Jennifer Olmsted: Jennifer Olmsted is an anthropology student at the University of Southern California
ASSAULTS ON CONVENTION explores the many types of lesbians that exist within the gay community. Society has built the illusion that all lesbians look, act, and think the same way. This book is a collection of original essays on women who created their own sexuality through their appearance, attitude, and even through their actions. It emphasizes the common idea that each and every lesbian possesses different qualities, and that there are no longer any guidelines that define what a lesbian is. The title projects the true theme of the book, which is that lesbians are breaking down the layers of stereotypes, and restrictions, with a considerable amount of force.
This book focuses on the several different types of lesbians that go against the grain of stereotypes and live their lives based on the way they feel most comfortable. There are several stereotypes associated with the lifestyles of lesbians. One particular issue is the way lesbians view themselves and their body image. An anonymous writer discusses the stereotypes associated with this issue. She writes, “Dykes don't have problems with food. We're far too sussed. We've read the book, we know about the pressures to look thin, but we have a great attitude towards our bodies” (62). This assumption and stereotype is wrong, and the chapters on this subject that follow this statement discuss anorexia, bulimia, and compulsion and how it relates to several lesbians' lives. There are different sections written by various authors about this subject.
This book takes several different issues, and explores all the different aspects. Each writer within this book has a personal take on the issue at hand and writes about their own experiences. The sections in this book include lesbian drag queens, eating disorders, butch versus femme lesbians, political views, lesbians having sex with men, and several others. The fact of the matter is, is that there is no true defining characteristic of any lesbian. Every lesbian is different, and has various qualities that extend this difference. Charlotte Ashton explains this in her own words, “As a single, all-encompassing definition of what constitutes a lesbian becomes increasingly difficult, this chapter looks at how a new broader definition of lesbianism—post lesbianism—is being negotiated in and through the mainstream media.”
This book explores the beauty behind the various differences in the lesbian community. We are all individuals, with individual characteristics. The essays within this book are the stories of women who went against the conventional ideals, and lived their lives as they chose.
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