This short story shows the controversay of homosexuality in this society and time period. From the reactions of the people at the police station, homosexuality was not a common issue or well-known topic. One man asked, "What do homosexuals do?" The time period is definitely older because of the reactions, but I am not sure that China is tolerant of homosexuality even today in 2011. The chief of police described homosexuality as, "It's a social disease, like gambling, or prostitution, or syphilis." It is interesting to see that the men in the society are ashamed of being gay, but also meet to be support...and see other gay men. Many of the men had probably covered up their homosexuality by marrying like Baowen. The marriage arrangement was perfect. Beina was ugly and needed someone that would marry her and Baowen needed to marry to cover up the fact that he is gay. The fact that the uncle is even willing to help Baowen is admirable because of how homosexuality is frowned upon in that society.
Vocab
brazen- bold and without shame
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