Put simply, heteronormativity is a concept used to describe the way that sex and gender are used to hierarchically organize people in our society. Specifically, heteronormativity is the belief that heterosexuality, or a romantic and sexual attraction the opposite sex, is the only normal sexual orientation. Other sexual identifies are considered unnatural and are sometimes even legally prohibited.
Heteronormativity is bad because:
- If you’re not heteronormative, you’re forced to explain yourself, while cisgender and heterosexual people don’t have to.
- Assuming that people only identify as either male or female is incorrect
- Assuming all people are straight is incorrect.
- Heteronormativity leads to serious consequences for those who aren't heteronormative.
- Heteronormativity perpetuates the closet and the closet is a hotbed for shame.
Masculinity is the possession of the qualities traditionally associated with a man. Masculinity is seen as a spectrum, and at the ways that you express that masculinity are seen as different spots on that spectrum. The hypermasculine-male is what many people think of when they hear “man”. It is a really big, strong, built man, tall, good with women, white, heterosexual, able-bodied, cisgendered, etc. Hypermasculinity focuses on physical strength, aggression, and sexuality. This feeds the idea that heteronormativity is okay.Masculinity perpetuates a culture of silence in which men are not supposed to talk about their feelings, open-up, share, show any sign of femininity. This is what makes men rape-victims l less likely to come forward about their abuse. This idea of the hypermasculine male is portrayed heavily in the media. The Old Spice man in the commercial is a great example. A man who is handsome, strong, looks “manly”, etc. This idea of a man and how they should behave is seen in pop culture a lot. In the media men are often seen as aggressive and violent beings. Society teaches men to express themselves in anger and unhealthy ways.
