B7 & camping it up
| Meta | |
|---|---|
| Title: | B7 & camping it up |
| Creator: | Lindley |
| Date(s): | August 13, 1996 |
| Medium: | online, posted to Lysator |
| Fandom: | focus on Blake's 7, but mentions others |
| Topic: | |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
B7 & camping it up is a 1996 essay posted to Lysator by Lindley.
Some Topics Discussed
- the differences among: camp, queer, and gay as often portrayed on the screen with media characters
- Blake's 7, Red Sonja, Babylon 5, Madonna
Excerpts
The debate about "queerness" on B7 seems to be to have a lot more to do with camp characters than gay characters. On one hand, these are not necessarily the same thing. On the other hand, camp is often used either to signal queerness for real or as a kind of short-hand for homosexuality in the media. It's just worth remembering that you can be gay but not camp/butch, butch or camp but not gay - unless, of course, you're in a tv sitcom.
To take Egrorian, Krantor and Toise first, yes I assumed _at least_ bisexuality there. Probably because I was responding to the above-mentioned shorthand, but if so I was responding as an ideal viewing subject. Also, if a character's sexuality is not made explicit, I have a problem with assuming that they're straight. People often require "proof" of homosexuality where they do not require "proof" of heterosexuality. And of course, in a homophobic society, it is far easier to come by proof of someone being able to sexually/romantically relate to the opposite sex than it is to find proof of same-sex desire. And if we do see "proof" of one kind of sexuality, it does not preclude them being capable of the other kind. (Believe me, I know.) I tend to assume everyone comes somewhere along the continuum of bisexuality, unless proved otherwise. As [N] points out, we can expect 5-10% gay in any case.
I assumed Tynus and Avon had been lovers some time in the past. Also that it had been a highly unequal relationship, with Avon as his manipulative worst. Proof? None - it just seemed to be to be a particularly strong subtext in "Killer." It helps explain why Tynus betrayed them for one thing. Avon reappearing in his life and being a completely fascist, if flirtatious, bully would have sent anyone over the edge.
Tynus and Egrorian - well, be fair. Who _wouldn't_ want Vila? He's just so damned vulnerable. Sigh.
The campness in "Gambit" is stereotypical, yes, but offensive, I think no. It is a pity that gay images in the media are so limited, but as [M] points out, at least these were not characters _defined_ by their sexuality. Yes, these were extraordinary characters in extraordinary roles. In any case, camp can be a valid political statement, so it is hard to dismiss as offensively stereotypical.
In any case, gay characters should not have to bear the burden of the representation of all queers and thus be angels. Het characters certainly aren't treated as representative. [F] mentions Red Sonja (and what good taste she has, too. It beats Plan 9 dead for the best-worst movie of all time). This is a fantastic example of what I mean. The Queen is portrayed as an evil, perverted killer dyke. Do I thus reject her as a homophobic representation? Not on your life. I wouldn't do without her. She has three major advantages:
- 1) She's there. Zero representation being my biggest problem with the mass media, which is after all so much more entertaining and accessible than the alternative media.
- 2) She's not a victim. She's a goddess.
- 3) She's played by Sandahl Bergman in a very sexy costume, impenetrable accent and all. Definitely an advantage... my point being: too rigid policing can threaten gay representation altogether and/or result in a poverty of images.
Servalan - we have camp again! Camp is _not_ a male prerogative. Wimmin - particularly but not exclusively lesbians - can camp it up in two major ways. One, obviously, is butch. The other is to exaggerate femininity and trad female glamour out of all proportion. Madonna is one of the most famous proponents of both methods. This is definitely what Servalan, with those gorgeous clothes and stiletto sandals, does. The point is, she breaks female stereotypes right left and centre. BUT her clothes are stereotypical enough to climb into the realm of satire. It's a self-referring double play on the constructed nature of femininity, if you like (witness the crew-cut).
Servalan being camp doesn't necessarily mean she's gay. It _does_ mean she's readily and delightfully available for lesbian appropriation. I do tend to assume she's bi because of "Pressure Point.". She seemed to feel a little too intensely about Kasabi for someone who merely disapproved of traitors. After all, Servalan wasn't overwhelmingly devoted to duty herself. Her reaction seemed - well, personal. Not just student-mentor personal either - more like rejected lover personal. Kasabi's spoiled-brat cracks seemed to _hurt_. And what was she intending to do with that pretty little girl, anyway? What exactly did Jenna walk in on?
Tahlia and Ivanova. What a swizz. When B5 began to develop the theme I was sitting there thinking, I can't believe this - this is perfect. Two wonderful, multifaceted wimmin slowly developing a loving, equal, sensual relationship. For the genre, Tahlia waking in the night and forlornly reaching out to where Ivanova should have been was astonishingly direct. But was it a coincidence that Tahlia was then immediately taken over by an evil Psi-Corp alternative personality? Serves me right for expecting too much.