Week 3 - Paris is Burning

     This week's film Paris is Burning was really interesting. During Tuesday's class, my classmates brought up some really interesting points that I hadn't considered. Initially, my reaction towards Paris is Burning was that I was happy for the fact that the LGBTQ, black, and brown communities were gaining recognition and exposure through this film. In addition, being someone that had no prior knowledge of ball culture, it was really insightful. During Tuesday's class, there was a lot of discussion around the movie not providing an accurate representation of black and queer communities during this time. Specifically, the negative aspects of ball culture such as the problem of AIDS and prostitution, the residents of the house not having attainable goals, etc. While I definitely felt that those things were important to discuss, I don't know how different of a vibe the movie would've had if it had discussed those issues. I, personally, just enjoyed learning about the positive aspects of the community and how the residents had a safe place to be themselves and also be able to be around others of a similar background. There were many comments from the residents during the film like "I want to be a model", "I want to be rich". I never actually thought about those goals were unattainable but rather, I applauded them for shooting high. 

    Another aspect of Tuesday's class that I found interesting was the dicussion of whether the tv show Pose is good or not. I became so curious by how divided the class was that I later watched two epsiodes of the show that same day. I really enjoyed it and will definitely be finishing the rest of the series. I did find the white male character quite odd, as many others had said before. I do wonder if a character who is white, male, and straight serves a purpose in the show or if it is simply for the gaze of the non-BIPOC population that may also be viewing the show. I found the relationship of Elektra and Blanca conflicting. Because on one hand, I think it is great that Blanca was inspired to start her own house but on the other, I hate how the two are pinned against each other instead of supporting one another. I think it is great that a show like this exists and that it gives both the BIPOC and queer community screen time. I'm excited to watch the rest of the show!