Friday, March 18, 2005
'Heteronormative' -- Coming to a curriculum near you?
You might have heard the controversy about actress Jada Pinkett Smith (wife of actor Will Smith), who was honored by Harvard University as their “Artist of the Year” at the 20th annual Cultural Rhythms show.
In accepting her award, Ms. Pinkett Smith said, “'Women, you can have it all—a loving man, devoted husband, loving children, a fabulous career”.
Sounds like a heartfelt and sincere acceptance speech, right? Would you be surprised to hear that (emphasis added), according to the Harvard Crimson:
BGLTSA Co-Chair Jordan B. Woods ’06 said that, while many BGLTSA members thought Pinkett Smith’s speech was “motivational,” some were insulted because they thought she narrowly defined the roles of men and women in relationships.
“Some of the content was extremely heteronormative, and made BGLTSA members feel uncomfortable,” he said.
Students said that some of Pinkett Smith’s remarks concerning appropriate gender roles were specific to heterosexual relationships.
Calling the comments heteronormative, according to Woods, means they implied that standard sexual relationships are only between males and females. “Our position is that the comments weren’t homophobic, but the content was specific to male-female relationships,” Woods said.
Margaret C. D. Barusch ’06, the other BGLTSA co-chair, said the comments might have seemed insensitive in effect, if not in intent.
“I think the comments had a very strong focus for an extended period of time on how to effectively be in a relationship—a heterosexual relationship,” Barusch said. “I don’t think she meant to be offensive but I just don’t think she was that thoughtful.”
So, how long will it take for 'heteronormative' to become the 'norm' for the sex-ed curriculum in Montgomery County Public Schools? Unfortunately, not long. The new curriculum encourages the use of 'partner' instead of husband/wife or girlfriend/boyfriend. And according to one of the main sources for the new curriculum, Advocates for Youth - Creating Inclusive Programs, our children are to be taught to "discuss sexual behaviors explicitly rather than assuming that everyone defines sexual intercourse in the same way". Also, they are to "avoid terms that make unwarranted assumptions or are disrespectful in nature".
So you see, the GLBT group at Harvard is not the only group trying to prove to themselves and others that heterosexuality is not the 'norm'.
Mrs Sharon Cox, Mrs. Patricia O'Neill and Dr. Jerry Weast as well as the entire Board of Education of Montgomery County Public Schools has now done the same with the implementation of the pilot program and the condom video.
Social advocacy has no place in our public schools. But it's coming, unless we all stand up for what is right.