"That's so gay" controversy

[Laura M. Ahearn]

Greta,

Check out this great article by Deborah Cameron:

Cameron, Deborah. 1998. “Performing gender identity: young men’s talk 
and the construction of heterosexual masculinity.” In Coates, J. (ed.), 
Language and Gender: A Reader, pp.270-284.

Laura

Laura M. Ahearn
Associate Professor
Department of Anthropology
Rutgers University
(732) 932-5298
http://anthro.rutgers.edu/faculty/ahearn.shtml


Greta Vollmer wrote:

>Hi, all...
>
>I'm wondering if you can offer any references for research into
>contemporary teen slang, and in particular the use of "that's so gay" as a
>derogatory term, or the extensive use of faggot as an insult.  I've been
>asked to comment on a recent controversy in a local high school in which a
>student was reprimanded for using the expression and the district is now
>being sued.  I have my own thoughts on the case, obviously, but I'd like
>to know if you know of any good studies I can bring to bear in the
>discussion.
>
>Thanks,
>Greta
>
>
>
>Greta Vollmer
>Associate Professor
>Dept of English
>Sonoma State University
>1801 E. Cotati Blvd
>Rohnert Park, CA 94928
>707-664-2504
>Fax:  707-664-4401
>
>  
>