Can reform be seen as continuous revelation rather than rupture with tradition? This question is at the heart of many debates about social change, particularly those related to sex and sexuality. It poses an interesting challenge for scholars and activists alike who are interested in understanding how new ideas can emerge without disrupting existing systems and institutions. In this essay, I will explore what it means to view reforms as a form of continuous revelation and consider some examples from history that support this perspective.
Let's define what we mean by "revelation." Revelation refers to the act of uncovering something hidden or revealing something previously unknown. In the context of social change, revelation could involve discovering new ways of thinking about issues like gender roles, sexual identity, or power dynamics. These insights may come through research, personal experience, or collaboration with others. Continuous revelation suggests that these discoveries are ongoing processes that happen over time, rather than sudden shifts from one way of thinking to another.
Let's look at the idea of rupture. Rupture implies a break or interruption in continuity between two points in time. When we think about social changes related to sex and sexuality, ruptures tend to be more visible and dramatic.
The Stonewall riots in New York City were a major moment of protest against police brutality and violence towards LGBTQ+ individuals. They marked a clear breaking point between past and present attitudes toward queer identities.
Even during times of rupture, there is still room for continued revelation. After Stonewall, many people began to question their own beliefs about gender, sexuality, and power. This led to a more nuanced understanding of how these identities intersect with other aspects of society, such as race, class, and disability. Similarly, the women's suffrage movement was marked by both moments of rupture (such as the Seneca Falls Convention) and continuous revelations (such as the emergence of the concept of intersectionality).
Reform can certainly take the form of rupture - but it also has the potential to be seen as a form of continuous revelation. By viewing reforms as an ongoing process of uncovering hidden truths, we can better appreciate the complex and multifaceted nature of social change.
Can reform be seen as continuous revelation rather than rupture with tradition?
"Psychologically speaking, a sense of continuity can provide individuals with a feeling of security and stability, which is important for their mental health and wellbeing. Reformation may involve breaking from traditions that have become outdated or obsolete, but it can also build on existing foundations and preserve elements of what has worked well in the past. Therefore, there is no inherent reason why reformation cannot be viewed as both continuous revelation and rupture with tradition simultaneously.