Social Transgressions

 Social Transgressions

In Annie on My Mind, I find the most evident social transgression to be same sex relationships.  In today’s society having two opposing views is very common, everyone is entitled to an opinion or so they think. In this novel there are two main opposing views on same sex relationships. One view being open and the other view being closed.  Even though there is an open view it is rarely seen based on the social pressures throughout the novel. My opinion is I find that the homosexual characters are being punished for stepping outside the norms of society. 

I feel as if Liza was punishing herself throughout the whole book.  Liza has a difficult time dealing with her feelings and beliefs.  Liza does not allow herself to see her true feelings for Annie, thus has a hard time understanding why she cares and loves Annie so much.  In trying to understand her love for Annie, Liza expresses herself very awkwardly and has a hard time expressing her feelings to Annie.  Liza is initially punished from the school after being caught with Annie at Ms. Widmer and Ms. Stevenson's house.  Mrs. Poindexter is punishing Liza in order to save the schools integrity or so she says.  Mrs. Poindexter’s thoughts might be if the public were to find out Foster were enrolling homosexual students their reputation would be ruined being a Christian school.  Mostly, I think her decision to punish Liza is based on how society feels and what is socially acceptable. Liza not only had to deal with the punishment from Mrs. Poindexter but also had to deal with punishment of the students at Foster.  Most students were confused and unaccepting of Liza, making Liza feeling very uncomfortable at school. To make matters worse Liza cannot come home to a comforting, supportive environment.  Liza’s mom does not want to believe her daughter had anything to do with a woman, while her father comes off irritated.  Also, Chad her little brother seems to be upset of the whole situation because she can hear him crying at night. Liza could never fully tell her family the truth because they would be devastated.  In my mind that would be enough punishment for me. 

Liza and Annie were not the only same sex couple being punished for walking outside the norms of society.  Ms. Widmer and Ms. Stevenson are also punished for their relationship with one another. In my mind Ms. Widmer and Ms. Stevenson are highly criticized and judged unfairly by Ms. Poindexter and Ms. Baxter.  The two teachers are accused of influencing other students in participating in same sex relationships ultimately, getting the couple fired from their job at the school. Even though both teachers were considered a tremendous asset to the school none of that mattered when it came down to the pressure of society. Instead of fighting the school or trying to be teachers elsewhere, Ms. Widmer and Ms. Stevenson decided to move on and get a fresh start.  By the teachers moving away it shows how significant social pressure can be in society.

Throughout the novel it is very evident that gay relationships were not accepted in this time period. It is easy to see by the homosexual characters punishments and how they had to change for society. Liza and Annie were looked as dirty, they had to put their feelings aside and abide by societies rules, as well as Ms. Widmer and Ms. Stevenson.  Both of those ladies lost their jobs and respect throughout the community forcing them to leave.  Societal pressure forced all of those women to give up something, but was unable to take away their love for one another.

Nate Reichter