Queer theory

From Conservapedia

Queer theory is a branch of modern literary criticism that attempts to analyze traditional interpretations of gender in literature with a new assumption that gender is not dichotomously defined. The goal is to question whether characters and authors can truly be said to be male or female, or heterosexual versus homosexual. The conclusion by queer theorists often is to say, "it's somewhere in between", in order to imply that there is a continuum in gender or sexuality. This implies that one can fluidly shift along the spectrum and that gender confusion occurs as a natural phenomenon. Such a perspective would entail a degradation of traditional concepts and support the acceptance of homosexuality as a "normal" variant.

It is a misnomer to call this literary criticism a theory since no scientific data supports it -- it is simply interpretation of fiction. Therefore it cannot be disproved, violating one of the maxims for being a theory. The movement known as queer theory grew out of a distinctly postmodern approach to criticism, and has drawn attacks for excessive interpretations in favor of perpetuating its views. It is also criticized for bringing analyses of homosexuality and gender confusion to classic texts that are hardly suggestive of any genderbending or homosexual themes, such as Shakespeare or Alice in Wonderland. It is a sign of the queer theorists desperation in advancing their agenda that they feel compelled to include these works into their theorizing, instead of restricting their analysis to authors with clear examples (such as the works of playwright Oscar Wilde).

There are occasional exceptions where queer theory brings new light to texts, such as the groundbreaking insight by Richard Fantina in Hemingway ’s Masochism, Sodomy, and the Dominant Woman, which delved into the notable patterns of androgyny and sexual confusion underlying much of the author Ernest Hemingway's work.