What I Have Learned/ What I Want to Learn

Sexuality, Race, & Subjugation:

     Although several of the texts we have already studied contain instances of homosexuality/bisexuality, I don't understand the way these scenes are portrayed. In On the Road, homosexuality/bisexuality is presented as part of a double standard. Kerouac shows a sense of disdain for many of the gay individuals he encounters on his travels, yet Allen Ginsberg (who was homosexual) remains one of his greatest friends and most trusted literary advisors. Similarly, Neal Cassady often uses derogatory language to condemn those who are not straight, yet he has no qualms about seducing (and most likely having sex) with a man in hopes of receiving money in exchange. Even, William Burroughs, whose writings from Queer and Junkie openly portray a biographic sexual relationship between himself and "Allerton," a sense of prejudice still exists. There is often a distinction between people Burroughs calls "gay" and those that he calls "fag." This differing use of language is never made clear, but the "gay" group seems to be more acceptable and elevated than those who are referred to with offensive labels. I'd like to know where the Beats viewed themselves on this scale, as well as why these methods of separation were created at all.

     Similarly related is the conflicting views of race, especially in relation to African Americans. Throughout On the Road, Kerouac esteems black jazz musicians, elevating them to the status of a deity. However, Kerouac also expresses a racist attitude toward blacks, going so far as to say that African Americans are genetically programmed to work in the fields. After reading Leroi Jones's plays, I'm also interested in seeing a perspective on race from another black author, or simply a white person whose views are different from those of Kerouac and Cassady. Jones presented more of a black nationalist viewpoint, so it would be an interesting contrast to read a piece dealing with integration.

     The treatment of sexuality and race across the Beat writings we have read are issues I have been trying to  reconcile since the beginning of this course. This particular subject it is one of the many that exposes the disparity between philosophy and action within the Beat movement. Although the Beats seemed to be acting out against social expectations and traditional codes of morality, they still impose their own beliefs onto others and create a microcosm of society. There is still a stratification of groups, and I would appreciate a more thorough understanding of why the Beats replicated the very structure they rebelled against.

Gender:

     The view of women presented by Kerouac and Cassady was quite misogynistic, as women were primarily discussed in relation to sex, desire, or as part of a marriage. Women never seemed to act on their own accord, or express any sense of autonomy. However, the writings by female Beats portrayed women as creators, individuals, and less obsessed with grandiose themes and experiences. Selections like di Prima's poem "Song for Baby-O Unborn" portrayed a woman in the "traditional" role of a mother in a domestic setting, but di Prima also asserted that she would raise her child in her chosen lifestyle, rather than try to emulate a societal standard. After reading so many texts by men, it was refreshing to see a female perspective on gender. In the future, I think it would be worthwhile to explore direct female responses to/critiques of the male Beats, if such writings exist.