Abstract representation of society: So, there's actually two genders, and everyone is one or the other, and romantically compatible with the opposite gender, and everyone wears the clothes "appropriate" to their gender and acts in a manner stereotypical of their gender and there's no exceptions.
Abstract representation of society locutor: No, wait! Apparently some people don't fit into those two boxes.
Abstract representation of society: Hm. That doesn't fit. Let's represses it! I'm absolutely sure that won't be a pile of civil-liberty-violating repression and life-ruining clusterfuck.
Abstract representation of society: Doh :( I suck :(
Abstract representation of society locutor: OK, let's update the definition. OK, so there's exactly two genders, and everyone is always attracted to EITHER the other one, or, sometimes, the same one. And, um, I'm sure we can make this other stuff fit.
Abstract representation of society: ... OK, sounds good, I guess.
Database Architect Peep!: Hold it, good society! Let me save you fifty years of heartache.
Database Architect Peep!: Wouldn't it be just as easy to say that anyone might be attracted to anyone, and then it all works, whether people's romantic preferences fall into neat biologically determined categories or not?
Abstract representation of society: But what if they don't?
Database Architect Peep!: I say again, whether they do, or not?
Database Architect Peep!: You don't get a prize for being as repressive as possible but no more. Just go ahead and accept that using broad categories of people can help you think about things, but you shouldn't legislate them unless you actually need to.
Abstract representation of society: But, won't there be other edge cases that don't even fit into this system?
Database Architect Peep!: Yes, probably.
Abstract representation of society: But I can't fix it all at once.
Database Architect Peep!: Look, it's ok. At a minimum, you've shown the boxes don't work. Don't just move to a different set of boxes, be flexible. That's a good start.
Abstract representation of society: But I have to have SOME boxes? Don't I?
Database Architect Peep!: Well, it's ok for now, but be prepared to be flexible when you need.
Abstract representation of society: And what about the edge cases that need more boxes?
Database Architect Peep!: What do you think?
Abstract representation of society: Don't violently repress them..?
Database Architect Peep!: Atta girl! Atta boy!
Abstract representation of society locutor: No, wait! Apparently some people don't fit into those two boxes.
Abstract representation of society: Hm. That doesn't fit. Let's represses it! I'm absolutely sure that won't be a pile of civil-liberty-violating repression and life-ruining clusterfuck.
Abstract representation of society: Doh :( I suck :(
Abstract representation of society locutor: OK, let's update the definition. OK, so there's exactly two genders, and everyone is always attracted to EITHER the other one, or, sometimes, the same one. And, um, I'm sure we can make this other stuff fit.
Abstract representation of society: ... OK, sounds good, I guess.
Database Architect Peep!: Hold it, good society! Let me save you fifty years of heartache.
Database Architect Peep!: Wouldn't it be just as easy to say that anyone might be attracted to anyone, and then it all works, whether people's romantic preferences fall into neat biologically determined categories or not?
Abstract representation of society: But what if they don't?
Database Architect Peep!: I say again, whether they do, or not?
Database Architect Peep!: You don't get a prize for being as repressive as possible but no more. Just go ahead and accept that using broad categories of people can help you think about things, but you shouldn't legislate them unless you actually need to.
Abstract representation of society: But, won't there be other edge cases that don't even fit into this system?
Database Architect Peep!: Yes, probably.
Abstract representation of society: But I can't fix it all at once.
Database Architect Peep!: Look, it's ok. At a minimum, you've shown the boxes don't work. Don't just move to a different set of boxes, be flexible. That's a good start.
Abstract representation of society: But I have to have SOME boxes? Don't I?
Database Architect Peep!: Well, it's ok for now, but be prepared to be flexible when you need.
Abstract representation of society: And what about the edge cases that need more boxes?
Database Architect Peep!: What do you think?
Abstract representation of society: Don't violently repress them..?
Database Architect Peep!: Atta girl! Atta boy!