Definition of Queer in Relation to Gender and Sexuality Essay

Definition of Queer in Relation to Gender and Sexuality - Essay Example The theory seeks to address the definition of identities of different people who choose to hold onto values that society considers abnormal. Queer defines any behavior, act or approach related to gender, sex, sexuality and feminism that contradicts what society considers normal. The existing gender system is highly regarded by society and the normal class comprises only those who conform to societal values attached to gender. Society uses gender to define different aspects of sexuality. The current gender system faces some challenges because it is binary. One can only be male or female. The aspect of being male or female is used to judge the behavior of an individual as either acceptable in society or not. This brings about the issue of being normal, which is criticized by Warner. Warner challenges the need of homosexuals and transsexuals to receive a ‘normal’ tag from society. Currently, as a matter of fact, society only considers heterosexuals. The gay and lesbians in society face defamation and rejection. Society norms insist that they break the very rules of nature that should remain unbroken. They belong to a third gender, probably, because they defy the rules of the binary gender system that society esteems. Michael Warner challenges the use of the term ‘queer’ which, in his opinion, should be referred to those individuals who claim that sexuality is irrelevant but still strive to be regarded as normal. According to Warner’s critique, the society should reconsider the standards of what qualifies to be normal. He further challenges homosexuals and their Queer theory in a bid to receive the normal tag. According to him, issues of being normal or not only came about when man could keep statistics. Statistics of different aspects have led to determination of a normal value for such an aspect. A variety was acceptable in society before. Logically, each one of us deviates from the normal standards of a society in one way or anot her. Therefore, deviation from the norm should not give rise to shame, rebellion or self-defense. On top of that, Warner argues that society should not condemn to rejection and stigmatization those deviating from the norm (48). Bornstein, on the other hand, blames the stigma attached to those deviating from the societal norm which insists on the binary gender system. Bornstein asserts that the binary status of gender leaves an individual with no choice to express the self-cultivated ideals. It condemns one to conform to the system. In her opinion, society should drop the gender system that condemns one side to oppression and allows the other to enjoy privileges (Bornstein 111). Bornstein wishes society was more accommodating to the class of individuals who choose not to belong to any of the two gender options. She calls them a third class of people or transsexuals. Bornstein envisages a transgendered society in which humans will treat each other fairly, without oppression and superi ority. In her opinion, the future without gender will be a safer place for everyone in society. According to my definition, ‘queer’ refers to any form of expression and identity regarding gender that is not common in society. However, the standards of determining what is normal usually leave no space for self-expression and identity in an innovative way. Therefore, the ‘

Extended concert review example Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Extended concert review example - Essay Example The concert I attended was at the Colorado State University School of the Arts. The concert was held at the Griffin Concert Hall, University Center for the Arts on Tuesday, November 15th, 2011. There were a wide variety of performers featured. The ‘Invitation’ was performed by Dan Kramer on the alto saxophone, Kyle Stand on piano, and Devin Arter on trumpet. The ‘Blues in Hoss Flat’ was performed by Alex Buehler on trombone, Dan Kramer on alto saxophone, Kirk Bakalis on tenor saxophone, and Devin Arter on trumpet. ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’ was performed by Kirk Bakalis on tenor saxophone. ‘Collectivate’ was performed by Calli Dodd on alto saxophone, Dan Yolles on guitar, Kaelin McDonald on trombone, Luke Rose on drums, and Evan Gohring on bass. ‘Rain Delay’ was performed by Conor Sims on tenor saxophone and Andrew Deem on trombone. There were a number of jazz styles performed in the concert. The first song played was ‘Invitation’. This is a song that was composed by Bronislaw Kaper and Paul Francis Webster and was first featured on Bill Evans’ ‘Intuition’ album. This song has been labeled post-bop as well as mainstream jazz. This song was highly enjoyable. In large part the improvisation was carried by the trumpet and fit seamlessly into the set. While much bop and experimental jazz can be trying on the listener, it’s clear that this is a much smoother variety of jazz. Even as it was originally written in the 70s the song has much in common with Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue album in that it seamlessly melds smooth jazz melodies and rhythms with a multitude of instrumentation and movements. While the improvisation is an essential element it is not presented in a way that self-aggrandizes the player, but is instead placed into the song as a means of enhancing its tonal qualities. The song is generally upbeat and consistent in tone with a number of breakdowns that puncture the style, because concluding the work song. After ‘Invitation’ was completed there was a spoken introduction by the bandleader. The ensemble then launched into ‘Blues in Hoss Flat.’ This song was originally composed by Count Basie for his Chairman of the Board album and was later used by Jerry Lee Lewis. This song was perhaps more differentiated than the previous song and the improvisation more pronounced. In these regards, the song begins with a very noticeable and catchy melody that is cyclical throughout the song. This melody is punctured by down-turns in the track that open the way for improvisation from the trombone and alto saxophone players. While the previous track had seamlessly fit the improvisational elements into the melody, on this track they stand out more prominently. In terms of style the song exhibits a Big Band and swing style. The ne xt track performed at the concert was ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’. This song was originally composed by George and Irwin Gershwin. This song marks a strong shift in the concert. While the previous tracks had contained upbeat melodies, this track was decidedly somber and reflective. In terms of jazz style it clearly implemented mainstream jazz elements. There was minimal improvisation on this song, surely reflective of the origination of the song as emerging from a Broadway musical. In terms of sonic qualities the track is highly reliant on the tenor saxophone that plays a low key and somber melody. It is perhaps the most poignant part of the night as it perfectly balances the upbeat opening and the fantastic conclusion. ‘