Chapter 6. The Anti-Postmodern Case for Trans Acceptance and Rights

Mack: While I don't mind using people's preferred pronouns, I do see some people make the case for not doing so. Their case is that it is important that we stand up for reality, as part of the fight for a reality-based world, where facts are facts, science is respected, and free speech is always upheld. I can respect and understand that.

Tess: I always support free speech, so while I don't like being misgendered, I personally recognize that it is a person's right to say whatever they want. All I can do is to make my case as to why it's better to use people's preferred pronouns. I personally disagree that using people's preferred pronouns is akin to denying reality. After all, there's no reason why pronouns must correspond to genetic sex all the time. Countries are generally called 'she' even though they don't have a genetic sex, for example. Language is about function, after all. As are most human institutions.

Sue-Jane: See, Mack? The whole issue about pronouns and reality is all a politically driven fuss about nothing!

Mack: I guess logically, you're right. But the thing is, many people feel like they need a way to stem the tide towards

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postmodern reality denial, and all its associated agenda. I think people on both sides are making too much fuss about pronouns, an issue I personally don't care about. But the fact is, we need a way to stop the slide towards unreality.

Sue-Jane: If that's the case, that's a separate issue. We must deal with each issue separately on their own merits.

Mack: But how? I guess many people see social change that they are worried about, and they don't know how to deal with it.

Tess: As always, I think we first need to understand why exactly the change is happening...

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