Unpopular opinion: parts of third-wave feminism directly led to the rise of trans ideology

submitted by Aureus from self.politics

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[–]Radfeminist 29 insightful - 4 fun29 insightful - 3 fun30 insightful - 4 fun -  (2 children)

this is the opposite of the case. Trans ideology is rooted in essentialism. The entire concept of transitioning to a woman is based on the idea that there are innate traits associated with being a woman and if a man shows any of these traits, it's because he is actually a woman.

In fact, "queer theory" is the origin of the TRA movement. Queer theory borrows from feminism, but it borrows more from "critical race theory" which is an essentialist theory itself. The reason it feels like the opposite of essentialism is because its postmodern, which means that theorists believe in social deconstruction. They believe that gender is a social construct, and social constructions are meant to be de constructed. This is generally positive, because men and women should be allowed to behave and act however they want. But when you then blur the lines between gender and sex, it morphed into a belief that you have to deconstruct sex itself.

This is obviously a problem because sex is not a social construct. Sex is just your biological function. So how do you deconstruct sex? You have to attribute everything that was written about gender to sex. They basically walked themselves into a circle.

[–]Aureus[S] 10 insightful - 1 fun10 insightful - 0 fun11 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

Not sure if I 100% agree but that's an interesting take.

The entire concept of transitioning to a woman is based on the idea that there are innate traits associated with being a woman and if a man shows any of these traits, it's because he is actually a woman.

I know what you mean and it's a ridiculous phenomenon. "This boy is playing with dolls and likes pink? Must actually be a girl! Quick, get the plastic surgeon!" You're totally right about the various movements you describe as essentialist.

This is obviously a problem because sex is not a social construct. Sex is just your biological function.

I'd describe this as "essentialist" thought too though, at least for the purposes of my OP. Let me know if there's a better word to describe it.

[–]Radfeminist 11 insightful - 1 fun11 insightful - 0 fun12 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

oh no, I meant that to be essentialist. They attempt to be deconstructive but ended up being essentialist is what I mean to say.