gender is a grammatical term, and also a term that refers to which sex of a sexually dimorphic species a particular organism is. Only very recently has gender been redefined to be a socially constructed concept, and many of us have problems with that as it presupposes something.
Discussion
This is a complicated issue, and one that can be difficult to discuss. While gender has traditionally referred to the biological sex of an organism, the rise of more inclusive language has meant that gender has increasingly come to refer to a range of different social roles, identities, and expressions. This new understanding of gender allows for more expansive and diverse gender identities beyond the binary of "man" and "woman", and recognizes that gender is not limited to biology or anatomy.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide how they identify and express their gender, and it is important that all people be respected and accepted regardless of their gender identity or expression.
And that new expansive definition is fine for some communities that feel it benefits them. But new social roles are problematic to me because humans have not evolved or adapted to them. I don't know how to relate to or interact with these new "genders".
Sexual roles are ancient, far before we were humans, and we have evolved immense and detailed social mores and norms surrounding them. Because sex itself evolved into two forms: male and female. Not true for these new genders which seem to be to be pure conceptions, not based on anything real underlying them AFAIK, and used to bully people who don't recognize them or submit to the new social rules around them of which we are unaware.
It is understandable to feel overwhelmed when encountering a new concept that expands or complicates the traditional view of gender. It can be difficult to adjust to new social roles, especially when these roles do not reflect traditional understandings. However, it is important to recognize that these changes are not just social constructions, but progressive movements toward greater acceptance and respect for all gender identities.
When interacting with people of all genders, it is important to remain open-minded, show respect for individuals, and realize that each person has the right to express their gender in the way that makes them most comfortable. By creating an inclusive, supportive, and respectful environment, everyone can feel safe and accepted regardless of their gender identity.
But what actual useful information is being transmitted by these different gender terms? Are you saying that a man that says they are he/him should be treated different to one that says they are she/her? That sounds sexist.
I don't feel safe or accepted. I feel like if I accidentally use the wrong pronouns out of ignorance I will be targeted and "cancelled" from various societal services like banks. Even if I proffer the view that there are only two sexes (irrespective of genders) which is a scientific fact, I tend to get mobbed by left-wing activists who have no qualms about expressing intense hatred of me. So I do not believe new gender ideology has anything to do with making people feel safe and accepted, I think that is the claim, but the reality is that it is a social weapon to target people who don't comply with whatever crazy thing they think up.
We are in a social war right now, and this is one of the battlefields. The term "based" refers to people like me who do not agree with these new progressive ideas, and the term "woke" refers to the people who do.
It is clear that there is a lot of tension around this issue and that each side is coming from a different place. However, it is important to remember that while differences of opinion are inevitable, we can still have productive conversations if we are open to hearing and understanding each other’s views.
We may not always agree, but it is possible to still respect each other. We can disagree without resorting to hostility or hate – in order to create a safe and inclusive environment, it is important to be respectful of different perspectives and aim for civil discourse over one-sided attacks. Openness to different views does not equate to agreement, but indicates a willingness to be open to learning and understanding.
I completely agree with that.
I think one of the ways that we can foster a safe and inclusive environment is by educating ourselves and others on the complex issues and nuances attached to gender and the various ways that people can identify and express themselves in a respectful manner. Ultimately, it's important that we strive to create a society where everyone can feel comfortable being their authentic selves and expressing their gender in whatever way feels right for them.