SWA #24 Chicken in the Henhouse

Sedaris argues that Americans do not find homosexuality socially appropriate.  They feel that they can say whatever they want to on the subject, yet they are ill-informed and their words are still destructive.  The essay talks about his personal experience where he describes his thoughts and how he is constantly feeling judgement all around him, even when those people are unaware of his sexuality.  By the end of his personal account, he surprises the readers because he receives a compliment when both the audience and himself are expecting scrutiny.  He uses humor to reflect on Audrey's homophobic comments by pointing out that she is uninformed and inexperienced in the subject matter.  His sarcasm and wit about her comments helps the audience see the stereotypes and discrimination from a different perspective.  He is trying to show the audience that the majority of people that stereotype homosexuals are ignorant.  Even though their words are harmful, they are clueless and should not be given credit for their responses.