Sexism, Heterosexism and Trans Oppression
Catalano et al. work enlighten on the historical spotlighting and contemporary sexual violence and harassment in many American institutions. Catalano further talks of the individuals that have been complicitly silent, willfully ignorant, or unengaged as systems of patriarchy, misogyny, and those that dominate over the rights of women and the queer. There have been multiple movements on the subject and complicated conversations about gay, lesbian, queerness, and overlapping cases, but since the issues do not affect us at personal levels, there has been a lack of empathy on those marginalized. Therefore. Catalano’s statements force one to self-reflect on which side he lies in this conflict and reevaluates the perspectives on heterosexism, sexism, transgender, and their oppression by the existing systems.
In the initial argument on heterosexism, Catalano, in a way, diverts the blame to those regarded as “normal.” The society has privileged heterosexuals setting them as the dominant group, and thus making the bisexual, lesbian, gay, intersex, and rest feel invisible. Catalanomakes a valid argument that makes one evaluate his effect as a heterosexual to the queer. Other than viewing them as individuals, we see them as unfortunate beings that have been plagued by some form of illness. We pity them making it difficult for them to feel positive about their sexual identity, and hence they end up hiding it from the world and themselves. Ourselves and our society have created the culture that one should grow up and take a heterosexual individual as a partner and start a family. It is from this constraining culture that the heterosexuals expanded the viewpoint and brought forth the phobia of those who deviate from the norm. Homophobia then brought forth violence, prejudice, discrimination, hatred, and oppression to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, and queer groups. Catalano et al. intention is for us (heterosexuals) to feel a sense of accountability for the culture that we have supported, the hatred and the oppression these individuals and only this way can we emphasize with them
Catalano et al. also change our perspective on sexism. Where women have been under the thumb of men, men who have been being the sole beneficiaries of material and non-material resources. Women don’t share in this equally, be it respect, security, representation, or material aspects such as employment, housing, or education. Catalano brings in a new perspective on the issue of sexism. That though there have been significant improvements in how women are treated and how far they have come in the corporate world, inequality still exists. The general perspective is that since there are now women CEOs or astronauts that gender marginalized is a thing of the past. However, women are still underrepresented in the senate and society. It may appear like an ungrateful plea, but it is valid, though people are probably exhausted from hearing the same gender-based debates, they should at least listen to their point of view.
In general, the article stirs up feeling considering the intentional ignorance of such severe issues of sexuality and gender. Though they may not affect us directly, one cannot help but feel like a part of the problem. There is a lack of humanity in our part in being inconsiderate, and we should at least be a part of the movement where all individuals can be outspoken about their sexuality or where women enjoy the same material and non-material resources just as men.