It And then I thought of Bob Dylan's song, "Don't criticize what you don't understand."
We live in a world that can no longer be defined by either/or. First there was LGBT and now there is QUILTBAG, and maybe soon, labels like these will be totally irrelevant. It's time, in the words of the classic Apple Computer slogan, to "think different." And maybe that paradigm shift begins with a third choice on a website registry.
"I'd never seen that option before and my first thought was actually--Seriously? The option just seemed so earnestly PC, almost as if the website was trying too hard."
ReplyDeleteWell, of course it would to you, since presumably you are not trans*. But for others who are transgendered, seeing the third option might cause feelings of relief or satisfaction. Like, "finally!!" To those who it would affect it probably wouldn't be seen as a try-hard attempt at political correctness but as a an acknowledgement that people should be able to choose how to identify themselves. I'm glad you stopped to think about that in the rest of your post. :) It's unbelievable how much Internet rage is sometimes generated by simple stuff like this that doesn't even affect the people who are complaining.
Laura--that was actually my point. I am straight and have never questioned my gender choices but I've never been a hater either. I'm from DC where marriage equality is a reality, for instance, and you're right, the rage is just ferocious, as if some people feel that somehow their own choices are being dismissed if everyone doesn't choose to go along. I saw the 'third option' again today, so definitely a corner has been turned and I only hope that everyone who has been marginalized can feel a little bit better. Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
ReplyDelete