Paris is Burning and Cloud 9

While watching Paris is Burning, I could not help but notice that each person interviewed seemed to essentially want the same thing: acceptance.  This may seem trivial to some of us, but to this group of individuals, it is something they have never had and may never get outside of the walls of the ball.  This reminds me of the concept of “Cloud 9” in Churchill’s play.  Clive, in particular, views his cloud 9 that in terms of his family members, which is seen in the performance of Betty, Edward, and Joshua.  His idea of the perfect wife, son, and servant are unrealistic, and therefore acted out in an unrealistic manner.  This type of unrealistic cloud 9 is easily recognizable as each character is played by the opposite of what they actually are, but who Clive wants them to be, which is physically impossible. 

Paris is Burning deals with the same concept of “cloud 9” as each person is interviewed and talks about their aspirations for their future.  Most dream of fame, money, and the ultimate luxury lifestyle.  They also dream of becoming a woman, which is sort of possible, but not completely, as they can never truly identify with a woman biologically.  This community seems to hold a similarly unrealistic “cloud 9”.  They will most likely never be rich, famous, or women, at least to the fullest extent. 

However, one troubling aspect of the “cloud 9” that the interviewees in Paris is Burning expressed was their need for acceptance and love, whether within society or even from their own parents.  This seems like something so essential that every human being should be able to have, no matter race, gender, socioeconomic status, etc., but is offended denied, sometimes exclusively based on these things.  The connection between the “cloud 9” involved with fame and fortune and its improbable outcome is obvious.  So, is the “cloud 9” involving the most essential human needs just as impractical?  Does the portrayal of this community in the ball culture of the 1980’s show that even the expectation of these basic and decent human behavior is also just as far-fetched as me becoming a celebrity or winning the lottery?