Queer Theory

Identities are not fixed, identity is fluid and can be changed.  You cannot characterise a group of people, each person is different and has different personalities, for example you cannot characterise 'women' or 'men' because they are all different from each other.

These are examples of the usual sort of characteristics that are associated with men and women-

Men-
Short hair
Tall
Strong
Hairy
Sporty
Less sensitive

Women- 
Long hair
Petite
Weak
Not hairy
Not sporty
Sensitive

Judith Butler who is a philosopher suggests that sex (male/females) is seen to cause gender (masculine/feminine). Instead Butler focuses more on performance and the normalising effects of representations and performances of heterosexuality that are they to create the illusion that heterosexuality is 'normal'. On the other hand alternatives to this such as 'camp' gay guys, 'butch' lesbians and drag queens have the ability to de naturalise the dominant heterosexual  ideology.

' There is no gender identity behind the expressions of gender.. identity is performatively constituted by the very expressions that are said to be its results'

'What defines you is how you behave, gender is a performance.'

David Helperin suggests that the confides of any identity van be reinvented by its owner. Examples of this that are in the music industry are Lady Ga Ga and Madonna.

'Queer is by definition whatever is at odds with the normal, the legitimate, the dominent'

Madonna-

You can see how Madonna has changed her image/identity over the years in order to keep her fans interested in her music/image as well as adapting certain characteristics which are popular with the public and her fans.

Many artists experiment and play with gender to keep their fans interested in their music examples would be-

When thinking of an image for our band, we will have to consider our target audience when deciding what style/image the band should have. Usually with band members they each have a slightly different image this is so the whole band will appeal to a wider audience, which will lead to increased popularity.


By Amy Thrush