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Transwomen are not Women - Part 15

And you continue to ignore that i have no interest in discussing their preferred policy.
Then don't discuss it. But I'm discussing it, and when I discuss it using standard terminology, don't claim that I'm wrong because you don't like the standard terminology.
Why do we have to keep rinsing and repeating this?
Because you are bad at communicating, and cannot accept someone else using standard terminology that you don't like.
I understand that you want to adopt their lingo when convenient for you, and deny it on the same grounds. I just don't find that constructive.
What the hell are you talking about? There's no "same ground" involved. I don't oppose terminology on the grounds of who coined it. That's stupid. And the term "self ID" is a pretty accurate shorthand for the policy they want to adopt. Why would I object to using that term as a label for that policy? Unlike so much else that they say, that term actually makes sense as a label of their policy. The policy itself is garbage, but the label is perfectly apt. There's no good reason not to, and even if you don't like it, that's still what everyone means by it. And you should know that that's what everyone means by it. Pretending I mean something other than what I mean because you don't like the term (you've never actually provided a rationale) isn't some principled stand on your part, it's pointless obstinance. Seriously, it's one thing to refuse to use the term yourself, but deliberately misunderstanding other people's use of it doesn't make you right, it makes you bad at communicating.
 
Not when were talking about the sex of individuals!


Stop feigning ignorance! You know perfectly well that I was referring to YOUR comment - a comment YOU made!
re the underlined: you posted this
I am stating the reality of what I observe. In my almost 70 years of life, I have yet to observe

An adult human female (i.e. a woman) who is a biological male
An adult human male (i.e. a man) who is a biological female

The term "woman" refers to "Adult Human Female" in exactly the same way that...

Bitch refers to an Adult Canine Female
Cow refers to an Adult Bovine Female
Mare refers to an Adult Equine Female
Ewe refers to an Adult Ovine Female
Nanny refers to an Adult Caprine Female
Hen refers to an Adult Gallus Female
Sow refers to an Adult Porcine Female
Then I replied to the underlined part with this

Yeah, but one of them can actually communicate how they feel about the labels, which is brilliant. It's a shame the others can't.
then you said
Irrelevant to the topic of the debate.
How was it irrelevant to the topic of the debate, when I point out that it's only we humans that made those definitions in your list, and only we humans that can experience and can communicate how we feel about being one of the labels in your list? It's about gender?

You brought up the list?
 
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When necessary, or practical. Occasionally, out of courtesy.

Eta: you are aware that Socratically leading questions quickly get on a brothers last nerve, right?
Yes, I'm well aware and in full agreement! There are few things I hate more than a Socratic JAQ-off. I'm convinced that the Socratic method only ever actually works in fables, never in real classrooms, and especially never in debates.

I am not trying to lead you into a rhetorical trap, where you are forced by your previous answers to agree with my conclusion.

Rather, I'm trying to understand exactly what your position is, and how it differs from my characterization. We've covered this ground quite a bit, and I feel that the impression I've formed is pretty accurate. However, you say it's a straw man. So I am trying to understand where I've gone wrong. The best (only?) way I can think of to do this is to ask you specific questions, designed to first put some boundaries on what you might mean, and then focus down to what you actually do mean, in the places where I have misunderstood you.

So.

"When necessary" is something I agree with, synonymous with "in an emergency". You're about to have a potty disaster, you beg forgiveness and use the nearest open facility.

"Where practical" is something I have questions about. It seems to me that it's demonstrably practical for a man to override sex segregation whenever they want, assuming a cooperative gatekeeper. There's nothing impractical about letting William Thomas compete as a woman in the NCAA. It's simply a matter of the NCAA rubber-stamping his womanhood. There's nothing impractical about housing a man in a woman's prison. All it takes is a transfer order from a judge or other authority, and a corrections officer to carry it out. Prisoners get moved around this way all the time.

So when you say men should be entitled to override sex segregation when practical, do you have an example in mind of when it would be impractical?

Similarly with the courtesy criteria. When is it courteous to entitle men to override sex segregation?

Eta2: actually, I don't think there is an 'entitlement' at all. It's not an issue of being entitled to anything, in any direction.
I think it is. I think the TRA policy proposal is best described as an entitlement. I don't think it's a human right. I also don't think it's a privilege. That implies something that is earned, and that can be revoked by a gatekeeper. An entitlement, in public policy, is something granted to someone, with the force of law, overriding any other gatekeeping.

And that is the TRA proposal: That any man who self-IDs as a woman, without any independent confirmation or objective criteria, should be entitled by law to override sex segregation, regardless of whether the segregating authority or segregated community wishes it.



Anyway, we've agreed that you do not think any man who wants to should be entitled by law to override sex segregation by self-ID alone.

My next questions, of course are about under what circumstances or by what criteria you think self-ID should be entitled/privileged/right to override sex segregation.

The when necessary/in an emergency scenario seems reasonable enough.

Can you elaborate on the when courteous scenario, and the when practical scenario?
 
And you continue to ignore that i have no interest in discussing their preferred policy.

Why do we have to keep rinsing and repeating this? No one in the discussion supports the extremist TRA demands. As a bunch of self proclaimed skeptics, our discussion can delve into other areas beyond the extreme positions that we don't hold.

I understand that you want to adopt their lingo when convenient for you, and deny it on the same grounds. I just don't find that constructive.
Point of order. Ziggurat isn't adopting their lingo. He's adopting *my* lingo. I'm the one who coined and popularized "fiat self-ID" in this thread.

Do you have some other term you'd prefer we use, or that you believe TRAs would prefer we use, for this foundational criteria of trans rights in public policy? I wouldn't be surprised if they also use "self ID" or some synonym, since it really is the most accurate and succinct descriptor for what we're talking about.
 
Well, If you ignore all the times that 'woman' is a variable and then redefine it to only refer to sex, then your statement is correct. Uselessly circular but correct.
One question that always comes up for me at this point in the debate is this:

Can you define "woman", in a way that is neither circular nor refers to sex?

So far, I have not met anyone who can provide such a definition. Sure, you say it's variable and can mean different things unrelated to sex. Can you give an example of such other meanings?
 
There is no other terminology to refer to their preferred policy. I’m using the terminology everyone is familiar with and everyone but you understands, because that’s how communication works.

No, because there’s already a better alternative, the traditional definition. These aren’t equivalent situations.
I'm not familiar with these tra people at all, and I don't really care what they say? as they must be in the minority of t's as they are the radical activist version of the t's.
Who cares whether they think they can change their sex by crossing their fingers and what not, that's demonstrably incorrect.

It's like thinking there's a war with flat earthers, when all you really want to do is just map the globe.
 
I'm not familiar with these tra people at all, and I don't really care what they say? as they must be in the minority of t's as they are the radical activist version of the t's.
Who cares whether they think they can change their sex by crossing their fingers and what not, that's demonstrably incorrect.

It's like thinking there's a war with flat earthers, when all you really want to do is just map the globe.
Who cares what the creationists say, they're demonstrably incorrect. Except when they started getting a foot in the door in school curricula, suddenly it started mattering quite a lot.

Whether or not they're demonstrably incorrect has little to do with anything. Being wrong has never been a disqualifier for political power. What matters is how much influence they have, whether they can actually get any of their policy preferences instituted. And in that respect, the TRA's aren't like the flat earthers (who have never accomplished anything). Instead, they're more like the creationists, except even more successful.
 
One question that always comes up for me at this point in the debate is this:

Can you define "woman", in a way that is neither circular nor refers to sex?

So far, I have not met anyone who can provide such a definition. Sure, you say it's variable and can mean different things unrelated to sex. Can you give an example of such other meanings?
When we are born we are a sex, and then as you learn, whatever societal rules that you live in, kick in and then push a pressure to conform to your sex.
I think gender comes about as a concept because some people don't want to be told how they should feel or behave as a sex, consciously or subconsciously.
To answer your question, gender labels are wishy washy in the first place, so I wouldn't attempt to define them. But if I did I would have to refer to sex as that's where gender labels come from.
 
You've asserted this before. You were wrong then, too.

What safeguards against dishonesty or misunderstanding do you see coming from California?

In California, you can change the gender marker or sex identifier on a birth certificate or driver's license without a court order or medical certification. You can change it to male, female, or nonbinary.


In Cali, a person can go to the DMV on a whim and change the sex marker on their IDs. There's absolutely no verification or even questioning involved as to whether they're "really trans" or not. They said so, and therefore they are. That's it.

And that's if they even bother to change their IDs. Because in Cali, no ID is required to be able to use opposite-sex bathrooms, showers, spas, or any other single-sex space or service. Not just not required, but businesses are prohibited from requesting documentation.

And under Cali law, it's illegal in all cases to discriminate against someone on the basis of their gender identity - and that includes disallowing them from using single-sex spaces and services set aside for the opposite sex.

So let me summarize this for you. In California...
  • Gender identity is a protected characteristic
  • Business and employers are not allowed to discriminate on the basis of gender identity, which includes refusing access to single-sex spaces if that person says that their gender identity is of the opposite sex
  • Business and employers are not allowed to require ID supporting gender identity in order for someone who says they're trans to use opposite sex spaces and services
  • A trans person can change their sex-markers on their IDs with no supporting documentation or verification of any sort

Tell us again how we're wrong about self-id?

Oh, by the way, the thing you insist isn't how it works is how it works in NJ. Perhaps you might consider educating yourself?

You have the right to:
  • Be treated according to your gender identity
  • Self-identify, dress in accordance with your gender identity, and be addressed by your name, title, and pronouns – without being required to show "proof" of gender identity.
NOTE: You DO NOT need medical documentation or a doctor's signature to update your gender.
 
Who cares what the creationists say, they're demonstrably incorrect. Except when they started getting a foot in the door in school curricula, suddenly it started mattering quite a lot.

Whether or not they're demonstrably incorrect has little to do with anything. Being wrong has never been a disqualifier for political power. What matters is how much influence they have, whether they can actually get any of their policy preferences instituted. And in that respect, the TRA's aren't like the flat earthers (who have never accomplished anything). Instead, they're more like the creationists, except even more successful.
If creationism is getting a foot in your schools then you have bigger things to worry about than tras, go get creationism out of your schools.
America wtf! brilliant yet stoopid at the same time.

edit: I understand your point, are tra's really a big thing in the US? Like, to be panicking about?
 
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Clothing manufacturers should avoid using bigoted terms like "short" or "petite" in their sizing, because it doesn't align with my identity, and it's exclusionary toward transtall people
Grow up, the world doesn't care about every little feeling you have.
That's... an interesting statement in the context of this thread, gotta say.
It was in reply to this statement.

Okay... but we *are* being told that we should change our language so we aren't using language that is exclusionary toward the identity of transgender people. For instance, we're supposed to avoid using the work "women" when we are limiting that to only female humans, and are excluding male humans. We're not supposed to use the term "breast feeding" and instead use "chest feeding". We're not supposed to use the term "mother", but instead should use "gestational parent".

Interestingly, all of the words that we're not supposed to use are associated with female human beings - male humans aren't being asked to give over the terms that represent them.
 
If creationism is getting a foot in your schools then you have bigger things to worry about than tras, go get creationism out of your schools.
America wtf! brilliant yet stoopid at the same time.
First, that's largely been accomplished, as a result of pushing back against it. So now it's time to push back against the trannies.

Second, the existence of one problem isn't an excuse to ignore another problem.
 
When we are born we are a sex, and then as you learn, whatever societal rules that you live in, kick in and then push a pressure to conform to your sex.
I think gender comes about as a concept because some people don't want to be told how they should feel or behave as a sex, consciously or subconsciously.
To answer your question, gender labels are wishy washy in the first place, so I wouldn't attempt to define them. But if I did I would have to refer to sex as that's where gender labels come from.
I tend to think along the same lines. My conclusion is that gender, decoupled from sex, is functionally meaningless. Nobody can define it. Nobody can come up with any scenario where a gendered distinction matters in any practical way. The only time gender actually has any practical significance worth acting on, is when it's a proxy or synonym for sex.

Even your idea of "whatever societal rules that you live in, kick in and then push a pressure to conform to your sex" is a dead letter. A man doesn't become a woman by being a homemaker while his wife takes on the role of breadwinner.
 
If we put something about having "been raised as a female for many years" in the ellipses, I'd say it works.
What does it mean to be raised as a female? Does it include the onset of menses? The intensifying experience of the male gaze as the person goes through puberty? Does it include societal pressure to more fully conform to regressive stereotypes of femininity?
 
Okay... but we *are* being told that we should change our language so we aren't using language that is exclusionary toward the identity of transgender people. For instance, we're supposed to avoid using the work "women" when we are limiting that to only female humans, and are excluding male humans.
I don't quite get your point here? if you were talking to a group of females and males, and you only referred to them as women then yeah, don't do that..you're rudely ignoring the people that don't' define themselves as "women".

We're not supposed to use the term "breast feeding" and instead use "chest feeding". We're not supposed to use the term "mother", but instead should use "gestational parent".

Says who?
Who says you can't call it breastfeeding when it is actually breastfeeding?

Interestingly, all of the words that we're not supposed to use are associated with female human beings - male humans aren't being asked to give over the terms that represent them.
Males can go topless but females cannot. No logical equality there, welcome to society.
 
Yes, I'm well aware and in full agreement! There are few things I hate more than a Socratic JAQ-off. I'm convinced that the Socratic method only ever actually works in fables, never in real classrooms, and especially never in debates.

I am not trying to lead you into a rhetorical trap, where you are forced by your previous answers to agree with my conclusion.
Ok. I believe you. Please understand that asking me when "men are entitled to override sex segregation" seems like a Socratic and leading question. Men are generically not the issue. Overriding is not an issue, if no hard policy is in place. I don't believe it is an issue of entitlement, and whether a rest room is as strictly sex segregated as many assume is a core dilemma in the whole gig.
Rather, I'm trying to understand exactly what your position is, and how it differs from my characterization. We've covered this ground quite a bit, and I feel that the impression I've formed is pretty accurate. However, you say it's a straw man. So I am trying to understand where I've gone wrong. The best (only?) way I can think of to do this is to ask you specific questions, designed to first put some boundaries on what you might mean, and then focus down to what you actually do mean, in the places where I have misunderstood you.

So.

"When necessary" is something I agree with, synonymous with "in an emergency". You're about to have a potty disaster, you beg forgiveness and use the nearest open facility.
Ok. Agreed, although I'd drop that example more into practicality. By necessity, I was thinking of times I have entered "women's spaces" in more consequential emergencies, that I'm sure no one here would argue with (medical, violence, etc).
"Where practical" is something I have questions about. It seems to me that it's demonstrably practical for a man to override sex segregation whenever they want, assuming a cooperative gatekeeper. There's nothing impractical about letting William Thomas compete as a woman in the NCAA. It's simply a matter of the NCAA rubber-stamping his womanhood. There's nothing impractical about housing a man in a woman's prison. All it takes is a transfer order from a judge or other authority, and a corrections officer to carry it out. Prisoners get moved around this way all the time.
I think prisons and sports are good examples of practical exclusion. It doesn't matter how they see themselves, when their presence puts them at radical advantage over others in physical conflict, as both could be described. Also practically, a slightly built, nonviolent transwoman would be at higher risk of assault in prison. As a practical matter (after an appropriate threat level evaluation), certain transwomen could be held in a women's prison.
So when you say men should be entitled to override sex segregation when practical,
...Repeating: I do not think it is an entitlement, and I do not think sex segregated areas are as clearly codified as such as necessity demands...
do you have an example in mind of when it would be impractical?
Say, if a totally sincere transwoman swimmer wants to shower with the other gals. The practical dilemma is a nude male among nude females. So how the transwoman feels should take a back seat to how their nudity would make others feel.
Similarly with the courtesy criteria. When is it courteous to entitle men to override sex segregation?
Again: no entitlement, definitionally so in the matter of extending a courtesy, in fact. You see what i mean?

To answer: guys fighting or doing lines or whatever in a bar restroom. The women's restroom is miraculously lightly occupied. "Hey, you mind? Kind of rowdy in the men's room", and with a shrug, he is let in without anyone panicking.

BTW, this is how I've basically seen rest area usage, in my most humble of experience. *waving vaguely* "Guys here, gals there", but quite a bit of transgression. My objection is criminalizing the transgression, in either direction (for doing so, or diming it out as a crime). If you want to summarize my POV in a phrase, keep legislation out of the goddamed bathroom. It's a place to pee. We can handle it without Big Brother.
I think it is. I think the TRA policy proposal is best described as an entitlement.
I do not support or have particular interest in the extremist point.
I don't think it's a human right. I also don't think it's a privilege. That implies something that is earned, and that can be revoked by a gatekeeper. An entitlement, in public policy, is something granted to someone, with the force of law, overriding any other gatekeeping.
Force of Law is where I dig in. I don't want it, in either direction.

For instance, if a woman hops into the mens room to duck the line at the ladies room (very common in some bars I've frequented), it's not usually a genuine emergency, or a practicality. It's a courtesy, hardly noticed by the male occupants. "Whatever" being the common reception. I would be deeply incenced if some twat wanted to "make a point" and got police involved, and had force of law to do so.
And that is the TRA proposal: That any man who self-IDs as a woman, without any independent confirmation or objective criteria, should be entitled by law to override sex segregation, regardless of whether the segregating authority or segregated community wishes it.
That is my understanding, but again, I just don't care. I do not agree with the extreme position, and won't unwillingly defend them by proxy. I mean, why would I?
Anyway, we've agreed that you do not think any man who wants to should be entitled by law to override sex segregation by self-ID alone.
Yes.
My next questions, of course are about under what circumstances or by what criteria you think self-ID should be entitled/privileged/right to override sex segregation.
Oversimplified: if he ain't hurting anyone, it shouldn't rise to the level of criminality.
The when necessary/in an emergency scenario seems reasonable enough.

Can you elaborate on the when courteous scenario, and the when practical scenario?
Hopefully I have done so above. if you find it unsatisfactory, I'll happily clear up any sloppy or otherwise unclear wording on my part.
 
Ok. I believe you. Please understand that asking me when "men are entitled to override sex segregation" seems like a Socratic and leading question. Men are generically not the issue. Overriding is not an issue, if no hard policy is in place. I don't believe it is an issue of entitlement, and whether a rest room is as strictly sex segregated as many assume is a core dilemma in the whole gig.
Ah. I'm using it as a boundary-setting question. Some broad area of common ground between us, that we already agree on.

My view is that "men are entitled to override sex segregation whenever they want" is an accurate and complete description of the TRA policy proposal that we're discussing, and which has already been implemented as a "hard policy" in some places.

If you and I agree that this is a bad idea, that we should avoid it as a society, and that we should push back against it wherever we find it being put into practice, that's good. We agree on something. We can move forward with figuring out what else we agree on and where we still differ. Like whether restrooms should be strictly sex segregated.

I'll follow up on the rest of your reply in a bit.
 
I tend to think along the same lines. My conclusion is that gender, decoupled from sex, is functionally meaningless. Nobody can define it. Nobody can come up with any scenario where a gendered distinction matters in any practical way. The only time gender actually has any practical significance worth acting on, is when it's a proxy or synonym for sex.

Even your idea of "whatever societal rules that you live in, kick in and then push a pressure to conform to your sex" is a dead letter. A man doesn't become a woman by being a homemaker while his wife takes on the role of breadwinner.
The man/male in your example would be a homemaker, whilst his wife takes on the role of breadwinner. If someone else asked them about not conforming to typical sex roles, how would they explain what they are doing?
 

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