Day: February 7, 2024

Non-Binary: Etymology/Term, Meanings and Concept

Etymology/Term: “Non-Binary” emerged in the late 20th century as a descriptor for gender identities that do not exclusively align with the conventional categories of male or female. The prefix “non-” negates the binary, emphasizing a departure from the traditional understanding of a two-gender system. The term is closely associated with the broader movement for gender inclusivity and recognition of identities beyond the binary spectrum.

Meanings and Concept:

• Gender Identity Beyond Binary:
  • Such individuals reject the notion that gender exists solely as a binary construct. They may identify with a gender outside the categories of male or female, embracing a spectrum of gender identities.
• Fluidity and Flexibility:
  • Such identities often encompass a sense of fluidity, allowing individuals to move between different gender expressions or to reject fixed gender labels altogether. This fluidity challenges societal expectations and norms.
• Personal Autonomy:
  • It is rooted in the affirmation of personal autonomy regarding gender. It recognizes that individuals have the agency to define and express their gender identities according to their own experiences and understanding.
• Genderqueer and Genderfluid Variations:
  • It is umbrella terminology that includes various identities such as genderqueer and genderfluid. Genderqueer emphasizes a non-normative gender identity, while genderfluid suggests a dynamic experience of gender over time.
• Diverse Experiences:
  • Such experiences are diverse and unique to each individual. Some may experience a constant gender identity outside the binary, while others may feel their gender identity shifting over time or depending on circumstances.
• Pronoun Preferences:
  • Such individuals may use pronouns such as they/them, ze/zir, or others that do not conform to the traditional gendered pronoun norms. Respecting and using the correct pronouns is a crucial aspect of affirming non-binary identities.
• Social and Legal Recognition:
  • Advocacy for legal recognition and social acceptance of non-binary identities is an ongoing effort. Many countries and institutions are adapting policies to acknowledge and accommodate diverse gender identities.

As a term and concept, it contributes to the broader discourse on gender inclusivity and challenges the restrictive nature of a binary understanding of gender. It promotes visibility, respect, and acceptance for individuals whose gender identities transcend traditional categorizations.

Non-Binary: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Non-binary is a gender identity that challenges and transcends the traditional binary understanding of gender as exclusively male or female. Individuals who identify as a rejection of societal norms that prescribe gender within this binary framework, asserting a diverse and expansive spectrum of gender expressions. This theoretical term encompasses a range of gender identities, emphasizing the autonomy and fluidity of one’s gender experience beyond conventional categorizations.

Non-Binary: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists:

1. Judith Butler:
   • Work: “Gender Trouble” (1990)
   • Contribution: Butler’s performativity theory has been instrumental in understanding how gender is constructed and performed, providing a theoretical foundation for non-binary identities.
2. Kate Bornstein:
   • Work: “Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women, and the Rest of Us” (1994)
   • Contribution: Bornstein’s work challenges the binary concept of gender and explores non-binary and genderqueer identities.
3. Sandy Stone:
   • Work: “The Empire Strikes Back: A Posttranssexual Manifesto” (1987)
   • Contribution: Stone’s essay critically engages with gender norms and contributes to the theoretical understanding of gender variance, including non-binary identities.

Works:

1. “Genderqueer: Voices from Beyond the Sexual Binary” edited by Joan Nestle, Clare Howell, and Riki Wilchins (2002):
   • Contribution: This anthology collects personal narratives and essays that explore the experiences of individuals who identify outside the gender binary, contributing to the visibility and understanding of non-binary identities.
2. “Trans Bodies, Trans Selves” edited by Laura Erickson-Schroth (2014):
   • Contribution: While not exclusively focused on such identities, this comprehensive resource explores a spectrum of transgender experiences, including discussions on genderqueer and non-binary experiences.

Arguments and Concepts:

1. Deconstruction of Gender Binary:
   • Argument: The central argument in such discourse involves deconstructing the traditional binary understanding of gender as a restrictive and binary system, allowing for a more inclusive and expansive understanding of gender identities.
2. Autonomy and Self-Identification:
   • Argument: This discourse often emphasizes the autonomy of individuals to self-identify and define their gender experiences, challenging external norms and expectations.
3. Intersectionality and Non-Binary Identities:
   • Argument: The intersectional nature of such identities is recognized, acknowledging how race, ethnicity, class, and other factors intersect with and influence the experiences of non-binary individuals.
4. Legal Recognition and Activism:
   • Argument: Activists and scholars argue for legal recognition and protection of such identities, advocating for policies that acknowledge and respect diverse gender expressions.

Theoretical discussions around non-binary identities continue to evolve, shaped by ongoing activism, scholarship, and the lived experiences of individuals who identify outside the traditional gender binary.

Non-Binary: Major Characteristics

1. Rejection of Binary Norms:
   • Such individuals reject the societal norm that classifies gender exclusively as male or female. They challenge the binary framework, asserting the existence of a spectrum of gender identities.
   • Literary Reference: Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women, and the Rest of Us by Kate Bornstein explores the rejection of binary norms and the fluidity of gender identity.
2. Fluidity and Flexibility:
   • Such identities often involve a fluid and flexible experience of gender. Individuals may embrace a dynamic and changing sense of gender over time.
   • Literary Reference: Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg portrays the fluidity of gender experiences, challenging fixed notions of identity.
3. Autonomy in Self-Identification:
   • Such individuals emphasize personal autonomy in defining and identifying their gender. This characteristic underscores the importance of self-determination in expressing one’s gender identity.
   • Literary Reference: Nevada by Imogen Binnie explores the protagonist’s journey towards self-discovery and self-identification outside traditional gender categories.
4. Diverse Pronoun Usage:
   • Such individuals may use pronouns that do not conform to the traditional binary (they/them, ze/zir). Pronoun usage is a significant aspect of expressing one’s non-binary identity.
5. Intersectionality:
   • Such experiences are shaped by intersections with other aspects of identity such as race, ethnicity, and class. This intersectionality contributes to the diversity of non-binary narratives.
   • Literary Reference: “An Unkindness of Ghosts” by Rivers Solomon explores intersectionality, touching on non-binary gender identities within a sci-fi context.
6. Challenges to Gender Norms:
   • Non-binary individuals challenge and disrupt traditional gender norms, contributing to broader conversations about the limitations of a binary understanding of gender.
   • Literary Reference: “Middlesex” by Jeffrey Eugenides portrays a character with intersex variations, challenging norms and expectations related to gender.

These characteristics are represented in literature that engages with the complexities of non-binary identities, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of gender beyond the binary.

Non-Binary: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance to Non-Binary Identities	Example/Reference
Queer Theory	Examines non-binary identities as part of the broader queer spectrum. Challenges heteronormative and gender normative expectations.	Reference: Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women, and the Rest of Us by Kate Bornstein.
Postcolonial Theory	Considers the intersection of non-binary identities with cultural and colonial influences. Explores how gender identity is shaped by colonial histories.	Reference: Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi, which delves into non-binary identity within a postcolonial context.
Feminist Theory	Addresses the inclusivity of non-binary identities in discussions of gender. Examines how non-binary experiences challenge and enrich feminist discourse.	Reference: Nevada by Imogen Binnie, exploring a non-binary character’s feminist journey.
Disability Studies	Acknowledges the intersectionality of non-binary identities with disability. Explores the unique experiences of non-binary individuals with disabilities.	Reference: Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha, examining disability and gender identity.
Psychoanalytic Theory	Engages with the psychosocial aspects of non-binary identity formation. Challenges normative psychoanalytic views on gender development.	Reference: Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg, providing a psychoanalytic perspective on gender fluidity.
Narrative Theory	Explores how non-binary identities shape and are shaped by narrative structures. Considers the impact of storytelling on non-binary representation.	Reference: An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon, examining narrative and non-binary intersectionality.
Critical Race Theory	Addresses the intersectionality of non-binary identities with race and ethnicity. Examines how race influences the experiences of non-binary individuals.	Reference: Black on Both Sides: A Racial History of Trans Identity by C. Riley Snorton, exploring race and non-binary identity.

Non-Binary: Application in Critiques

1. Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women, and the Rest of Us by Kate Bornstein:
   • Application: Bornstein’s work can be critiqued for its pioneering role in the exploration of non-binary identities within the context of queer theory. The critique might examine how the book contributes to dismantling binary norms but may also evaluate its limitations in representing the diversity of non-binary experiences.
2. Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi:
   • Application: In critiquing Emezi’s novel, the focus could be on the intersectionality of non-binary identities within postcolonial contexts. The critique might explore how the narrative challenges colonial gender norms but also address any potential pitfalls in the portrayal of non-binary experiences in diverse cultural settings.
3. Nevada by Imogen Binnie:
   • Application: Binnie’s work can be critiqued for its representation of such character within the realm of feminist theory. The critique might analyze how the novel contributes to discussions around gender inclusivity in feminist discourse while also examining any potential shortcomings in the portrayal of non-binary identity.
4. Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg:
   • Application: Feinberg’s classic can be critiqued for its exploration of identity through a psychoanalytic lens. The critique might assess how the novel challenges normative psychoanalytic views on gender while considering the broader impact of the narrative on readers’ perceptions of gender fluidity.

In each critique, the goal is to evaluate the representation and impact of non-binary identities within the context of the specific literary work, considering the contributions and potential limitations of the authors in portraying the complexities of non-binary experiences.

Non-Binary: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
Genderqueer	Umbrella term for gender identities outside the binary.
Genderfluid	Describing a gender identity that may change over time.
Agender	Identifying with no gender or as gender-neutral.
Bigender	Identifying with two distinct genders.
Androgynous	Having a gender expression that is a mix of both genders.
Two-Spirit	A term used by some Indigenous cultures for non-binary identities.
Demiboy/Demigirl	Identifying partially, but not wholly, with a gender.
Neutrois	A gender identity characterized by a neutral or null gender.
Genderqueer	Rejecting traditional gender categories or norms.
Fluidflux	Experiencing fluidity and flux in gender identity.

Non-Binary: Suggested Readings

1. Bornstein, Kate. Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women, and the Rest of Us. Vintage, 1994.
2. Emezi, Akwaeke. Freshwater. Grove Press, 2018.
3. Feinberg, Leslie. Stone Butch Blues. Alyson Books, 1993.
4. Piepzna-Samarasinha, Leah Lakshmi. Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice. Arsenal Pulp Press, 2018.
5. Solomon, Rivers. An Unkindness of Ghosts. Akashic Books, 2017.
6. Snorton, C. Riley. Black on Both Sides: A Racial History of Trans Identity. University of Minnesota Press, 2017.
7. Binnie, Imogen. Nevada. Topside Press, 2013.
8. The Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism, edited by Shannon Des Roches Wright et al., Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2011.
9. Yergeau, Melanie. Authoring Autism: On Rhetoric and Neurological Queerness. Duke University Press, 2018.

Nihilism: Etymology/Term, Meanings and Concept

Etymology/Term:

The term “nihilism” is derived from the Latin word “nihil,” meaning “nothing.” Coined in the 19th century, nihilism encompasses a philosophical, cultural, and moral perspective that rejects or denies the existence of inherent meaning, value, or purpose in life. It gained prominence through the works of philosophers such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Arthur Schopenhauer, who explored the consequences of a world without inherent meaning.

Meanings and Concept:

• Philosophical Nihilism: This perspective posits that life lacks objective meaning, morality, or purpose. It often challenges traditional beliefs and values, asserting that they are human constructs with no inherent truth.
• Existential Nihilism: Focuses on the individual’s experience, emphasizing the absence of predetermined meaning in one’s existence. It suggests that individuals must create their own meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.
• Moral Nihilism: Rejects the existence of objective moral values, asserting that ethical systems are subjective and human-made. Consequently, moral nihilists argue against the existence of inherent right or wrong.
• Political Nihilism: Extends nihilistic principles to political and social structures, questioning the legitimacy of authority, institutions, and established norms. It may advocate for radical change or the dismantling of existing systems.
• Cultural Nihilism: Critiques cultural norms, traditions, and institutions, arguing that they lack intrinsic value. This perspective often challenges societal expectations and encourages a reevaluation of cultural constructs.
• Nihilistic Aesthetics: In the realm of art and literature, nihilistic aesthetics may reject traditional forms and meanings, embracing chaos, absurdity, or the absence of conventional artistic standards.
• Nihilistic Despair: Refers to the emotional or psychological state of individuals who grapple with the nihilistic worldview, experiencing a sense of emptiness, purposelessness, or existential crisis.

Nihilism, while a complex and multifaceted concept, remains a significant theme in philosophy, influencing various intellectual disciplines and cultural movements.

Nihilism: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Nihilism is a philosophical stance that asserts the absence of inherent meaning, value, or purpose in existence. It posits a radical skepticism toward established beliefs, moral principles, and societal structures, contending that they are human constructs rather than objective truths. Nihilism challenges traditional notions of meaning and morality, often exploring the consequences of a world devoid of inherent significance.

Nihilism: Theorists, Works, and Argument

Theorists:

• Friedrich Nietzsche: Explored nihilistic themes in works such as “Thus Spoke Zarathustra” and “Beyond Good and Evil.”
• Arthur Schopenhauer: Contributed to nihilistic philosophy with his ideas on the will to live and pessimism.

Works:

• “Thus Spoke Zarathustra”: Nietzsche’s seminal work that introduces the concept of the Übermensch and critiques traditional values.
• “Beyond Good and Evil”: Nietzsche’s philosophical exploration challenging moral absolutes and advocating for a reevaluation of values.

Argument:

• Nietzsche’s argument revolves around the rejection of objective meaning, emphasizing the need for individuals to create their own values in the absence of inherent truths.
• Schopenhauer’s nihilistic argument centers on the idea of life as fundamentally characterized by suffering, with the will to live perpetuating an existence devoid of inherent meaning.

Nihilism: Major Characteristics

Major Characteristics	Examples
1. Rejection of Meaning and Purpose	In Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, the protagonist Raskolnikov grapples with the nihilistic notion that traditional moral values lack inherent meaning, leading him to commit a heinous crime to test this belief.
2. Absence of Objective Morality	Albert Camus’s The Stranger exemplifies moral nihilism through the protagonist, Meursault, who exhibits indifference to societal norms and moral conventions, challenging the existence of objective moral values.
3. Critique of Social and Political Structures	Chuck Palahniuk’s Fight Club critiques consumerist society, advocating for its destruction as an expression of political nihilism and rebellion against established structures.
4. Individual Existential Responsibility	Jean-Paul Sartre’s Nausea explores existential nihilism, emphasizing individual responsibility for creating meaning in a world devoid of intrinsic purpose.
5. Embrace of Absurdity and Chaos	Samuel Beckett’s play Waiting for Godot embodies existential nihilism by portraying characters waiting endlessly for someone who may never come, highlighting the absurdity and meaninglessness of existence.
6. Exploration of Despair and Alienation	In Nikolai Gogol’s The Overcoat, the protagonist Akaky Akakievich experiences existential despair and alienation, reflecting nihilistic themes of the futility of individual pursuits and the isolation of the human condition.

Nihilism: Relevance in Literary Theories

• Deconstructionism:
  • Nihilism plays a crucial role in deconstructionist literary theory, challenging fixed meanings and highlighting the instability of language. Deconstructionists like Jacques Derrida explore the idea that texts lack inherent meaning, aligning with nihilistic perspectives on the absence of objective truths.
• Existentialism:
  • Existentialist literary theories often engage with nihilistic themes, emphasizing the individual’s responsibility to create meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. Writers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus explore existential nihilism in their works, questioning the purpose of existence and the nature of human freedom.
• Postmodernism:
  • Nihilism is a central theme in postmodern literary theories, challenging grand narratives and questioning the stability of truth. Postmodern authors like Thomas Pynchon or Don DeLillo often incorporate nihilistic elements, rejecting traditional structures and exploring the fragmented nature of reality.
• Absurdist Literature:
  • Nihilism is closely tied to absurdist literature, which presents a world devoid of inherent meaning or purpose. Writers like Samuel Beckett and Albert Camus explore the absurdity of human existence, showcasing characters grappling with the futility of their actions in a universe without inherent order.
• Critical Theory:
  • Nihilistic perspectives are influential in critical theories that deconstruct power structures and societal norms. Critical theorists like Michel Foucault or Judith Butler draw on nihilistic ideas to critique established institutions, highlighting the constructed nature of social and political systems.
• Nihilistic Aesthetics:
  • Within literary aesthetics, nihilism is reflected in the rejection of conventional forms and meanings. Nihilistic aesthetics may involve experimentation with language, form, and narrative, challenging established norms in literature and embracing the chaotic or absurd.

Nihilism’s relevance in literary theories underscores its impact on diverse intellectual movements, providing a lens through which writers and theorists examine the nature of language, meaning, and existence in literature.

Nihilism: Application in Critiques

• Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky:
  • Nihilism is intricately woven into the critique of societal morality and the protagonist’s internal struggles. The novel explores the consequences of rejecting traditional values, as Raskolnikov grapples with the nihilistic notion that morality lacks inherent meaning, leading to a destructive pursuit of individualistic ideals.
• The Stranger by Albert Camus:
  • Camus’s novel serves as a powerful critique of objective morality, reflecting nihilistic themes through the character of Meursault. The protagonist’s indifference to societal norms challenges the existence of inherent moral values, prompting a reflection on the absurdity and meaninglessness of human actions.
• Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk:
  • Nihilism is central to the critique of consumerist society and the quest for identity in Palahniuk’s novel. Through the characters’ rejection of societal norms and the embrace of chaos, the story delves into political nihilism, critiquing established structures and advocating for a radical break from conformity.
• Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett:
  • Beckett’s play serves as a profound critique of existential nihilism, portraying characters trapped in a cycle of waiting for meaning that never materializes. The absurdity and meaninglessness of their existence highlight the futility of seeking purpose in a world devoid of inherent meaning, offering a critique of the human condition.

Nihilism, as a critical lens, allows for the examination of these literary works in terms of the rejection of meaning, morality, and societal structures, offering insights into the complex interplay between existential questions and narrative constructions.

Nihilism: Relevant Terms

Nihilism: 10 Relevant Terms

1. Absurdity: Embracing the senselessness and irrationality inherent in existence.

2. Existential Responsibility: The idea that individuals must create their own meaning and values.

3. Deconstructionism: Challenging fixed meanings and highlighting the instability of language.

4. Postmodernism: Rejecting grand narratives and questioning the stability of truth.

5. Absurdist Literature: Presenting a world devoid of inherent meaning or purpose.

6. Critical Theory: Deconstructing power structures and societal norms.

7. Nihilistic Aesthetics: Rejecting conventional forms and meanings in art and literature.

8. Pessimism: A philosophical outlook emphasizing the negative aspects of existence.

9. Individualism: Prioritizing the autonomy and agency of the individual over collective values.

10. Moral Relativism: Rejecting the existence of objective moral values, considering them subjective and context-dependent.

Nihilism: Suggested Readings

1. Camus, Albert. The Stranger. Vintage International, 1989.
2. Dostoevsky, Fyodor. Crime and Punishment. Vintage Classics, 1992.
3. Nietzsche, Friedrich. Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Penguin Classics, 2003.
4. Palahniuk, Chuck. Fight Club. W.W. Norton & Company, 1996.
5. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Nausea. New Directions, 2007.
6. Schopenhauer, Arthur. The World as Will and Representation. Dover Publications, 1969.
7. Beckett, Samuel. Waiting for Godot. Grove Press, 2011.
8. Butler, Judith. Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Routledge, 2006.
9. Foucault, Michel. Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison. Vintage Books, 1995.
10. Pynchon, Thomas. The Crying of Lot 49. Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2006.