Question

Literature & Culture: Alien Invasions in Fiction & Film

The queer, as defined in queer theory by philosophers like Eve Sedgwick and Judith Butler, is that which rejects normative behavior and challenges social structure. The queer disrupts fundamental social categories, blurs lines, and crosses boundaries. Homoeroticism is queer because it challenges heteronormativity and family structure. The queer disrupts the social economy because it is non-productive and non-reproductive; it embraces pleasure rather than work.

In what ways is the xenomorph (extraterrestrial alien) in the film Alien represented as queer? In what ways does the alien challenge human biological and behavioral norms? How is alien reproduction monstrous?

Answer 1

1) Ways in which the xenomorph (extraterrestrial alien) in the film Alien represented as queer:

- Gender neutrality = They had similar genderless uniforms, used their second names only removing the femininity or masculinity which was given through first names

- Stripped of motherhood and any feelings

- Forced coital scenes that symbolize rape

2) Ways i n which the alien challenge human biological and behavioral norms:

- Challenge our body integrity

- They do not have any feelings such as motherhood, romantic dependency and are gender neutral.

- Toxic masculinity e.g. stubbornness, a fragile ego and aggression.

3) Alien reproduction is monstrous in the following ways:

- Look like giant insects

- Hatch from leathery, reptilian eggs then sheds their skin as they grow like a snake

- Seem insectine ( insect-like) with their exoskeleton but their vertebrae are clearly exposed

- Do not have the most basic rules about what should be inside and what should be outside