CORE POST: Cvetkovich

I chose to do my core post on The Powers of Being seen which really dives into the idea that visibility, whether desirable or not (specifically with the male gaze) garners a lot of power. She also compares the two films Paris is Burning (a look at the Harlem Drug Ball for drag queens) and Truth or Dare (a rockumentary about Madonna’s tours) and the desires of both parties to emulate each others culture while also pushing the conversation of sexual and gender identity.

What I found really interesting about this article was the idea of self in both of these films. The idea of self is central in a drag community, and these balls often serve as vessels of grand self expression. It’s really a celebration and community centered-around self expression and the push for gender/sexual equality. Cvetkovich also explains that Madonna and her ability to morph into different identities is the central theme to all of her shows, as seen in Truth or Dare. This allows her to explore different facets of femininity, questioning ideals.

In both films, there’s an emphasis on the power of women and the push to recognize that power. Madonna took her visibility to push feminist power via (at the time) extreme performances that challenged gender norms. Her ability to be “seen” brought more attention to female power and individuality outside of cultural norms. The drag queens in PIB would also take on this image of female fierceness and challenge, along with Madonna, the idea of gender norms enforced by our culture. Both of their visibility served as mirrors to a system that was quick to keep people in boxes, drag queens taking a much bigger risk while doing so.

Note: If you haven't seen Paris Is Burning, check it out! It's fantastic.