Cultural Criticism & Discourse

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Questions and Answers

Which characteristic poses a challenge to cultural studies according to the notes?

Its interdisciplinary nature. (correct)
Its resistance to theoretical frameworks.
Its clearly defined boundaries.
Its static and unchanging principles.

Why might an isolated theory be considered a limitation in cultural criticism?

It offers a singular, deeply focused perspective.
It ensures comprehensive coverage of all cultural factors.
It restricts the breadth of possible interpretations. (correct)
It enhances the stability of cultural interpretations.

Why is the concept of cultural instability significant within cultural studies?

It allows for fixed interpretations of cultural artifacts.
It highlights the resistance of culture to change.
It suggests culture can be easily controlled and predicted.
It acknowledges that culture is subject to change and reinterpretation. (correct)

According to Michel Foucault, what primarily shapes discourse?

Social language within a specific cultural context. (A)

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In the context of cultural criticism, what does the term 'American Dream' often represent?

A critique of entertainment industry imperialism. (A)

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How does the concept of 'hero vs. victim' relate to the theme of gratitude in cultural narratives?

It highlights the expected emotional response based on narrative roles. (B)

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What is the function of satire and parody in cultural critique?

To critique societal norms through humor and imitation. (C)

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What does Sonny's story suggest about the American dream?

It may be unattainable for individuals who fall into stereotypes. (B)

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What might an ambiguous ending in a narrative signify from a critical perspective?

A deliberate choice to leave the audience with questions and unresolved themes. (C)

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How does the phrase 'life imitates art' differ from 'art imitates life'?

One suggests reality inspires creativity, the other that creativity shapes reality. (B)

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In the context of lesbian, gay, and queer criticism, what does 'hetero is superior to homo' represent?

An outdated perspective challenged by modern queer theory. (B)

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Why might the term 'queer' still carry negative connotations for some?

It has a history of being used as a derogatory term. (A)

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What is the significance of reclaiming the word 'queer' according to the notes?

To neutralize its impact and use it positively. (C)

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How do 'sex' and 'gender' differ according to the notes?

Sex relates to biological traits, while gender relates to masculine and feminine identities. (C)

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What does it mean for sexuality to be considered 'fluid and unstable'?

Sexual identity and attraction can change over time. (A)

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How does the concept of performativity relate to gender and sexuality?

It implies gender and sexuality are constructed through repeated actions and expressions. (B)

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What does it mean to say that the word 'queer' refuses to be defined?

Its definition is intentionally ambiguous and open to interpretation. (C)

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What does 'the naturalization of hetero' refer to?

The process by which heterosexuality comes to be seen as normal and inevitable. (C)

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What is 'compulsory heterosexuality'?

The societal expectation that everyone is inherently heterosexual. (B)

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What does the concept of homosociality describe?

Non-sexual relationships between individuals of the same sex. (D)

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Flashcards

Michel Foucault: Discourse

Social language constructed by a particular cultural condition, at a specific time and place.

Satire/Parody

A literary and artistic technique used to ridicule or mock through irony, exaggeration, or humor.

Cultural Alienation

The sense of not belonging to a culture or society.

Hetero is Superior to Homo

Heterosexuality is considered superior or the default.

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Queer

An umbrella term for non-heterosexual identities, often reclaimed with pride but historically negative.

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Sex vs Gender

The idea that one's sex is determined by biological factors at birth.

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Fluid Sexuality/Gender

The idea that sexuality and gender can change over time.

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Naturalizations of Hetero

The processes by which heterosexuality is presented as natural and inevitable.

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Everyone Born Straight

The assumption that everyone is born straight.

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Normativity of Hetero

Heterosexuality is seen as normal and the standard

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Homosociality

Social bonds between people of the same sex.

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Compulsory Hetero

The societal pressure to be heterosexual.

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Study Notes

Cultural criticism/studies face challenges, including being too broad and relying on interdisciplinary theory.
No single theory in this field should stand alone, as there is often overlap.
The instability of culture means it is subject to destabilization and is always evolving as a process.
Michel Foucault discusses discourse as social language constructed by cultural conditions at a specific time and place.
Discourses are present in the play and involve racial and ethical stereotypes related to the American Dream.
The entertainment industry caters to white audiences, functioning in an imperialistic manner.
The hero versus victim dynamic is tied to gratitude and the oppressions inherent in criticism.
Satire and parody are present, with a character named Sonny rebelling against the American Dream.
Sonny's rebellion fails because he falls into stereotypes, leading to a Latino identity crisis and cultural alienation.
The ending is ambiguous and the protagonist commits suicide, a TV director who returns to Harvard via spaceship to study law, questioning its purpose.
Life imitates art (romanticism) and Art imitates Life (realism) concepts are being analyzed.
Old school lesbian, gay, and queer criticism views heterosexuality as superior to homosexuality.
Gay and lesbian studies were considered outdated in older approaches.
The term "queer" generally has negative connotations, but is being reclaimed and made positive through pride.
Sex is different from gender; sex pertains to male versus female based on biological constructs at birth.
Gender relates more to being masculine versus feminine and is a social construct, not innate.
Sexuality, like gender, is fluid, unstable, and performative.
"Queer" encompasses masculinity and femininity, blurring the lines between these words and refusing definition.
The term is ambivalent, and the self is neither subjective nor objective.
Major concepts include the naturalization and normativity of heterosexuality, with the assumption that everyone is born straight.
Being straight is considered normal, while being queer is not.
Other concepts: Homosociality, favoring women over men, and compulsory heterosexuality.
"Closet Space" is a text by K-Ming Chang.