Queer Theory is basically a set of ideas that sexual and gender identities need not be fixed; that gender is not essential to a person’s identity.

From the article:

“Queer Criticism and Sexual Normativity: The Case of Pee-wee Herman”

by

R. Anthony Slagle, PhD

Queer Theory in Rhetorical Criticism:

The critic seeks to discover how the artifact approaches gender, what symbols are used, what stereotypes can be identified, and what “hierarchies can be dismantled by blurring the definitions of specific identity categories” (p.129).

Published in the

Journal of Homosexuality

(Harrington Park Press, an imprint of The Haworth Press, Inc)

Vol.45, No.2/3/4, 2003, pp.129-146

The rhetorical critic uses Queer Theory to deconstruct the artifact looking at four criteria:

1. Challenge of essentialism (how identities are represented in the artifact)

2. Privacy (challenges the idea that sexuality is a private matter best left in the bedroom)

3. Heteronormativity (the idea that there is nothing normal about heterosexuality)

4. Assimilation (argument that homosexuals are not interested in assimilating into an unchanged mainstream culture). 

In studying Pee-wee Herman, Slagle concludes “all of the characters in his [Pee-wee’s] world are carried to extremes through the use of camp as a rhetorical strategy” (p.141).  Far from reinforcing a negative, Herman laughs at the stereotypes “making them [the stereotypes] seem silly and ridiculous” (p. 142)   Reubens also challenges the idea of assimilation in presenting characters with a message that we should all seek to “be ourselves” not someone else’s idea of who that is (p.142).  Last but not least, Slagle admires the way in which Herman aka Reubens deals with the issue of sexuality in his work.  While keeping diverse sexual references subtle, above the heads of his young audience, they are still present for the adult to discern, once again enforcing the idea that individuals should not be afraid to be individuals (p. 142).

Watch a clip from Pee Wee's Big Adventure!

What are your thoughts on Queer Theory?

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In analyzing Dr. Slagle’s article I found Queer Theory to be a useful tool for rhetorical critics.  Rhetorical criticism using Queer Theory is a method that though controversial to some seeks to change our social structure, our way of looking at life, our way of communicating with one another in a manner where all sexual identities are embraced and celebrated.  Queer theory succeeds in this regard because it asks us in our communication to recognize and acknowledge issues that have been over-looked, and under-studied.