16 candles

Stuck Rubber Baby, Chapters 12-End

So, yesterday in class we discussed whether the focus of this graphic novel was more on the racial aspect or the sexual identity aspect. It seems that overwhelmingly the class feels that the author places the emphasis on the latter.

I tend to disagree.

As you might be able to tell from my last post, it was instead the Civil Rights aspect of the story that stuck out to me. It might just be because in HIST 287 (African American Women- great class!) we just finished learning about the Civil Rights movement, so the topic is on my mind. I think it might also have something to do with the fact that, from the story's very beginning, grown-up Toland is drawn with his male partner, so you know how that aspect of the story turns out, even though it takes him the whole novel to get there. On the other hand, the outcome of the characters involved in the Civil Rights struggle is more uncertain throughout. Also, even when Toland does come to grips with his sexuality, the moment is tinged with aspects of the Civil Rights struggle. When Les and Toland finally get together, Les has to hide in the car because it would be dangerous for a black and white man to be together at night, regardless of sexuality. Lastly, the book closes with Anna Delyne and the lyrics and musical notes that have been prominent in the Civil Rights scenes throughout.

Obviously, both aspects of the story are important and function together to make the meaning work. I just think that the issue of racial equality stood out a bit more than the discussion of sexual identity.