The Politicization of Trans Identity: An Analysis of Backlash, Scapegoating, and Dog-Whistling from Obergefell to Bostock - Softcover

Cannon, Loren

Softcover

ISBN 10: 179362383X ISBN 13: 9781793623836

Publisher: Lexington Books, 2024

Synopsis

Two LGBTQ affirmative US Supreme Court Rulings occurred in the second decade of the twenty-first century: the 2015 Obergefell ruling in support of same sex marriage, and the 2020 Bostock decision ruling that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited by Title VII. In The Politicization of Trans Identity: An Analysis of Backlash, Scapegoating, and Dog-Whistling from Obergefell to Bostock, Loren Cannon critiques the opinions of the court in both cases. Cannon carefully presents the evidence that transgender identity itself has become politicized post Obergefell and provides a thorough consideration of the ramifications of this politicization across the nation, especially in the form of proposed legislation and violence. Cannon argues that the politicization of trans identity can rightfully be understood as a backlash response to the Obergefell decision and increased LGBTQ equality. According to Cannon, aspects of the politicization can be characterized as scapegoating and as dog-whistling. This book offers unique contributions to the understanding of these ideas, including a creative application of Rene Girard’s theory of scapegoating. Lastly, Cannon argues that conceptually, virtue signaling needs to be paired with dog-whistling to have the political result that the whistler intends.

About this title

About the Author

Loren Cannon, PhD, teaches philosophy at Cal Poly Humboldt.

Edition details

• Publisher: Lexington Books
• Publication date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 179362383X
• ISBN 13: 9781793623836
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240