Can Queer Temporalities Cultivate Ethical Relations With Past, Present, And Future That Embrace Non-Linearity And Plurality?
The concept of queer temporality has been explored extensively in academic literature since the late twentieth century. It refers to ways of experiencing time that are non-normative, non-binary, and often associated with sexual minorities.
Some researchers have argued that people who identify as LGBTQ+ may experience time differently due to their unique social positioning within dominant temporal structures (Braidotti & Cvetkovich, 2018; Butler, 2004). This paper will explore how queer temporalities can be used to cultivate ethical relations between past, present, and future, while embracing non-linearity and plurality.
Let's define 'queer temporality'. According to Braidotti and Cvetkovich (2018), it is "a mode of being in time that does not conform to the standardized linear narratives of progress or historical progression" (p. 56). In other words, queer temporality resists a rigid understanding of time as progressing from past to present to future, instead focusing on the multiplicity of experiences and potentialities available at any given moment. This means that we should consider multiple perspectives on history, including those that are marginalized or ignored by mainstream society.
Queer temporality also challenges our perception of time itself. Instead of seeing time as a linear, sequential procession of moments, we might imagine it as more fluid, interactive, and open-ended. We could envision time as a series of overlapping layers, each containing its own unique patterns, rhythms, and intensities. By doing so, we might better appreciate the complexity and contingency of all human lives - including our own.
This approach has implications for ethics as well. If we view ourselves as part of an evolving and interconnected whole, rather than separate individuals moving through life alone, we may become more aware of our responsibility towards others.
We might recognize how our actions today impact those who will come after us, both positively and negatively. Similarly, we could learn from the wisdom of elders and seek out their guidance when making decisions about the future.
Of course, embracing non-linearity and plurality can be difficult in practice. It requires us to let go of some of our assumptions about time and place, and be willing to explore new possibilities. But if we do so, we may find greater fulfillment in our relationships with family, friends, community, and world.
Queer temporalities offer a powerful way to cultivate ethical relations between past, present, and future. They challenge our assumptions about progress and linearity, while celebrating the multiplicity of experiences available at any given moment. By embracing these perspectives, we may build stronger connections with others and create a more just and equitable society.
Can queer temporalities cultivate ethical relations with past, present, and future that embrace non-linearity and plurality?
Queerness is an identity associated with people who do not conform to sexual norms set by society. It can be applied to any aspect of one's life, including time. Queer temporalities challenge linear time and suggest that it is possible to exist in multiple times at once. By embracing this concept, individuals may engage in more ethical relationships with their past, present, and future selves as well as other people and groups.