This one I only kind of understand. I understand the ideas behind heterosexual privileges (at least I think that's what this poster is about...), but what is the deal with the vacation clothing, and all the appliances, I really don't understand (wedding presents was the only thing I could think of)
Banks used to give out free toasters to people who opened an account with them(just google "free toaster") and a number of associations give away vacations, etc, to entice people into joining. Many of them also periodically give stuff away to all members as a sort of "thank you for being a member" present.
I think the idea is something along the lines of "Hey, just about every time you've joined a big successful association, you've gained benefits/privileges. Why wouldn't being part of the straight club (the "most successful" sexuality choice) have privileges?"
The metaphor is super shaky in my mind because most people do not choose to be straight (or white, or born in America, or have educated parents, or...). Yes, I am seriously privileged on account of all those things I listed in the previous sentence and it's good to be reminded of that. But it's a different kind of privilege. It doesn't show up in my mail twice a year or when I've been obviously straight enough times and give me some sort of temporary happiness. It's there all the time, and goes almost entirely unnoticed.
I think the "accepted worldwide" (woo credit cards) line is much better representation of straight privilege.
In Australia, the most cliched wedding gift is a toaster. (what do American couples get?) To marry is an explicitly heterosexual privilege in many countries and states, and one with global approval. That's what this work underlines, though it leaves the audience to connect some dots.
This one I only kind of understand. I understand the ideas behind heterosexual privileges (at least I think that's what this poster is about...), but what is the deal with the vacation clothing, and all the appliances, I really don't understand (wedding presents was the only thing I could think of)
ReplyDeleteYES! WEDDING PRESENTS! HONEYMOON & TOASTERS.
ReplyDeleteBanks used to give out free toasters to people who opened an account with them(just google "free toaster") and a number of associations give away vacations, etc, to entice people into joining. Many of them also periodically give stuff away to all members as a sort of "thank you for being a member" present.
ReplyDeleteI think the idea is something along the lines of "Hey, just about every time you've joined a big successful association, you've gained benefits/privileges. Why wouldn't being part of the straight club (the "most successful" sexuality choice) have privileges?"
The metaphor is super shaky in my mind because most people do not choose to be straight (or white, or born in America, or have educated parents, or...). Yes, I am seriously privileged on account of all those things I listed in the previous sentence and it's good to be reminded of that. But it's a different kind of privilege. It doesn't show up in my mail twice a year or when I've been obviously straight enough times and give me some sort of temporary happiness. It's there all the time, and goes almost entirely unnoticed.
I think the "accepted worldwide" (woo credit cards) line is much better representation of straight privilege.
In Australia, the most cliched wedding gift is a toaster. (what do American couples get?) To marry is an explicitly heterosexual privilege in many countries and states, and one with global approval. That's what this work underlines, though it leaves the audience to connect some dots.
ReplyDelete