Prompt 7

In chapter three, Visibly Queer, Pitts argues that queering of the body "cannot reflect true self invention, but rather complex negotiations between self and social" (page 92). I believe this argument also applies to normative body modifications. For example, consider fitness and exercise and the aspiration of being thin. Every person's "true" self is not thin. For many individuals, it is genetically coded that they are not to be thin. Yet, everyone aspires to be thin and feels like they should be, because we are brainwashed to believe thin is beautiful. Pitts argument suggests a "negotiation between self and social" and this appears in the above example. The social factor is society's pressure to be thin and this is compromised with self. Though there is a negotiation between the two, society has a greater influence when it comes to normative body modifications. Attempting to meet society's values of beauty leads to normative body modification, whereas, in contrast, attempting to go against society's values is what leads to non-normative body modifications. So, in my opinion, the negotiation between self and social is overwhelmed by the social aspect. I agree with Pitts, true self invention is not possible. Normative modifications do not reflect one's true self, but instead is a way of fitting into the normative community. So, from this we can get a definition of a normative community. It is a community that tries to meet society's standards or definitions. In extreme situations, people would undergo harsh conditions to be a part of this community and be looked at as beautiful and thin. So, though many of us are quick to judged the non-normative community, the sad truth is that we are use to the standards of the normative community, so we no longer see much wrong with it.