Heteronomitivity and the Office: Recognizing Moments of Positive Confrontation

• In Event: Scholar to Scholar I
  In Paper Session: Confronting Heteronormative Discourse: Perspectives on GLTB identity struggles

Abstract

Scholarship is dominated by explanations over the identity struggles of LGBT persons face from a variety of cultural perspectives. The workplace may be one of the most pronounced moments of uncertainty. “Coming out” in the workplace may produce unnecessary pressure on the LGBT person for fear that “exposure” may result in subtle and overt forms of discrimination. One should be aware of these issues when considering the possibility of disclosing one’s sexual preference within the workplace. The factor that needs more attention is the unspoken potential for the workplace to become a rhetorical event of productive confrontation and understanding. To provide support for this argument we shall provide a retelling of the popular television show The Office and the struggles the character Oscar Martinez faces with his fellow workers. We shall use the Lacanian notion of the Law of Desire to reconceptualize an identity that has the potential to challenge workplace heteronormative norms.

Authors

• Dawn New, Indiana University

• Donald Peters, Ball State University

• Katie Rasmussen, Wayne State Univ