Comments on: A Very Androgynous Christmas

By: Amanda Hess

Amanda Hess — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:39:24 +0000

You know, that's a very good point, and one that I hadn't considered because I had just been thinking of this from Oedipa's (and my own) perspective. Perhaps the argument makes more sense in the specific context of literary protagonists. This is what was so refreshing to me about the book (written, yes, 40 years ago): gender is barely noticeable as an aspect of Oedipa's character. None of her actions evoke the explanation "because she is a woman." And while she has relationships and sex and all that jazz, she comes off as just human, not female. The fact that this was so clear and surprising and refreshing in the Crying of Lot 49 made me realize how oppressively gender can shape the characters of other works. Perhaps it's not the case that men can more easily assume feminine characteristics. Maybe what's really going on here is that we find masculine characteristics less conspicuous, so men can more easily operate as "humans" instead of specifically "men" because we simply don't notice their gender as much. Maybe men can more easily pass as "androgynous" not because they incorporate feminine characteristics, but because we don't always think of their masculine attributes as gender-specific, but rather specific to humans---or, in this case, protagonists of novels.

By: rawkcuf

rawkcuf — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 13:14:35 +0000

I always thought the road to androgyny was closer for women. (Already wear pants... easier to cut and grease hair than grow it out...etc.) Equal rights for women brought women closer to 'androgynality'. Nothing seems to have occurred in society toward furthering the acceptance of androgyny in men. Androgyny in men tends to be sequestered to the 'gay', while androgyny in women is considered requisite for the times (otherwise one risks being 'old fashioned...') ...or did I miss something.

By: Sady

Sady — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:13:32 +0000

Holy crap! Why did I not realize this legal strategy existed? If I'm ever put on trial, I'm going to be represented by a baby deer. Who would put me in the slammer if it meant hurting Bambi's feelings?

By: Amanda Hess

Amanda Hess — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:39:01 +0000

feminine, except for the candle in the middle of sand, which falls on the egregiously phallic end of the manly spectrum.

By: mdesus

mdesus — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:36:39 +0000

my gifts

*candle in middle of sand (mounted in flower holder bottom) with like some leaves and shit to make it pretty
*tshirt with ghostbusters slogan
*trip to a friends wedding where I'll be in the party
*Bottle of red wine
*an immersion blender
*oral sex gift certificates that will never, ever be redeemed (thanks andre-anne!!!!)