Mainstream

The notion of a mainstream is indeed a myth. A mainstream implies a realm where a person can be entirely normal. However, as Yoshino states, “It is not normal to be completely normal.” (605) Every person, even a white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant male, has a trait, disability, or belief that distinguishes him from the members of a crowd. Most Americans realize, to some varying degree, that the concept of a mainstream is false. In fact, the myth of the mainstream has become a cliché. Many a novel introduce the reader to a plain character, only to reveal later a dark secret. “Nancy seemed like every other teenager, except that she was a cannibal on the weekends,” or something of that nature. If all members of the mainstream have a feature that actually separate them from the norm, then the mainstream is composed of the atypical and unusual. With dissimilar features coursing through its supposedly identical followers, the mainstream cannot exist.
Yoshino uses stories of racism and prejudice to aid his argument. He tells of Renee, whose job was threatened when she wore cornrows to her job at an airport. He writes about Robin, who lost her job when she married a woman. The veracity in these stories is shocking, creating disgust in the reader and leading the reader to agree with Yoshino’s argument. I thought his argument was fairly effective. I understand his desire to create laws that protect all of society from having to cover, but this aspiration is impossible to achieve. As Yoshino implies, some covering is necessary to ensure privacy and well being. Bigotry will continue to exist, and covering is occasionally necessary to be shielded from persecution.
Mainstream is synonymous with normalcy. Your mainstream American, for instance, is obese, takes Prozac, watches television whenever possible, and thoroughly enjoys apple pie and fireworks. This is indeed the typical American, but many more Americans loathe reality TV and have ambitions.