Can I choose my gender? Race? And expect others to agree? (Central)
Details
RED ALERT! RED ALERT!
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I know that this topic is loaded. But I think that it is worthy of a rational and thoughtful discussion. That said, nothing here or in the discussion is intended to directly or indirectly disrespect any person or group. So, if this is a topic that means a lot to you, do not be afraid. We seek the truth. If you stand on the truth, your foundation will not crumble. Carry on!
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The hard questions are two-fold:
- Am I free to choose any option of a socially constructed self-describing property of myself? These are properties that describe yourself to others. Examples of such properties as gender or race.
- Is it reasonable to expect others to agree with that choice just because it is my choice?
I am introducing a term: Socially constructed self-describing property. This is a property, characteristic, or descriptor that was created by a society/culture for the purpose of describing or socially categorizing a person to others. I'm not saying that these properties are purely illusory. There may be some basis in fact. Also, these properties are not primarily based on behavior. However, appearance may play a strong part.
I consider gender and race to be two examples of socially constructed self-describing properties. If you can think of other examples, please list them in the comments.
Gender is, at least, related to the biological sex of a person, but it mainly describes how others relate to or categorize someone. Likewise, race may be, at least, based on some physical features or association with particular cultures, but it mainly describes how others relate to or categorize someone.
CHOICE: I know that some will react by saying that a person is NOT choosing this property because they feel an internal imperative for the property. However, that doesn't remove their action from the definition of choice. It just calls into question the freedom of choice. We can discuss this, but for the purposes of this discussion, I am using the word "choice."
So, with that setup, is it reasonable and logical for 1) a person to choose their own gender or race without observable evidence upon which to base such choice, and 2) a person to expect others to agree with the choice, just because it is the person's choice? What about other socially constructed self-describing properties?
For some context, note that in 2015 Caitlyn Jenner received the Courage award for her bravery in declaring that she was a woman despite being born as and living as a man: Bruce Jenner. But in the same year, Rachel Dolezal was forced to resign as head of the local NAACP chapter because she was the subject of public scrutiny when her parents publicly stated that she was pretending to be black but was actually white. Why is Caitlyn Jenner a hero, but Rachel Dolezal not?
Other possible examples of socially self-describing properties: ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, nationality, and socioeconomic status
Choose gender?
Caitlyn Jenner receives award
Rachel Dolenzal's fraudulence
Jenner vs. Dolezal explained
Social constructs