But wasn’t “they” as a singular more when the person’s sex was unknown? Did it really refer to a person that does not deem themselves either gender?
The earliest Western person I know of to deem themselves of neither gender was “Public Universal Friend” who was born November 29, 1752. It seems like PUF just didn’t use pronouns at all.
Well I stopped myself before getting into the more controversial parts of what I think on this. It doesn’t really fit either side of the current “culture war” on the issue.
Like I think pretending there’s no meaningful difference between transwomen and biological women just doesn’t make sense to me. And unfortunately I find the activists at least don’t really explain how it makes sense except to make analogies with intersex people that I think are erroneous and then scream at you if you point that out. And the idea of retroactively putting a name you’ve chosen onto all your past actions feels a bit Orwellian.
And yet…the idea that your mind or spirit can have a gender that is different than your biological sex I think fits many cultural or spiritual perspective. As a Christian it’s not mine, but I can’t force everyone to be Christian nor would I try. And I though I’m not sure if I’d refer to someone by their gender identity I do tend to refer to trans people by their chosen name. People have a right to change their name. It’s their name. If they want to call themselves Otto von Cheesebiscuit that’s their right.
Gender can mean different things. In some cultures it really does refer to your gender role.
Still I don’t like the related phrase “assigned sex at birth.” I mean it is correct when describing intersex/hermaphrodite people but I don’t think it should be used beyond that.
And I was tempted to say more, but my views on these issues I think would anger both sides.
I feel like my traditional tendency is to avoid any expectations things will get better or worse. To just try to make the best of whatever happens.
Sounds kind of sad I guess but I don’t think it negates joy or wonder. Indeed by having no confidence things will improve I often able to appreciate the joy and wonder of what is…In theory.
In the last 10-15 years it seems things are getting worse in many areas and I haven’t quite adjusted to that. Still there are things of joy. Music, night skies, cool breezes, family, etc.
It sounds like a lot of what McCandless did was hitchhiking which doesn’t require money. He also died at 24 if I read the dates so there are trade-offs to this kind of adventure life.
I would like to travel more than I do but low income and disability does limit it. Online I have met some interesting people though. And I have traveled a bit in my current state and my birth state of Arkansas.
Downside I think we were worried more about getting irretrievably lost or being trapped in a house with a madman and no way to call for help. Also “stranger danger” if kids.
But wasn’t “they” as a singular more when the person’s sex was unknown? Did it really refer to a person that does not deem themselves either gender?
The earliest Western person I know of to deem themselves of neither gender was “Public Universal Friend” who was born November 29, 1752. It seems like PUF just didn’t use pronouns at all.