Date: Sat, 09 Nov 2002 09:40:42 -0500
Subject: Re: Gendered binaries
From: Fernando Calzadilla <fc270-AT-nyu.edu>


Snoopy resents the common expression "It's raining cats and dogs." He thinks
the proper expression should be dogs and cats. Binaries embody power
relations.
F

> From: Anthony McCann <mccannat-AT-si.edu>
> Reply-To: foucault-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu
> Date: Fri, 08 Nov 2002 10:06:33 -0500
> To: SOCIAL-THEORY-AT-jiscmail.ac.uk
> Cc: foucault-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu
> Subject: Gendered binaries
> 
> Hi,
> 
> This is a stupid question, but I can't see the wood for the tress with this
> one right now.
> 
> I've been looking at enclosure and 'the commons', and have been noting in
> analyses and scholarly discourse that the binary opposition is heavily
> gendered, respectively masculine/feminine, active/passive,
> threatening/threatened etc etc etc
> 
> I can identify where and how and maybe even why, but the obvious thing that
> I can't think straight about right now, because my head has too much rubbish
> in it, is why is this a problem? (I realise it is, but can't think about it
> right) More specifically, what are the most obvious negative implications of
> using heavily gendered binaries in our discourses, analyses, and practices?
> 
> It is a stupid question, but any help appreciated, especially in terms of
> relevant texts or references.
> 
> All the best
> 
> Anthony