[FIST 325] Understanding Queer Culture: Paris is Burning

One of the reasons I took this class on top of exposing myself to types of film I've never seen before is to learn more about these cultures and communities. The film for this week Paris is Burning was a documentary that was abele to help not only understand the queer culture better but also learn more of the troubles that surround it.

This film to my understanding is one of the first films to really highlight the culture and educate the viewer on this unique thing that happens in New York. Yes there are some definite controversies surrounding this film especially in Bell Hooks writings. Since then as television and media as a whole has grown there have been some more mainstream pieces of media showcasing the queer culture. There is a positive aspect to this in the sense that it can educate people about the culture. I for one am not too educated on this type of culture which is why I took the class, and watching this film, reading the assigned readings, and listening to the class discussion I was able to get a much better understanding of the culture. The mainstream of this type of media is a double edged sword as as it shows the culture it can also develop stereotypes of the community. People might see this as the only way the queer community is represented and that shows like pose are the example, but everyone is different it stereotyping is bad for a reason.

I know this blog post mirrors the prompt on Moodle but it is what I wanted to talk about in my blog.

Pepper LaBeija in Paris is Burning

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