Reconceptualized Family Films

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the construction of a "chosen family" among homosexuals and transgendered people facilitates the building of a supportive community, which understands and serves their needs. The paper then applies this concept to the films "Southern Comfort" and "Paris is Burning" in which a reconceptualization family acts as the integral foundation for support, survival, success and growth of love for each individual involved. The paper uses the insight of these films to reexamine the traditional concepts of family in terms of social, economic, racial, and gender relations.

From the Paper:

"The Vogue scene combats everyday adversity by creating "houses" or "families." A house comprises itself of members whom win a competition and claim the victory in the name of that house. Venus Xtravaganza won her first Ball competition and claimed the victory in the name of the House of Xtravaganza. Declaring the victory in the house's name thus marked her official membership to the Xtravaganza. Matriarchy defines house leadership as the "Mother" acts as head of the House and either male or female can be the "mother.""

Sample of Sources Used:

• Amy Hoffman, Hospital Time. Durham and London, Duke University Press, 1997.

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• Analytical Essay # 88748 : "War Films as Military Propaganda"

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