In his essay from "State of the Union: The Nation's Essays 1958-2008," Gore Vidal critiques the American tendency to oversimplify complex human identities into rigid categories, specifically the binary classifications of "gay" and "straight." He argues that this categorization ignores the diverse and fluid nature of human sexuality, reducing individuals to labels that may not accurately represent their experiences or identities.

Vidal's assertion highlights the drawbacks of such rigid classifications, suggesting that they foster misunderstanding and limit personal expression. By recognizing that these categories are artificial and non-existent, we can appreciate the spectrum of human sexuality that exists beyond simple labels, encouraging a more open and inclusive understanding of identity.