Spring Break
Heterosexism
What does it really mean?
Brent Paxton, Columnist, blemons@smu.edu
Issue date: 11/14/08 Section: Opinion
Another subtle heterosexist practice is the assumption that everyone you meet will be straight. When you meet someone new (that doesn't give you any 'signs'), you probably just assume that they're straight. There are a lot more of us out there than you think and we don't all fit the stereotype the media has created. Also, remember that gay people are not just gay; they have plenty of other qualities. Don't refer to gay people as being 'gay,' because I know you don't refer to your straight friends as 'straight.'
Gender norms are another aspect of heterosexism that need to be broken down. When a flamboyant man acts the way he does, he's just being himself. Don't refer to him as 'effeminate.' That is, imply that he acts like a girl when in reality, he's just acting like himself. What does that mean anyway? Which girl? Paris Hilton, Rosie O'Donnell, Madonna, Oprah, Ellen Degeneres or Pink? That's an assumption that all girls act the same. They don't, and neither do men. The most interesting people in the world don't fit gender stereotypes so why judge them for not fitting into your mental box?
I was watching TV with one of my gay friends and Dancing with the Stars came on. I don't watch the show, but I did get a five-minute glimpse of it. My friend quickly noted that Lance Bass (the openly gay ex-NSYNC member) was dancing with a girl. Why? He's gay and prime-time television is too afraid to pair him with a male dancer. It's not a lack of gay male dancers, believe you me.
The reason is we live in a heterosexist society that keeps people from expressing who they are. They create a structurally heterosexual environment that makes it hard for anyone who has a dissenting voice to be heard. The change is happening, but it's up to you to realize it and stop taking part in it.
I would like to thank Karen Click, from the Women's Center, for inspiring this article and bringing many important aspects of this issue to my knowledge. The Women's Center is on the third floor of Hughes-Trigg next to Student Media Co. Please stop by to learn about the wonderful services they provide to SMU.
Brent Paxton is a junior political science and international relations double major. He can be reached for comment at blemons@smu.edu.
Gender norms are another aspect of heterosexism that need to be broken down. When a flamboyant man acts the way he does, he's just being himself. Don't refer to him as 'effeminate.' That is, imply that he acts like a girl when in reality, he's just acting like himself. What does that mean anyway? Which girl? Paris Hilton, Rosie O'Donnell, Madonna, Oprah, Ellen Degeneres or Pink? That's an assumption that all girls act the same. They don't, and neither do men. The most interesting people in the world don't fit gender stereotypes so why judge them for not fitting into your mental box?
I was watching TV with one of my gay friends and Dancing with the Stars came on. I don't watch the show, but I did get a five-minute glimpse of it. My friend quickly noted that Lance Bass (the openly gay ex-NSYNC member) was dancing with a girl. Why? He's gay and prime-time television is too afraid to pair him with a male dancer. It's not a lack of gay male dancers, believe you me.
The reason is we live in a heterosexist society that keeps people from expressing who they are. They create a structurally heterosexual environment that makes it hard for anyone who has a dissenting voice to be heard. The change is happening, but it's up to you to realize it and stop taking part in it.
I would like to thank Karen Click, from the Women's Center, for inspiring this article and bringing many important aspects of this issue to my knowledge. The Women's Center is on the third floor of Hughes-Trigg next to Student Media Co. Please stop by to learn about the wonderful services they provide to SMU.
Brent Paxton is a junior political science and international relations double major. He can be reached for comment at blemons@smu.edu.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Megnificent
Meg
posted 11/14/08 @ 11:07 AM CST
B-Pax I absolutely adore you and your bravery. It is important to discuss how homophobia really stems from a hate of women, which you have done by tackling the aversion to "effeminate" men. (Continued…)
Post a Comment