Module 4 Assignment_ Queer Theory

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Western Washington University *

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101

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Communications

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Feb 20, 2024

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Module 4 Assignment: Queer Theory Hannah Gibson Department of Communication Studies, Western Washington University COMM 220: Communication Theory Dr. David Purnell October 19, 2023
In order to understand and navigate the experiences of LGBTQ+ people, it is important to study Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) and Standpoint Theory in the combination of communication and queer theory. As Standpoint Theory emphasizes how social contexts and situations affect certain perceptions, Communication Accommodation Theory offers a lens on how people change their communication strategies. It becomes obvious how these ideas contribute to the discussion on inclusivity and identity representation by examining how they interact with queer theory. Standpoint Theory, according to Harding (2004), contends that a person's social standing influences how they view the world and their perspective. “In general, standpoint is simply taken as an understanding or perspective of the world regarding its social position.” (Harding, 2004). This theory is crucial in the context of queer theory since it clarifies the many viewpoints held by LGBTQ+ people. One could understand how their LGBTQ+ friends' experiences in their life are influenced by their perspective and their lens on the world. This can emphasize the certain consequences of heteronormativity on their day to day lives, such as someone who grew up in conservative state. According to Zhang (2010), the process of adjusting to one's communication style to accommodate their conversational partners is known as communication accommodation. The application of this theory within the idea of queer theory can be seen in the ways in which LGBTQ+ people interact with others in different social situations. To prevent potential prejudice or exclusion, a LGBTQ+ individual can, for example, quietly change their vocabulary or slang that they would normally talk to adjust
and fit in with a certain company that leans heavily toward the heteronormative. Personally for me with being Bi, I have as well adjusted the way that I talk based on who I’m talking to, which are individuals who lean towards the heteronormative. Another example I thought about was a scene in the show PEN15 (season 2, episode 6), where this kid was talking to another kid who is a part of the LGBTQ+ community and they had a nice conversation. As soon as the kids that are heteronormative came up, they immediately changed their tone and language to fit in with their other friends. The complicated dynamics of identity, power, and communication within the LGBTQ+ community are highlighted by the convergence of Standpoint Theory, Communication Accommodation Theory, and Queer theory. These theories highlight the significance of appreciating and understanding many different viewpoints and establishing inviting environments that validate the experiences of LGBT+ people. Society may create a more compassionate and accepting atmosphere for everyone by recognizing the distinctive perspectives of excluded groups and understanding the communication techniques they use (Harding, 2004; Zhang, 2010). In conclusion, in the context of queer theory, Standpoint Theory and Communication Accommodation Theory provide helpful ideas and insights into the complicated connections between communication, identity, and society norms. These theories place a strong emphasis on the value of appreciating other individuals' viewpoints and encouraging inclusive and welcoming environments outside the view of queer theory. By bringing in these theoretical viewpoints into our understandings of human communication, we can work to build a more accepting and fair society where each individual's distinctive experiences are valued and acknowledged.
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