Timely Readings

In almost uncanny timing, yesterday's editorial in the Spectator criticized the organizers of Queer Awareness Month for advertising the event "GenderFuck," an underwear party, far more-so than their educational programming. The piece has sparked virulent responses from many members of the queer community. In light of this week's readings I think it would be quite valuable to discuss this editorial through the lens of our readings. What does the editorial prove or disprove about the strides Rubin describes that have been made in the past several decades to reshape sexual attitudes in this country? Is this Spectator article a return to what Rubin describes as the penchant for sex negativity? The Queer community has responded to this article but what about the feminist community? They have not. Should they respond? And if so, what would that look like? To bring in this week's lecture, how might the community respond to this article using the construction of normative response and challenges? How does this article challenge, confront or problematize Butler's statement that "there is no question that gays and lesbians are threatened by the violence of public erasure, but the decision to counter that violence must be careful not to reinstall another in its place?"

Attached is the link to the editorial as well as two letters to the editor and the Editor-In-Chief's response.

THE EDITORIAL: http://www.columbiaspectator.com/node/56558
THE LETTERS: http://www.columbiaspectator.com/node/56569
THE Editor-in-Chief's Response: http://www.bwog.net/articles/groups_respond_to_inflatable_penis_controversy_plan_protest_outside_spec#jump