds stresses several issues of African American orientation identification. There seems to be a dominating stereotype that non-white people, specifically those of African descent are strictly heterosexual. This notion, however, is obviously not the case. How did this idea of African Americans only having hetero-based desires come into play? Simply put, racism and heterosexuality are integrated.

      "American historians point to the significance of sexuality to chattel slavery. In the United States, for example, slave-owners relied on an ideology of Black sexual deviance to regulate and exploit enslaved Africans" (Collins, 115). In other words, sexual exploitation was another form of control the white, male plantation owners and slave-traders would use in order to maintain their position of power, and because this abuse is always attached to slavery, the idea of (African American women, specifically) heterosexuality is reaffirmed.

      To be African American in the United States is to be in a metaphorical prison of constant oppression. Racism creates a barrier between a falsified reality of orientation-based ideals and the true reality, that African Americans are just as equal under the spectrum of gender, sexual, and cultural diversity as anyone else.

Response to People Like Us: PBS Special

         This video reaffirmed my belief that the economic classes of today's society are founded on a foundation of money and controlled by those with superiority complexes. "My family was rich, we got the money after they died". This quote is typical to hear from the working class, those who envy the more well off. Ultimately, America is divided by class, whether we as a nation believe it or not. And pathetically enough, those who have the most power are focused on things that honestly do not even matter. More wealthier citizens do not fear making payments or being able to afford a roof over their heads- rather, they are scared of criticism from their peers. This fear of criticism developed in high school and continued well into their- the upper class people's- adult lives. 

        Finally, I found the entire segment about food informative yet disturbing. Realistically, food that is better for you is more expensive because of the type of ingredients that go into said food. The comparison being between the organic sourdough loaf and the 99-cent white bread. Obviously, the white bread is cheaper because it is essentially water and starch. It makes me wonder if there is a more effective way of making people eat healthier but not to give them the impression that what they eat makes them less of a person?

      In sum, the economic divide between classes is astounding and far more apparent than we like to believe.

Defiant Performance

      Julie Bettie's How Working-Class Chicas Get Working-Class Lives puts into personal detail the complexity of social structures and how economic standing is a major factor. Several young women (mostly Hispanic) were interviewed on what their future goals and aspirations were. The results were non-conforming. The view of adult-hood to the young women did not contain financial and societal success, but rather parenting gained respect. "For them, expressions of sexuality, and by an extension motherhood, operated as a sign of adult status and served to reject teachers' and parents' methods of keeping them childlike" (Bettie, 449).

      The white structure of our society deconstructs the idea of adulthood and replaces it with white, economical, social success and behavior. Those who do not fit into the category of 'prep' are subjected to oppression. By regularly expressing interest in things such as the application of make-up, clothing, and early parenthood as more important than educational achievement, the young women that were interviewed (and those similar from all around the nation) are exposed to negative treatment; there is a very sharp slope in differences between the working class and the middle class that creates additional tension. Bettie points out that these girls, Las Chicas, defiantly work against the norms of society, and I cannot blame them. Society has made it out that the young women Bettie interviewed are limited by the standards predetermined by others. Their lives are a struggle, but they beautifully work around that struggle by focusing on what they deem is adult-like and important.

Kai Myers

10-23-14

Special Topics: Women's Studies

Professor Soyoung Park

Life

      Dorothy Allison's novel, Trash, is a powerful novel that tells the tale of one woman's struggles in combating against death- rather, the desire for escape through death. The main character is one of several children from a poor, rural family, and the sheer number of children create a sense of detachment and remove her own self-worth. "The mystery is how many no one remembers" (Allison, 10). As an adult, she reflects back on her life with a hardened, brash, almost crude view. In the chapter titled Mama, she recalls the fondness and love she has felt for her mother; how she saw her as a rock- an imperfect, cracked rock. She realizes and accepts at one point that her mother has faults just as she does, and she is proud that her mother is reflected in her. "My lovers laugh at me and say, 'Every tenth word with you is Mama. Mama said. Mama used to say. My mama didn't raise no fool.'/ I widen my mouth around my drawl and show my mama's lost teeth in my smile" (Allison, 45).

      These first few chapters have a compelling, gritting, painful sort of beauty that draws the reader in. There is a realness that the main character, in her turmoil, tries to achieve.

Stone Butch Blues

      Have you ever read something that made you question your entire set of thinking? Leslie Feinberg's novel Stone Butch Blues addresses the life of a transgender individual named Jess Goldberg. This novel, in essence, is an exploration on the development of a young person into mid-adulthood. Many questions are brought to light such as whether or not Jess is truly a woman after taking hormones.

      But, honestly, the real questions that the novel tackles is: Who should decide who is a man or a woman? Why should these differences really matter? 

      Society's gender binary has been so deeply rooted into our system that even those who are sworn to protect, those with power feel threatened by the notion of individuals who do not fit into the traditional social, gender roles. I found it sickening and horrifying that Jess and hir friends were subjected to such brutal treatment from all types of figures. I knew that transgender people had suffered, are suffering, but I did not realize to what extent until I was placed in Jess's shoes. I saw through hir eyes the trauma that violent, cruel oppression brought, and I was absolutely disgusted.

      People who are transgender are humans; they want to feel normal and accepted. However, the patriarchal social structure of this modern society has and will continue to be the major division between oppression and personal freedom unless something is done.

      

Kai Myers

10-9-13

Special Topics: Women's Studies

Professor Soyoung Park

The Evolution of Transgender Treatment

      In Leslie Feinberg's Transgender Liberation: A Movement Whose Time Has Come ze brings to note that the gender codes have never been stable. In fact, "they are changing social concepts" (Feinberg, 206). In essence, transgenders  have been a part of society for centuries and were once prominent part of the social structure. The development of the patriarchy has created the illusion that it has been the sole dominating  factor, and it has formed oppression toward those who are not white, male, heterosexual men.

      Several examples of transgender are recorded in history. For example, Native Americans found transgender women to be among the most influential and powerful. "Perhaps the most notable of all berdache Native women was Barcheeampe, the Crow 'Woman Chief,' the most famous war leader in the history of the upper Missouri nations" (Fienberg, 209).

      So why is it that trans people are treated with little to no respect and are supposedly subordinate to the binary gender division of today's society? The reason is simple: those with interest in power won important historical battles that ultimately altered the social structure of the gender code. The new gender code best meets the needs and interests of those who want security in important positions and the like.

  

Kai Myers

10-2-13

Special Topics: Women's Studies

Professor Soyoung Park

Is Drag Really Offensive to Women?

      Judith Butler in her article Gender is Burning questions whether or not findings, spoken from a variety of sources, about the provocative, imitative, and socially destructive nature of drag are true. Butler breaks down the thinking of  feminist theorists Marilyn Frye and Janice Raymond. "The tradition within feminist thought has argued that drag is offensive to women and that it is an imitation based in ridicule and degradation" (Butler, 385). Then, decisively, Butler brings her own opinion into the matter. She states that, "...This 'being a man' and this 'being a woman'  are internally unstable affairs" (Butler, 385).

      In truth, drag is not at all a form of misogyny. The ambiguous nature of gender does not allow for a true definition on what is for men and what is for women. Drag is an entirely difference subculture in itself that presents itself outside of the social norm.

      Realness is another important factor within the drag community, and quite frankly, by emulating this realness, there is a sense of desire to become a woman in one aspect or another. It is not damaging toward women to be emulated by drag queens- rather, by leaving the notion of modern society's ideals, drag queens have stepped into the spotlight of personal prejudice by the very type of people they wish to become.

      

     

Kai Myers

10-2-13

Special Topics: Women's Studies

Professor Soyoung Park

Paris is Burning: Film Response

      I can honestly say that this documentary intrigued me. I had no idea the drag queen community (specifically of New York City but more than likely elsewhere, as well) had such an extensive form of operations. It was interesting to see how they had a sense of community, much like any other culture. There are subcategories within the overall community, more commonly referred to as "houses". 

      I think the word "houses" is wonderfully and aptly applied. Many gender deviants are shunned from their original homes due to their nonconformity, and it is usually a house within the drag queen community that takes them in as their own. Not only is the idea of houses an efficient way to organize, but it is also a way to give gender queers something to identify with. In other words, a house is a place where they can express themselves without concern and have a sense of personal stability.

      It was also really neat to learn about the "Ball" and how it equates to gender deviants (who win) to being a super model or someone famous. It is the counteraction toward society's neglect to recognize them due to their differences.

    All in all, I learned a ton, and I would definitely re-watch this as well as recommend this film to others.

Kai Myers

9-25-13

Special Topics: Women's Studies

Professor Soyoung Park

What is Masculinity?

      The familiar idea of masculinity can be linked to common cultural and social belief; however, it is not real masculinity. How can one define masculinity, then? Judith Halberstam, in her article An Introduction to Female Masculinity states that true masculinity has many alternate forms and that by examining these gender deviations, then perhaps the concept of masculinity can be better understood.

      In order to begin to comprehend the differences in masculine behavior, the most common idea of masculinity must be dissected: "Masculinity seems to extend outward into patriarchy and inward into the family; masculinity represent the power of inheritance, the consequences of the traffic in women, and the promise of social privilege" (Halberstam, 3). In our patriarchal society, genetically male, heterogeneous people are considered the only types to be able to achieve masculinity. Femininity is reserved for genetically female, heterogeneous people.
     Masculinity is not strictly a male-oriented attribute. Females can be masculine, as well. I myself identify as a masculine, female lesbian. Does this mean I take on all the features of masculinity? No, of course not.
     It is tricky to pinpoint what is truly masculine and what is not, aside from how society deems masculinity and femininity as completely separate.

    Also, check out the neat video of Judith/Jack Halberstam: The intro lists a few of Halberstam's works (published and in progress)

Kai Myers
9-18-13
Special Topics: Women's Studies
Professor Soyoung Park

So, What is Gender?

      Gender is something that has several different definitions; however, modern society has narrowed it into two specific groups: male and female. There are many ways to persuade people in believing that gender has strict boundaries. One of these is the physical form of the person. "For the individual, gender construction starts with assignment to a sex category on the basis of what the genitalia look like at birth" (Lorber, 97). I find this notion particularly disturbing because parents (with the aid of modern medicine) can alter a child's genitalia to the preferred gender (of the parents'). Of course the newly born child cannot give consent.
      Another way is through clothing. "Then babies are dressed or adorned in a way that displays the category because parents don't want to be constantly asked whether their baby is a girl or a boy" (Lorber, 97). Furthermore, in addition to all of this, gender roles are forced by use of the media. Have you ever gone down the isle of a toy store and noticed how the girl's section is entirely pink while the boy's is filled with action figures and all sorts of cool things?
      These two specific gender roles also have to do with the basic human need for social organization. The division between male and female is a comfortable system that creates an almost mechanical sense of efficiency. "Human society depends on a predictable division of labor..." (Lorber, 97) So, is this where the idea of male and female stems from?
     The truth of the matter is that gender is more complicated than simply a "he/she" mentality. Gender is based on the various physical make-ups of people (fems, herms, and mems) as well as orientation and so on.
If only modern society would more readily accept roles outside of the male and female ideals.

Kai Myers
9-14-13
Special Topics: Women's Studies
Professor Soyoung Park

Film Response

      Color of Fear is a powerful documentary about the ongoing issues of racism. The film was documented in 1994, but the points the men bring up are still relevant and highly important. One particular point sticks with the film for nearly its entity: how whites are blind to the true cause of racism.
Racism ultimately stems from an outside source; the most prevalent of these sources tend to be from the white majority. Why is this? The men in the film try to figure out just what it means to be an American, and the idea that everyone needs to assimilate into one culture is brought up (by a white man, none the less). This presents confusion and disagreement among the group discussing, and I agree with their (specifically, Victor's) reaction entirely. Assimilation is not anywhere close to equality. Why can't a person from a different ethnic background follow his/her cultural practices? Indeed, in the word's of an enraged Victor: "To be 'American' is to throw away your ethnicity." To follow the practices of a dominant, white majority is to bleach out all that makes a person who he/she is. Furthermore, Euro-Americans claim that this land of the United States is theirs. Yes, in a sense it is now, but only after they took it from the Native Americans, the Spanish, and everyone else who's roots originated in North America. In other words, Euro-Americans, the white majority, are in fact, far worse of a threat than they claim everyone else to be.
      I think the reason for this fear of differences is something that is taught, not inherited by genes. The final segment of this video stresses this idea. The white local refers to his father being demanding, brutal, and an over-powering racist. So, in turn, his children learned how to stay safe by agreeing with the notion of racism. More than likely, the father was taught to think and act a particular way and so on and so forth.
      Racism is a slippery-slope that will take more than just an over-night revelation to fix. It will be an extremely slow process that will ultimately yield a better tomorrow.

Kai Myers

9-4-13

Special Topics: Women's Studies

Professor Soyoung Park

What is Race?

      The distinction of race is a prevalent topic of discussion in today's society. Many people ask questions about themselves or others. "Who am I? Who are you? Where are you from?" These are considered the 'icebreakers' of common social activity. Yet there is still confusion about how people actually perceive race.

Historically, "...race was still largely seen in Europe and North America... as an essence, a natural phenomenon, whose meaning was fixed-" (Omi/Winant, 3). 

       In other words, in the past whiteness was considered common and the minorities were usually subordinate. Today, however, race is seen in two very different ways. Michael Omi and Howard Winant’s article On the Theoretical Status of the Concept of Race states that some believe that race is either an “ideological construct” (4) or an “objective condition” (5). However, this is not the case. Race is neither one nor the other but rather complex a mix of the two notions.

      The idea that race is an ideological construct disregards the impact of historical events in relation to the races affected. If race was an illusion, then … “Why and how did race-thinking survive after emancipation” (Omi/Winant, 4)? Additionally, race cannot be simplified into definite boxes. No person is one of the “five color-based racial categories: black, white, brown, yellow, and red” (Omi/Winant, 5).

      In my opinion, race cannot be pinpointed into one specific category. It is a concept that is a complicated blend of historical, cultural, and personal events. Race can only be defined as unique.

*Note:

I read the articles had already written up a response before the change to Omi/Winant "Racial Formations".

Will read that, too, but will not post a blog about it unless it is required.

Kai Myers
8-28-13
Special Topics: Women's Studies
Professor Soyoung Park

A Bachelor's Reality

 
      I am going to be perfectly honest and say that, yes, I have watched the show, The Bachelor, in passing. At the time, I did not understand the implications behind the bizarre antics of the reality series; however, I was not entirely naive. I realized, with no help whatsoever, that whatever was going on was indeed one-hundred-percent disgusting. A major issue concerns the women in the series and how they are degraded and treated as if they are means to an end- more specifically, the women of color.
      As mentioned by Rachel E. Dubrofsky in The Bachelor: Whiteness in the Harem, presents the following: "The very form of The Bachelor neutralizes the dire of white men for women of color as a means of preparing for union with their ultimate partners, white women" (Dubrofsky, 369). A prime example of this behavior in The Bachelor series is Karin's, an African American woman, treatment through the show's producers and editors. "That she remained on the show for so long perhaps indicates some interaction with Bob, yet the focus was on Bob's interactions with other women, never her" (Dubrofsky, 373). The article goes further to explain that Karin had little screen time, even though the (white) women made noticeable comments about their interactions with her. In fact, the role of colored women in the series seems to be little more than a catalyst to further dramatize the emotion of (white) women and as an object for the (white) man's personal, selfish pleasure. "The Bachelor is particularly disturbing. Here again women of color fulfill the time worn roles of satisfying the sexual desires of white men and taking care of white men (by highlighting the inappropriate and potentially dangerous behaviors of white women who want to marry white men)" (Dubrofsky, 379).
      In sum, whiteness is a powerful force that dominates the entire premises of the series. A (white) man is supposed to find the beautiful (white) woman of his dreams. Heaven forbid that he chooses something from the established "norm of society", but it's just fine and dandy if he indulges himself in his own personal harem of "exotic" women.