PHIL 413/531 Intro to Trans/Feminism

Take-Home Final

DUE: 6/6 11:59 pm (by email)

Answers are to be typed (double-spaced, 12-font, top/bottom margins 1’’, side margins 1.25’’). Please answer all Parts (One, Two, and Three) of the exam.

Part ONE: Answer TWO of the following question. Each answer should be approximately ONE-TWO pages in length.

UGRAD = 40%, GRAD = 25%

(1)   In the article “Is Paris Burning?” bell hooks writes (citing artist Marlon Riggs in apparent agreement with him):

. . . Marlon Riggs suggests that the drag queen personifies the longing everyone has for love and recognition. Seeing in drag queens “a desire, a very visceral need to be loved, as well as a sense of the abject loneliness of life where nobody loves you,” Riggs contends “this image is real for anybody who has been in the bottom spot where they’ve been rejected by everybody and loved by nobody.” (p. 156).

What might Namaste have to say about this (from her article “Tragic Misreadings”)? Explain.

(2)   If Butler were to offer a critique of Raymond’s model of feminism and her views about transsexuality, what would it be?

(3)   Heyes worries that some transgender writers (such as Feinberg) appear to adopt a non-relational, “anything goes” view about gender expression. Clearly formulate her concern. Do you think that the concern applies to Stone’s work? Explain.

Part TWO: UNDERGRADS (Phil 413) Answer ONE of the following. GRADS (Phil 531) Answer TWO of the following. Each answer should be THREE-FOUR pages in length.

UGRAD = 40%, GRAD =50%

(1)   What is the Transgender Paradigm? What are some of its strengths? What are some of its weaknesses? Draw on the work of Roen, of Towle and Morgan and also of Namaste (“Against Transgender Rights”) as well as my own criticisms in order to formulate your concerns. Do you think a new paradigm is needed? Why or why not? Explain.

(2)   Drawing on the work of Namaste (“Genderbashing”), Juang, and Bettcher provide a detailed discussion of the complex issues involved in an understanding of transphobia and transphobic violence. Make sure that you include a discussion of the relation among transphobia, homophobia, racism, sexism, and classicism.

(3)   What are some of the important issues in discussions of trans inclusion in “women’s only space.”? Draw on the work of Raymond, Koyama, and Hale. Consider, also, the importance of sexual violence. Draw on the readings from the unit on sexual violence in the Scott-Dixon anthology.

(4)   Is it appropriate or politically viable to raise concerns about gender behavior (as sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, etc.)? Why or why not? What are some of the political issues that ought to be considered in a discussion of this type? Draw on hooks, Namaste, and Heyes in your discussion.

Part THREE: Answer should be at least TWO-THREE pages.  

UGRAD = 20%, GRAD = 25%

(1)   Free Discussion. What are some of the most important or interesting things that you learned in this seminar? Why are they important or interesting ?

NOTE: I prefer a discussion of depth rather than breadth. In other words: Choose fewer issues to discuss and discuss them in greater detail.

NOTE: While this is partially autobiographical, a good answer (i.e. one that receives a higher grade) will be one that demonstrates theoretical and political sophistication.

This is your opportunity to SHOW OFF!!!