Normalize Standards

Last week, we studied the normalizing standards of movement which affect all of our lives and can cause hardship and even death for individuals whose movements do not align with the standards. Normalizing standards help sustain oppressive social structures including ableism, patriarchy, white supremacy, heterosexism, transphobia, classism, colonialism, and ageism. In each of these areas of discrimination, normalizing standards are used to judge and police techniques of moving, of dressing, of speaking, of eating, of inhabiting our bodies, of existing in public spaces, and of expressing our desires. As Lorber says, gender is a process, and race, sexuality, class, nationality, ability, and age are also processes. For this reason, the normalizing standards are constantly being changed and re-invented by society, and constantly being internalized by individuals.
For the discussion board this week, describe a normalizing standard in your community which impacts your performance of gender, race, sexuality, class, nationality, ability or age.
For instance, Sunaura Taylor discussed the normalizing standards for using one’s mouth: our social structure insists that mouths are not to be used to carry items, which results in disapproving or awkward stares when Taylor carries her drink in this way. In a second example, Judith Butler describes a boy who swung his hips while walking. This technique of walking violated normalizing standards of moving for individuals gendered male. The boy was murdered for violating those standards.
Note: Your post must not describe a normalizing standard which has already been mentioned in the reading or by another student who posted before you.
Guidelines for Discussion Board
1) Each student must create one original post in answer to the prompt. Each original post begins a conversation between the poster (OP) and commenters which is called a thread.
2) Additionally, each student must comment on at least three posts by other students. One of the three comments must ask a question to which the original poster (OP) must respond.
In order to facilitate a full conversation, students will be required to create posts and/or comments on three different days each week. This means a student might post on, for example, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. They cannot get full credit for making all posts in a single day. Students will have an additional 48 hours after the due date to respond to any questions that have been asked of them.
All posts and comments will be evaluated. Good posts will be clearly related to the topic, add new information, and provide several supporting details or examples. Comments on the posts of other students must also be relevant and add a substantial element to the conversation (a new perspective or, politely, an opposing perspective). Comments that simply state agreement with the original post receive no credit. Commenter’s questions must be designed to further the conversation rather than simply ask for a piece of factual information. The highest grades will go to those who actually engage in a discussion of the material. Remember, some of the material we will work with is very difficult. The discussion boards are an attempt to help each other understand the ideas in the readings and lessons.
Posts and comments must be proofread for spelling, grammar, typos, and clarity. Poorly written or typed submissions will receive lower grades.

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