I agree with the premise of the white patriarchal power structure; however, I feel that in America it is much less prevalent than in other places around the world. Furthermore, woman and gay men is like comparing apples and oranges. In America, if woman and gay men are submissive, it is by choice. Woman can choose a more traditional life such as marriage and kids, or they can choose to be non-traditional and never marry or be anywhere on the spectrum from straight, bisexual, or lesbian. This to me, is quite powerful. Gay men have options as well. There are openly gay and closet gay men. There are dominate and submissive gay men, there are cities in America that openly embrace and have whole sections of town dedicated to gay and alternate lifestyles. This to, tells me that gay’s to have power to be or not be victims.
You wrote that Ennis conformed to Jacks advances like any woman would; however, Ennis took the dominant role and jack the submissive. In addition, throughout the story, Ennis seemed to be the stronger one and the one that more or less make the decisions on when and where they would see each other. It also seemed that Jack more fit the typical gay male, whereas Ennis seemed to be confused about his sexuality. I feel that this was due to Ennis having his first real understanding of the emotion of love that happened to be complicated by sex and it be towards another man.
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Furthermore, comparing women and gay men is like comparing apples and oranges. if WOMEN and gay men are submissive Women can choose a more traditional life; this TOO. Who wrote that Ennis conformed? I certainly did not, so it is unclear who you mean? Be careful-language means something. JACK'S advances like any woman would? That is very odd since from the first scene, Ennis takes the dominant role in their relationship; he determines when they get to be together, Ennis sends Jack home when he comes to him when he hears of Ennis's divorce, etc. The only time Ennis is weak occurs during their last meeting when he says to Jack, "I wish I could quit you," and breaks down. Then Jack comforts him. You do say that Ennis does control the relationship and Jack is the more openly gay character, but you need to do much more with this statement.
Finally, you do not do enough with the text. You generalize about gays in the early part of the blog, and then skim the surface of what the text is saying.
I agree, Jack chose to take the submissive role and allowed Ennis to be the dominant figure. While reading the story, I saw it as him being content with how things were going on Brokeback Mountain and also in the relationship they developed over time. It wasn’t out of the ordinary that Ennis sort of took the lead. By nature, those that are stronger tend to be more dominant and in control. Jack didn’t seem to be bothered or feel less of a man and like you mentioned, he did seemed to fit the typical gay male. This all ties back to the right to choice. Gay men choose rather to be dominant or submissive. Women as well have a choice to be the traditional woman who gets married and have kids. Whereas others may choose to venture out and explore the different options the world has to offer them. Reading this story showed me how yet even though there are two men involved, it seems impossible for both to be dominant. Someone has to take the lead.
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