User:Tet/Drafts/Heteropessimism
Heteropessimism or Heterofatalism is a term coined by writer and academic Asa Seresin, that refers to the belief that heterosexual behaviours and relationships are inherently inferior and more problematic compared to non-heterosexual ones. This perspective is often associated with critiques against the patriarchy, heteronormativity, and other forms of discrimination and oppression that disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ individuals.
History
[edit]The term "heteropessimism" or "heterofatalism" was coined by writer and academic Asa Seresin in 2019, in her The New Inquiry essay On Heteropessimism.[1] Seresin discusses performative acts by straight people to express embarrassment or guilt from past relationships, and blaming men and "straight culture" as the root of their interpersonal issues.[1] While her essay focusses on disaffiliation of heretosexuality by women, Seresin also observes that married men and male incels also express heteropessimism, although these groups do not criticize current societal norms. Her final paragraphs highlight how positive and virtuous traits in heterosexual are silenced, and obscure ongoing chances in heterosexual relations.
On The Conversation, various academics give examples like female friendship and "sisterly love" followed by disappointment in a heterosexual relationship.[2]
Societal impact
[edit]While decrying current heterosexual norms ("straight culture"), society has seen an increase or upkeep of "incels"[3] and misogyny,[4] domestic violence[5] and loneliness.[6][7] Some[8] attribute these issues to a lack of action, and an increase in standards for romantic relationships.[6]
See also
[edit]- Normality (behavior)
- Compulsory heterosexuality
- Narcotizing dysfunction
- Cisnormativity
- Straightwashing
- Queer theory
- Gender studies
- Bechdel test
References
[edit]- ^ a b Seresin, Asa (2019-10-09). "On Heteropessimism". The New Inquiry. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
- ^ Kenny, Christina; Joseph, Felicity; Hamilton, Jennifer; Allen, Matt. "What is 'heteropessimism', and why do men and women suffer from it?". The Conversation. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
- ^ Sparks, Brandon; Zidenberg, Alexandra M.; Olver, Mark E. (2022-11-17). "Involuntary Celibacy: A Review of Incel Ideology and Experiences with Dating, Rejection, and Associated Mental Health and Emotional Sequelae". Current Psychiatry Reports. doi:10.1007/s11920-022-01382-9. ISSN 1535-1645.
- ^ Bosman, Julie; Taylor, Kate; Arango, Tim (2019-08-10). "A Common Trait Among Mass Killers: Hatred Toward Women". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
- ^ "Family, domestic and sexual violence Overview". Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
- ^ a b "What's Behind the Rise of Lonely, Single Men | Psychology Today". www.psychologytoday.com. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
- ^ Pearson, Catherine (2022-08-31). "'A Decade of Fruitless Searching': The Toll of Dating App Burnout". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
- ^ Drummond, Maria Clara (2022-09-16). "Escape Heteropessimism". Retrieved 2022-12-21.