If These Walls Could Talk IIIf These Walls Could Talk II

Lesbianism in historyLesbianism in history

1930-50 In the Closet/ Awaken1930-50 In the Closet/ Awaken

Most lesbians lived in their private Most lesbians lived in their private liveslives

-Hidden Network -Hidden Network Effects of World War IIEffects of World War II

More jobs for womenMore jobs for women Women’s Army CorpsWomen’s Army Corps Absence of men Absence of men

Butch and Femme cultureButch and Femme culture Surface-imitation of heterosexual rolesSurface-imitation of heterosexual roles Fact- a method for resisting oppressionFact- a method for resisting oppression

Lesbian Politics Lesbian Politics 1951 Male Mattachine Society 1951 Male Mattachine Society 1955 Daughters of Bilitis 1955 Daughters of Bilitis -Educate people that gays and lesbians are no d-Educate people that gays and lesbians are no d

ifferent. ifferent. -Dissociate from bar culture -Dissociate from bar culture

1969 Stonewall Rebellion 1969 Stonewall Rebellion -Marks the begging of the gay liberation mo-Marks the begging of the gay liberation mo

vemen vemen 70s Desexualized 70s Desexualized

Heterosexuality=Patriachism Heterosexuality=Patriachism ＝＝＝＝＝＝ > again> against male figurest male figure

Political correctness Political correctness

80s Sexual Liberation 80s Sexual Liberation -Reassure butch-Reassure butch -Redefine butch-femme-Redefine butch-femme Joann Loulan’s research Joann Loulan’s research

90s Politcs of Differentce 90s Politcs of Differentce Poststructlualism + Deconstructualism+ PsychoanaPoststructlualism + Deconstructualism+ Psychoana

lysislysis Assure diversity Assure diversity Overturn binary of female /maleOverturn binary of female /male

20C Queer Theory 20C Queer Theory -Women + Men history being categorized--Women + Men history being categorized-

lesbian, gay, and all the outsiders to lesbian, gay, and all the outsiders to heterosexual norms heterosexual norms

21C Issues they face21C Issues they face Legal recognition, child rearing, sharing of Legal recognition, child rearing, sharing of

medical health benefits, taxes, medical health benefits, taxes, inheritance ..inheritance ..

Background of the first Background of the first storystory

Story of Edith and AbbyStory of Edith and Abby Setting: early 60’s Movie: Setting: early 60’s Movie: The ChildrenThe Children

’s Hour’s Hour ( ( 從此連結到第二張投影片從此連結到第二張投影片 )) Society’s reaction: conservative, negatiSociety’s reaction: conservative, negati

ve, and criticizing. ve, and criticizing.

Movie: The Children’s Movie: The Children’s HourHour

Star by Shirley Maclaine and Audrey HepStar by Shirley Maclaine and Audrey Hepburnburn

Plot: The lives of the two schoolteachers,Plot: The lives of the two schoolteachers, Karen and Martha, are ruined by girl’s Karen and Martha, are ruined by girl’s rumor. But this lie turns out to be truth trumor. But this lie turns out to be truth to one of the teacher, Martha.o one of the teacher, Martha.

Background of the Second Background of the Second StoryStory

Story of Amy and LindaStory of Amy and Linda Setting: early 70’s (Feminism MovemenSetting: early 70’s (Feminism Movemen

t/ t/ Hippie CultureHippie Culture) () ( 連結到下一張投影片連結到下一張投影片 )) Society’s reaction: Women’s social stSociety’s reaction: Women’s social st

atus ↑/ lesbian still discriminatedatus ↑/ lesbian still discriminated

Hippie Movement (Youth Hippie Movement (Youth Movement)Movement)

Teenagers and young adults from Teenagers and young adults from boom generation.boom generation.

Characteristics: Hong hair, use of Characteristics: Hong hair, use of marijuana and LSD, anti conformist marijuana and LSD, anti conformist attitude/ looking for happiness, love attitude/ looking for happiness, love and peace.and peace.

Tactics: March, Protest, and music Tactics: March, Protest, and music concert. concert.

BBackground Of the Third ackground Of the Third StoryStory

Story of Fran and KalStory of Fran and Kal Setting: near 21 century (Gay and LesbiaSetting: near 21 century (Gay and Lesbia

n Movement /Advanced Technology)n Movement /Advanced Technology) Society’s reaction: more generous and Society’s reaction: more generous and

supportivesupportive

Issue 1: Issue 1: In and Out of the ClosetIn and Out of the Closet

What is in the closet/out of the closet?What is in the closet/out of the closet?

Story (1961) IntroductionStory (1961) Introduction

Opposite Elements in the storyOpposite Elements in the story -- Characters in the story are “in the -- Characters in the story are “in the closet” case.closet” case.

In/Out of the ClosetIn/Out of the Closet

DefinitionDefinition --Out of the closet: a homosexual is willing to --Out of the closet: a homosexual is willing to identify his own sexuality in public.identify his own sexuality in public. --In the closet: chooses to hide (or disguise himself as a --In the closet: chooses to hide (or disguise himself as a heterosexual)heterosexual) Social FactorsSocial Factors -- Pressure from the society-- Pressure from the society

-- Pressure from family-- Pressure from family a in the closet casea in the closet case

Story Introduction: Story Introduction: The segment of 1961The segment of 1961

Story PlotStory Plot BackgroundBackground --The Children’s Hours (A movie within the --The Children’s Hours (A movie within the story)story) DirectorDirector -- -- Jane AndersonJane Anderson The relationship between the characters The relationship between the characters

Characters--Characters--

Opposite Elements In the Opposite Elements In the StoryStory

LoveLove FriendshipFriendshipLove in a lesbian coupleLove in a lesbian couple a life-long friendship between a life-long friendship between

two best friendtwo best friendThey are lesbian couple, but disguise (or protect) They are lesbian couple, but disguise (or protect)

themselves with the name of “friendship”themselves with the name of “friendship”in closet casein closet case

=> Facing the beloved one’s death, but can do nothing => Facing the beloved one’s death, but can do nothing

about it or be treated as a spouse.about it or be treated as a spouse.

1. No one can intrude into their love1. No one can intrude into their love it is raped and it is raped and protected protected

like a secret castlelike a secret castle

=>The pictures being taken from the walls=>The pictures being taken from the walls

2. Their secret place is exposed to the others when Abby 2. Their secret place is exposed to the others when Abby dieddied

=> feeling being deprived. (Others intrude into their => feeling being deprived. (Others intrude into their place)place)

=> feeling contradictory: is the dead one’s spouse => feeling contradictory: is the dead one’s spouse emotionally emotionally

but appear as a friend in realitybut appear as a friend in reality in the closet in the closet

Homosexual family Homosexual family Heterosexual familyHeterosexual family

Homosexual FamilyHomosexual Family Heterosexual FamilyHeterosexual Family

Abby and Edith love each other Abby and Edith love each other and become life-long spouses, and become life-long spouses, even have a house even have a house (in the closet )(in the closet ) An idea that A and E can An idea that A and E can

not reach. not reach. (out of closet)(out of closet)

Abby’s relatives, a family of three Abby’s relatives, a family of three members, who are going to take members, who are going to take over the house where Abby and over the house where Abby and Edith spend their whole life.Edith spend their whole life.

**Image of homeImage of home fragilefragile

Birds and Birds’ nestBirds and Birds’ nest::

-- high and tall (an idea)-- high and tall (an idea)

-- little fallen birds (vision -- little fallen birds (vision

broken and being hurt)broken and being hurt)

-- adult bird (idea might be -- adult bird (idea might be

realized in the future)realized in the future)

IntrudersIntruders, get into the place , get into the place

A and E shares without A and E shares without

knowing or understanding knowing or understanding

their relationship.their relationship. they are in they are in

the closetthe closet

(taking away the crystal birds)(taking away the crystal birds)

invade and deprive from a invade and deprive from a

outsiders’ viewoutsiders’ view

OutsidersOutsiders:The heterosexual family /camera shot /we(the audiences):The heterosexual family /camera shot /we(the audiences)

ConnectionConnection: Edith and the little girl (sorrow sharing/ the presence of : Edith and the little girl (sorrow sharing/ the presence of

Edith’ self reflection)Edith’ self reflection) story she told to the girl story she told to the girl

Gender IdentityGender Identity

Second Story Second Story Fixed Role:Fixed Role:Character : AMYCharacter : AMY-Male-like Appearance and Behavior (Dyke)-Male-like Appearance and Behavior (Dyke)

Contradiction:Contradiction:-vulnerable-vulnerable-unsure of her own ID-unsure of her own ID

Character: LindaCharacter: Linda

-More Feminine -More Feminine

-Feminist Lesbian-Feminist Lesbian

Contradiction:Contradiction:

-More outspoken than Amy-More outspoken than Amy

-More confident?-More confident?

Feminism vs LesbianFeminism vs Lesbian

Feminist rejects lesbianFeminist rejects lesbianFeminism is the “real issue”Feminism is the “real issue”

Lesbianism is a drag to the Feminism Lesbianism is a drag to the Feminism Club cannot meet on campus because of the lesbiansClub cannot meet on campus because of the lesbians

Diana sees lesbianism for the futureDiana sees lesbianism for the futureTold Linda that they can have a lesbian club next yearTold Linda that they can have a lesbian club next year

Lesbian vs ButchLesbian vs Butch Lesbian is against butchLesbian is against butch

-did not accept her appearance-did not accept her appearance-think Amy is “worse than man”-think Amy is “worse than man”

Wants butch to be like themWants butch to be like them-force Amy to wear their blouse-force Amy to wear their blouse

Lesbian draws their border with butchLesbian draws their border with butch-always stood apart (bar scene, patio scene, liv-always stood apart (bar scene, patio scene, living room)ing room)

Feminism vs ButchFeminism vs Butch

Butch violates Feminist belief Butch violates Feminist belief -man like behavior (copy male image, dil-man like behavior (copy male image, dildo, etc…)do, etc…)

Butch have bad impression of FeministButch have bad impression of Feminist““I thought you were a tough feminist”I thought you were a tough feminist”

Issues in 3rd Story (2000) -- to Issues in 3rd Story (2000) -- to get pregnant, in search of a get pregnant, in search of a

sperm donor. sperm donor. the gender roles are still fixed (not free)the gender roles are still fixed (not free)

There is definitely a 'he' and a 'she,' 'he' wants to There is definitely a 'he' and a 'she,' 'he' wants to give her sperms give her sperms

'he' holds “the sperm tank” in front of his 'he' holds “the sperm tank” in front of his 'crutch.'  --“penis envy”'crutch.'  --“penis envy”

don't want men's intrusion; on the other, ‘he' don't want men's intrusion; on the other, ‘he' definitely plays the male role of making the definitely plays the male role of making the decisions and inserting sperms.  decisions and inserting sperms. 

the position in their sexual intercourse (femme the position in their sexual intercourse (femme on top) on top)

she once sits son 'his ball‘she once sits son 'his ball‘ **Compare with the sex act in 2nd Story (butch **Compare with the sex act in 2nd Story (butch

on top) on top)

Freedom of their choices: Looks Freedom of their choices: Looks Resemblance (No ethnic baby, Blond hResemblance (No ethnic baby, Blond h

air, blue eyes) air, blue eyes) Profession Profession IQ over 95 IQ over 95 Limited elements of choice:Limited elements of choice: Carpenter “Jesus”Carpenter “Jesus” ＝＞＝＞ ProfessorProfessor

Utopia of Equality and Utopia of Equality and Freedom?Freedom?

doesn't seem an accurate reflection of reality—doesn't seem an accurate reflection of reality— Money Issue Money Issue (they are upper middle class)(they are upper middle class) Adoption is easyAdoption is easy (The Adoption and Children Bill 2001 allows couples to (The Adoption and Children Bill 2001 allows couples to

adopt) adopt) Possibility of incestPossibility of incest Issues in Homosexual ParentingIssues in Homosexual Parenting 1. children brought up by gay fathers or lesbian mothers 1. children brought up by gay fathers or lesbian mothers

will show disturbances in gender identity and/or in will show disturbances in gender identity and/or in gender role behavior gender role behavior

2. courts have expressed fears that children in the custody 2. courts have expressed fears that children in the custody of gay or lesbian parents will be more vulnerable to mental of gay or lesbian parents will be more vulnerable to mental breakdownbreakdown

3. children of lesbian and gay parents may experience 3. children of lesbian and gay parents may experience difficulties in social relationships difficulties in social relationships

StereotypesStereotypes CigaretteCigarette

motorcyclemotorcycle

BindingBinding

Other MinoritiesOther Minorities

19611961

At the movieAt the movie

19611961

Youngsters on the streetYoungsters on the street

19611961

Ms. In the hospitalMs. In the hospital

19611961

NursesNurses

19611961

Abby’s nephew and his familyAbby’s nephew and his family

19721972

Her roommatesHer roommates

19721972

SchoolmatesSchoolmates

19721972Botches in the barBotches in the bar

19721972

The neighborThe neighbor

20002000

A gay coupleA gay couple

20002000

A couple in the A couple in the hospitalhospital

SymbolsSymbols

1.1. house-family. Being togetherhouse-family. Being together Shelter. The only place they can express Shelter. The only place they can express

their lovetheir love A place if sisterhoodA place if sisterhood

intruder-Amyintruder-Amy Conflict outside and inside of the house Conflict outside and inside of the house

2. Wall-strong contrast to their relationship2. Wall-strong contrast to their relationship

3. Pictures-evidences 3. Pictures-evidences of their loveof their love hiding pictureshiding pictures trace trace

4. Birds-the spirit 4. Birds-the spirit of Abbyof AbbyEdith’Edith’s s

protection to protection to birdsbirds

The status of The status of birds---lifelessbirds---lifeless

The real birds---continuation their loveThe real birds---continuation their love

5. Hand-shaking---friendly understanding5. Hand-shaking---friendly understanding6. Dressing and hair style6. Dressing and hair style

1st: Abby---short hair/trouser1st: Abby---short hair/trouser Edes---long hair/ skirtEdes---long hair/ skirt 2nd: girls---no bra/marijuana/blouse/long hair2nd: girls---no bra/marijuana/blouse/long hair tom boy Amy---tie/short hair/breast bounding/gtom boy Amy---tie/short hair/breast bounding/g

entleman like/harleyentleman like/harley

3rd: no obvious differences3rd: no obvious differences

7 color---(decoration of house)7 color---(decoration of house)1st---traditional1st---traditional

2nd---sinple and less decoratio2nd---sinple and less decorationn

3rd---colorful3rd---colorful

ConclusionConclusion

Beautifying and simplify situationBeautifying and simplify situation It is not quite related to the realityIt is not quite related to the reality Our group discussion Our group discussion QuestionsQuestions