Oct, 1998

No. 015  Heterosexual Power.
Distributed as part of the Red Feather Institute RADICAL PEDAGOGY Series. The Red Feather Institute, 8085 Essex, Weidman, Michigan, 48893.

Cost:  5 to 20 pts. Generic pts.  Payoff:   Variable Quality Points.
Limit: 5 people may 'buy' this assignment.

Price max = 20 pts       SPECIAL FIELD ASSIGNMENT      DUE: Dec 8
Each concept = 5 pts

Compulsory Heterosexuality and Homosexuals in the Military
To get full credit, that is 5 points for each chosen concept, you
need, first, to define it and, then, to use this concept in
relation to the debates.   

The paper is to be typed and carefully edited.  Creativity and
elegance of style are welcomed!!!

EXPLANATION: In her essay "Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian
Existence," Adrienne Rich says that heterosexuality "needs to be
recognized and studied as a political institution."  A political
institution is a constellation of power-based activities and ideas
that control human behavior in a particular society.  Your
assignment, if you choose to take it, is to explore different ways
in which the power of institutionalized heterosexuality is being
manifested in current debates around the military ban on
homosexuals.  

Organize your discussion by using minimum 5 and maximum 8 of the
concepts listed below and any sources you find useful to ground
your discussion.  

1.   Compulsory heterosexuality

2.   Homosexuality

3.   Homophobia

4.   "Coming out"

5.   Discrimination

6.   Social control

8.   Deviance 

9.   Segregation

10.  Masculinity/Femininity

11.  Human rights

12.  Social equality

13.  Repressive control