The question "What does it mean to speak oneself into existence?" has been discussed in literature, philosophy, psychology, and linguistics for centuries. It refers to the power of naming something as a way to bring it into being.
When Adam named all the animals in Genesis, he was speaking them into existence. When God created the world out of nothing, He spoke the universe into existence. This idea is also found in the Tao Te Ching, which states that "the name that can be named is not the eternal Name." In modern times, this concept has been applied to identity politics and gender studies. Some have argued that individuals who identify as male or female are speaking themselves into those genders through their language choices. Others have proposed that pronouns and names are powerful tools for creating social realities. In any case, there is no doubt that the act of naming something involves some level of creative power.
When it comes to sexuality, the process of naming one's own desires and attractions can be empowering. Individuals may choose to identify as bisexual, pansexual, polyamorous, demisexual, or queer. They may use pronouns such as ze/hir/hirs, they/them/theirs, or neopronouns like xe/xem/xyr. By doing so, they assert their right to self-definition and refuse to be defined by others. Naming one's own sexuality can also help reduce shame and stigma around alternative identities.
There is a danger of tokenization if non-normative identities are seen solely as marketable or trendy. It is important to remember that each individual is unique and should not be reduced to a label.
Naming oneself can also involve intimacy and eroticism. When couples first meet, they often engage in a process of self-naming by choosing terms of endearment (such as "babe" or "darling") and establishing rules for sharing personal information (such as when to reveal last names). This helps to create a sense of closeness and trust between partners. Later on, in established relationships, individuals may adopt new nicknames or pet names to express their love and commitment. These choices reflect the couple's evolving identity and relationship dynamics.
The act of naming ourselves and our desires involves creativity, power, intimacy, and playfulness. It is an essential part of human communication and connection.
What does it mean to “speak oneself into existence” through pronouns and names?
To "speak oneself into existence" is a phrase that suggests the ability of language to create reality, including one's identity. It implies that by using personal pronouns like "I", "me," and "my" in speech, individuals can assert their presence and individuality, and thereby shape their own self-perception and sense of agency in the world.