I have a few question that I would like to raise. Some are specifically from the reading and others are just questions for personal clarification.
In Barker-Benfiled's text, I was shocked and saddened at the amount of genital surgeries that had been performed by doctors. It was like it was done by force and not choice. “Gynecologists attempting to purge midwives away from the perverted sources of new life, snipping off the clitorises of girls and women addicted masturbation...? (Barker-Benfield, 87) My question stems from the idea of women having rights to their bodies. How were women being forced to allow this mutilation to happen to their genital areas? Because of their masturbation and sexual acts, they had to undergo these gynecologic procedures that could have really impacted their psyche and self esteem. It's as if they were being punished for their actions in a way that seems inhumane.
Another question I have does not really come from the reading, but it just popped into my head as I was writing. I remember reading maybe Feinberg but someone said heterosexuals have a lot to gain from these movements. In most cases, people don't care about change unless they benefit in some way. What benefits will heterosexuals receive from supporting transliberation and the GLBTQ movements?
Also, for clarification purposes, what exactly is the definition of queer and how is it different form gay?
Dr. Pelle, I am aware of the requirements for the blog, but I only had one question that I could connect to an in-text citation.
Christian,
ReplyDeleteYour questions are wonderful. No worries!
Also, your question on Barker-Benfield beautifully connects to our earlier class discussion. In some cases, women sought out the surgeries/clitorectomies that Barker-Benfield details. Why? How did these women identify? How does ideology play a part in such decisions? And, why are women not allowed to express an autonomous and pleasurable sexuality (actions that most of the women were "treated" for)? Why and how was/is such autonomy punished? Great questions!
I think one of the key things heterosexuals can learn from the movement is open-mindedness. Many times people who have never had their rights stripped or actions questioned to the same severity, sit on this high horse as if everything they do in life is correct. When in reality us as humans have no right to apply our ethnocentric thoughts onto others, especially when they have no significant impact on us. By supporting GLBTQ’s in their fight for freedom, will not impose any harm to us, as heterosexuals. The way people different from ourselves choose to live out their lives is exactly that—their choice. And to be in opposition of how they choose to live their lives is inflicting our own personal beliefs, which is wrong. No one wants to feel that someone else has an opinion, especially one that may hinder or govern how he or she chooses to journey through life. Our life is our choice and all of us are different and because of this much can be learned from one another. In supporting others in their fight for liberation heterosexuals will also experience that same freedom, in a different form however. They will begin to let go and be more understanding and compassionate which is always essential for the sake and well being of humanity.
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