Problem
Consider the following story which is becoming more common. Several states have recently been in the news for passing (or debating passing) bills that address this very sort of issue. Realize this is is just serving as an example we can use.
Keep in mind, you must be civil in your discussions. It is allowable to disagree with an opinion. It is also allowable to hold an unpopular opinion. But you must do so with respect. Any evidence of disrespectful language or attacks will result in a zero and possibly more consequences as detailed in the syllabus.
I. What do you think of this story? I want more than your opinion, I want you to incorporate thought using terms and concepts from the chapter.
There is one specific opinion on which I am pre-asking clarification. I've had many responses (over time) that support a rule banning transgender students from using the bathrooms that they feel fits their identity and cite safety (usually of children). If you are of this opinion, please clarify what you mean and what type of protection you think such a rule would have or drawbacks not having a rule would have (ie. Would we really let sex predators roam bathrooms of either sex if we allow transgender students from using the bathroom they feel fits their identity?).
i. If you are more sympathetic to the transgender teen, why do you think that people are threatened by or oppose accommodations for such teens? Is there a compromise to this? Should there be?
ii. If you are more sympathetic to the parent that pulled their child out of school, what do you think a reasonable option for teens who are transgender - should any accommodation be made? Is there a compromise to this? Should there be?
iii. regardless of which side you are more sympathetic to, what does this tell us about power? Who gets to decide what bathroom and why?
II. What does this tell us about gender? Remember, there are a lot of terms and concepts in your book. I'm not /just/ looking for your opinion (though I am looking for your opinion as well), I'm looking for your opinion to be informed by the knowledge you have gained. For instance, just because you "feel" a particular way, doesn't mean that that's backed up by any evidence. You must make one solid reference or use a specific example from chapter 9.
Keep in mind, gender is not the same as sexuality, though they are often linked as communities in common. For that matter, sex and gender are not the same things (sociologically, if nothing else). Your response should feel as if you have firmly understood these distinctions, if it does not, you will receive fewer points.