Indeed it may be only by risking the incoherence of identity that connection is possible.
Judith ButlerRead
I do not deny certain kinds of biological differences. But I always ask under what conditions, under what discursive and institutional conditions, do certain biological differences - and they're not necessary ones, given the anomalous state of bodies in the world - become the salient characteristics of sex.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote discusses how biological differences are perceived and defined within societal and institutional contexts.
Judith Butler emphasizes that while biological differences between sexes exist, it is crucial to examine the societal and institutional frameworks that highlight these differences. She argues that these distinctions are not inherent or necessary, suggesting that the characteristics used to define gender can vary based on cultural and contextual factors.
Themes
Biological DifferencesGenderSexSocietyInstitution
In practice
Example use cases
During a panel discussion on gender identity and representation in media.
More from Judith Butler
All quotes →When we say gender is performed, we usually mean that we've taken on a role or we're acting in some way and that our acting or our role playing is crucial to the gender that we are and the gender that we present to the world.
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It's my view that gender is culturally formed, but it's also a domain of agency or freedom and that it is most important to resist the violence that is imposed by ideal gender norms, especially against those who are gender different, who are nonconforming in their gender presentation.
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Sexual harassment law is very important. But I think it would be a mistake if the sexual harassment law movement is the only way in which feminism is known in the media.
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We act and walk and speak and talk in ways that consolidate an impression of being a man or being a woman.
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Indeed, even if one believed that criticisms of Israel are by and large heard as anti-semitic (by Jews, anti-semites, or people who could be described as neither), it would become the responsibility of all of us to change the conditions of reception so that the public might begin to distinguish between criticism of Israel and a hatred of Jews.
Judith ButlerRead
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