The commodification, domestication, and industrialization of nonhuman life have been a source of ethical tension for centuries. These practices often involve exploitation, suffering, and objectification of animals, plants, and other forms of life that are not considered human. Queer narratives, however, offer a unique perspective on these issues by exploring the intersections between nonhuman life and human desire, identity, and relationships. In this essay, I will examine how queer narratives can illuminate the ethical tensions surrounding the commodification, domestication, and industrialization of nonhuman life.
Commodification refers to the process of converting something into an item of trade or commerce, which often involves exchanging value for profit. Nonhuman life is frequently commodified through practices such as animal agriculture, mining, and deforestation, among others. Queer narratives that explore the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and their relationships with nonhuman life often challenge the commodification of animals and nature.
In 'Brokeback Mountain', a novel about two cowboys who fall in love, Annie Proulx describes the relationship between Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar as a "strange affinity" (p. 309) that transcends their roles as ranch hands and men. Their intimacy extends beyond sexual desire and includes an emotional connection to the land they work on together. This illustrates how queer narratives can highlight the complexities of human-animal relations and challenge the reduction of nonhuman life to economic value.
Domestication refers to the process of adapting wild organisms to live in close proximity to humans, usually for practical purposes. Nonhuman life is commonly domesticated for food production, companionship, labor, and entertainment. Queer narratives that address issues of domestication often reveal the power dynamics at play in these relationships and question the ways in which humans use nonhuman life for personal gain. In 'The Velvet Rage', Alan Downs writes about his experience growing up gay during the AIDS crisis and the challenges he faced in navigating the social expectations placed upon him by family and society. He notes that pets are often used as surrogate families and companions, providing comfort and affection in times of loneliness or isolation.
He also acknowledges the exploitation of these animals, arguing that they are "co-opted into our lives" (p. 148), meaning that they are expected to fulfill human needs while being denied their own desires and autonomy. This demonstrates how queer narratives can shed light on the ethical implications of domesticating nonhuman life for human benefit.
Industrialization involves large-scale production processes that transform raw materials into finished products for mass consumption. The industrialization of agriculture has led to widespread environmental degradation and the displacement of rural communities around the world. Queer narratives that explore themes related to industrialization often critique the ways in which nonhuman life is exploited in pursuit of profit and efficiency. In 'The Joy Luck Club', Amy Tan writes about her Chinese American identity and the cultural expectations imposed upon her by her parents. She describes the impact of industrialization on her family's livelihood, noting that her father was forced to leave his village after it was destroyed by a dam project. This illustrates how industrialization can have devastating consequences for nonhuman life, including the destruction of natural habitats and the disruption of traditional ways of living.
Queer narratives offer valuable insights into the ethical tensions surrounding the commodification, domestication, and industrialization of nonhuman life. By exploring the intersections between human desire, identity, and relationships with animals, plants, and other forms of life, they challenge the dominant narrative that reduces nonhuman life to economic value or practical utility. These narratives suggest that humans must recognize the agency and subjectivity of nonhuman life and work towards more just and sustainable relationships with the natural world.
In what ways can queer narratives illuminate ethical tensions in the commodification, domestication, and industrialization of nonhuman life?
Queer narratives have often explored the complexities of human-animal relationships and how they are shaped by cultural expectations, social norms, and power dynamics. By delving into these themes, they can shed light on the ethical implications of the commodification, domestication, and industrialization of nonhuman life, which often involves exploitation and objectification.