Response to Rupp, Rich, and Gilbert

There were several ideas from these readings that piqued my interest.  In the Gilbert piece, I was surprised to learn about the lifestyle of someone who can identify as a lesbian, feminist, single mother.  Although Gilbert looks back with positive feelings and perhaps some wistfulness on her relationship with Kris in high school, she really took her teenage pregnancy into stride, after the initial “thick fog” receded (Listen Up, 81).  She refused to let it slow her down, and she still managed to accomplish everything she wanted to do with her life, or at least that is how she portrays it.  She graduated from high school with a child in tow, got her B.A., and later her Ph.D., which is a very impressive resume for anyone, but especially difficult while caring for a child at the same time.  When you consider the fact that Gilbert never desired to have a child, or even necessarily a male lover, it makes the facts even more impressive.  She most certainly endured and continues to endure many hardships every day, yet she never let it affect her negatively, and kept a strong desire to succeed throughout.  From a lesbian, feminist, single mom, I thought this was a very powerful message.

            The second point from the reading that really was surprising to me came from the Rich article.  The idea of compulsory heterosexuality is certainly present in our society, and it was interesting for me to read an analysis of it and the reasons for it.  To me, it related back strongly to the Johnson article on patriarchy, but Rich also looked at the economic reasons that force heterosexuality.  She also looked at the pattern of women pursuing a connection with other women, regardless of it being platonic or erotic.  I thought this in particular was thought provoking.  Although I don’t know many people who (to my knowledge) have female erotic partners, it is a simulating thought that all women search for other women, on some level or another.  When factoring in the historical approach from the Rupp article, it is certainly reasonable to think about the idea that society has simply become less accepting of these relationships over time, rather than the fact that women’s perceptions and actions have changed.