The Queer Theory

The queer theory is a field of gender studies that emerged in the early 1990's out of the gay/lesbian studies and feminist studies. Although many believe that the queer theory is only about homosexual representations in literature, it also explores categories of gender as well as sexual orientation. It is not only concerned with sexuality but also with identity.


It sees gender as constructed socially to some extent through out association with the media. For example, gender stereotypes are conveyed clearly through the cartoon programme Scooby Doo:

Daphne wears make-up and feminine colours like purple and all these features represent a strongly feminine girly-woman

 On the other hand, Velma's square glasses, freckles, unstyled haircut and oversized/unfashionable orange jumper make her appear less feminine and attractive than Daphne. Could Velma be a stereotype of a cartoon lesbian? 

Fred is tall, well-muscled and well-dressed. He is typically handsome with a groomed haircut and clean-looking haircut. Fred is the typically attractive man that the typically attractive woman (like Daphne) would be paired with