X Close

The problem with ‘cis’

'Cis' applies to 99.4% of the population. Credit: Getty

June 22, 2023 - 7:00am

On Wednesday, Elon Musk made another off-the-cuff policy announcement on Twitter. The billionaire tech titan tweeted that the words “cis” and “cisgender” were slurs on his platform, and that targeted and repeated use of the “slurs” would result in a suspension. Musk was responding to a tweet by gender-critical activist James Esses, who posted to say that he had “received a slew of messages from trans activists” calling him “cis”.

It’s fair to say most normal people will have never heard of this innocuous-sounding three letter word. Activists will authoritatively tell you that “it’s just an inclusive way to describe people who aren’t trans.” Or if they’re feeling particularly smug, they might point out that it’s “Latin for on the same side as”, as if using a dead language makes it a bona fide real thing. But in normal circles, having a specific word for the 99.4% of the population who don’t identify as trans is about as logical as inventing a term for people who don’t have webbed toes.

Researcher and writer Genevieve Gluck traced the term “cis” back to a somewhat iffy German sexologist called Volkmar Sigusch. He first used the term as an antonym for transgender in 1991. But the concept of having a term for “non-trans” only really makes sense for those who already believe that we each have what is in effect a gendered soul, which may or may not align with the sex we are. It is far from a neutral descriptor.

Perhaps what is most irksome about the cis label is that even those of us who reject trans ideology in its totality risk being told by some jumped-up gender adjudicator that our consent is not necessary; we simply are cis. This seems more than a little rich from a movement which holds that words can be deadly weapons.

Despite Musk’s takeover, Twitter’s opaque terms and conditions still prohibit so-called “misgendering”. And in this regard, it seems fair that if the beliefs of those who identify as trans are protected then so should the rights of non-believers to not be called “cis”.

But there is something troubling about the ease with which Musk has made what is in effect a policy announcement conversationally on Twitter, as if the platform were his plaything. And while the rebalancing of rights away from the demands of trans activists is overdue, it’s also an alarming reminder that the world’s biggest public forum is in fact privately owned and subject to the whims of one man. Ultimately, just because ideas are freely exchanged, the platform is not a democracy.

US-developed social media platforms have been allowed to become a vector for the spread of gender identity ideology. Musk has used his position to stop this new form of imperialism, and few of the Anglosphere celebs who huffed and puffed in protest have followed through by leaving.

It’s popular to be disparaging about Twitter, to write it off as “toxic” and a “cesspit” that doesn’t allow for nuanced debate. But short-form posts are the perfect tool for sifting out extraneous information and getting to the bones of any matter. By stating that “cis” is a slur, Musk made his point concisely. This could end up proving more consequential than we think.


Josephine Bartosch is a freelance writer and assistant editor at The Critic.

jo_bartosch

Join the discussion


Join like minded readers that support our journalism by becoming a paid subscriber


To join the discussion in the comments, become a paid subscriber.

Join like minded readers that support our journalism, read unlimited articles and enjoy other subscriber-only benefits.

Subscribe
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

52 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Marcus Leach
Marcus Leach
1 year ago

“Twitter’s opaque terms and conditions still prohibit so-called “misgendering”
No Twitter prohibits correct gendering. It is those identify biological males as female, and biological females as males who are guilty of misgendering, and they do that with complete impunity.

Marcus Leach
Marcus Leach
1 year ago

“Twitter’s opaque terms and conditions still prohibit so-called “misgendering”
No Twitter prohibits correct gendering. It is those identify biological males as female, and biological females as males who are guilty of misgendering, and they do that with complete impunity.

Amy Horseman
Amy Horseman
1 year ago

“Cis” is a truly horrible word that IS used as a derogatory slur and it has no place in civilised discourse. It is used by antihuman bigots (transhumanists) just like the “N” word is used by racists and the “F” word is used by homophobes. I would expect any platform to remove posts that used such aggressive language. Indeed, I was recently successful in getting Amazon to remove a very nasty review using the word “cis” so there is progress. What breaks my heart is when I hear young people using the term because they have been radicalised into thinking it’s “respectful”. I always correct them. Let’s get this revolting slur word OUT of our lexicon. In fact, I would like the attitude of “transhumanists” to receive the same outrage as “racists” and “homophobes” and “antisemites” – they are just as bigoted. That would be progress.

Nicky Samengo-Turner
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago
Reply to  Amy Horseman

abh Lord Ennword… I’m sure that he was at the next peg on a partridge day at Holkham a few seasons back?

Nicky Samengo-Turner
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago

a member of The Terf Club, i’ll be bound… and gagged and S and M….

Nicky Samengo-Turner
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago

a member of The Terf Club, i’ll be bound… and gagged and S and M….

Andrew Fisher
Andrew Fisher
1 year ago
Reply to  Amy Horseman

I think that you are simply echoing the weaponised ‘victimhood’ tactics of the wokistas by taking this line of argument.

‘Cis’ isn’t a hateful term, whichever way you look at it, just a completely meaningless one.

“Transhumanist bigots”: Mary Harrington has argued that the Pill was the original transhumanist technology. I’d argue that you could say the same of modern medicine. Can you be bigoted against yourself? Simply name calling doesn’t cut it as a response to this movement.

Nicky Samengo-Turner
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago
Reply to  Amy Horseman

abh Lord Ennword… I’m sure that he was at the next peg on a partridge day at Holkham a few seasons back?

Andrew Fisher
Andrew Fisher
1 year ago
Reply to  Amy Horseman

I think that you are simply echoing the weaponised ‘victimhood’ tactics of the wokistas by taking this line of argument.

‘Cis’ isn’t a hateful term, whichever way you look at it, just a completely meaningless one.

“Transhumanist bigots”: Mary Harrington has argued that the Pill was the original transhumanist technology. I’d argue that you could say the same of modern medicine. Can you be bigoted against yourself? Simply name calling doesn’t cut it as a response to this movement.

Amy Horseman
Amy Horseman
1 year ago

“Cis” is a truly horrible word that IS used as a derogatory slur and it has no place in civilised discourse. It is used by antihuman bigots (transhumanists) just like the “N” word is used by racists and the “F” word is used by homophobes. I would expect any platform to remove posts that used such aggressive language. Indeed, I was recently successful in getting Amazon to remove a very nasty review using the word “cis” so there is progress. What breaks my heart is when I hear young people using the term because they have been radicalised into thinking it’s “respectful”. I always correct them. Let’s get this revolting slur word OUT of our lexicon. In fact, I would like the attitude of “transhumanists” to receive the same outrage as “racists” and “homophobes” and “antisemites” – they are just as bigoted. That would be progress.

Lesley van Reenen
Lesley van Reenen
1 year ago

Cis is often used as a slur nowadays by transactivisits. Along with TERF.

Amy Horseman
Amy Horseman
1 year ago

The difference is many “TERFs” are proud to describe themselves in that way. No one (unless radicalised – see my post above) calls themselves “cis”

Last edited 1 year ago by Amy Horseman
Julian Farrows
Julian Farrows
1 year ago
Reply to  Amy Horseman

Yes, anyone who uses the term ‘cis’ seriously is certainly not someone to be taken seriously.

Julian Farrows
Julian Farrows
1 year ago
Reply to  Amy Horseman

Yes, anyone who uses the term ‘cis’ seriously is certainly not someone to be taken seriously.

Jerry Carroll
Jerry Carroll
1 year ago

I believe you are referring to”the mentally ill community.” We must try for precision in language.

Amy Horseman
Amy Horseman
1 year ago

The difference is many “TERFs” are proud to describe themselves in that way. No one (unless radicalised – see my post above) calls themselves “cis”

Last edited 1 year ago by Amy Horseman
Jerry Carroll
Jerry Carroll
1 year ago

I believe you are referring to”the mentally ill community.” We must try for precision in language.

Lesley van Reenen
Lesley van Reenen
1 year ago

Cis is often used as a slur nowadays by transactivisits. Along with TERF.

Simon Neale
Simon Neale
1 year ago

in normal circles, having a specific word for the 99.4% of the population who don’t identify as trans is about as logical as inventing a term for people who don’t have webbed toes.

Excellent point, very well made.

Alphonse Pfarti
Alphonse Pfarti
1 year ago
Reply to  Simon Neale

My only concern about this is not giving the stupid bvggre$ any ideas. Non-flippered people, anyone?

Simon Neale
Simon Neale
1 year ago

Phalangists, obviously.

Alphonse Pfarti
Alphonse Pfarti
1 year ago
Reply to  Simon Neale

True, and we need to frame this in such a way that the majority appears to be the exception. Webbed feet are rarely caused by bone fusion and the phalanges remain in tact (as they are in many pinnipeds) I therefore propose non-syndactylists as an inclusive term for people without webbed feet. Wear it with pride!

Edit: was reply to H Parker.

Last edited 1 year ago by Alphonse Pfarti
William Loughran
William Loughran
1 year ago
Reply to  Simon Neale

Normal, is unquestionably the most obvious. Likely a practically universal, intuitive response around the world.

Cynthia W.
Cynthia W.
1 year ago
Reply to  Simon Neale

Well played!

Alphonse Pfarti
Alphonse Pfarti
1 year ago
Reply to  Simon Neale

True, and we need to frame this in such a way that the majority appears to be the exception. Webbed feet are rarely caused by bone fusion and the phalanges remain in tact (as they are in many pinnipeds) I therefore propose non-syndactylists as an inclusive term for people without webbed feet. Wear it with pride!

Edit: was reply to H Parker.

Last edited 1 year ago by Alphonse Pfarti
William Loughran
William Loughran
1 year ago
Reply to  Simon Neale

Normal, is unquestionably the most obvious. Likely a practically universal, intuitive response around the world.

Cynthia W.
Cynthia W.
1 year ago
Reply to  Simon Neale

Well played!

Simon Neale
Simon Neale
1 year ago

Phalangists, obviously.

Huw Parker
Huw Parker
1 year ago
Reply to  Simon Neale

Except there are a few people who actually, indisputably, categorically do have webbed toes. It’s more like inventing a term for people who don’t think they are the reincarnation of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Alphonse Pfarti
Alphonse Pfarti
1 year ago
Reply to  Simon Neale

My only concern about this is not giving the stupid bvggre$ any ideas. Non-flippered people, anyone?

Huw Parker
Huw Parker
1 year ago
Reply to  Simon Neale

Except there are a few people who actually, indisputably, categorically do have webbed toes. It’s more like inventing a term for people who don’t think they are the reincarnation of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Simon Neale
Simon Neale
1 year ago

in normal circles, having a specific word for the 99.4% of the population who don’t identify as trans is about as logical as inventing a term for people who don’t have webbed toes.

Excellent point, very well made.

Fergus Mason
Fergus Mason
1 year ago

“as if the platform were his plaything.”
The platform is his plaything. He bought it. It’s his. He can make any policies he likes.

RM Parker
RM Parker
1 year ago
Reply to  Fergus Mason

Damn, you beat me to that one. Quite right.

RM Parker
RM Parker
1 year ago
Reply to  Fergus Mason

Damn, you beat me to that one. Quite right.

Fergus Mason
Fergus Mason
1 year ago

“as if the platform were his plaything.”
The platform is his plaything. He bought it. It’s his. He can make any policies he likes.

S Wilkinson
S Wilkinson
1 year ago

I totally agreed with you until your penultimate 2 paras Jo.
I’m not troubled at all by Musk’s edict (and Twitter is his plaything – he paid handsomely for it).
We need a few more edicts to counter gender ideology . For example, why is the Dept for Education consulting, reviewing, analysing, reporting on schools’ affirmation policies and bringing in dodgy fetishists to teach kink to 12 year olds? Schools don’t need reams of havering guidance with endless get out clauses decided ‘on an individual basis’ – they just need to be told to stop it. Why is the NHS continuing to put trans identifying men on female wards? Why can’t our government just say ‘No’ on behalf of the majority who democratically put them in power?

S Wilkinson
S Wilkinson
1 year ago

I totally agreed with you until your penultimate 2 paras Jo.
I’m not troubled at all by Musk’s edict (and Twitter is his plaything – he paid handsomely for it).
We need a few more edicts to counter gender ideology . For example, why is the Dept for Education consulting, reviewing, analysing, reporting on schools’ affirmation policies and bringing in dodgy fetishists to teach kink to 12 year olds? Schools don’t need reams of havering guidance with endless get out clauses decided ‘on an individual basis’ – they just need to be told to stop it. Why is the NHS continuing to put trans identifying men on female wards? Why can’t our government just say ‘No’ on behalf of the majority who democratically put them in power?

Sheryl Rhodes
Sheryl Rhodes
1 year ago

Let’s also object to forced labeling of ourselves as cis or heterosexual on the grounds that they entail a heinous invasion of our privacy. My inner life, my most essential self-concepts, my sexuality, my sexual behavior, my deeply-held opinions, are 100% MY business and my business alone. Forced self-disclosure is a form of mind-rape.

Sheryl Rhodes
Sheryl Rhodes
1 year ago

Let’s also object to forced labeling of ourselves as cis or heterosexual on the grounds that they entail a heinous invasion of our privacy. My inner life, my most essential self-concepts, my sexuality, my sexual behavior, my deeply-held opinions, are 100% MY business and my business alone. Forced self-disclosure is a form of mind-rape.

Mark V
Mark V
1 year ago

The term ‘cis’ has no legitimate meaning, just as the term ‘trans’ has no legitimate meaning. They do not reference something that objectively exists in the real world.
On the other hand, the term ‘eunuch’ has meaning, as it refers to a man who has had his balls removed.

Huw Parker
Huw Parker
1 year ago
Reply to  Mark V

There’s an argument that believers in gender identity ideology should be permitted to use words such as ‘cis’ within the language of their faith. It is essentially no different from allowing Catholics to refer to ‘transubstantiation’ or scientologists to talk about ‘engrams’. Non-believers might think it’s a load of old rubbish, but, in a liberal society, they have a right to their own faith.
But this cuts both ways. Those who don’t believe in gender identity ideology have rights too, and they should not be compelled to use ideological language such as ‘cis’. They must be free to use another word that better reflects their position. I would suggest ‘actual’, or ‘real’.

Allie McBeth
Allie McBeth
1 year ago
Reply to  Huw Parker

Excellent point

Allie McBeth
Allie McBeth
1 year ago
Reply to  Huw Parker

Excellent point

Huw Parker
Huw Parker
1 year ago
Reply to  Mark V

There’s an argument that believers in gender identity ideology should be permitted to use words such as ‘cis’ within the language of their faith. It is essentially no different from allowing Catholics to refer to ‘transubstantiation’ or scientologists to talk about ‘engrams’. Non-believers might think it’s a load of old rubbish, but, in a liberal society, they have a right to their own faith.
But this cuts both ways. Those who don’t believe in gender identity ideology have rights too, and they should not be compelled to use ideological language such as ‘cis’. They must be free to use another word that better reflects their position. I would suggest ‘actual’, or ‘real’.

Mark V
Mark V
1 year ago

The term ‘cis’ has no legitimate meaning, just as the term ‘trans’ has no legitimate meaning. They do not reference something that objectively exists in the real world.
On the other hand, the term ‘eunuch’ has meaning, as it refers to a man who has had his balls removed.

Kayla Marx
Kayla Marx
1 year ago

I hate the term “cis.” It’s very manipulative. It’s not exactly a slur (or, at least, it isn’t always a slur), but its very use implies that “cis women” and transwomen are two different kinds of women. Calling biological women “cis women” is the same thing as saying “transwomen are women,” a statement that many biological women are offended by. Many of the people who use the term “cis women” know this, but don’t care. Nevertheless, I don’t think that people should get kicked off of Twitter for using it. So strong and so elemental is the conflict between what’s best for women and what’s best for transwomen, that the two groups can’t even debate without offending each other. I thought the idea was: “Don’t cancel people just for causing offense.”

Amy Horseman
Amy Horseman
1 year ago
Reply to  Kayla Marx

I think the difference is when the word is used as a pejorative term to sling anger and make an ad hominem attack, I presume you wouldn’t agree with posts referring to a black person as a “N****” or a gay man as a “F**” as it is such an ugly use of language and so offensive. But you can call people what they are “a black person”, “a gay person”, a “woman” a “transgender woman”. There’s no such thing as a “cis woman”. That’s why it’s so offensive. It’s a made-up term to oppress women. It needs to go!

Paul Nathanson
Paul Nathanson
1 year ago
Reply to  Amy Horseman

“It’s a made-up term to oppress women.”
What you say about “cis” is true. It’s a made-up word to promote transgender ideology. But that ideology is not necessarily about oppressing women–not unless you believe that this is its whole point for all trans women or all trans men. If you do, then you need to explain and support your claim.

Last edited 1 year ago by Paul Nathanson
Amy Horseman
Amy Horseman
1 year ago
Reply to  Paul Nathanson

Oh no, not at all! There are many genuine transsexual people in the world. They are by far the biggest victims of this distasteful nonsense as I’m sure the majority of them don’t want to be associated with it. This is a kind of cultish agenda that has a life of its own and is pushed by many sinister agents of dubious intent. Another aspect of it is homophobia. They don’t want any homosexual people in the world and seek to “fix” this by making children who sense they are gay change genders so they become “straight”. It’s truly heinous, it’s a cesspit. This “cis” word is just one weapon amongst many.

Nicky Samengo-Turner
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago
Reply to  Amy Horseman

no such word as homophobia: a meaningless invention that would mean an allergy to the single, were it not yet another bon mot from that little known philosopher Testiclese…

Andrew Fisher
Andrew Fisher
1 year ago

Language evolves and new words are constantly coined! There IS such a thing as homophobia (the fear / hatred of homosexual people) and I’ve been on the receiving end of it eg ” you queer b*****d” then more likely “batty boy”.

I agree with your etymological point, but we refer to “workaholism” which also doesn’t make literal sense. The double negative is considered illogical in English but is commonplace in French.

Language is a living thing, not some fossilised thesaurus.

Last edited 1 year ago by Andrew Fisher
Andrew Fisher
Andrew Fisher
1 year ago

Language evolves and new words are constantly coined! There IS such a thing as homophobia (the fear / hatred of homosexual people) and I’ve been on the receiving end of it eg ” you queer b*****d” then more likely “batty boy”.

I agree with your etymological point, but we refer to “workaholism” which also doesn’t make literal sense. The double negative is considered illogical in English but is commonplace in French.

Language is a living thing, not some fossilised thesaurus.

Last edited 1 year ago by Andrew Fisher
Nicky Samengo-Turner
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago
Reply to  Amy Horseman

no such word as homophobia: a meaningless invention that would mean an allergy to the single, were it not yet another bon mot from that little known philosopher Testiclese…

Amy Horseman
Amy Horseman
1 year ago
Reply to  Paul Nathanson

Oh no, not at all! There are many genuine transsexual people in the world. They are by far the biggest victims of this distasteful nonsense as I’m sure the majority of them don’t want to be associated with it. This is a kind of cultish agenda that has a life of its own and is pushed by many sinister agents of dubious intent. Another aspect of it is homophobia. They don’t want any homosexual people in the world and seek to “fix” this by making children who sense they are gay change genders so they become “straight”. It’s truly heinous, it’s a cesspit. This “cis” word is just one weapon amongst many.

Alison Wren
Alison Wren
1 year ago
Reply to  Amy Horseman

I’m afraid I will never call a man any kind of a woman, and cis is a term that shows support for the mantra “transwomen are women “ hence it is offensive to anyone who knows humans can’t change sex.

Nicky Samengo-Turner
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago
Reply to  Alison Wren

My Sandhurst drill S’arnt used to call us ” Big girls blouses”…..

Nicky Samengo-Turner
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago
Reply to  Alison Wren

My Sandhurst drill S’arnt used to call us ” Big girls blouses”…..

Nicky Samengo-Turner
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago
Reply to  Amy Horseman

Offence cannot be given unless it is taken… I do like to take afence out Hunting, though….

Paul Nathanson
Paul Nathanson
1 year ago
Reply to  Amy Horseman

“It’s a made-up term to oppress women.”
What you say about “cis” is true. It’s a made-up word to promote transgender ideology. But that ideology is not necessarily about oppressing women–not unless you believe that this is its whole point for all trans women or all trans men. If you do, then you need to explain and support your claim.

Last edited 1 year ago by Paul Nathanson
Alison Wren
Alison Wren
1 year ago
Reply to  Amy Horseman

I’m afraid I will never call a man any kind of a woman, and cis is a term that shows support for the mantra “transwomen are women “ hence it is offensive to anyone who knows humans can’t change sex.

Nicky Samengo-Turner
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago
Reply to  Amy Horseman

Offence cannot be given unless it is taken… I do like to take afence out Hunting, though….

Amy Horseman
Amy Horseman
1 year ago
Reply to  Kayla Marx

I think the difference is when the word is used as a pejorative term to sling anger and make an ad hominem attack, I presume you wouldn’t agree with posts referring to a black person as a “N****” or a gay man as a “F**” as it is such an ugly use of language and so offensive. But you can call people what they are “a black person”, “a gay person”, a “woman” a “transgender woman”. There’s no such thing as a “cis woman”. That’s why it’s so offensive. It’s a made-up term to oppress women. It needs to go!

Kayla Marx
Kayla Marx
1 year ago

I hate the term “cis.” It’s very manipulative. It’s not exactly a slur (or, at least, it isn’t always a slur), but its very use implies that “cis women” and transwomen are two different kinds of women. Calling biological women “cis women” is the same thing as saying “transwomen are women,” a statement that many biological women are offended by. Many of the people who use the term “cis women” know this, but don’t care. Nevertheless, I don’t think that people should get kicked off of Twitter for using it. So strong and so elemental is the conflict between what’s best for women and what’s best for transwomen, that the two groups can’t even debate without offending each other. I thought the idea was: “Don’t cancel people just for causing offense.”

Mike Doyle
Mike Doyle
1 year ago

Good!

Mike Doyle
Mike Doyle
1 year ago

Good!

Richard Craven
Richard Craven
1 year ago

Anyone calling me ‘cis’ gets filed away in the box marked “those people”, along with the rest of the blue-haired they/them tuuats.

Richard Craven
Richard Craven
1 year ago

Anyone calling me ‘cis’ gets filed away in the box marked “those people”, along with the rest of the blue-haired they/them tuuats.

James Longfield
James Longfield
1 year ago

So before Musk Twitter was the bastion of free, liberal, open speech. What rot. Whoever is in charge of twitter sets the rules and at the moment I’d prefer Musk to the previous regime. As ever time will tell

James Longfield
James Longfield
1 year ago

So before Musk Twitter was the bastion of free, liberal, open speech. What rot. Whoever is in charge of twitter sets the rules and at the moment I’d prefer Musk to the previous regime. As ever time will tell

Gerald Arcuri
Gerald Arcuri
1 year ago

It is characteristic of juvenile narcissists and other mentally disturbed people to need a form of xenophobia, in this case a verbal description, to justify their psychosis. As if anyone other than them really cares. The real problem is their goal is to utterly destroy the concept of the normal, thus magically erasing their own abnormality. This, of course, will not work in the real world where norms are created perforce. Never mind, say the trans psychopaths, we are interested in the real world anyway. Fine, say the rest of us. Live your fantasies in private, but don’t drag us – or our children – into your virtueless virtual reality. We are the 99%, and proud of it.

Gerald Arcuri
Gerald Arcuri
1 year ago

It is characteristic of juvenile narcissists and other mentally disturbed people to need a form of xenophobia, in this case a verbal description, to justify their psychosis. As if anyone other than them really cares. The real problem is their goal is to utterly destroy the concept of the normal, thus magically erasing their own abnormality. This, of course, will not work in the real world where norms are created perforce. Never mind, say the trans psychopaths, we are interested in the real world anyway. Fine, say the rest of us. Live your fantasies in private, but don’t drag us – or our children – into your virtueless virtual reality. We are the 99%, and proud of it.

Jonathan Smith
Jonathan Smith
1 year ago

I read this somewhere and thought it was apt:

“Are you a Catholic or a Protestant?”

“I am an atheist.”

“But are you a Catholic atheist, or a Protestant atheist?”

“I am an atheist.”

Doug Shannon
Doug Shannon
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonathan Smith

Ah, The “Glasgow Atheist” question! As actually asked of me in my “non-denominational” high school by one of the local hard boys trying to work out if i had any taint of Fenian blood.

Brendan O'Leary
Brendan O'Leary
1 year ago
Reply to  Doug Shannon

I don’t even get the benefit of the doubt on that question when I visit Glasgow!

Brendan O'Leary
Brendan O'Leary
1 year ago
Reply to  Doug Shannon

I don’t even get the benefit of the doubt on that question when I visit Glasgow!

Doug Shannon
Doug Shannon
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonathan Smith

Ah, The “Glasgow Atheist” question! As actually asked of me in my “non-denominational” high school by one of the local hard boys trying to work out if i had any taint of Fenian blood.

Jonathan Smith
Jonathan Smith
1 year ago

I read this somewhere and thought it was apt:

“Are you a Catholic or a Protestant?”

“I am an atheist.”

“But are you a Catholic atheist, or a Protestant atheist?”

“I am an atheist.”

Martin Dunford
Martin Dunford
1 year ago

Isn’t is Musk’s private business so can make the rules just like they’re so blatantly made by other publications with total disregard for a lot of people? Why can’t he make the “what is in effect a policy announcement conversationally”, should he parade downtown or go on CNN?

Martin Dunford
Martin Dunford
1 year ago

Isn’t is Musk’s private business so can make the rules just like they’re so blatantly made by other publications with total disregard for a lot of people? Why can’t he make the “what is in effect a policy announcement conversationally”, should he parade downtown or go on CNN?

J Mo
J Mo
1 year ago

If a bad thing is happening then I don’t mind if a “despot” stops it from happening. More power to his elbow.

J Mo
J Mo
1 year ago

If a bad thing is happening then I don’t mind if a “despot” stops it from happening. More power to his elbow.

Jerry Carroll
Jerry Carroll
1 year ago

Musk owns it and can do anything he likes. If people don’t like it, tough. They can take their argument to Facebook or another of the scores of social media platforms.

Jerry Carroll
Jerry Carroll
1 year ago

Musk owns it and can do anything he likes. If people don’t like it, tough. They can take their argument to Facebook or another of the scores of social media platforms.

Sue Frisby
Sue Frisby
1 year ago

In defence of Elon, do we know it was an ‘off the cuff’ policy announcement, a whim? Maybe it was carefully thought out.

Last edited 1 year ago by Sue Frisby
Sue Frisby
Sue Frisby
1 year ago

In defence of Elon, do we know it was an ‘off the cuff’ policy announcement, a whim? Maybe it was carefully thought out.

Last edited 1 year ago by Sue Frisby
Caroline Minnear
Caroline Minnear
1 year ago

1- I do not need to identify as a woman…because I just am one.
2- I do not need to sign my name off with my pronouns, because who really gives a damn.
3- I am not a “cis” woman because see point 1.
4- Those who own the platform make the rules…it’s free speech until they don’t like what you’re saying.
5- I choose not to take offense because I’m a grown up.
6- I comfortable with people not conforming to the stereotypical ideals of what men or woman “should look like”
7-I am very sorry for the genuine trans people who are lumped in with all the noise and nonsense and performative exhibitions from extremists.
8- it’s easy to think the worlds gone bonkers, but mostly it’s just on the internet.
Have a chat and a coffee with a kid who is identifying as something other and you’ll see we all have more in common than you think.

Caroline Minnear
Caroline Minnear
1 year ago

1- I do not need to identify as a woman…because I just am one.
2- I do not need to sign my name off with my pronouns, because who really gives a damn.
3- I am not a “cis” woman because see point 1.
4- Those who own the platform make the rules…it’s free speech until they don’t like what you’re saying.
5- I choose not to take offense because I’m a grown up.
6- I comfortable with people not conforming to the stereotypical ideals of what men or woman “should look like”
7-I am very sorry for the genuine trans people who are lumped in with all the noise and nonsense and performative exhibitions from extremists.
8- it’s easy to think the worlds gone bonkers, but mostly it’s just on the internet.
Have a chat and a coffee with a kid who is identifying as something other and you’ll see we all have more in common than you think.

AJ Mac
AJ Mac
1 year ago

In current usage, this prefix of a non-word is more of a silly affectation than anything to get deeply worried about. While I can see how it might be used legitimately–to distinguish two or three different John Smiths with divergent at-birth plumbing maybe?–it is indeed pretty pointless: “Have you met Joe Blow? I want to forewarn you that he is not a hemophiliac!” (I know that’s just a variant on the “webbed toes” crack).
When I first heard the term several years ago, in the crumbling halls of American academia, I thought it was a subtle way to insinuate a connection between “performed” masculinity and hidden effeminacy: “cissy”. While I now see that many are indeed painfully serious about this usually pointless prefix, I still think that is part of why it gets thrown at men in particular: “Tough guy are ya? What a cis-white-het-norm-patriarchal cliché!”
Either way, the dumb prefix is both here to say and sure not to become the norm (cis-het or not), except in well-earned ironical derision, like with your mates at the pub or when meeting other dads at school functions. You know, run-of-the-mill aspects of masculinity that some idiots will call toxic.

Last edited 1 year ago by AJ Mac
AJ Mac
AJ Mac
1 year ago

In current usage, this prefix of a non-word is more of a silly affectation than anything to get deeply worried about. While I can see how it might be used legitimately–to distinguish two or three different John Smiths with divergent at-birth plumbing maybe?–it is indeed pretty pointless: “Have you met Joe Blow? I want to forewarn you that he is not a hemophiliac!” (I know that’s just a variant on the “webbed toes” crack).
When I first heard the term several years ago, in the crumbling halls of American academia, I thought it was a subtle way to insinuate a connection between “performed” masculinity and hidden effeminacy: “cissy”. While I now see that many are indeed painfully serious about this usually pointless prefix, I still think that is part of why it gets thrown at men in particular: “Tough guy are ya? What a cis-white-het-norm-patriarchal cliché!”
Either way, the dumb prefix is both here to say and sure not to become the norm (cis-het or not), except in well-earned ironical derision, like with your mates at the pub or when meeting other dads at school functions. You know, run-of-the-mill aspects of masculinity that some idiots will call toxic.

Last edited 1 year ago by AJ Mac
Frank McCusker
Frank McCusker
1 year ago

Reasons why I’d never make it as a politician. In my view:
There is no such thing as mental illnessA good walk / cycle and making a “to do” list sorts out most personal issues. On no account go blabbing to anyone- sort it out yourself, ffs.Trans does not exist – it’s just a form of gay cancellation for gay people who think they’re above being gay. metoo and blm are secular cults, full of strident thickos. They exist in opposition to reason. Voting should be compulsory, and non-voters fined (at source via PAYE / benefits).Absentee Dads should be fined, and half their income diverted to a national child benefit scheme.Birching in place of ASBOs.One year’s compulsory national service – can be in the army, or doing community voluntary work. The point is to put something back in to society. Who’s in lol

Frank McCusker
Frank McCusker
1 year ago

Reasons why I’d never make it as a politician. In my view:
There is no such thing as mental illnessA good walk / cycle and making a “to do” list sorts out most personal issues. On no account go blabbing to anyone- sort it out yourself, ffs.Trans does not exist – it’s just a form of gay cancellation for gay people who think they’re above being gay. metoo and blm are secular cults, full of strident thickos. They exist in opposition to reason. Voting should be compulsory, and non-voters fined (at source via PAYE / benefits).Absentee Dads should be fined, and half their income diverted to a national child benefit scheme.Birching in place of ASBOs.One year’s compulsory national service – can be in the army, or doing community voluntary work. The point is to put something back in to society. Who’s in lol

glyn harries
glyn harries
1 year ago

100%

glyn harries
glyn harries
1 year ago

100%

Rick Lawrence
Rick Lawrence
1 year ago

Re: Twitter. “ But short-form posts are the perfect tool for sifting out extraneous information and getting to the bones of any matter. “ Is the author serious?

Last edited 1 year ago by Rick Lawrence
Rick Lawrence
Rick Lawrence
1 year ago

Re: Twitter. “ But short-form posts are the perfect tool for sifting out extraneous information and getting to the bones of any matter. “ Is the author serious?

Last edited 1 year ago by Rick Lawrence
William Cameron
William Cameron
1 year ago

Twitter is a very bad idea. It’s a forum for ill informed and odd people to broadcast statements that are often quite wrong.

William Cameron
William Cameron
1 year ago

Twitter is a very bad idea. It’s a forum for ill informed and odd people to broadcast statements that are often quite wrong.

Nicky Samengo-Turner
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago

are you ‘ taking the cis”?

Nicky Samengo-Turner
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago

are you ‘ taking the cis”?

Cate Terwilliger
Cate Terwilliger
1 year ago

Thanks for this. The baseline problem with accepting “cis” is the same as accepting “trans:” the terms falsely convey that there is more than one way to be female or male. (Never mind the conflation of “sex” with “gender,” a word that needs to be put in permanent time out after behaving so badly.)

Joann Robertson
Joann Robertson
1 year ago

Unfortunately it seems that gender, a social construct, is in fact replacing sex, a biological reality. Fantasy versus reality. A sign of our times.