Discourse is a set of spoken or written communication that represents the shared belief system of a group, community, or society. It can be used to communicate values and principles, to educate, inform, entertain, persuade, or influence others. Innocence is an abstract concept that describes a state of being pure, uncorrupted, naive, unsuspecting, and unaware. It has different meanings depending on context and individual perspectives. Discourse around innocence regulates the way people express their identity, which can range from gender, race, ethnicity, age, class, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, and so on.
Innocence can be seen as a desirable quality because it implies purity, vulnerability, and vulnerability. This discourse suggests that those who are innocent are more likely to be trusted, admired, and respected than those who are experienced or knowledgeable.
It also suggests that those who possess innocence may lack agency and autonomy. This creates a power dynamic where some individuals have the authority to define what constitutes innocence and how it should be expressed.
The idea of "innocent" women is often associated with virginity and modesty while men who display such qualities are considered weak and less masculine. Similarly, the idea of "innocent" children is tied to innocence and naivety but also reinforces the notion that they need protection and guidance.
The discourse around innocence can be used to control how people present themselves and navigate social situations.
Heterosexual cisgender people may use the language of "good girls/boys" to police behavior in young people, especially regarding sex. In this case, the idealization of innocence and virginity is used to regulate female sexuality. On the other hand, LGBTQ+ communities have reclaimed and challenged these ideas to assert their right to self-expression and representation. The concept of "gay innocence," for example, rejects the assumption that gay men are promiscuous or hypersexualized and instead emphasizes the importance of honesty, authenticity, and acceptance.
Innocence also plays a role in political and legal systems. Child abuse cases, domestic violence cases, rape trials, and other criminal cases often involve discussions about the victim's "innocence." The narrative of the victim as an innocent child or woman is used to elicit empathy from the public and sympathy from juries and judges.
This approach can undermine the agency of victims and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. It also fails to acknowledge the complex power dynamics at play in such situations.
The discourse around innocence has far-reaching implications on how we view ourselves and others, including our relationships with power structures like politics, religion, and media. As long as it continues to shape identity expression, there will always be pressure on individuals to fit into specific boxes, which can lead to internalized oppression and marginalization. Therefore, it is crucial to challenge the normative beliefs behind innocence and question who gets to define what it means to be innocent.
How does discourse around “innocence” regulate legitimate identity expression?
Discourse around innocence is often used to regulate identity expression by enforcing social norms of appropriate behavior. This can lead to feelings of guilt or shame when individuals do not conform to these expectations, resulting in self-censorship or internalization of negative messages about their identities. These messages may also be reinforced through various forms of media and cultural narratives that perpetuate binary gender roles or sexual scripts.