PHL 606 Lecture Notes - Adrienne Rich, Compulsory Heterosexuality, Heterosexuality
Document Summary
Logic of normal deviation / primary-derivative/ normal alternative. Oppression of women is maintained through compulsory heterosexual. Not eradication of heterosexual, but opening of possibilities. Example if you joe"s (school teacher) daughter; or john younger sister at school. People will have high expectations of you- placed under their standards- your accomplishment expected rather than acknowledged. Your put in a box- loss of individuality- you seen as a derivative of that other person your seen as number two. Rich > argues that lesbians are not the same of homosexuality difference between gay men- men relationship vs. women- women relations. Wrong view> hetero (norm)> homo [gay men] (deviation)> lesbians; rich> says take it all part treat them all as individuals. Right view > hetero/gay/lesbian = what is the character of the women women relationship- lesbian continuum. The women-women relations give you a sense of home; you"re comfortable to express yourself.