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Degrassi Next Classroom Theory

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Degrassi: Next Class, the Canadian TV show became popular for its depiction of teen drama, from cheating to islamophobia, to taking steroids. Degrassi shows real life problems from the perspective of teens. It makes real life problems relative for other teenagers and adults. In this essay I will critically analyze Yael; a character in Degrassi: next class using Queer theory. By using Queer theory I hope to highlight and emphasize the role of traditional gender roles, that are enforced on those in our society. I will specifically use the work of Judith Butler to emphasize the theory of gender being performative.

Yael is a character of Degrassi: Next class, who experiences gender dysphoria about being considered female in the first few seasons …show more content…

During this time they are alienated for their dislike of hobbies associated with traditional gender roles of women. Eventually they realize how about their chest size, and soon discover that they feel more like themselves in a binder. Cosequently, the audience is shown that Yael faces discrimination, and transphobia, as they choose not to conform to traditional gender roles and choose to use non-binary pronouns. Through this character Degrassi depicts gender as more of a spectrum than two specific genders, female and male. As it shows that Yael does not fit in either category and shows that there can be an in between, and a spectrum. Degrassi also shows how society rejects those who do not fit into the very specific gender standards that are enforced. This is seen in the effects of Yael coming out, as their peers question their identity and do not accept them at …show more content…

While their peers knew this is not how they wanted to live. Yael attempts to fit into this role, for example, wearing makeup in addition to being interested in fashion. While their attempt fails, it does show how gender is ultimately more of a performance we put on for those around us rather than how we actually desire to be perceived. Judith Butler emphasizes this in her theories as she believes that we perform gender rather than expressing it. This means that we are pushed into these gender roles, actively acting off of impressions of what we are told we should be or present. When Yael does not fit into this role, their peers reject them, and do what Butler claims is “Acting out”. They view them as something wrong or needing to be fixed rather than having a different gender identity than

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