How can queer theoretical approaches illuminate hidden power dynamics, normative pressures, and social hierarchies in mass culture, and what strategies enable subversion and resistance?
Mass culture refers to the dominant cultural practices that shape society's values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. It includes media such as television, films, advertising, music, literature, and art. Mass culture is characterized by its heteronormativity, which means it assumes and reinforces the gender binary of male/female and heterosexual/homosexual. Queer theory critiques this assumption and explores how power structures create and maintain these binaries through various techniques like representation, ideology, and identity politics. This essay will discuss how queer theoretical approaches can illuminate hidden power dynamics, normative pressures, and social hierarchies in mass culture, and what strategies enable subversion and resistance.
Queer theory reveals hidden power dynamics in mass culture by uncovering oppressive systems that perpetuate hegemony. These systems include heteronormativity, cisnormativity, and whiteness, among others. Heteronormativity suggests that people are either straight or gay, while cisnormativity assumes everyone has a biological sex assigned at birth that matches their gender identity. Whiteness normalizes white supremacy and privileges white bodies over non-white ones. Through queer theories, we can examine how these systems operate within mass culture and their impact on individuals who do not conform to them.
A study analyzed the portrayal of gay characters in Hollywood films from 2013 to 2017 and found they were often marginalized, tokenized, or killed off (Mirzoeff, 2018). This shows how mass culture upholds heteronormativity even when including LGBTQ+ characters. By identifying these patterns, we can understand how mass culture reinforces dominant narratives and why it is necessary to challenge them.
Queer theory can identify normative pressures that push individuals towards compliance with societal expectations. Normative pressure refers to the pressure placed on individuals to act according to accepted cultural standards. Mass culture promotes certain behaviors as normal while other behaviors are deemed abnormal or deviant. Queer theory helps us recognize this pressure and resist it by examining how norms are created and maintained through discourses such as religion, law, education, and politics.
Some religious groups have attempted to ban same-sex marriage due to their belief that homosexuality goes against God's will (Henderson & Pinkston, 2018). This illustrates how religious institutions reinforce heteronormativity through ideology and how activists must engage in political action to subvert this hegemony.
Queer theory analyzes social hierarchies that perpetuate inequality based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, class, ability, etc. These hierarchies operate at various levels and are reinforced by mass culture.
A study examined the representation of transgender people in media and found they were typically portrayed as either comedic or pathological (Roberts et al., 2019). This depiction serves to marginalize transgender people and reinforces cisnormativity. To combat this, activists can use strategies like visibility campaigns, advocacy for legislation, and community building. Activism is crucial because it disrupts power structures and creates alternatives to dominant narratives, enabling resistance and liberation from oppression.
Queer theoretical approaches illuminate hidden power dynamics, normative pressures, and social hierarchies in mass culture. They also provide strategies for subversion and resistance, including visibility campaigns, advocacy for legislation, and community building. By understanding these systems and tactics, we can work towards creating a more equitable society where everyone has equal rights and opportunities.
How can queer theoretical approaches illuminate hidden power dynamics, normative pressures, and social hierarchies in mass culture, and what strategies enable subversion and resistance?
Queer theoretical approaches have been used to shed light on various aspects of culture and society that are often overlooked or ignored. These include hidden power dynamics, normative pressures, and social hierarchies in mass culture. Queer theory emphasizes the fluidity and multiplicity of gender identities and sexual orientations, challenging the idea of fixed categories. This approach has enabled scholars to explore how individuals navigate these complex systems and resist dominant norms and expectations.