There is a
difference between prejudice, bigotry, and political correctness. All three are personal opinions that shade a
subject according to the perceiver. And
each is intended to limit the freedom of action and expression of others.
Prejudice is
an attitude that prevents the objective consideration of an issue.
Bigotry is
intolerance linked to prejudice.
Political
correctness is an effort to avoid making others uncomfortable through actions
or language, regardless of whether such actions or language are correct. Political correctness also makes
it uncomfortable to express ribaldry - humor that borders on indelicacy - which
I find amusing.
Scientifically,
genetically, there are two genders, male and female, the inseminators and the progenitors;
but the blurring of sexual orientation has existed since the advent of
mankind. It even shows itself in our
closest cousins, the chimpanzees.
LGBTQ+ has
nothing to do with gender science, but identifies how an individual feels.
At a
personal level, I do find all of the gender categories confusing.
Lesbian: I
get it.
Gay men: I get it.
An aside: Gay men I have met are the nicest people. But
kissing some dude and seeing him necked is not on my bucket list. My brother-in-law is gay. He is
the most loving and considerate person I have ever known, and I love him dearly. I would hold him up as an example for any
young boy to emulate.
Bi: Why not?
Trans: Now
there is a perplexity. Attractive
looking, nice skin, nice breasts, all the correct orifices; never have periods,
never have PMS, never suffer menopause – I would think females would be
jealous.
Queer: now
what’s that? You already have LGBT –
What's the difference?
+ : Come on. How many categories do we need? You should watch who you associate with your
group. At some point, you will look
ridiculous.
It is all
about sexuality and our feelings and proclivities. Let’s not exclude heterosexuals. Make that group feel included. LGBTH
But the real
question might be: Why do we need to identify ourselves with any group? Groups divide us.
Like Popeye
says: I am what I am what I am….
I'm the Ol'Buzzard
The constituent members of the LGBTQ+ groups need their unique group identities for so long as they are oppressed. Erasing group identities prematurely erases their visibility in the huge ocean of the oppressive majority and makes them invisible again. Invisibility is a major tool of oppression. That's why oppressive majorities always say "Why do we need groups? Groups only divide us." That's why the Trump Administration is right now actively erasing the visibility of racial minorities, women and the LGBTQ+ communities.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Many identifiable groups have brought about needed social change, but ill-defined groups are confusing. It seems to me that groups would be stronger and harder to defeat if they gathered under one umbrella: Gay Rights. If I am confused about Q and + I am sure others are.
DeleteLove you
O'B
Gender is a social construct, not biological. And Debra nailed it.
ReplyDeleteHomosexuality has always existed (and has been observed in more than four hundred animal species), but for most of history people didn't make it the basis of an identity like their tribe or ethnic group. The rise of Christianity and Islam with their murderous taboos resulted in mass persecution of homosexuals, which tends to create a feeling of solidarity or even identity. Without that, there would probably be no sense that all people who are more attracted to their own sex than the opposite one shared an identity, any more than all people who prefer tea rather than coffee share an identity.
ReplyDeleteThe word "queer" has had a very odd trajectory. It started off as simply a slur for homosexuals (mainly men), and in much of the country it's still used that way. But in the alternate-reality bubble worlds that thrive in odd corners of the big cities, where identities based on unusual sexuality have become rather trendy, "queer" has re-emerged as an umbrella term so vaguely defined that it includes anyone who wants to be included. Heterosexuals with various kinks, perversions, and mental illnesses can now re-define those things as "identities" and call themselves "queer", acquiring the cachet associated with sexual minorities in those social circles without needing to pretend to be same-sex-attracted. That's why you can't pin down a clear definition of "queer" in that sense. A clear definition would defeat the purpose.
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ReplyDeleteI think often Societies make more of a bid deal than they should about differences and don't just let people Be who they just Are, in Peace. Groups that become oppressed, vilified and maligned suffer the consequences of the various biases Society may have about them and perpetuate. I don't personally condone any kind of persecution of other Human Beings. I may not understand a lot of ways a person might Be, but I do try to treat everyone with Humanity and Dignity. One of my Grandsons is Trans and it's a tough row to hoe in this Society, but probably a little better than it was in the past. I think any Child can thrive and be authentic to Self if their Loved Ones unconditionally Love and accept them for who they are, without condemnation. I agree with my Blog Friend Debra, she expressed it perfectly.
ReplyDeleteOooops, Big Deal I meant... damned Post-Stroke Partial Aphasia...
DeleteBohemian I recently discovered your blog: beautiful
ReplyDeletethe Ol'Buzzard