#8
We can look at the Koedt article “Myth of the Vaginal Orgasm� as a more concrete example of the effects of Rich's described heteronormativity. Rich points out that while there is a 'preference' or 'choice' which draws women toward me, this 'preference' is viewed to be the norm; indicating that other 'choices' need justification. This need of justification is a good example of problems with the current heterosexual normative, but this is still a mental effect. Koedt brings out an example, the movement of the clitoris, that is very physical. The idea that heteronormativity has effected not just a mental aspect, but has also caused individuals to go so far as to alter their body. While I don't think this is a more serious effect, it is much more concrete (less abstract) then the alteration of mentality, and provides a very strong objective example of how heteronormativity shapes our being.
Lesbianism, as portrayed by Rich, is a way under which women experience affiliations outside of the heteronormative structure. Koedt's article also furthers this statement by elaborating on how the heteronormative concept of sex (i.e. penis penetrating the vagina) is not the most pleasurable for women. This helps challenge the idea that the current norms are there for a reason. Both articles take care to elaborate on how why the current norm has no foundational basis that isn't skewed to favor males.
As a quick summary, Koedt's article provides very power examples of Rich's more generally abstract definitions of heteronormativity. Koedt's piece greatly aids Rich's argument against this normative structure.