Should 'Queer' Be More Popular A Word?
November 17th 2006 13:45
David Halperin says:
Queer is by definition whatever is at odds with the normal, the legitimate, the dominant. There is nothing in particular to which it necessarily refers. It is an identity without an essence.
I say:
I don't like the word queer very much because it carries with it negative connotations which no amount of positivity can transform. I don't think it's all that empowering to invest it with positive energy because there are so many other ways to allude to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people.
You say:
Queer is by definition whatever is at odds with the normal, the legitimate, the dominant. There is nothing in particular to which it necessarily refers. It is an identity without an essence.
I say:
I don't like the word queer very much because it carries with it negative connotations which no amount of positivity can transform. I don't think it's all that empowering to invest it with positive energy because there are so many other ways to allude to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people.
You say:
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Comment by Nina
I've never really understood the phenomenon of taking a derogatory term and using it as a form of empowerment; to me it just seems to create more of a divide. I'd really like to hear some other thoughts on the concept.
Comment by JacquiB
Children's Literature
Something I'm going to need to think about more.
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Daily Inspirations
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Padsoc
I get disappointed with ppl like Judith Butler, Halperin, Annamarie Jagose, B. Ruby Rich, Judith Halberstam and others who justify the use of the word queer, and would be disappointed if any university faculties have been christened 'Queer Theory/Studies'. I tried to find a history of the word queer but unfortunately the best I could do was an essay on Judith Butler's use of the term - http://www.constantvzw.com/vj7_archives/000563.php (It's very well written.)
Another popular trend is to add a Q to the end of the GLBT acronym.
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Daily Inspirations
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Padsoc
I like the term non-Heterosexual (with a capital h), as I don't think anyone is completely heterosexual (or homosexual), and Heterosexual carries with it quite stuffy implications for me. I also like Pomosexual, but I tend to avoid generalisations unless I'm deconstructing them.
Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
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Fat Cult
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Like someone passes by the gay village and snorts 'Well, I say.... isn't that queeeeeer?'