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No Label's: Degrassi's New Take on Sexuality
by fb45dtng
Homosexuality can be defined as "Sexual orientation to persons of the same sex" (taken from multiple online dictionaries.) That seems simple enough, right? Wrong! The writer's of Epitome's Degrassi: The Next Generation have done what they seem to do best, tackle subject matter in the most real way possible. While most other television shows choose to portray similar issues in black and white terms, Degrassi goes to prove that things in the real world are not so simple.
On November 28, 2005, the producers shocked viewers across the globe with the airing of "Lexicon of Love Part 1". This two-part episode has received much media attention already as this would be the conclusion to the Kevin Smith/Jason Mewes three episode story arc that ended last season and would also feature a plot revolving around two teen girls sharing an intimate kiss.
In this episode, Kevin Smith's fictional movie, "Jay and Silent Bob Go Canadian, Eh", premieres. Many students and faculty members at Degrassi were involved in the films shooting and thus have earned tickets to the premiere event. This of course includes Paige Michalchuk and Alex Nunez. Paige, played by Lauren Collins, has had some major storylines through the years: one in particular being a three episode storyline dealing with date rape. Alex, played by Deanna Casaluce, was new to the Degrassi scene in season three and has gained a reputation as the "bad girl". Despite what both of these characters have gone through in the past amongst themselves, nothing would compare to what was about to happen between them as a pair.
While sharing an after school job together the two became quite close friends. So much so, that Paige invites Alex to the premiere with her. As the night unfolds, Paige and Alex end up having a great time. They sit together at the premiere--they dance together at the after-party. The two end up spending the night together, and we, as the audience, get to see them relate on a completely new level. But that's where it starts to get complicated. Paige and Alex get so caught up in each other--and then, they kiss. What does this mean?
Teen sexuality is a very complicated thing. Most of the time, it just isn't as simple as being "gay" or "straight". Paige Michalchuk, for example, has dated guys, has fallen in love with guys, had intimate moments with guys, and now all of a sudden, she's fallen for a girl. But, only one specific girl. She does not crave to be with girls in general; however, she definitely enjoys being with Alex. So, is she gay? Not so simple any more is it.
If we look back at the previously mentioned definition of homosexuality, "Sexual orientation to persons of the same sex", you'll notice that it refers to people that are generally attracted to members of the same sex. Paige is not attracted to members of the same sex, she is simply a victim of "love". More than likely, Paige will come to like another guy down the road. She was simply caught in the moment.
Amongst the controversy surrounding this episode, many people can't quite comprehend how two members of the same sex can share very intimate moments, and yet, still not be "gay". This can be a very complex issue to solve if one is looking for labels. If you must label Paige, it would most certainly not be homosexual. On the other end, however, she may not be completely heterosexual. So for these label-makers, we are left with bisexuality; however, this doesn't even seem to fit her. She does not crave both males and females. She's just fallen in love. So how do we label Paige Michalchuk then? That's simple if your not close-minded on the subject--we DON'T! At least not yet anyway. Paige will soon realize this herself in part 2.
Love is not discriminatory--it does not decipher between race or even gender. Love is something that all of us experience at some point or another; the love of a child to it's parents, the love of two sisters, the love of a man and a women, or even the love of friends. It becomes obvious during this episode that Paige and Alex love one another in some way. This attraction makes sense when put in context of their past histories. Both have a fear of getting hurt, and the two were able to become intimate as a result of the safe feeling they have when with one another.
Where will this relationship go? On December 5, CTV Network will air the conclusion of this two-part episode, as Paige tries to truly comprehend the complicated “Lexicon Of Love." Paige seemed almost offended after the kiss. But, she enjoyed it. She just knows that she is not gay; consequently, what happened with Alex is unacceptable in her mind. Once Paige realizes that she has feelings for Alex, and, only after receiving advice from special guest star Kevin Smith, will she accept it. This acceptance will be the start of a new relationship for them. One that is not defined by gender, but simply love.
The above article was published by dTNGHO, please credit if cited or used
author contact info: jdm3715@yahoo.com
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