Canonical literature refers to works that are considered to be representative of a particular culture, era, or style. This includes classic novels, plays, poems, and other forms of written work that have stood the test of time and are often taught in schools and universities.
Many argue that this canon is limited and excludes important voices, including those of LGBTQ+ individuals. In this article, I will explore the idea that the absence of queer narratives in canonical literature constitutes a moral and cultural failure, and examine how this affects society's understanding of gender, sexuality, and love.
Argument One: The Absence of Queer Narratives Perpetuates Harmful Stereotypes
One argument for why the lack of queer narratives in canonical literature is problematic is that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes about LGBTQ+ people. When queer characters are absent from these texts, readers may get the impression that they are abnormal or deviant, leading to prejudice and discrimination against them in real life.
If a student reads Shakespeare's "The Tempest" in school but never encounters a same-sex relationship, they may internalize the idea that such relationships are unusual or even wrong. This can lead to negative attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people and create barriers to their acceptance in society.
Argument Two: The Canon Reflects Society's Biases
Another reason why the absence of queer narratives in canonical literature is troubling is that it reflects society's biases and prejudices. The works included in the canon were created by human beings who lived in specific times and places with particular beliefs and values. By only including heteronormative stories, we risk reinforcing the idea that straightness is normal and anything else is abnormal. This can make it harder for LGBTQ+ individuals to feel represented and accepted in their communities and limit their opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
Argument Three: The Absence of Queer Stories Limits Our Understanding of Gender and Sexuality
The lack of queer narratives in canonical literature limits our understanding of gender and sexuality as fluid concepts. By only representing heterosexual relationships, we miss out on exploring the full range of human experience and expression. Including queer stories would allow us to see how love and desire can take many forms beyond what traditional norms dictate, challenging us to think more critically about these topics. It could also help us better understand the experiences of those who identify as transgender or nonbinary, whose identities are often overlooked or misunderstood.
The absence of queer narratives in canonical literature does constitute a moral and cultural failure. It perpetuates harmful stereotypes, reinforces society's biases, and limits our understanding of gender and sexuality. We need to work towards including diverse voices in our literary canon to create a more equitable and inclusive world.
Does the absence of queer narratives in canonical literature constitute a moral and cultural failure?
The absence of queer narratives in canonical literature is not necessarily a moral and cultural failure, but it can be seen as an oversight that has led to misrepresentations and stereotypes about queer people's lives, experiences, and identities. Many authors have written and published works with queer themes and characters throughout history, but their work has often been overlooked or excluded from literary canon due to social stigma and prejudice against queerness.