Butler and Winston James

Judith Butler’s article “Imitation and Gender Subordination” was particularly difficult for me to read, however it did give an insightful observation of the performativity of gender. She explains that self-identification is confusing, but is a representation of the nature of gender relations. For example, she explains that for her to “be a lesbian” was to constantly play a performative role in which she associated herself as socially and physically as a lesbian, and blossoms into “becoming a lesbian.” Butler clarifies that “becoming a lesbian” is a somewhat “private identity” but with her performative role, the “private identity” is extended to the public. This supports her idea of that the characteristics of one’s sexuality is essential by a set of social constructs are symbolized through the performative acts of gender.

In “Uncle” by G. Winston James, it is written from a six year old boy’s point of view, who tries to recognize the games his older brother plays with him, along with the growth of his “love” towards his tall uncle Paul. The young boy celebrates his sixth birthday and does not understand why his body develops such strong feelings for his uncle. This short story explains a reminiscence of a new, uniformed sensation of the six-year-old boy who faces a frightening and confusing pre-pubescent feeling by the presence of being worshipped by the same sex relative.