“Critically Queer”

Title of Source: “Critically Queer”

Author:  Judith Butler

Source Type: Academic Article

Publication: GLQ, vol. Q, no. 1, 1993

MLA Citation: Butler, Judith. “Critically Queer.” GLQ, vol. 1, no. 1, 1993, pp. 17-32.

Notes:

Butler begins by invoking the work of Eve Sedgewick, who, in turn, was invoking the work of J. L. Austin. Butler here is concerned with Austin’s ideas of perfomrative acts. In particular, Butler is interested in exploring where the power comes from in these acts. She argues that it is not the individual that holds the power, but that the power lies in the repetition of the act which is then given power as a social convention. The speaker is simply invoking a pre-established convention. Butler goes on to explore this idea of power through invoked convention thorough an examination of the word “Queer”. She claims that queer is not an identity category that one can simply choose, and that the meaning of the word is derived from its historical invocation. Butler states that we must be critical of this term and analyze who is included and excluded as well as how this term functions in relation to other related terms. She then goes on to discuss some misconceptions around her theories of gender performative. She clarifies that while gender is indeed a performance, it is not a choice. It is instead a reinforcement of norms and ideals that are placed on one prior to birth.

Butler also discusses the potential of subversion within this system. She questions how possible it is to subvert gender norms and heteronormativity when the real power comes from repetition. How do we measure the success of subversion?