Transgender presidents?

[Guest Sheri-bi]

Do transgender folk of all stripes have a fuller, less narrow worldview? Coming to terms with trans identity requires a deeper understanding of sexual orientation and gender issues. We have to see things from several sides and adopt a worldview that integrates many perspectives. Many people in the non-trans world are not similarly challenged. They live less complicated lives (possibly) and see things in simplier terms (maybe). Our challenge of integrating multiple perspectives is a burden but it may also gives us greater insight. We may see more shades of grey rather than just black and white. Maybe, maybe not. I don't know. But it seems possible.

Let's assume that it does. Does this translate to other areas? For instance, it seems clear to me that China will come to dominate East Asia in the same way that we have dominated the western hemisphere for the last 100 years. The US will not be able to protect Japan, South Korea, the Phillipines, Taiwan, etc. China will force leadership changes in these countries that are friendly to Chinese interests, just like the US did in South and Central America. My view is that the US will have to accept a demotion in American's world power status. We will have to share power with China or suffer the consequences of a devastating war.

My point is not to discuss geo-political events, but to wonder if my transgender identity influences my views. Although I think Chinese domination of East Asia would be bad for human rights and bad for the US economy, it seems obvious to me that we have no choice but to accept this. However, I expect this country to agonize over this for the next 10-20 years with a possible military showdown. To me, non-acceptance of this new reality is just crazy. But is that just my trans-mind talking. If I were not trans, would I see things differently?

To recap, do trans minds see more shades of grey as a result of our intrapersonal development? do we see the world differently from non-trans folk?

And does this mean that only transgender persons should be allowed to be President?

[Guest Shari]

Interesting thought.

What I have observed is that TG folks opinions and politics vary in much the same way as general society. This is also true for issues that directly affect the LGBT community. I also believe that by some fluke of nature, we possess (most of time) above average intelligence. It doesn't mean that just because someone is TG they would make a good president, but it does mean that it's possible some TG person would become a great president, and the same is true for non-tg people who have similar talents.

Let's not discriminate against non-TG people, they were born that way.

Hugs,

Shari

[Guest K.E.V.A.]

This is an interesting idea, but let me also take it one step further, what about the people who believe that, besides their human body, they are not human? What does that mean for them in that case? If they aren't human it is most likely that they are old beings. Does that give them an extra edge due to their possibly ancient or prehistoric wisdom? Or in trying to say they are better will they invoke fear and start a whole new "witch hunt"? These are the problems with any view of superiority, even if it is true.

[Guest ~Brenda~]

If I were not trans, would I see things differently?

I think that your geo-political views are insightful and have nothing to do with being transgendered. Being perceptive and analytical are your personal traits and are a part of who you are. Being transgendered is also who you are. All of these parts of your personality make you who you are. Being transgendered does not make you a fundamentally different person.

Think of it this way....being transgendered augments you, but it does not change who you are.

By the way, I agree with you in terms of China. The Vietnam war was an initial test between China and the US. North Korea and South Korea was another test......

What is next?

With the dramatic increase of the Chinese middle class, it poses two possibilities... 1. The resources of the world cannot sustain the demand from the all of the people of the Chinese middle class thus resulting in a resource war. 2. The new middle class demands more freedom from the Chinese government resulting in a revolution.

Either way, we are headed for very interesting times.

Love

Brenda

[Guest ValerieD]

The Chinese middle class would be considered earth poor in the US. They're considered middle class in China because 90% of the Chinese population makes less than $3/day. Their whole economy is structured on cheap labor (which, with the rise of this middle class, can no longer compete with other developing nations) and exports to the developed world. Further, given their large labor supply, if they experience even a slow down of growth (which is inevitable; constant growth that goes on forever does not happen ever), their whole economy will crash.

China is also an island. The land surrounding their major population centers, which includes all their international borders, is impassible to military and major trade. They won't be a major naval power any time soon either; while they have the technology for a navy, getting experience admirals takes a long time and there's no shortcut for that.

On TG presidents: the amount of insight they would bring would make them unelectable (even if you discount the social conservatives). Americans want someone they can have a beer with, not someone who can talk about all the nuances of every issue (given that anti-intellectual climate right now, that would turn people off).