Apocalypso -> RE: We regret to inform you that we refuse to acknowledge thee... (6/19/2009 9:46:23 AM)
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ORIGINAL: CallaFirestormBW This perspective is kind of interesting. I never really thought about whether my use of "xhe" and "hir" would jar someone... or maybe, secretly, in the deep recesses of my mind, I hoped it -would-, and that it would start seeping in, through small doses, that the whole two-gender thing (like most black/white extremities) is passe and at least get people comfortable seeing an inclusive pronoun, even if they're not yet ready to use one yet. That makes sense. Where I think it gets complicated is if we look at the issue of inclusivity. It's somewhat problematic when terms appear exclusive, particuarly if the reason you're using them is to be more inclusive. (That can be more of a problem when you have a significant minority of posters who use them on a forum, as opposed to a handful of individuals. At that point, it can serve to set those posters apart from everyone else, whatever their intentions). On the other hand, I actually find gender neutral pronouns highly useful on the net. It's not so much of a problem here, but elsewhere it's helpful for when I don't know someone's gender identification. I actually first came across gender neutral pronouns on a board where a sizeable number of genderqueer folk post. It was invaluable there. I'd agree that gender identity is a continuum as opposed to a binary proposition. I'm also sympathetic to Butler's view that gender (and sexuality) is something we perform as opposed to a biological trait. I'm possibly getting somewhat off-topic now though!
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