An interesting mechanism that is discussed in one of the readings is defensive othering. In the article, which describes how female rugby players manage their gender identities in a stigmatized field, the author describes how stigmatized minorities will often perpetuate their own negative stereotypes by exempting themselves from them but inadvertently confirming the stereotypes. This is remarkably true for the homosexual community. Homosexual males and females are generally treated in different ways by American society; male homosexuals tend to be significantly more controversial due to a male-dominated mindset where males being "unmasculine" is more offensive than females being "unfeminine". However, on the flip side lesbians are often ignored and invisible as straight girls "going through a phase" or being gay for the purpose of male enjoyment.
Because of this difference, male homosexuals have a much larger discrepancy between those considered "masculine" and those considered "feminine" and both sides have some animosity towards the other. Male homosexuals that identify as more feminine often accuse more masculine homosexuals as pretending to be masculine or putting on a front. This reinforces the idea that there is an essential nature to homosexuals- that all male homosexuals essentially act the same and those that do not fit in with the stereotype are pretending. More masculine homosexuals, on the other hand, often engage in a form of defensive othering where they claim that not all homosexuals fit the effeminate stereotype but then distance themselves from the stereotype and reinforce the notion that those who are effeminate are somehow inferior.
Just as in the case of the female rugby players, this ultimate hurts both sides as it reinforces notions of hegemonic masculinity which involves compulsive heterosexuality.
This discrepancy is most easily seen through online discussions of LGBT issues. On an article about straight-acting homosexuals [which fits into the argument that more masculine homosexual men are simply pretending due to internalized homophobia]. While this is not the best article about the topic, some of the comments do demonstrate this divide.
"If you really are do have an inner bitch, queen or princess, great. Let her rip…be yourself, we may even become fast friends but don’t call me names because I’m not attracted to you because of your inner bitch, queen or princess."
"I agree with you. Straight-acting is just that: ACTING."
"I feel so disillusioned in the gay community. We preach tolerance and acceptance, yet we’re not willing to accept a gay man who’s a little too effeminate for our standards, or we cant accept a gay man being naturally masculine without accusing him of putting on an act."
No comments:
Post a Comment