What role do our
parents play in our lives? The scientific argument of nature vs. nurture looks
at certain aspects of an individual and debates what plays a more important
role in someone’s life: their genes or their upbringing. However, it is now
more widely accepted to believe that it is actually a combination of the two
that shape “who we are.” Certain genes determine particular aspects of
ourselves, but the product of the experiences also shapes us. It is more
fascinating that certain, unusual traits can be controlled by this dichotomy. Fun Home depicts Alison Bechdel’s
childhood highlighting the strange relationship between herself and her father.
Throughout Fun Home, Bechdel depicts
herself in a similar, if not mirroring way to her father to highlight the similarities
between them and the influence he has had on her. Her father is a closeted homosexual and
Bechdel later comes out as a homosexual herself. Is it a coincidence that
Bechdel ends up being gay? On the contrary, her sexual preference may be
completely determined from her father. Bechdel’s sexuality is due to the
genetic predisposition she inherited from her father as well as his aggressive behavior
and hidden sexuality. Understanding Bechdel in a scientific perspective allows
the reader to understand the graphic novel as an even more thought-out piece
than before. The scientific background shows the art can be a textbook of her
life. Furthermore, Bechdel’s situation shows more about the immense impact
everyone’s parents have on not just their sexuality, but on the shaping of
every aspect of life.
In Fun Home, Bechdel depicts her father in
very distinct ways throughout the book. She does show him as extremely
controlling, but she also chooses to draw him in a similar matter to herself.
Her tendency to show the similarities (rather than the differences) between
them begins the connections of the role her father plays in shaping who she is.
She knows, at least on a subconscious level, that her sexuality is due to her
father. An example is on page 67 in the middle frame (Bechdel). Bechdel depicts
her father arriving home from work and removing his coat as he leaves the
kitchen, walking away from her and her mother. She purposely draws her mother
facing away from the frame’s perspective so that her face is hidden showing
that her father is supposed to be emphasized. Her autobiographical drawing of
herself shows her with slightly wavy hair that falls over her face, which is
shown with a rounded nose and half-moon shaped eyes. She looks towards her
father in hope of guidance, perhaps even in specifically with her sexuality.
Bechdel draws her father in a similar way; most specifically his eyes and nose are
the matured equivalent of her own (Bechdel). Drawing him as the older version
of herself shows that Bechdel knows she has similarities with her father, which
starts the discussion of how much he impacts her sexuality.
There are many
other examples of Bechdel’s depiction of herself and her father, but an important
one is on page 123, as it depicts her subconscious dreaming which is very
closely linked to true sexual preference (Bechdel). The last frame shows Bechdel
facing her father in a dream. She first places her father opposite of herself;
they are purposely mirroring each other. She even makes the attempt to make
herself look more masculine than she does in the first frame of the page. In
the first frame she is not shown with her father, and she looks more feminine
in all aspects (eyes, hair, nose), but when she is shown mirroring her father
she looks particularly more masculine. She portrays herself more like her
father when she is with him. Her nose becomes pointier, her eyebrows are in
distinct points rather than curved arches, and her mouth is small and bent
downwards. Her father is depicted in almost every way as a reflection of
herself. She goes even farther on the following page (Bechdel 124). The first
frame shows the pair as silhouettes, standing next to each other. While she is
shown as a smaller version, she is clearly supposed to be the miniature version
of her father.
An additional connection
that Bechdel makes is comparing herself with her father in terms of colors.
Blue, more specifically midnight blue represents herself, while a rich golden yellow
represents her father. Even though these colors differ in a many ways and can
be used to show the distinct differences between the characters, they also show
the similarities. The colors are opposite of each other on the color wheel
which in an artistic sense means that they can be paired together. They act on
each other and emphasize the other’s tones. They also mix to make green, the
color most associated with nature. It shows that the blue and yellow are at
their heart related, in this case literally father and daughter. The artistic
choices Bechdel makes in Fun Home
show that there is more to her relationship with her father than just his power
over his family; there is a connection between them in many other ways.
It is also
important to look at the similarities between Bechdel’s personal experiences and
her father’s sexual progression. Bechdel shows that as a child she liked to
dress up in male clothing, an external sign of children who are struggling with
their inner sexuality (Bechdel 182 Lippa 22). In one scene, as she and a friend
are playing, they dress up in her father’s clothes and Bechdel expresses a
great feeling of sadness when they stop playing the game. Later in life she
finds a picture of her father wearing women’s clothing, representing her
father’s similar struggle with his sexuality (Bechdel 120). When she finds the photo
of her father she states, “…even the angle of shadow falling across our faces—it’s
about as close as a translation can get” (Bechdel 120). The fact that Bechdel’s
father and Bechdel want to be less feminine and less masculine respectively, is
another reason to look at his effect on his daughter’s sexuality.
In the past, there
has been a consistent debate as to which affects an offspring more: nature or
nurture. Nature representing the genes they receive from their parents. Nurture
representing the way they are raised and the environment they grow up in. Some
studies show that anyone can overcome certain genetic factors, while others say
that certain ones such as a developmental disease (cerebral palsy for example)
are proof that these matter most. Then there are researchers who show that
anyone can overcome a difficult home life such as growing up in the slums, but
the reality is that the amount of people who successfully accomplish this is
small, showing that nature must play some sort of role (Goldhaber). Recently,
it has been concluded that it is most likely that a mixture of both factors
affect an individual (Goldhaber). Of course both nature and nurture play a role
in someone’s personality and certain traits. With this new idea, people have
begun to focus on how these affect certain traits that are typically not
thought of as influential by parents (Goldhaber). One of the most fascinating “traits”
is sexuality or sexual preference of offspring.
There is a
continued debate as to whether sexuality is a choice. However, if it is assumed
that it is not controllable, what role do parents play in the predetermination.
Sexual identity has three main components that can be affected by events and
therefore Bechdel’s sexual identity can be due to her nature and her nurture (Goldberg 127). There
are many studies that are interested in the sexuality of children who have one
or multiple gay parents. Currently, scientists believe that sexual orientation
is due to a multitude of factors that begin in the fetal stage. Genetics do
seem to play an important role in overall sexual orientation. The most obvious
research proving this is shown in twin studies where identical twins tend to be
more similar in sexual orientation than non-identical twins (Goldberg 132). The
twin study is one of the most important proofs that homosexuality is controlled
by genetics (Steen 193). Therefore, if a parent possesses the “homosexual gene”
and passes the gene on then the child will possess a genetic marker that
determines their sexual orientation. In addition, research shows that the
“social environment may be operative in the development of sexual orientation”
(Goldberg 133). For children with two homosexual parents, the more open views
allow individuals to truly think about their sexuality and determine their
course, rather than assuming the typical heterosexual identity. Studies prove
that social norms and social environment can affect sexuality depending on the
individual (Goldberg 134). It is not that it completely determines their
sexuality, but rather it influences the degrees to which they act upon “their
own same-sex desires” (Goldberg 134).
After the twin
studies first began, research began to find the specific gene which may
“control” sexuality. In 1993, a team of researchers discovered a gene on the X
chromosome that may be the “homosexuality gene” (Pool). The study was specifically
on gay men and not women, but since females have two X chromosomes (one from
each parent) and the specified gene is on an X chromosome, females must inherit
the gene if either parent possesses it. There is still some debate as to if
this specific gene is the only one that controls sexuality and to what affect
other genes have on sexuality because it is clear that is complex with multiple
alleles. However, it is clear that genetic disposition is a factor in
sexuality.
While research on
the impact of gay and lesbian parents on children is growing rapidly due to the
wider acceptance of homosexuality, it is important to remember that gay parents
have always existed (Goldberg 3). Many parents including Bechdel’s father have raised
children in heterosexual relationships without many people ever knowing that
they were in fact not heterosexual. However, even though their sexuality may
not be clear, it is still not a personal choice and therefore its impact occurs
no matter if it is known in the moment or not. The impact of Bechdel’s father’s
hidden sexuality still plays a very important role in her sexuality even though
he is not out as a homosexual parent, and the research still applies to her
sexuality.
Bechdel’s father
can be most easily described as a closeted gay man (there is some discrepancy
because he does not self-identify). As someone who is in many ways living a
lie, he often has outbursts of anger in moments when he loses control of his
life. Since Bechdel has a strained relationship with her absent, abusive
father, she wants to be different than him. She embraces masculinity in an
attempt to be different than him. However, she does not know that the effect of
her father’s sexuality and his identity cannot be reversed. He creates the
identity of his daughter in more ways than either of them know.
Research shows
that nature or the social environment of one’s upbringing at least is a factor
in their expression of sexuality and the ability to properly consider being
non-heterosexual. Therefore, it is
necessary to look at Bechdel’s childhood experiences to see not only how her
father’s hidden sexuality affected her own, but also how his abuse/absence
affects her sexuality journey. As previously mentioned, the genetic effects of
sexuality are not hidden simply because the parent is a closeted homosexual,
but the impact of a household environment with “out” homosexual parents is
different than one with a closeted parent (Steen 185). In the latter, the
parent must live a continuous internal struggle with who they are and who they
pretend to be. As they try to live a life that isn’t inherently theirs, a large
psychological impact grows (Pennington 37). This psychological struggle is a
major factor in Bechdel’s father’s anger. When there are moments that he feels
out of control, the only way he can express his unhappiness is by yelling at
his children, the reminders that show the person he pretends to be. Since
Bechdel grew up in constant unknowing of what her father would do, one must
also look at the psychological impact on her sexuality. In many cases of abuse,
especially when the abuser is male, the victim stops being attracted to the sex
of the abuser (Letourneau). Since Bechdel’s abuse started at a young age, it is
quite likely that she started displaying and embracing lesbian tendencies to
exile anyone who was like her father. By being attracted to women rather than
men, she put up a subconscious defense mechanism against being abused again
(Letourneau). Due to the abuse, Bechdel was never attracted to men because she
wanted to exile anyone who was like her father, anyone who was a man.
There are still
some people in the scientific community who believe that sexuality is
completely a choice. They feel that there is no proof as to either nature or
nurture playing a role in sexual preference, instead the individual chooses
which gender(s) they are attracted to. As more research is done on the basis of
sexuality, less people are in this realm of thought. It is now more widely
believed that sexuality is due to a multitude of factors beyond one’s control.
However, the factors that affect it will continue to be up for debate until
some connection between every homosexual person is found. This task is almost
nearly impossible, especially because sexuality is so self-identified. Research
will continue to ultimately determine the origin of sexual preference, but to
say that is completely up to the conscious brain of the individual is not
proven or agreed upon. Almost all homosexual individuals agree with this and
say that it is completely out of their control. The main argument up for debate
in this paper is if it is completely dependent on one’s parents, in Bechdel’s
case mostly her father.
Bechdel’s father
ultimately ends up committing suicide shortly after Bechdel comes out to her
parents. The interesting sequence of events with her truly becoming herself
after her father dies shows the profound connection they possess. Despite all
of their differences, they cannot be themselves at the same time. He must die
in order for her to live, or at least live the way she wants to. Therefore, in
an unknown and last attempt at fatherhood, his suicide allows her to embrace
who she is without the known restraints from her father. There is another role
that his suicide could play in his daughter’s journey. He in a sense is trying
to warn her about the hardships of his life as a homosexual. In a research
study, most same-sex couples voiced the opinion that they would prefer for
their children to be heterosexual because it is an easier existence than their
own (Goldberg). Bechdel’s father could not live with the idea of his daughter
living a similar struggle as him so he committed suicide to escape watching his
daughter struggle.
While her mother
may not play as much of a role as her father in shaping her identity,
specifically her sexual preference, it is still important to consider the ways
in which her mother does affect her. Her mother lacks the ability to stand up
to her father. She knows of his terrible acts to not only his children, but to
other boys, yet she cannot successfully leave him. She watches as he torments
her children and she does not do anything about it. Bechdel’s mother can
accurately be described as a weak, helpless housewife. Subconsciously, Bechdel
may have at a very young age associated with being the antithesis of her mother
as much as the antithesis of her father. The stereotype of lesbians are that they
are strong and independent, very far from how her mother is portrayed. As she
embraces the idea that she is a lesbian, she gains the best of both worlds: she
will never love someone who is like her father and therefore will never be in
the helpless situation of her mother. In terms of conveniently living a
different life than her childhood, her homosexuality gives her everything she
subconsciously wants and needs.
By understanding
the different factors that affect Bechdel’s sexuality and therefore who she is,
the reader gains insight into the true premise of her story. The nature of her
genes inherited from her father affects her sexuality, but also his hidden
sexuality and abuse affect it. Fun Home
is Bechdel’s artistic endeavor to produce the scientific explanations of her
sexuality. It is an attempt to show the moments that changed who she was,
including her sexuality. Since it is autobiographical, she gets to dictate precisely
which elements are in a scene, and she chooses to show ones that emphasis the
similarities between herself and her father. The graphic novel is like an
illustrated textbook on her development. By understanding the impetus for
Bechdel, the reader can also reflect on their own experiences to see more about
human nature. Is anything truly in our control or is it all based off of our parents.
Certain aspects may be thought of as determined by a person such as sexuality,
but in actuality it is predetermined from our parents. In some cases this is
obvious, for instance situations where children are born in a bad area and are
therefore doomed to live a life plagued by hardship due to their parents. In
other ways, like sexuality, it is much more difficult to see that almost
everything about someone is because of our parents. Sometimes this is a good
thing and sometimes it is bad, but more importantly humans as a whole population
must learn how to deal with the hand we are dealt. There are distinct types of
people which certain personality tests can distinguish between. These types are
often times determined in part by the parents of the individual and one can see
how two types are more likely to produce a certain type of person. Each type
has certain flaws, but it is essential to success that one learns what their specific
personal flaws are. If your parents determine everything, then we really cannot
change ourselves. We are currently living in a society where people are
obsessed with changing themselves: their bodies, their lives, their
occupations. Instead of spending so much time and energy trying to be people we
are not, instead we should find ways to overcome our flaws. Even though
different sexualities are not flaws, Bechdel must still overcome the hardships
of her childhood to embrace who she is.
The scientific
nature of Bechdel’s upbringing mixes with the artistic choices she makes form a
different understanding of Fun Home.
Not only does her father’s behavior ultimately influence her own, she also is
fundamentally shaped by the genes he passes down to her. By knowing the
multiple different levels of her background, the reader can understand her
story as a work of art that has a scientific foundation which leads to a way of
knowing more about her than the reader would if he/she does not consider the
science behind it. By understanding the complexities of Bechdel and the impact they
have on the book, the reader can also understand more about themselves and the
power their upbringing has. The nature of their genetic disposition and the
nurture they receive shape many aspects of someone’s life, not just their sexuality.
Works
Cited
Bechdel, Alison. Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic. First
Mariner Books, 2006. Print.
Goldberg, Abbie E. Lesbian and gay parents and their children:
Research on the family life cycle. p 3. 2010. Web. http://search.proquest.com/publicationissue/674B910088974ADEPQ/$5bqueryType$3dpubbrowseDescending:OS$3b+sortType$3dDateDesc$3b+searchTerms$3d$5b$3cAND$7cpubid:326203$3e$5d$3b+searchParameters$3d$7bchunkSize$3d20,+instance$3dprod.academic$7d$3b+metaData$3d$7bUsageSearchMode$3dPublication,+publication.search.filter$3d2010,+dbselections$3darts$7cbusiness$7cscience$7cdissertations$7cnews$7cliterature$7chealth$7chistory$7csocialsciences$7c10000187,+SEARCH_ID_TIMESTAMP$3d1416075929025,+publication.name$3dLesbian+and+gay+parents+and+their+children:+Research+on+the+family+life+cycle.$7d$5d/1/Lesbian+and+gay+parents+and+their+children:+Research+on+the+family+life+cycle./02010Y01Y01$232010?accountid=14709
Goldhaber, Gale. The Nature-Nurture Debates: Bridging the
Gap. Cambridge University Press, 2012. Print.
Letourneau, Nicole and Joschko,
Justin. Scientific Parenting: What
Science Reveals About Parental Influence. 2013. Web.
Lippa, Richard A. Gender, Nature, and Nurture. Lawrence
Erlbaum Associates Inc, 2002. Print.
Pennington, Bruce F. The Development of Psychopathology: Nature
and Nurture. The Guilford Press, 2002. Print.
Pool, Robert. “Evidence for
Homosexuality Gene.” Science. Vol
261, July 16, 1993. Published by The
American Association for the Advancement of Science. Web. http://www.jstor.org/stable/2881553
Steen, R. Grant. DNA and Destiny: Nature and Nurture in Human
Behavior. Plenum Press, 1996. Print.
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