The Bad Copy

Claim 2:

 Judith Butler makes an argument in her book from a chapter called Imitation and Gender Insubordination, that heterosexuality sets it’s self up as the original, the true the authentic; the norm that determines the real and implies that “being” a lesbian (or homosexual) is always a kind of miming of what we know as heterosexuality.  She describes homosexuality being secondary to heterosexuality and a copy of the original origin of heterosexuality.  However, Butler would argue that there is no primary sexuality, even though a majority of our society and political system treats the male-female unit as the basic unit or norm.

Questions:

1.     Do you believe that heterosexuality is depicted as the “accepted norm” in today’s society? Please explain why or why not. 

2.   This argument points to the idea that heterosexuality operates as a political system. Meaning that the acceptance that the male-female unit is the basic unit. In what ways does this concept hold true in modern day America? (Ideas: Think about social structures, legal implications and economic structures)

3.   Do you agree with the favoritism towards heterosexuality couples that our society reinforces? Please explain why or why not.

The following media portray and support this claim that heterosexuality is the norm.  Please respond with reactions to them, and if possible, upload or post some media examples of your own.

Short clip from the movie The Family Stone 

The backstory is a family meeting their sons/brothers girlfriend Meredith, for the first time over Christmas. One night at dinner she decides to share some rather inappropriate beliefs with the family about Thad, one of the brothers and his partner wanting to adopt a child. Despite the beautifully prepared meal, everyone has lost their appetite due to Meredith's awkward confrontations about race, deafness, and sexual orientation.

Link to scene: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_82PrxpAQZo

        1. What was your reaction to this scene and how did it make you feel?  How do you think this ties in with Judith Butler’s claim of heterosexuality as the norm?

Cartoon and advertising piece mocking the idea of hetero-normativity (pictured below)

    1. What were your initial reactions to the cartoon and advertisement? 

*This cartoon is mocking the idea of heterosexual as the norm through making the heterosexual couples seem ashamed for being together, and the homosexual couples judging them and appearing puzzled over the fact that they are together. 

*This advertisement depicts homosexuality as the norm through the commonality of attractive homosexual couples, and the downplaying and ridiculing of the less attractive heterosexual couple.