intrikate88 | Entries tagged with theory

I'm working on revising an old paper to be a writing sample for an application, and I came across this passage in one of my sources. I wish I could use the entire thing in this paper, because it really sums up all my points on colonial/postcolonial stories of hybridization in fantasy stories. (My paper was on Robin McKinley's The Blue Sword, comparing it with stories such as A Passage to India, Season of Migration to the North, and Kipling's "Lispeth". If you care.)

As Richard Wright found long ago in America, black and white descriptions of society are no longer compatible. Fantasy, or the mingling of fantasy and naturalism, is one way of dealing with these problems. It offers a way of echoing in the form of our work the issues faced by all of us: how to build a new, 'modern' world out of an old, legend-haunted civilization, an old culture which we have brought into the heart of a newer one. But whatever technical solutions we may find, Indian writers in these islands, like others who have migrated into the north from the south, are capable of writing from a kind of double perspective: because they, we, are at one and the same time insiders and outsiders in this society. This stereoscopic vision is perhaps what we can offer in place of 'whole sight'.

-Salman Rushdie, Imaginary Homelands: Essays and Criticism 1981-1991, "Imaginary Homelands"

Asexuality and the Doctor
-a possibly queer theory look at the labels in Doctor Who, my own experience with that identity, and a post that may be kept updated with new thoughts-

In the epic wars of Doctor Who fandom, one particular battle has stood out, often dividing the fans of Classic Doctor Who from those of Russell T. Davies' new series. While the fans of the newer series often proclaim that the Doctor is in love with Rose/Martha/Donna/Jack/Reinette/Other in a manner that suggests the canon we don't see involves many pairs of knickers flung over the TARDIS console, some who grew up snuggling Tom Baker's scarf insist that the Doctor is, in fact, asexual. Either of these labels is problematic, however, because often with all this tossing about of labels, the actual experience and existence of those people with an asexual orientation is obscured.

The first thing it is important to realize is that, like with any sexuality, like with any person, experiences of attraction, relationship, and other facets of life vary widely from person to person. Even those that fit into the heteronormative group are all unique from one relationship to the next. I'll discuss some of the situations I've experienced and the responses I've received as I've identified as an asexual (and even before) but those are my experiences, (as a sex-positive asexual feminist, among other things) and other asexuals may have different ones.

Let's start out with a basic definition of asexual, when it comes to orientation:

"An asexual is someone who does not experience sexual attraction. Unlike celibacy, which people choose, asexuality is an intrinsic part of who we are." (AVEN)

( more. )

( Some resources for further understanding of asexuality: )

1) ANYBODY ELSE READY FOR TRUE BLOOD TO COME BACK? I am. But I keep seeing this main promotional image and thinking damn, Anna Paquin, must be awkward to have to pose like that with the boyfriend you have sex with anyway for all the world to see. You know? (Also, the pic is kinda hot. But I didn't say that. Because vampires = MOST OBVIOUS SEXUAL METAPHOR EVAR.)

2) In other news, I've been utterly devouring the Mary Russell series by Laurie R. King. Delightful new spin on Sherlock Holmes, as, years after his career on Baker Street, he meets a young woman in the Sussex downs that proves to be more than an equal in the business of deduction. The Beekeeper's Apprentice is the first, and wholly magnificent from beginning to end.

3) I keep seeing bumper stickers on people's cars that say '13.1' and I've even seen some for multiples like 26.2. Anybody know why this is and what this is about? (I also am very mildly curious who John Galt is or why a McCain/Palin sticker shows the owner in support of 'Mac 'n' Momma' but I suppose some things are just eternal mysteries.)

4) I miss research and Learning Things. So I'm thinking of starting a comm for short just-for-fun research projects- you know, the sort of topics you always felt like you wanted to take a look at while in class and never had the time? Still might not have the time, but would anybody have any interest in joining me? There used to be a real trend of Eccentrics and polymaths and people who were amateur experts in a host of topics and I think we should have a club and do that. Sound cool? (Serious Research Projects also invited to participate.) So let me know if you feel like watching or joining or doing that.

5) There's mint chocolate chip ice cream int he freezer and I am so going for it NOW. And I may start catching up on Ashes to Ashes tonight. WIN.

(My goal: to focus on happy things and keep my mind occupied and not on this failed job market or how my dreams of further education and moving to England are impossible. Check!)

Current Mood: recumbent
Current Music: Forest - Mirah

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who lives, who dies, who tells your story?

Entries tagged with theory

imaginary homelands

she says isn't it ironic, all I want is gin and platonic.

swinging tales from trees, we could gather what we need.

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