Super Mrs. C.
1 min readDec 13, 2022

--

Really? Objective observers know better than that. Imagined? Perceived? Affirmed? Claimed? Wouldn't any of them be a more accurate and representative term than "created?"

A certain identity often brings on a series of experiences common to those who share that identity that do, in fact, give validity to the claim(s) of the speaker/writer and allow them to speak with authority. Which statement gives more clarity and authority? "I get followed around stores more frequently than other people." “As a black person, I get followed around stores more frequently than other people; particularly white ones." "As an attractive woman, I note that I benefit from "pretty privilege." That is an objective reality, which most people, pretty or not, know is true.

Any person of any ethnicity can talk about anything they want, though it helps if they have topic knowledge. However, if they're discussing experiences which are generally common among people who share those characteristics, then that identity does make them an authority. Finally, by including so many identifying "categories," which few people do in speech or writing, you have reduced the practice, and your argument, to absurdity.

--

--

Super Mrs. C.
Super Mrs. C.

Written by Super Mrs. C.

Retired teacher. Humorous essayist about Life. Serious essayist about politics and “race.” Aspiring world saver. Cat mama. We can do better than this.

Responses (1)