one of the worst consequences of modernization theory and its pervasiveness in liberal thought (so therefore it’s pervasiveness among the general public) is how the gender oppression of the third world is regarded as some kind of backwards savagery rather than something that arises as a result of both specific cultural context and, sometimes more importantly, direct imperialist influence.

if the average american gay felt any real solidarity with women, children, and queers outside the west they would be more careful to challenge these assumptions and ahistorical narratives. i’m not saying become an expert in the nuances of gender in every country in the world or some shit but at least approach the subject with cultural humility

but instead white gays can only position their immediate interests. “i couldn’t travel to x country safely :(“. the national character of this statement is obvious. imagine taking a state that has been unimaginably cruel to your alleged sisters and brothers and reducing it to the subject of tourism. a whole country condenses to how you can or cannot consume it for pleasure, unaware of the level of privilege and national chauvinism that underlies the desire for global travel.

one of the worst consequences of modernization theory and its pervasiveness in liberal thought (so therefore it’s pervasiveness among the general public) is how the gender oppression of the third world is regarded as some kind of backwards savagery rather than something that arises as a result of both specific cultural context and, sometimes more importantly, direct imperialist influence.

if the average american gay felt any real solidarity with women, children, and queers outside the west they would be more careful to challenge these assumptions and ahistorical narratives. i’m not saying become an expert in the nuances of gender in every country in the world or some shit but at least approach the subject with cultural humility