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Aug 14, 2008
Ism's and Phobias, oh my
Every fiber in my being, every cell of intellect I am fortunate to possess tells me that I should consider the source and dismiss this out of hand and by no means allow my own feelings to be hurt by this.
Can someone smarter than me, then, please explain to me why it hurts so much to watch this stupid video with these two stupid men?
09:29 PM | Permalink
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Comments
We're allowed to be hurt and offended even when the people doing the offending are obviously too stupid to live. Things like this always make me feel as if femininity as a whole is under attack. Grr.
(It's good to see you, though.)
Posted by: Julie Carter | Aug 14, 2008 10:05:23 PM
Hi Julie. Thanks. I guess I know that it's OK that I'm hurt. I just don't fully understand it. I *KNOW* these guys are insensitive jerks and just plain ignorant, even stupid. So, why am I *personally* hurt by their commentary.
I worry that it's because I somehow fear that that's what "normal" people think of me...
(it's good to see you too!)
Posted by: Denise | Aug 14, 2008 10:10:51 PM
I hate to think of people so possessed by fear and ignorance as being normal. Is such casual cruelty normal? I don't think it is. Or, perhaps, I just don't want to think it is.
Posted by: Julie Carter | Aug 15, 2008 1:08:36 AM
I know I'm not smarter than you, so I can't speak from a position of greater knowledge. I am, perhaps, able to view this from a position of greater emotional distance since I am not the subject of these cretins' "commentary". Watching the video, it's clear that these guys consider trans- folks to be a joke. They ridicule the idea that someone's body and gender identity may not be in sync. And treat this trans- woman (in particular) and the trans- community (in general) without any -- and as not deserving any -- basic human dignity or respect. And of course that's incredibly hurtful to hear someone say your very identity is a joke.
But in doing so, they also demonstrate what neanderthal they are (apologies to neanderthal). Clearly, they cannot imagine a world where anything is any different from their own personal experiences -- white, middle class, straight, homophobic, conservative. Clearly, they are very limited people.
But, if it's any consolation, these guys treat anyone with a brain or progressive politics or a view slightly different from their own the same way -- so you are in good company! Seriously, this kind of "commentary" is basic playbook strategy for Fox et al. when they have neither the depth of compassion nor the brain power to understand a situation. It's easier for them to bark out personal attacks and other nonsense in small sound bytes under the guise of a "story" than make an attempt at real journalism. They are just hiding their inadequacies behind a lot of bluster and bull.
And sadly, this country still allows people to exercise such prejudice.
Posted by: She says | Aug 16, 2008 12:09:21 PM
I wasn't hurt on anything other than an intellectual level. when something like this is presented as meaningful journalism, my brain hurts, it reinforces my attitude of "losing faith in humanity... one idiot at a time"
on the other hand... I think it's awesome that a transgender woman has the balls (so to speak) to go on a show like that. I still wouldn't be caught dead anywhere near tyra banks though.
Posted by: adam | Aug 17, 2008 9:04:48 PM
It's typical Faux News talking dork-heads. As to why it pissed you off: you have a modicum of empathy and don't like to see anyone being made fun of.
Posted by: Jami | Aug 18, 2008 1:00:15 PM
This isn't quite the good thread to wish you a Happy Christmahanukwanzafestivakah. But I am. That, and a fantabulous 2009.
Posted by: greymatters | Dec 24, 2008 11:25:46 PM
