In today's world, transphobia is still an issue that needs to be addressed. Transphobic prejudice refers to discrimination against people based on their gender identity and expression, often resulting in violence and harassment. It is linked to historical narratives that have been perpetuated throughout time, which can contribute to its persistence in contemporary culture. This essay will explore how these narratives play a role in maintaining transphobia in society.
The term "trans" means across, beyond, or through, while "phobia" denotes fear. When put together, it describes someone who experiences anxiety when faced with those who defy traditional notions of male and female identities. The history of transphobia has roots in ancient civilizations where men were seen as superior to women due to their ability to produce children and protect their families. This belief led to laws that criminalized homosexuality and cross-dressing, leading many transgender individuals to live underground lives to avoid persecution.
Throughout time, transphobia was associated with religious teachings and medical practices.
Physicians believed that sexual deviations were caused by physical abnormalities in the brain, leading them to treat transgender people with hormones and surgeries. In the early twentieth century, Sigmund Freud coined the term 'gender dysphoria,' which implied that transgenders had psychological issues that needed treatment.
This perspective did not become widely accepted until the 1970s when Harry Benjamin introduced the term 'transsexual.'
Contemporary culture still perpetuates these ideas through media representations such as television shows, movies, and music videos.
The show "Little House on the Prairie" featured a character named Laura Ingalls Wilder, who is genderqueer and uses they/them pronouns.
The storyline presents them as an outcast from society because of their nonconformity to traditional gender roles. Similarly, Madonna's song "Vogue" contains lyrics like "Don't cry for me, Argentina/The truth is I never left you" allude to Argentinian tango dancers known for their sensual movements and feminine clothing. These examples suggest that transgender identities are unnatural or undesirable, reinforcing negative attitudes towards them.
Historical narratives have contributed to the belief that only two genders exist: male and female. This binary system has been ingrained in our society since ancient times, where men were expected to provide for families while women stayed home to care for children. This paradigm persists today despite advances in science that prove there is no genetic basis for gender identity; rather, it is shaped by social constructs. As a result, many people view transgender individuals as deviant or abnormal, leading to discrimination and violence.
Historical narratives have played a significant role in perpetuating transphobia. By understanding this history, we can work to dismantle harmful beliefs and create more inclusive societies that accept diverse expressions of gender identity.
How have historical narratives contributed to the persistence of transphobia in contemporary culture?
The idea that one's gender is determined by biology at birth has been challenged for decades; however, some people still hold onto this belief due to cultural and historical reasons. Many cultures across the globe associate specific characteristics with each sex which can lead to feelings of uncomfortableness when an individual does not fit into these categories. This can manifest as prejudice towards those who identify outside of their assigned sex.