The study of queerness has been gaining traction in recent years as scholars examine its implications for social norms and cultural values. One area where this research has made significant contributions is in the field of time management. Queer studies have challenged traditional views of time as linear and fixed, instead arguing that it can be understood as nonlinear and malleable. This shift has implications for how we think about ethics and self-control, both of which are integral to perfectionist ideals. In this essay, I will explore how queer understandings of time can illuminate the limits of these ideals and suggest alternative approaches to living an ethically fulfilling life.
Queer perspectives challenge the notion that time moves forward in a straight line from past to present to future. Instead, they recognize that time is multidimensional, containing multiple temporalities within it, and that it is possible to move backward or sideways through time. This viewpoint suggests that we should not always strive for perfect mastery of time but rather embrace the messiness of existence.
If we consider time as having different dimensions like space, then we can see that it is impossible to experience every dimension simultaneously. Similarly, when working towards achieving a goal, we may need to accept that there are limitations on what we can control at any given moment.
This idea also has implications for our approach to self-control. Perfectionists often struggle with their own sense of self-worth based on external standards, such as meeting deadlines or completing tasks perfectly.
If we reject the idea of perfectionism altogether, we might realize that we don't have to measure ourselves against an unattainable ideal. Instead, we could focus on being true to our own values and desires, even if that means allowing ourselves some flexibility in how we manage our time.
Of course, these ideas do not mean abandoning all forms of self-discipline or ignoring personal responsibility. Rather, they invite us to reconsider how we approach time management and the goals we set for ourselves. By embracing queerness as an alternative perspective on temporality, we open up new possibilities for ethical living.
How might queer understandings of time illuminate the ethical limits of perfectionism and self-control?
Queer perspectives on temporality emphasize that time is not linear but fluid and non-linear, while perfectionism and self-control often require a rigid adherence to chronology. By challenging these assumptions, queer approaches can help us reimagine our relationship with time as something more dynamic and flexible, which could have implications for how we approach goals and ambitions.