Posted on Jun 4, 2015
Do you understand the term intersex and how it affects military service?
7.94K
63
33
3
3
0
After a buzzfeed article/video I was educated on the term intersex and discovered just how undereducated most of society is on individuals dealing with identifying as such.
Many people have weighed in on the topic of transgendered individuals serving in the military. Some are in favor of it and some are not.
Regardless of personal choices the culture of the military has always been one of service and with that being said based on this new information there are probably a number of intersex individuals in the military today.
The link to the video is below:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/lizzwarner/what-its-like-to-be-intersex
Are you familiar with the term and its differences from transgender or the fact that it is not a choice? (Rhetorical: feel free to watch the video if the answer is no)
Comments that are racially, sexually, or otherwise charged causes internal friction and can affect the levels of trust between service members. The idea that being PC is not important because of the "we're all 'tough' and who cares if anyone is offended just worry about 'Merica" mentality is the same thought process that leads to a number of suicides, domestic violence, friendly fire, etc. (IMHO) due to our identity as people being subject to some action figure alter ego. We the servicemembers are a part of "We the People", we ARE America.
Please feel free to weigh in on the following questions:
Does a lack of education when approaching these potentially controversial topics put us at risk if those who we are serving alongside do not feel safe? Do we have the same responsibility to protect the integrity of the armed forces regarding gender identity as we do regarding issues like sexual assault?
Many people have weighed in on the topic of transgendered individuals serving in the military. Some are in favor of it and some are not.
Regardless of personal choices the culture of the military has always been one of service and with that being said based on this new information there are probably a number of intersex individuals in the military today.
The link to the video is below:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/lizzwarner/what-its-like-to-be-intersex
Are you familiar with the term and its differences from transgender or the fact that it is not a choice? (Rhetorical: feel free to watch the video if the answer is no)
Comments that are racially, sexually, or otherwise charged causes internal friction and can affect the levels of trust between service members. The idea that being PC is not important because of the "we're all 'tough' and who cares if anyone is offended just worry about 'Merica" mentality is the same thought process that leads to a number of suicides, domestic violence, friendly fire, etc. (IMHO) due to our identity as people being subject to some action figure alter ego. We the servicemembers are a part of "We the People", we ARE America.
Please feel free to weigh in on the following questions:
Does a lack of education when approaching these potentially controversial topics put us at risk if those who we are serving alongside do not feel safe? Do we have the same responsibility to protect the integrity of the armed forces regarding gender identity as we do regarding issues like sexual assault?
Diversity
Gender
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 6
6
6
0
So there are 51 gender identification options on Facebook and several acronyms that can be found on the internet that are designed to not offend people. At what point do we say that this is getting out of hand and going above and beyond our core mission to fight the nation's wars? We need simple solutions and at some point there needs to be a line drawn as to where we stand so we can move out and put our energies towards our main mission. We cannot accommodate every expert's opinion, every country's consensus, every special interest group, or each individual service member.
I cannot stress enough that it is impossible to have a group or society where no one is offended or excluded without also taking away the personal liberties or rights of everyone in that group.
And yes, we do have the responsibility to protect everyone regarding issues like sexual assault. Who you prefer to sleep with or what your body looks like or what hormones you inject into yourself have no bearing on the fact that you were the victim of a crime.
I cannot stress enough that it is impossible to have a group or society where no one is offended or excluded without also taking away the personal liberties or rights of everyone in that group.
And yes, we do have the responsibility to protect everyone regarding issues like sexual assault. Who you prefer to sleep with or what your body looks like or what hormones you inject into yourself have no bearing on the fact that you were the victim of a crime.
(6)
(0)
CW2 (Join to see)
next we'll have to accommodate transabled people, people with no disabilities that want a limb removed,eyes or hearing...yes this is a thing too
(2)
(0)
CW3 (Join to see)
I've seen that...*smdh*. I can't even wrap my mind around that. I thank the Grand Architect of the Universe every day that my eyes, ears, arms, hands, and legs and feet work as they're supposed to. I couldn't imagine voluntarily giving any of that up.
(2)
(0)
CW5 (Join to see)
I don't think we are getting ridiculous at all. So the premise is that because of parents we have people with problems identifying their gender. What is your solution to this?
If we have to deal with such people, how do we reasonably do so without offense? As I pointed out, Facebook attempted to accommodate different people and it turned into a farce even though FB is serious about it.
But since only people of the two prominent genders can get in the service anyway the discussion is really moot.
If we have to deal with such people, how do we reasonably do so without offense? As I pointed out, Facebook attempted to accommodate different people and it turned into a farce even though FB is serious about it.
But since only people of the two prominent genders can get in the service anyway the discussion is really moot.
(0)
(0)
CW5 (Join to see)
I find it interesting that there are people that:
1) Are still reading a 6 year old post
2) Downvote a comment without providing any rebuttal
1) Are still reading a 6 year old post
2) Downvote a comment without providing any rebuttal
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
The public definition of "diversity" is incorrect. Diversity seems to mean accept everyone and everything regardless of one's personal feelings or YOU are the one who is wrong.
True diversity ALSO means that those of us with opinions AGAINST something are accepted too. If I feel a certain way about a certain group I am not wrong because I don't support it, but this point of view is exactly what all the diversity advocates are opposed to.
You can't please all the people all the time but that is what society wants. It's impossible. I'm sorry, I cannot accept everything and everybody simply because it's politically correct - another oxymoron of a term that is overused by the overly-sensitive crowd.
True diversity ALSO means that those of us with opinions AGAINST something are accepted too. If I feel a certain way about a certain group I am not wrong because I don't support it, but this point of view is exactly what all the diversity advocates are opposed to.
You can't please all the people all the time but that is what society wants. It's impossible. I'm sorry, I cannot accept everything and everybody simply because it's politically correct - another oxymoron of a term that is overused by the overly-sensitive crowd.
(3)
(0)
MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
PFC(P) (Join to see) I am "discussing" and giving you my honest point of view. Yes I watched the video and googled it and my opinion still stands.
(3)
(0)
SSgt (Join to see)
PFC(P) (Join to see) How can you ask the question "How can you form an opinion on something based on what you "think" it is?"? You form those opinions on a daily basis. You are not above the rest of humanity, you form opinions based on what you've heard from someone else on a daily basis. Even in this case, opinions are formed based on someone else's ideas and opinions.
As to your other comments in your original post. Words are just words. You choose how you react to a word. If you ignore a word and how it is used, you remove the power behind those words. Thus the reason behind the fight against political correctness. If you really want to to see a change, remove the power behind those "offensive" words by ignoring them.
Many in this society are to too concerned about the words used to describe someone or something. I cant take anything from you by describing you differently than someone else. You are what you are and you are what you always will be.
Stop caring what someone else thinks of you and care about what you think about you.
Lastly, no one needs to be "educated" on what is right or wrong. You either know or you don't. "Education" will not change that. Anyone who thinks it is alright to treat another human being less than a human being will continue to treat that person the same way they always have regardless of the training you put them through.
As long as individuals allow words to hurt or maim them, they will and the power of those words will continue to carry power and cause pain. No one has power over how they feel about a situation, or word(s); they do, however, have the power to control how they react. How you react is what empowers or neuters one's actions or words.
As to your other comments in your original post. Words are just words. You choose how you react to a word. If you ignore a word and how it is used, you remove the power behind those words. Thus the reason behind the fight against political correctness. If you really want to to see a change, remove the power behind those "offensive" words by ignoring them.
Many in this society are to too concerned about the words used to describe someone or something. I cant take anything from you by describing you differently than someone else. You are what you are and you are what you always will be.
Stop caring what someone else thinks of you and care about what you think about you.
Lastly, no one needs to be "educated" on what is right or wrong. You either know or you don't. "Education" will not change that. Anyone who thinks it is alright to treat another human being less than a human being will continue to treat that person the same way they always have regardless of the training you put them through.
As long as individuals allow words to hurt or maim them, they will and the power of those words will continue to carry power and cause pain. No one has power over how they feel about a situation, or word(s); they do, however, have the power to control how they react. How you react is what empowers or neuters one's actions or words.
(2)
(0)
PFC(P) (Join to see)
Ultimately as with the title of the question I just wanted to know who had heard the term before. I don't think of myself as being above the rest of humanity. I try to be open minded and think of the things I learn everyday as they apply to varying aspects of my life.
The OP featured a title and a details section. I can't really attest to what other people allow to hurt them. I can however say that in a professional organization like the ones that make up the armed forces it is important to maintain trust between servicemembers.
Can the same be said about inappropriate sexual jokes that are made way too often and overheard by SMs who have experienced sexual assault at the hands of people who they are serving with? Should they just get over the words they hear? Words are important.
We can sit here all day and make euphemisms for how things "should" go but I asked a question about humans and their emotions (I also happen to be seeking a sociology degree), so I apologize if the curiosity of my post was the most outlandish irrelevant thing you've seen today.
The OP featured a title and a details section. I can't really attest to what other people allow to hurt them. I can however say that in a professional organization like the ones that make up the armed forces it is important to maintain trust between servicemembers.
Can the same be said about inappropriate sexual jokes that are made way too often and overheard by SMs who have experienced sexual assault at the hands of people who they are serving with? Should they just get over the words they hear? Words are important.
We can sit here all day and make euphemisms for how things "should" go but I asked a question about humans and their emotions (I also happen to be seeking a sociology degree), so I apologize if the curiosity of my post was the most outlandish irrelevant thing you've seen today.
(0)
(0)
PFC(P) (Join to see)
A "hermaphrodite" is someone who expressed two genders at birth. No one is saying there are more genders. The question was about if there are any implications associated with military service and those that have both.
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
What does intersex have to do with the sighting and working end of an M16? Nothing.
(2)
(0)
Capt (Join to see)
I interpreted the majors question to mean that all should be treated equal unless it had an affect on the duties of a soldier.
(3)
(0)
MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
Yes Capt (Join to see) exactly. I will admit I can have a crude sense of sarcasm but that is what I meant. The gender choice of an individual does not affect our mission which is what I thought, "It does not affect the fight" was implying. Mia Culpa if I interpreted that incorrectly PFC(P) (Join to see).
(1)
(0)
PFC(P) (Join to see)
Understandable. Then I respect your choice, however with that being said, in what ways are the individuals choosing an identity after being born in situations where an identity has to be chosen and is often done so before they can consent? How would one know that if in a similar situation that the right choice was made? Does that seem fair? I feel as if this is comparable to a disability.
The survey responses were based on the questions at the end of the post, correct. The survey served two purposes; 1) to allow people to share their opinions and 2) to allow them to see just how much intolerance for difference or prejudice against certain marginalized groups exists within a series of organizations designed to protect and represent our entire nation.
The survey responses were based on the questions at the end of the post, correct. The survey served two purposes; 1) to allow people to share their opinions and 2) to allow them to see just how much intolerance for difference or prejudice against certain marginalized groups exists within a series of organizations designed to protect and represent our entire nation.
(1)
(0)
MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
Like I said above 1LT Scott Doyle my sarcasm can be crude sometimes. especially if it's before breakfast. "Quick to judge, quick to anger, slow to understand" Neil Peart had people like me in mind when he penned those lyrics
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
(0)
(0)
PFC(P) (Join to see)
Why is it so hard for people to answer the question? Lol
Intersex has nothing to do with preference. Scientifically those who have additional chromosomes are not able to live by that "truth" which is who intersex individuals are and their genders have to be assigned to them.
Intersex has nothing to do with preference. Scientifically those who have additional chromosomes are not able to live by that "truth" which is who intersex individuals are and their genders have to be assigned to them.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
Never heard of the term before but I did know that chromosomes can be mutated such that they are not the typical XY for males and XX for females. As I recall and XYY male can be very aggressive either as a professional or or as a criminal and that some outstanding female athletes have variations in their chromosomal make up.
I do not think that this topics is of much concern because it is likely rare compared to the overall make up of the armed forces. There are a lot of genetic conditions that can affect people, so it is a matter of just using common sense an not offending people for who they are. In some of the more severe forms of the condition I doubt that the person would be able to serve in uniform anyway, for example Klinefelter syndrome and Turners syndrome.
I do not think that this topics is of much concern because it is likely rare compared to the overall make up of the armed forces. There are a lot of genetic conditions that can affect people, so it is a matter of just using common sense an not offending people for who they are. In some of the more severe forms of the condition I doubt that the person would be able to serve in uniform anyway, for example Klinefelter syndrome and Turners syndrome.
(1)
(0)
PFC(P) (Join to see)
Thank you so much for responding to the topic specifically. This is primarily what I was asking.
(0)
(0)
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
I was offended that my RDC in boot camp called me "captain cavity" but I could do exactly zippy-zap about it. If you are confronted by the enemy, I am willing to bet they would love to offend you. Once you allow them to offend you, you have given them power over you, and the last thing we want is to give the enemy more power. I think there is a similar lesson in Miamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings involving showing up to duels late to offend and enrage his opponent and effect their ability to perform in the fight. Consequently he won the sword fight by clubbing the man to death with a stick. Where does getting offended get poor Sasaki Kojiro?
(1)
(0)
PFC(P) (Join to see)
Thank you for your comment.
But if you are going to respond, please respond to the question at hand. It is based on understanding of the term "intersex", not on opinions regarding offense.
But if you are going to respond, please respond to the question at hand. It is based on understanding of the term "intersex", not on opinions regarding offense.
(0)
(0)
PO2 (Join to see)
Here are your questions and my answers:
Q1)Does a lack of education when approaching these potentially controversial topics put us at risk if those who we are serving alongside do not feel safe?
A1) I am going to answer your question with a question, put who at risk? Who is at risk in this situation? Who is feeling safe or not safe in this situation? Military service at the most fundamental level is not safe, and cannot be safe regardless of education level of a current political hot topic regarding gender identity.
Q2) Do we have the same responsibility to protect the integrity of the armed forces regarding gender identity as we do regarding issues like sexual assault?
A2) Sexual assault is a crime, just like treason, theft, assault, and murder and should not be tolerated. Being offended is not a crime, it’s a weakness. If this is an issue that burns one to their core, then one should really work that out before volunteering to go into a hostile environment where capture by an enemy force is a real possibility. Boot camp is designed to conform the individual to the military, not conform the military to the individual. Intersex is one of the few gender issues that is proven to be biologically based and will usually be addressed at MEPS before it becomes an issue on the battlefield.
And finally if you are going to try to foment discussion on an academic issue, try to find better source material than buzzfeed.
Q1)Does a lack of education when approaching these potentially controversial topics put us at risk if those who we are serving alongside do not feel safe?
A1) I am going to answer your question with a question, put who at risk? Who is at risk in this situation? Who is feeling safe or not safe in this situation? Military service at the most fundamental level is not safe, and cannot be safe regardless of education level of a current political hot topic regarding gender identity.
Q2) Do we have the same responsibility to protect the integrity of the armed forces regarding gender identity as we do regarding issues like sexual assault?
A2) Sexual assault is a crime, just like treason, theft, assault, and murder and should not be tolerated. Being offended is not a crime, it’s a weakness. If this is an issue that burns one to their core, then one should really work that out before volunteering to go into a hostile environment where capture by an enemy force is a real possibility. Boot camp is designed to conform the individual to the military, not conform the military to the individual. Intersex is one of the few gender issues that is proven to be biologically based and will usually be addressed at MEPS before it becomes an issue on the battlefield.
And finally if you are going to try to foment discussion on an academic issue, try to find better source material than buzzfeed.
(1)
(0)
SSgt (Join to see)
PFC(P) (Join to see) You really need to stop dictating how one has to respond to your post. Everyone answers in their own way. I understand you may not like it, but you do have to deal with it.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google