Similar to my last post, I'm thinking a lot about the shortcomings of words and language lately, especially as I sit down to write my first response paper for my Fem Theories class. Most of the things we talk about in Fem Studies (Trans Studies in particular) are the things no one is talking about. Ever try using spell check on a fem studies paper? Most of the words we use are (SAT word comin' at ya, brace yourselves) neologisms: n. a newly coined word or expression. If you've ever worked with MS Word, you know that the spell check dictionary is already pretty weak, so peer reading/re-reading is essential to make sure "cisgendered" "medicalized" and "intersectionality" are spelled correctly.
Like I mentioned with the last post about gender-neutral pronouns, messing with language is essential to resistance. Even though we have to use it, language is created, reified and enforced by the same dominant culture we're trying to give a run for its money, and spell check confusion is just the first of many roadblocks.
Another of my favorite vlogs from Red, posted especially for you fellow cisgendered folks out there!
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