Inviting the Breach: Confronting Homophobia in the Name of Social Justice |
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Authors: | Subrina J. Robinson Julia R. Johnson Marc D. Rich |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Communication Studies, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, California, USA;2. College of Liberal Studies, School of Arts and Communication, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA |
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Abstract: | In 2008 California was divided over Proposition 8, a measure designed to prohibit same-sex marriage. In this article, we focus on a university classroom setting to explore how discussions about Proposition 8 and homophobia led to what Turner (1986) termed a social drama. Drawing on student personal narratives as they moved through the stages of social drama, we provide a poignant example of the conflict that may erupt when homophobia and heteronormativity are part of the curriculum. After documenting the social drama, we offer pedagogical strategies and note the strategic ways Christian, hegemonic discourse is utilized during discussions about homophobia. |
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Keywords: | homophobia same-sex marriage social drama Christian privilege |
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