Queer Analysis

1. The clip from Glee reinforces the ideals of heteronormativity because through its charecters and content, it perpetuates what the text refers to as the homosexual and heterosexual binary. For example, the show features the two male characters in the beginning openly talking about their sexual experience with women, and their sexual attractions to women. It enforces what we as a society identify as "men." They are two stereotypical, horny teenagers with sex constantly on their minds. They talk about their sexual conquests. This fits the physical image society would associate to enforce heteronormativity involving heterosexuality. The episode of glee also contrasts this notion of heterosexuality with their homosexual character. The whole time, you can see he is uncomfortable and doesn't seem like a "normal" student. He is bullied by a bigger, more powerful male who uses brute force to intimidate him. It is pretty much known he is displaying feminist or homosexual traits through his actions. They make him dress feminine, want to hang with the girls, along with other things typically associated with homosexual stereotypes. However, they really never openly state it or show him being intimate or talking about being intimate with a man. This reinforces the concept of heteronormativity because the theory claims that a person's sexuality is largely internal and clear manifestations occur behind closed doors. When the character finally sits down with his teacher in a private meeting and admits to be being gay, it is then revealed to us officially. Just having this use of "normal" heterosexual characters contrast with the "abnormal" homosexual one further perpetuates heteronormativity. We need one to understand the other. The norm wouldn't exist without the abnormal. This is also referred to a sexual othering.

2. The stereotypes of heterosexuality are the two teenagers talking about hooking up with girls, and having trouble getting them to go further with them. They stereotype there heterosexuality by thinking of things that do not arouse them so they can "perform" better. The one teenager specifically thinks of the masculine looking gym teacher as a turn off. There is the dumb jock who picks on the "different" kid. The character who has just got out of jail or juvie or whatever it was was a good example because he is represented as a tough looking macho guy who is trying to get chicks. Some stereotypes of homosexuality or when the gay character wants to be in the girls group and sing popular women's songs. He wants them to dress in furry boas and feminine clothing. He also has very feminine features like a high voice and is well dressed and manicured. Gender clarity and gender ambiguity is a definite stereotype. All of the heterosexual characters have a clear role and fit in the story while the main homosexual character is somewhat lost throughout the episode. The natural/deviant stereotypes could come into play because they make the heterosexual characters so straightforward, typical, and masculine. The mean bully wearing his letterman's jacket is so typical. While the character with the mohawk doesn't fit the traditional standards of physical masculinity, his personality sure makes up for it. I don't think Glee uses the homosexual character as a villain but one could say the simple fact that he is different makes him deviant.

3. This is a tricky one. I think the show links sexuality as a product of gender. Honestly, the book gets really deep in the gender and sexuality issues and my head is honestly hurting as a read these sections trying to rationalize and make sense of it. The book argues sex can be viewed as biologically fixed. There are theorists that agree and disagree. We seem to be born and raised with a social construction of gender, and our sexuality is based upon that. It really depends which side you choose to argue from. I think the show links the two very strongly. It is highly suggestive and does a good job of focusing on both genders and challenges the sexual "rules" based off those genders.Therefore, the show promotes heteronormativity because it demonstrates sexuality from all genders whether they are the normal or abnormal, further promoting the balance needed in heteronormativity.

4. The clip portrays sexuality as a personal identity. I would have to find it affirming based off the chapter. The chapter offers many theories of how sexuality and gender are portrayed and utilized in the media. I think this specific clip of glee utilizes their sexuality as a personal quality because it has contrasting views of sexuality. Each gender is portrayed differently sexually and there are many contradictions involving the sexual features and tendencies of each gender. All in all, think that theme runs solid with a lot of what the book has to offer. This is one specific example of a television show but another show or movie, or book may have a different representation of sexuality.