In what sense is the tomboy pursuing their non-conformist desires, in your example, non-performative? Responding to any particular desire is inherently performative, since particular desires do not emerge out of a vacuum, but instead are conditioned by the world and culture. I understand and agree that identity should not be constrained to the powerful/dominant (in this case, men), but then why use their essentialist categories of feminine and masculine to form identities? Further, I think this structurally squashes the desires of an individual; a tomboy isn't just a tomboy, they are an individual with their own unique blend of desires and relationships with other individuals. To just view them as a non-conforming tomboy is an empty universality that swallows up the ethical content of the individual. I propose instead that we become self-conscious and intentional about our performances and learn to live with each other no matter how we perform, which is a universality that is inclusive of all particularities. I am curious about your thoughts on this. Thank you for the article.
Jane Eyre (Brontë) and Old Fashioned Girl (Alcott) are the secret to what’s next.
Welcome Back Alata
In what sense is the tomboy pursuing their non-conformist desires, in your example, non-performative? Responding to any particular desire is inherently performative, since particular desires do not emerge out of a vacuum, but instead are conditioned by the world and culture. I understand and agree that identity should not be constrained to the powerful/dominant (in this case, men), but then why use their essentialist categories of feminine and masculine to form identities? Further, I think this structurally squashes the desires of an individual; a tomboy isn't just a tomboy, they are an individual with their own unique blend of desires and relationships with other individuals. To just view them as a non-conforming tomboy is an empty universality that swallows up the ethical content of the individual. I propose instead that we become self-conscious and intentional about our performances and learn to live with each other no matter how we perform, which is a universality that is inclusive of all particularities. I am curious about your thoughts on this. Thank you for the article.