IT'S CALLED A NORM FOR A REASON:

Meanwhile: Sensitizing the heteronormativists (Cathy Young, March 16, 2005, The Boston Globe)

The latest brouhaha at Harvard University, home of the perpetually offended, is over a motivational speech telling women that they can have it all: career, marriage and children. The remarks, delivered by the singer and actress Jada Pinkett Smith on Feb. 26 at the Cultural Rhythms show organized by the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations, were deemed too heterosexual by some. Or, in politically correct newspeak, "heteronormative."

Here's a sample of what Pinkett Smith said, as recounted by The Harvard Crimson:

"Women, you can have it all - a loving man, devoted husband, loving children, a fabulous career. We are a new generation of women. We got to set a new standard of rules around here. To my men, open your mind, open your eyes to new ideas. Be open."

On March 2, The Harvard Crimson reported that some members of the Harvard Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Supporters Alliance had been offended by the speech and were calling for an apology from the foundation. In response, the foundation pledged to "inform future speakers that they will be speaking to an audience diverse in race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender and class."

So what was the offense? In the words of the alliance's co-chair, Jordan Woods, "Some of the content was extremely heteronormative, and made BGLTSA members feel uncomfortable." The other co-chair, Margaret Barusch, explained that Pinkett Smith's comments, while not intentionally offensive, were insensitive due to their "strong focus on how to effectively be in a relationship - a heterosexual relationship."

"Heteronormative" means treating heterosexuality as the norm.

Oh, for the days of closets.

Posted by Orrin Judd at March 15, 2005 4:53 PM