avisreadsandreads's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
This is a fascinating and thought-provoking overview of the history of queer theory, but I had a few (major) issues with some of the author's word choices. First off, right at the beginning of the book, the author claims the N-word (which is spelled out in full) is a reclaimed word like "slut," "dyke" or "faggot." Given that this word is certainly not reclaimed for the general public (and is in fact a deeply offensive and inflammatory racial slur), this statement is not only tone-deaf but completely irresponsible. (I almost stopped reading the book at this point.)
The author also uses the word trans as a noun, which sounded very weird to me. Here's an example: "One area of trans that has gained wider attention only relatively recently is genderqueer, or non-binary gender" [my italics] (p. 145). Here's another: "Gender researcher-practitioner Gávi Ansara's concept of cisgenderism is a useful element of heteronormativity to be mindful of when thinking about trans" [my italics] (p. 146). What does "thinking about trans" even mean?? (This usage may be a Briticism, but it rattled my Canadian sensibilities.*)
Having said that, this book seems like a thorough introduction to the history of queer theory(ies) and doesn't shy away from presenting a multiplicity of approaches and criticisms (with an emphasis on critiquing binary thinking in particular). As they say at some point, "Perhaps it's more useful to see each theory or activism as offering up new possibilities and problems, new opportunities and restrictions" (p. 152) [italics in original].
*In fact, both GLAAD and The Guardian have stated that transgender is an adjective and should not be used as a noun.
The author also uses the word trans as a noun, which sounded very weird to me. Here's an example: "One area of trans that has gained wider attention only relatively recently is genderqueer, or non-binary gender" [my italics] (p. 145). Here's another: "Gender researcher-practitioner Gávi Ansara's concept of cisgenderism is a useful element of heteronormativity to be mindful of when thinking about trans" [my italics] (p. 146). What does "thinking about trans" even mean?? (This usage may be a Briticism, but it rattled my Canadian sensibilities.*)
Having said that, this book seems like a thorough introduction to the history of queer theory(ies) and doesn't shy away from presenting a multiplicity of approaches and criticisms (with an emphasis on critiquing binary thinking in particular). As they say at some point, "Perhaps it's more useful to see each theory or activism as offering up new possibilities and problems, new opportunities and restrictions" (p. 152) [italics in original].
*In fact, both GLAAD and The Guardian have stated that transgender is an adjective and should not be used as a noun.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs
There's only one racial slur in the whole book, but given what it is, I think it qualifies as graphic.clairadise's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
Very interesting introduction to queer theory/ related academic pursuits. Felt like sometimes didn’t give enough context/ depth on certain topics— even though I know it’s more of an overview, I feel like some topics require more context than they were given.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs
Uncensored use of the n word… doesn’t seem appropriate in the context
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