Thinking straight : the promise, the power and paradox of heterosexuality

254 Pages·2005·1.261 MB·English

by  Chrys Ingraham

Thinking
Straight

Thinking
Straight
The Power, the Promise, and the
Paradox of Heterosexuality
EDITED BY
CHRYS INGRAHAM

Routledge
New York • London
Published in 2005 by
Routledge
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Copyright © 2005 by Taylor and Francis Books,Inc.
Routledge is an imprint ofthe Taylor and Francis Group.
This edition published in the Taylor & Francis e-Library, 2005.
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publisher.
Library ofCongress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Thinking straight :the promise,the power,and the paradox ofheterosex-
uality/edited by Chrys Ingraham.
p.cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 0-415-93272-6 (hardback :alk.paper) – ISBN 0-415-93273-4 (pbk.:
alk. paper) 1. Heterosexuality. 2. Heterosexism. 3. Social stratification.
4. Homophobia. 5. Sexual orientation – Public opinion – United States.
I.Ingraham,Chrys,1947-
HQ76.4.T45 2004
2004008749
ISBN 0-203-00636-4 Master e-book ISBN
To Eileen
Muse,Mentor,Model

Contents
Acknowledgments ix
Introduction:Thinking Straight 1
CHRYSINGRAHAM
The Power
1. Sexuality,Heterosexuality and Gender Hierarchy: 15
Getting Our Priorities Straight
STEVIJACKSON
2. From Polluted Homosexual to the Normal Gay: 39
Changing Patterns ofSexual Regulation in America
STEVENSEIDMAN
3. Claiming Citizenship? 63
Sexuality,Citizenship and Lesbian Feminist Theory
DIANERICHARDSON
4. The Transformation ofHeterosexism and its Paradoxes 85
CHRISBRICKELL
The Paradox
5. Crossing the Borders ofGendered Sexuality:
Queer Masculinities ofStraight Men 109
ROBERTHEASLEY
6. White Heterosexuality: 131
A Romance ofthe Straight Man’s Burden
MASONSTOKES
7. The Mermaid and the Heterosexual Imagination 151
LAURIEESSIG
vii
The Promise
8. “Someday My Prince Will Come”: 167
Disney,the Heterosexual Imaginary and Animated Film
CARRIEL.COKELY
9. Out ofWedlock:Why Some Poor Women Reject Marriage 183
MARGARETWALSH
10. The Production ofHeterosexuality at the High School Prom 193
AMYL.BEST
11. Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace: 215
The Filming of “Wedding Advice”
KARENSOSNOSKI
Appendix 233
About the Contributors 237
Index 241

viii
Acknowledgments
This collection would not have been possible had it not been for the signif-
icant cooperation ofits contributors.To all who participated,I owe a debt
of gratitude.Steve Seidman,my friend and my mentor,has shown me the
light on more occasions than I can count and I am forever grateful for his
love and respect.
As I worked to complete this book,one person’s absence in the closing
days ofthis project became glaring.For all the years ofpatience,expertise,
guidance,and friendship,as well as for her significant belief in the impor-
tance ofthis work,I will always hold Ilene Kalish in that esteemed place of
Editor Extraordinaire.
And to Eileen Brownell,who through it all remains my guide,my best
friend,my greatest inspiration,and my partner in crime.
Thinking Straight was a labor of commitment to a position that is fre-
quently misunderstood.To all who helped to make this possible,contribu-
tors,editors,significant others,I thank you,from the bottom ofmy heart.

ix