Judith Butler mentions how sex, gender, and desire can be considered a form of power. She relays that gender and sexuality are separated and this becomes an important theory to discuss because it shows how you can be homosexual and still be just as smart and respectful towards your body, unlike the assumption that if you are gay you’re not intelligible. A culture can drastically change depending on the beliefs of sexuality and where you think a woman’s position is in comparison to a man, and Butler mentions how these differences are presented in society early on in our development which provides a certain power formation.
Sex, Gender, and Desire
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Hi Sarah! I liked your “power” take and stance in relation to Butler’s article. Power is most definitely a part of gender, sex, and sexuality–as with many structures in life, there will always be an order involved, in this case the heteronormativity lies in heterosexuality, the two gender binaries, and the two sexes, nothing more. Humans often feel uncomfortable with what is unknown or unfamiliar. There most certainly is a hierarchy when it comes to all three concepts, but hopefully one day the wight of power will not be as heavy.
It’s kind of interesting to think, that while these systems of power are so prevalent, they are continuously instilled and revitalized simply because they are what we consider to be the “norm.” As you said: “…Butler mentions how these differences are presented in society early on in our development which provides a certain power formation.” …Again, it’s interesting (and a bit sad) that the ideas our culture holds on gender and gender roles are determined simply by how we are raised and socialized — and, as a consequence, we continue to fuel these institutions of “power.”
(Of course, to be fair, many people do make an active effort to explore these ideas/concepts past the assumed norm — which, I think is fantastic!)