Fausto-Sterling discusses the history of hermaphrodites and how different countries dealt with this issue in “That Sexe Which Prevaileth.” Both European and American cultures were focused on preserving the 2-sex system. When the sex cannot be easily determined it creates confusion, our societies try to eliminate the confusion by using surgerical techniques to “fix the problem.” Fausto-Sterling argues for a sexual continuum because “if nature really offers us more than two sexes” then male and female are just social constructions (pg. 31). Hermaphrodite is not a new term; its use begins back to the days of Plato, who thought that hermaphrodite was the third sex in addition to male and female. Aristotle and Galen also had different views about this intersex. Aristotle believed that underneath their anatomy, hermaphrodites were one the two sexes, however Galen disagreed and placed them into an intermediate category. Even though the sexual continuum was held up during the middle ages, this willingness did not main social acceptance. European countries treated hermaphrodites very differently from strictly regulating them, seeing them as distasteful, or not caring all that much; the French, English, and Italian, respectively. In the late 1700’s to early 1800’s there was various classifications that evolved. Saint-Helene accounted that “nature is one whole” and that embryonic abnormalities were to blame for hermaphrodites and other birth abnormalities. While Klebs stated that gonads were the true determinant of sex, quite of bold belief. Some physicians began to biopsy the gonads to determine the sex of the tissue, while others start to listen to their patient’s requests. Dr. Young for example acknowledged that Emma, a patient with large clitoris and a vagina, did not want to be fixed. She said she was happy with her husband despite not experiencing any pleasure because that is what her girlfriends are for. Fausto-Sterling concludes by stating three reasons why intersex people cause commotion: there should only be two sexes, heterosexuality is normal, and gender roles define what a man and woman are. She infers that without these narrow-minded beliefs there would not be as much controversial.
The first book of Middlesex describes a personal story of a fictional hermaphrodite through the eyes of Calliope Helen Stephanides, who was born as a girl and then 14-years later as a boy. This first book mentions Cal’s family because a mutated gene of chromosome 5 has appeared in many generations. Both of Cal’s grandparents, Lefty and Desdemona, are carriers of the gene, which is an issue because they marry each other. It will be interesting to hear more about Cal in her early years and what were the main reasons why she wanted to become a he?
I wonder if our society will ever be able to look past labels!
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I agree with Sterling that we need to start thinking about sexuality on a continuum and stop making it simply "male" and "female" because so many people are excluded. She does a great job in linking how gender roles also play a huge role the identities of "male" and "female". Our society is set up in such a way that you have to identify with either, or in order to be assigned to gender roles. It's amazing how gender roles play such a huge role in our society. It creates a society where heterosexuality is the norm and presented in male and female. I never really realized how gender excludes so many people and how oppressive it can be. It really makes you think? What makes some one a "male" or a "female"? Is it really more than just genitals? I think it is. I share Marissa's hope that maybe our society can look past labels.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I really have a problem with the word hermaphrodites. I find it offensive and politically incorrect. I understand that Sterling was using it to refer to history but all the same I really wish she had just stuck with the work intersex.