Today while I was reading a magazine, I came across an article about Chaz Bono being engaged. For those who do not know Chaz Bono, he was the daughter of Sonny and Cher. Yes, he was their daughter. Some years ago, Chastity Bono underwent a sex change operation to become "Chaz" Bono. Today he is engaged to a woman, Jennifer Elia.
This article reminded me much of Bill’s situation in Promethea. The only difference is that Jennifer knows that Chaz used to be a woman while Bill’s lover did not know that Bill was a man. Not only does Jennifer know that Chaz was a woman but almost everyone in the world knows since he is a celebrity. She seems to accept him for who he is while Bill’s lover shot Bill when he found out his real gender. This raises the question: Is Chaz still a woman even if he does not look or act like one? Many people would say yes and many women would not even consider dating him. However, he found one woman who is perfectly comfortable with him. The answer to my question is different according to the person you ask. Bill’s lover would probably say that Bill is really a man while Jennifer would say that no, Chaz is no longer a woman. There really is not a correct answer because there are so many factors to take into account and it can be a very complicated situation.
That's a really interesting comparison and I agree that its something that you can't have a definite answer for. Everyone is going to have different opinions on the matter, and since the idea of a sex-change is still relatively new, there are going to be a lot of people who question it for a really long time. People still need a chance to become familiar with the idea before it will be something that many women would consider.
ReplyDeleteThis definitely is where a great amount of controversy arises when it comes to "categorizing" transgenders. It seems to be one of those subjects that depends on personal opinion and there really will not be a right answer to it. Some may focus on the biology of it all, but some are adamant on ideas that just changing biology doesn't really change your sex. In the end, I don't think it's entirely necessary to come to a sound conclusion about how to group transgenders, because people will always think what they want to think regardless.
ReplyDeleteI also think that's a really interesting comparison. Nice pick-up. I think that while yes, biology has a way of defining us, I think that a person should be perceived in the way that they want to be perceived. This is probably a little idyllic concept given the relatively harsh world we live in, but why shouldn't someone who believes themselves to be a certain gender (regardless of what biology is telling them) be able to be treated as such?
ReplyDeleteI respect Jennifer's ability to look past the biology and see Chaz for who he really is. I was a little surprised by Bill's lover's actions, and a little disappointed that one would react as such, but after all, it is a story.
I remember that I first heard about his journey to change his sex when I started watching Dancing with the Stars and so many people were outraged that he was going to be part of the cast because he was a woman who was not comfortable with his sex, so he decided to change it. People protested, but ultimately he was in the show. I think the comparison between Bill and Chaz was really appropriate since it is a real example of instances where themes from comic books overlap.
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