Calson Talking Points

Beyond Black and White by Dennis Carlson


1. “Three techniques of normalization and (hence) marginalization have been of primary importance in this regard: (1) the erasure of gayness in the curriculum, (2) the ‘closeting’ and ‘witch hunting’ of gay teachers, and (3) verbal and physical intimidation of gay teachers and students.” These three points of normalization are all forced onto gay people within contemporary community. This is an example of silencing an entire group of people. The dominant, straight, culture silences the dialogue (Delpit) of homosexual people.

2. “Straight teachers often participate in silencing practices because they are fearful of raising a controversial issue that might provoke conflict in the classroom.” This quote, again, exemplifies the silenced dialogue that Delpit writes about. The powerful culture, straight culture, has control over society, and do not let the other (homosexuals) advance in society.

3. “‘Being yourself’ celebrates individualism and the autonomy of individuals to construct their own lives according to their own values and achieve goals they set for themselves – a deep foundational value in American culture.” The problem with being yourself is that if you do not conform to traditional social norms (i.e. straight, catholic, white, able bodied, male, property-owning) then you will be ostracized as an outsider, or an other, rejected and suppressed for your way of life, or beliefs. This is an example of privilege, not just for white people, but for straight people.

Being straight, catholic, white, able bodied and male, it is impossible for me to know what it would be like to be discriminated against as a homosexual, or any other group that is not part of the culture of power. I am not surprised however, that many people have worked to conceal who they really are, in an effort to act like members of the dominant group. People always preach to “be who you are,” but it is difficult to do so, because anyone regarded as an other by the culture of power has been historically shunned and degraded. In a perfect world, everyone should be able to be themselves without worry about persecution, not having to hide your identity in order to continue living your life. Unfortunately we live in a culture of power, one in which being an other is a crime.