In this essay Rich talks about “Compulsory Heterosexuality”,
which basically states that it is normally assumed and “mandatory” for all
women to be straight. She says that in
our society, there isn’t really such a thing as lesbians; lesbians are just women
that hate men, essentially. As
ridiculous as this idea sounds, it very much sounds like something men in our
society would think.
In one of my other classes, Gender and Sexuality, we talk a
lot about how throughout history men have constantly tried taking control of
women and there sexuality. Men don’t
typically see women as sexual beings with their own sexuality, they think of
women as objects for their own sexuality.
This sounds exactly what Rich is talking about. Since lesbians do not have sex with men, the
men do not see them as a “normal” part of society.
THIS VIDEO, I chose because I just found it interesting and the girl talks about Rich's writing and makes it a little easier to understand (because I found it a little hard to follow at times). So if anyone had trouble following as well, I hope this clears some things up.
Video is very useful! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love the picture you used in this blog. It is so powerful because this is what exists in our world even though it is not accepted. The two same sex couples represent so many people who are not accepted due to their relationship and sexual life. It is like a hidden unwritten rule displayed through picture form.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you so much, especially when it comes to lesbians and how men see them as abnormal since they arent attracted to them. I love the gif you used fits in perfectly with this post.
ReplyDelete