Hybrid - Bisexuals, Multiracials, and Other Misfits Under American Law

The United States, and the West in general, have always organized society along bipolar lines. We are either white or black, gay or straight, male or female, disabled or not. In recent years, however, America seems increasingly aware of those who defy such easy categorization. Yet, rather than being welcomed for the challenges they offer, people "living the gap" are often stigmatized by all the communities to which they might belong. These hybrids befuddle courts because existing classifications do not fit them. Ruth Colker here argues that our bipolar classification system obscures a genuine understanding of the very nature of subordination. By rejecting conventional bipolar categories, we can broaden our understanding of sexuality, gender race, and disability. Acknowledging that categorization is crucial and unavoidable in a world of practical problems and day-to-day conflicts, Colker shows how categories can and must be improved, for the good of all.

About the author

Ruth Colker

Summary

The United States, and the West in general, has always organized society along bipolar lines. We are either gay or straight, male or female, white or not, disabled or not. This book argues that our bipolar classification system obscures a genuine understanding of nature of subordination. It shows how categories can be improved for the good of all.

Product details

• Authors: Ruth Colker, Thomas Ferraro
• Publisher: New York University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.05.1996
• EAN: 9780814715383
• ISBN: 978-0-8147-1538-3
• No. of pages: 314
• Dimensions: 139 mm x 206 mm x 20 mm
• Weight: 363 g
• Series: Critical America (New York Uni; Critical America
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > Politics, society, business > Politics; Social sciences, law, business > Sociology > Sociological theories