Genley Ai struggles to see Gethenians as they see themselves, because sex is an important aspect of his society. For example, the first characteristic we subconsciously notice of a person is what sex they are, so it's natural that Genley assigns certain genders to each of the individuals he meets. It becomes complicated when he begins to note the qualities of each character as either womanly or manly. In the case of Estraven, Genley observes that Estraven has a voice similar to a woman but a powerful presence resembling that of a man. It's simple to understand his point of view, because we come from a world that thinks the same way. The idea that a person could have features of both sexes is rather mind boggling considering that the way we think about someone is first determined by whether they're a man or woman. If someone were to tell you the name of a person on Winter, it'd be difficult to imagine what they look like. No longer would one able to assume the physical qualities of a person. Furthermore, socially interacting with a person becomes more difficult. Often times our interactions can differ depending on whether we're speaking to a man or woman, yet on Winter this would change drastically. Assumptions can't be made at all without a certain sex for a person to identify as. Therefore, on Winter a person can only be judged at the most basic level, which is a human. This would be the ultimate goal for people on our planet; however, it's likely that it will never be achieved.
-Jaime Izabal
I think that this was really well written, in all honesty. You gave a similar yet different interpretation which is really good. Great job!
ReplyDeletewow!!!. You actually have a point and you speaking the truth, good job.
ReplyDeleteThe society we live in is harsh. I felt like if we all lived in Gethen maybe it would be easier for many to love who they want to love despite of their gender. I do hope that the ultimate goal would be achieved.
ReplyDeleteHi Jaime, just like you I agree with the struggle that Genly is having. Since, on planet earth, we have issues regarding sexism due to the obvious gender distinction, it is understandable as to why Genly Ai would exhibit those attributes on Gethen. Hypothetically, if we were able to biologically emasculate and feminize ourselves, than the "ultimate goal" you were talking about, may be achieved. I only say this because if this were to happen, then humans wouldn't have any gender distinctions nor bias.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your points and I think it's crazy to imagine the idea of androgynous beings on Gethen. Unfortunately in our society, if a male or female exhibits any behavioral or physical traits of the opposite sex, they are usually discriminated against and referred to by derogatory terms. Although it is just ignorance to their culture, even an open-minded individual like Genly struggles to isolate his societal habits of mind from offending the Gethenians. I agree with you and think that it's amazing how their society functions without categorizing people and treating them differently based on those principles.
ReplyDeletethis thing is really well written, and i agree with the statement you gave. its crazy to think about how our society discriminate against other people. if we lived on a planet like gethen i think it would be easy for people to love one another.
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