Drag

Definition

Drag refers to a performance art where individuals, often men, dress and act in a manner typically associated with women, showcasing exaggerated femininity. This act serves as a means of challenging traditional gender norms and highlights the idea that gender is not an inherent identity but rather a performance shaped by cultural norms and societal expectations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Drag performances often involve lip-syncing, dancing, and comedic elements, allowing performers to critique and play with gender roles.
2. Judith Butler argues that drag can expose the constructed nature of gender by illustrating how it can be performed and exaggerated.
3. In drag culture, the term 'queen' typically refers to male performers who adopt feminine personas, while 'king' may refer to female performers embodying masculine traits.
4. Drag has historical roots in theater, where male actors traditionally played female roles due to restrictions on women performing on stage.
5. The popularity of drag has surged in recent years, especially with the rise of shows like 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' which has brought mainstream visibility to LGBTQ+ culture.

Review Questions

• How does drag challenge traditional notions of gender identity?
  • Drag challenges traditional notions of gender identity by demonstrating that gender is a performance rather than an inherent trait. By exaggerating feminine characteristics, drag performers reveal the ways in which society constructs and enforces gender norms. This performance highlights that both masculinity and femininity can be acted out, suggesting that they are not fixed identities but rather roles that can be performed differently.
• Discuss the connection between drag performances and Judith Butler's theory of gender performativity.
  • Judith Butler's theory of gender performativity posits that gender is not a stable identity but an ongoing performance shaped by cultural norms. Drag performances embody this concept by showcasing how gender can be exaggerated or subverted through theatrical acts. Performers use drag to illustrate that what society perceives as 'natural' gender traits are actually learned behaviors, thus revealing the fluidity of gender identity itself.
• Evaluate the impact of contemporary drag culture on societal perceptions of gender and sexuality.
  • Contemporary drag culture has significantly impacted societal perceptions of gender and sexuality by promoting acceptance and celebration of diversity in expressions of identity. The visibility brought about by shows like 'RuPaul's Drag Race' has facilitated discussions around gender fluidity and LGBTQ+ rights, challenging normative beliefs. As audiences engage with drag art, they become more aware of the complexities surrounding gender and sexuality, paving the way for greater inclusivity and understanding in society.

Related terms

Gender Performativity: The concept that gender is not a fixed identity but rather an ongoing performance shaped by societal norms and expectations.

Queer Theory: An academic approach that explores and challenges the societal constructs surrounding gender and sexuality, emphasizing fluidity and diversity in these concepts.

Camp: A style of aesthetic characterized by exaggerated and theatrical behavior, often embracing bad taste or humor to subvert norms, closely related to drag performances.