Utilizing Common Sense May Not Suffice

A range of beliefs exists regarding gender; some argue it is a social construct, while others assert it stems from biological differences. The terms are often confused. Scientific and medical communities recognize that sex exists on a broad spectrum, and gender, as a social concept, has only recently been constructed.

When discussions around sex and gender are reduced to binary definitions, they often reflect an underlying belief system, possibly influenced by religious or political ideologies. Many individuals remain unaware of their own biases, simply accepting what they consider to be 'common sense.'

Consider some common beliefs you may have encountered:

• Men are inherently men, and women are inherently women.
• Men focus on things, while women prioritize relationships.
• Competition is a male trait; cooperation is a female trait.
• Men are seen as providers, while women are viewed as nurturers.

These notions are overly simplistic and reflect binary thinking. A deeper consideration reveals that both men and women can care about various aspects of life, create and nurture, and may or may not assume parental roles. Human behavior is characterized by a wide array of traits.

This is why we must critically examine the notion of 'common sense.' Many individuals, regardless of being cisgender or not, may face infertility or may not identify with the gender assigned to them at birth. Others may express themselves through occupations or styles that defy traditional expectations.

Growth Requires Discomfort and Flexibility

The discomfort many feel arises from long-established societal rules and roles. Most people identify as either male or female, and the existence of those who do not fit neatly into these categories can be unsettling.

To illustrate, think of potatoes: while we commonly encounter a few varieties, countless others exist beyond our typical experience.

The Intersection of Math and Social Discourse

A prevalent meme in social conversations posits that without clear binary roles, fundamental truths become distorted—like claiming two plus two equals five. Some argue that this is a form of doublespeak, distorting reality. However, genuine truth is multifaceted, reliant on a variety of natural laws.

Current research indicates that there aren't linear hierarchies in nature but rather intricate networks of air, water, organisms, and minerals—what we refer to as spheres (hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere). Humanity is merely one of many species within the biosphere.

This understanding challenges the outdated belief that creation follows a singular, hierarchical model. Nature itself reveals instances where conventional math does not apply, yet this should not deter our commitment to inclusivity.

Lost in this discourse is nuance. An organism reproducing divides into two, while two beings creating offspring can yield a third. Cloning can produce numerous identical organisms from one.

While we must embrace the lessons of mathematics, we also need to question assertions made by those seeking to control narratives about identity.

Viewing Yourself as Part of a Larger Community

It is inaccurate to assert that gender is solely biological, as biological diversity exists in numerous forms. Human social norms evolve over time, and we adapt alongside them.

Each of us harbors a community of microorganisms coexisting with larger organisms, including our fellow humans. Embracing diversity is essential for life, both in the biosphere and our social environments.

Life is intricate.

Life’s beauty stems from this complexity. The essence of life encompasses not only reproduction but also nurturing, collaboration, social connections, inclusivity, and extensive living networks.

We inhabit interconnected, ever-evolving spheres, with the human sphere being our social environment. Within this space, we must learn to accept, protect, and critically evaluate both our beliefs and biological realities.

Our survival—both biologically and socially—hinges on our capacity for selfless sharing within the biosphere and our ability to navigate the complexities of our social environments.

Intersectionality in Focus

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