It seems women often do have deeper, more meaningful relationships with other women. And perhaps this is because as Rich suggests, that we seek to recreate the motherly bond with other women. The issue that was raised in class and what I find particularly interesting is what we would do in a total state of nature. If somehow we could take away societal constraints and were left to our natural instincts, would we seek to be with other women? It's hard to think about such things because our society has left such a strong impression on what is "normal". However, regardless of society's role in each of our lives, I see the lesbian continuum at work.
While Zucker was simply making a joke, his observation should not be discounted entirely. There are countless examples of women acting "sexually" towards other women even if they are living in a heterosexual world. The classic example are the two best friends who go out to the club and though are technically "straight", end up making out or dancing provocatively with one another. This has obvious sexual implications and lesbian undertones even if they weren't meaning for their actions to be taken literally. The fact that they are close enough to engage in such behavior, suggests that they understand each other at a deep level. I think Rich makes interesting and convincing claims that we are forced to choose to be heterosexual. The lesbian continuum is seen in the daily lives of women, yet forced to be suppressed by most. I am not suggesting all women should want to be with other women, but I do think Rich makes a valid case for why it seems the most rewarding from a relationship standpoint.
By saying there are no gay men, do you think he means that even men who do not sexually desire women still find themselves in deep, emotional relationships with them? Just curious as to what you think about that half of the tweet.
ReplyDeleteI took it as meaning the way he observes women interacting with other women is much more intimate, bordering on sexual, as opposed to how he observes men interacting with other men. I see this at work in my own life too: my relationships with other women are much deeper and we talk about many different things. That is not to say I don't have deep relationships with men, but they often times care way less about feelings or things of that nature. So I guess to answer your question, I think he meant that the men he observes interacting with other men do it in a less intimate manner and are less involved than the relationships he observes between women.
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