Paris Is Burning
There is a general consensus about things our society labels as Taboo. The sort of topics looked down upon range from prostitution to age of consent. Most will agree that taboo issues are not morally correct. But there are some things that are taboo which need a little more thought before being put into that category. Gender bending has continuously been made into a horrible thing not to be mentioned unless it is the center of a joke. “Paris Is Burning” presents the real life story of gay men in Harlem who come together in one desperate act of self-fulfillment. By selecting related interview clips and juxtaposing them between actual shots of competitions, Jennie Livingston connects and expresses struggle and hardship as the glue that holds gay Harlem together. In addition, she hopes to send a message that creates an overall view of a family unit apparent and necessary in gay metropolitan life. What exactly is a ball? Pepper Labeija remarks, “Gay people, men, gather together under one roof and decide to have a competition amongst themselves.” The ball scene is the first that gives the viewer a glimpse of the event circuit the film focuses on. We see a cutaway from the bold word “BALLS” to the ballroom
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Some common words found in the essay are:
Pepper Labejia, Venus Extravaganza, Anji Extravaganza, House Houses, Pepper Labeija, Paris Burning, York Ball, Final Draft, Jennie Livingston, Balls York, society transgender, paris burning, ball participants explaining, drag queens, transgender people, gay harlem, explaining significance, participants explaining, house names, pepper labeija, holds gay,
Approximate Word count = 1425
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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