Toward an " Other " Dimension: An Essay on Transcendence of Gender and Sexuality (original) (raw)

Abstract

the world we live in, and these cognitive data packages are gender and sexuality. Gender and sexuality provide a set of acceptable attributes and behaviors, masculine and feminine, heterosexual and homosexual, for men and women. However, cultural institutions have placed gender and sexuality in a hierarchy, favoring masculinity over femininity and heterosexuality over homosexuality (Hollander, Renfrow, & Howard, 2011). This marginalizes those with feminine or homosexual attributes, labeling them as the Other, while rewarding masculine and heterosexual traits as normative (Bryerly, 2007). As culturally signified terms, gender and sexuality are continuously being defined and redefined. Science fiction texts, which include books, films, and television series, provide platforms for debate and redefinition of our gendered society. Through these realms, we can ask the crucial subsequent questions: Can we imagine a society devoid of these stringent and stereotypical gender and sexuality roles, and if so, what would this society look like, and how do we create futures that give voices to the Other? This essay will examine these questions through science fiction and futuretypes. Examination of futuretypes present in current science fiction provides predictions about gender and sexuality in our future society. The purpose of this essay is to examine how science fiction texts serve as pertinent platforms to question cultural gender and sexuality norms that marginalize the Other. Therefore, this essay will explore (1) the unique facets of science fiction texts in regard to debating gender and sexuality, (2) brief examples of gender and sexuality futuretypes embedded in these texts, and (3) how science fiction can be used to create a less marginalized future.

Figures (1)

Figure 1. The Left Hand of Darkness cover art, by Alex Ebel. male protagonist, Genly Ai, and includes the predominant use of male pronouns (Attebery, 2002). This allows “a safe trip into androgyny and back, from a conventionally male viewpoint” (Le Guin, 1992, as cited in Merrick, 2003, p. 247). Also, one must ask if androgynous futures truly eradicate present gender roles. As Attebery (2002) argues, “how can you say you are mingling the masculine and the feminine unless you are sure you know what is to be feminine and masculine?” (p. 133). Finally, feminist utopias tend to reinstate marginalization of race and sexuality and only tackle present day sexism by eradicating men or gender entirely.

Figure 1. The Left Hand of Darkness cover art, by Alex Ebel. male protagonist, Genly Ai, and includes the predominant use of male pronouns (Attebery, 2002). This allows “a safe trip into androgyny and back, from a conventionally male viewpoint” (Le Guin, 1992, as cited in Merrick, 2003, p. 247). Also, one must ask if androgynous futures truly eradicate present gender roles. As Attebery (2002) argues, “how can you say you are mingling the masculine and the feminine unless you are sure you know what is to be feminine and masculine?” (p. 133). Finally, feminist utopias tend to reinstate marginalization of race and sexuality and only tackle present day sexism by eradicating men or gender entirely.

Key takeaways

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  1. Science fiction critiques cultural gender and sexuality norms, providing a platform to envision marginalized futures.
  2. Extrapolation and defamiliarization in science fiction facilitate debates on gender and sexuality.
  3. Feminist utopias and science fictions address marginalization by reimagining gender roles and identities.
  4. Androgynous futuretypes, like those in 'The Left Hand of Darkness,' challenge binary gender categorizations.
  5. The essay explores how science fiction can empower marginalized voices and foster societal change.

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References (16)

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