Ben328
Facebook
..Is the same problem I had with the old facebook: complete ignorance of differing gender identities.
When creating your facebook profile, you are given 3 options under "sex"; Male, Female, or not listing your sex; the latter of which facebook has a warning or two agaisnt.
Now; some terminology clarification: to many, sex is a biological term whereas gender is one's own sense of identity. So in pure techinical terms, one may interpret that Mark Zuckerberg and his facebook cronies have wronged nobody...
But I still feel as though facebook fails to recognize many facets of ones gender identity, including the many whose gender identity is different from their sex, or those who don't identify with either of the 2 options presented. You'd think with several groups on facebook as well as a really groovy application that is also popular, facebook would have taken a hint while developing it's new layout. But apparently, those thoughts fell on dead ears.
My biggest problem with this whole debacle is that the reasoning for it seemingly lies in advertising. Though I have no documentation of this; it is clear that advertising for male identifying facebookers is different from that of female identifying users (just as those who are single have different ads than those in a relationship). If people don't list their gender identity or sex on their profiles, it is harder than to develop specific advertising. The best part of it all? While it would seem that this is all for advertising, facebook plays it off as "confusing for feed grammar" (not a direct quote, but an accurate paraphrase).
So, if you go to my facebook profile, you'll find that I have no sex listed. While I identify as male, I removed my sex in order to be an ally as part of the greater social justice movement (and also because I just like "sticking it" to authority..). I'd encourage you to do the same.
And while your at it, I'd suggest adding the SGO application- which is a great temporary fix until facebook comes to it's senses..
Apologies: I'm afraid I'm somewhat ignorant myself when it comes to gender identity issues. I'm about 90% sure my terminology here is correct, but if it isn't, my most sincere apologies. If you notice any mistakes, just mention it and I'll be happy to edit. I'm always happy to learn..
AFY_Joe
| 9/22/08 02:18 PM
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