Originally Posted by Chazz
I-identity politics is a claim to a particularistic form of victimization by patriarchy and the redress of same by patriarchy. Seeking acceptance or redress by patriarchy, does not change patriarchy. Nor does it do anything to better the lot of the still oppressed by patriarchy.
What do you mean by "Identity politics"? I'm just looking for a definition so that I can be sure to interpret the term in exactly the same way that you do.
I-identity gender politics reinforces the false authenticity of gender constructs - "yours", mine, everyones. It doesn't matter how good or bad, alternatively or faithfully, we perform a construct.... it doesn't matter if we willing or knowingly or not comply with a construct.... it's still a construct authored, more or less, by patriarchy.
SO your statement is that gender constructs are false, okay, but all social constructs are, doesn't mean they don't exist nor does it mean we can function without social behaviors. I don't know about you, but I personally author and act out my own behaviors regardless of where they fit in anyone's definitions. How is "the patriarchy" influencing this for me? Forgive me if I am misinterpreting these terms.
As you say, Slater: "....in a DIY era where boundaries and definitions are constantly in flux", what does identity even mean anymore?
Coalescing around "shared paths or experiences." and shared oppression, what a novel concept ! (Said ironically, not sarcastically.)
Apparently, it is impossible for some to make that leap.
I think the term is "cisgendered woman". A term many lesbians, myself included, find insulting and an erasure of our lived experience under patriarchy. Nonetheless, it's a term that is used constantly. It falsely casts women as privileged (compliance is not privilege), and it inaccurately casts lesbians as gender congruent. Why do that? Really why? And, why use terms that offend many lesbians while arguing against language that offends others? Where is the consistency or ally-ship in that?
What is it about "cisgendered" that you find insulting and erasing? In the context of gender, cisgendered women do have some instances of privilege that transgendered women are not privy to. If you doubt this, please examine our current correctional system for a pointed example. However, in relation to male privilege and patriarchy, all women regardless of trans or cis status suffer oppression.
Also, may i point out that you use "cisbutch" to identify yourself in your sidebar? If you have objections to the word "cis" in any terminology, it undermines your argument to use it for yourself, correct?
The "cis/trans axis of marginalization exists" not because of WBW/lesbians, it exists because of patriarchy.
Please tell me why you believe this. I do not believe that only those with male privilege judge based on cis/trans. I believe that marginalization is widespread indeed.
Why is it permissible to call out the patriarchal messages absorbed by some, but not others? ....And before someone chimes in - NO they are not equally called out. In many cases the privileged behaviors of trans. are overlooked, even ignored, because a false (albeit patriarchal) hierarchy of oppression has been erected in the "big tent". This too is a byproduct of I-gender politics.
Perhaps you are right, not all patriarchal messages are being called out. then again, perhaps they are not patriarchal messages and your personal experience is influencing the lens through which you view and interpret interactions with others.
Slater, you may call it "autonomous organizing" - I call it by it's philosophical/post-modern name: Subjective relativism.
Yes, it does.... It also changes the dialog when some people are more invested in claiming oppression than excavating it within themselves.
I'm the mother of a daughter - a Black African-American/Cuban-Chinese daughter. The straight males friends that I count as some of the best human beings on the planet get it, too. The people who don't get it, but claim to be just like me, are the ones I worry about.
I do not claim to be like you, as you have experienced intersectionalities that I have not. I do, however, want to learn from that while at the same time questioning the information I am given. I have never been one to accept what someone (anyone) says just because they've said it. I like to ask why and get clarification, as I'm sure you do too. I hope that you will help me understand you better.
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