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21 noviembre Controversy(Ash writes:) I recently had a very deep discussion with some fellow students in my Cultural Viewpoints class. I'm quite curious to get some more opinions and I'm really hoping that everyone will participate in this discussion. There is a lot of information to take in, but it will make one think (in a good way, I hope).
Reinaldo Arenas was a literary artist who lived in Cuba from about 1943 to 1980, when he was sent to America as what used to be called a "Marielito" (the ship they rode in on left from Mariel Harbor). Fidel Castro and his followers struggled in a resistance against Arenas almost his entire career as a writer, censoring his work and hiding facts about his lifestyle. Arenas, you see, was homosexual, a truth which Castro was adamently against. Reinaldo was persecuted, punished, and violated many times, and his every attempt to write about his experiences were opposed by his government. In class, we discussed the Cuban government's methods of persuasion in affect against an entire nation, the reasons why they were so against Arenas' works, and the tactics they used to push him out of his culture. For a better understanding of this operation, I would suggest seeing Julian Schnabel's film Before Night Falls.
Now for the purpose of this post: in class we read this short article on a new film coming out soon, Brokeback Mountain, entitled "Forbidden Territory". It sparked a discussion on the portrayal of homosexuality in the media and a nation's view of a long-debated subject. I'm interested to know people's opinions on homosexuality, mostly: In your opinion, what is the image of a stereotypical gay man? Is this true, why or why not? What outcome do you expect will come of the release of this film?
Also, just something minor to consider until I have a better chance to discuss it in class: artists like Gustav Klimt portrayed women in forms that conflicted with the standards of their time. Considering his painting "Danae", how would this painting be different if it were painted of a man masterbating? Also, see "The Virgin". What if these figures where male?
Please remember that I am asking you to be honest and respectful. I will be deleting any inappropriate responses to this subject, so if you cannot be mature, do not bother contributing. If you should take the time to communicate your opinions, I will do my best to view your MSN space in return for your time. |
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