How Identity is linked to Institutions of Power and Social Expectations
Deconstruction Theory
Institutions such as school,
government, religion, politics, and relationships create the social constructions of sexuality, race, gender, and class.
Impulse implies the danger of not fitting in with these norms, and what can happen to young adults who don't know how to negotiate how to fit in, survive, and function in their daily lives happily and successively.
Impulse implies the danger of not fitting in with these norms, and what can happen to young adults who don't know how to negotiate how to fit in, survive, and function in their daily lives happily and successively.
Queer Theory
The Queer theory suggests that a person's sexual identity depends on what is socially constructed and accepted, and focuses to encompass any kind of sexual activity or identity that falls into normative and deviant categories.
-Tony fits into this theory as he constructs his sexuality on what he thinks is "right" under societal norms. At Aspen Grove, he falls in love with Vanessa, proving that he doesn't have to believe in what society tells him to be.
-Vanessa's father vocalizes the more "dominant" belief that it is not acceptable in society to have a non-heterosexual identity, which is incorporated in his accordance with the dominant institutions of government and religion.
-Sexual Violence and Molestation occur to both of the male characters in this book, causing them to question their sexuality and where they want to find love.
-Tony fits into this theory as he constructs his sexuality on what he thinks is "right" under societal norms. At Aspen Grove, he falls in love with Vanessa, proving that he doesn't have to believe in what society tells him to be.
-Vanessa's father vocalizes the more "dominant" belief that it is not acceptable in society to have a non-heterosexual identity, which is incorporated in his accordance with the dominant institutions of government and religion.
-Sexual Violence and Molestation occur to both of the male characters in this book, causing them to question their sexuality and where they want to find love.
Feminist Theory
Vanessa's relationship with Trevor shows how she fits into the female stereotype of being submissive to the dominant, male role.
She talks about how men think about sex as a commodity, and admits to trading sex for love.
"Sex, for me, was only
about feeling good
when vines of mania
snared me,
pulled me into
this space where my brain
felt so great, my body
didn't want to get leff behind."
She talks about how men think about sex as a commodity, and admits to trading sex for love.
"Sex, for me, was only
about feeling good
when vines of mania
snared me,
pulled me into
this space where my brain
felt so great, my body
didn't want to get leff behind."
- Girls who attempt suicide are more likely to try killing themselves by overdosing on pills or by cutting themselves. Cutting is a behavior that is more common among girls. Additionally, overdosing on pills is a less violent way to commit suicide. Some girls even choose pills because it allows them time to "stage" their appearance before. Some girls find it more "romantic" to die in such a way
- Boys are more likely to choose a method of attempted suicide that is more lethal - and quick. Boys more often use guns (60 percent of all suicides in the United States make use of a gun), jump from great heights or hang themselves. This is why they are more likely to die in a suicide attempt. By the time someone discovers a problem, it is usually too late to prevent death.