A Critical Introduction To Queer Theory

Running head: ENGLISH
Culture and Diversity
Name of the Student:
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Author Note

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Subjectivity can be referred to be as the philosophical concept which is central to the idea
of consciousness, truth and reality. Based on humanism and humanistic terms, subjectivity
related the whole person as a unique individual. Subjectivity based on the humanistic terms
promotes the exercise of free will as everyone can make their own choices and pave their own
path as they also face consequences too, based on their own decisions but not dictated by the
world and the set standards (Elliott 2013). The thesis of this paper is to discuss subjectivity from
the humanist model paying close attention to three quotes stated by Lady Gaga, Post Malone and
Chris Pratt.
Subjectivity can be broadly defined as the act of being a subject in the world or
experiencing the world based on their individual perspectives, worldview and thoughts. This is in
stark contrast with objectivity. Objectivity can be defined as the responses and perspectives
which are universal. Every person has their own experiences which shape them and therefore,
they become a moral and cultural subject of their own reality and world (Jordan, McClure and
Woodward 2017). Subjectivity thus involves how they perceive themselves and their projection
of self. The actions too are very much consciously chosen and define who they are rather than
being set by the world and objective reality (Horanyi 2013). In humanism, subjectivity is one of
the defining condition as essence succeeds existence (Elliott 2013). Therefore, one perceives
themself as a subject while building their essence.
Thus, when Lady Gaga says that “Don’t you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you
can’t be exactly who you are”, she intends to make people believe that their subjective reality
should be lived based on their individual and distinct perspectives which may not conform to the
objective reality (Shepherd 2016). Similar tone and approach can be located in the words of Post
Malone and Chris Pratt when they emphasize on finding one self (Elliott and Boyd 2018). Self

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actualization is very important when it comes to humanistic theory. One can achieve their full
potential if give freedom their creative expression, quest for knowledge and enlightenment rather
than following what is expected by the society or the set notions which confine a person.
Performativity can be understood as a language for social action which has effect of
change. Performativity was first described by John L. Austin, the philosopher of Language who
emphasized on the importance and capacity of speech for the actualization of action. He
characterized language with promises, betting, and several other actions such as a performance
of wedding ceremony and even when a judge gives a verdict on a case. Austin’s work was
extremely influential and inspired theorists like Judith Butler. Butler went on to argue that
gender is a social construction which has been shaped through various non-verbal
communication, speeches and actions which are nothing but performative in nature (Elliott
2013). These define and set standards for identities. Performativity, thus, challenges the notion
that secondary actions of a person is guided by their personal identity. Performativity, thus lays
emphasis on gestures, actions and behavior as the source as well as the result of one’s identity
(Butler 2015). Thus, a person’s identity is continuously shape and redefined through their
symbolic communication and actions. It is noteworthy, that Butler, was also heavily influenced
by philosophers like Louis Althusser and Michel Foucault while theorizing that gender is a social
construct.
Butler seeks to address three aspects through her theory of performativity as she intends
to dismantle the positivism with respect to gender, the some metaphysical presumptions which
are constructed through culture and reinstates through diverse mechanism through which the
construction operates and the assumptions based on which reality is constructed (Barclay 2016).
Butler, thus emphasizes on performative utterances, which can be exemplified with quotations