I'm looking forward to when we can all move on from this current fetish, although no doubt we'll simply find some even more risible concept takes its place. When a society has attained a level of peace and security such that ordinary people need worry only about their choice of food and what to gawp at on streaming video, some feel the need to create artificial stressors so as to substitute for the natural stresses in life that are now absent. This is, incidentally, why very wealthy people often become so neurotic. But for now, in our present age of What's-My-Gender, the example of Magdalen College Oxford is pleasing. At the eastern end of the College, beyond the last quad and adjacent to the small tributary of the Cherwell that runs just beyond the College wall is an old building that many years ago was repurposed to serve as a place where students and visitors alike may relieve themselves in privacy. Formerly one half of this old structure had four toilets, each contained within its own private stall; the other half of the building had two such toilets and three urinals. These conveniences were hitherto labeled Women and Men respectively but of course in our present enlightened period of non-genderism, this was unacceptable. Lacking both funds and desire to alter the structure physically, a sign had to serve the cause of gender neutrality and thus the conveniences are designated as a gender-free environment. Recognizing, however, certain unfortunate physiological differences that words alone cannot surmount, on the door granting access to the former Men's convenience is attached the helpful sign Urinals. There is, of course, no prohibition on anyone of any gender orientation attempting to use these artifacts of patriarchal dominance; the sign is merely a helpful indicator that could under certain unspoken conditions aid a little in one's choice of which door to pass through on one's way to reducing the pressure acting upon one's bladder. No doubt in the fullness of time the signs will once more undergo a discrete alteration so as to conform to whatever new transient (but oh-so-terribly-important) norms happen to have emerged to take their brief moment in the pseudo-sun.
I'm looking forward to when we can all move on from this current fetish, although no doubt we'll simply find some even more risible concept takes its place. When a society has attained a level of peace and security such that ordinary people need worry only about their choice of food and what to gawp at on streaming video, some feel the need to create artificial stressors so as to substitute for the natural stresses in life that are now absent. This is, incidentally, why very wealthy people often become so neurotic. But for now, in our present age of What's-My-Gender, the example of Magdalen College Oxford is pleasing. At the eastern end of the College, beyond the last quad and adjacent to the small tributary of the Cherwell that runs just beyond the College wall is an old building that many years ago was repurposed to serve as a place where students and visitors alike may relieve themselves in privacy. Formerly one half of this old structure had four toilets, each contained within its own private stall; the other half of the building had two such toilets and three urinals. These conveniences were hitherto labeled Women and Men respectively but of course in our present enlightened period of non-genderism, this was unacceptable. Lacking both funds and desire to alter the structure physically, a sign had to serve the cause of gender neutrality and thus the conveniences are designated as a gender-free environment. Recognizing, however, certain unfortunate physiological differences that words alone cannot surmount, on the door granting access to the former Men's convenience is attached the helpful sign Urinals. There is, of course, no prohibition on anyone of any gender orientation attempting to use these artifacts of patriarchal dominance; the sign is merely a helpful indicator that could under certain unspoken conditions aid a little in one's choice of which door to pass through on one's way to reducing the pressure acting upon one's bladder. No doubt in the fullness of time the signs will once more undergo a discrete alteration so as to conform to whatever new transient (but oh-so-terribly-important) norms happen to have emerged to take their brief moment in the pseudo-sun.
I can't even imagine the next absurdity we'll be asked to believe in... Thanks for reading & commenting :)
'Ostensibly, this was to keep the focus on her message, which is a bit like attending a wedding in the nude to ensure you won’t outshine the bride.'
Outstanding. Genuine tea-up-nose moment. You set a high bar Angela, but this piece is absolutely first class. Kudos to you.
Thanks so much
> "... every good cause eventually becomes a racket."
Thanks -- I was trying to remember who said that and the specifics of it -- Google to the rescue! 👍😉🙂
"Every great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business, and eventually degenerates into a racket.”
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/98215-every-great-cause-begins-as-a-movement-becomes-a-business
> "Parting thoughts on preferred pronouns"
You might have some interest in this book, or at least be amused by the title:
"Pesky Pronouns and Compelling Conundrums: The S-He-It Has Hit the Fan":
https://www.amazon.com/Pesky-Pronouns-Compelling-Conundrums-S-He/dp/B0BFV3VWHC
Some interesting perspectives but somewhat marred by a conflation of sex and gender.
A good quote for sure. Thanks for reading & commenting :)
👍🙂 We "prophets crying out in the wilderness" still appreciate a periodic reminder that we're not totally alone out there ... 😉🙂