During one of the afternoons-nights of the Guadalajara International book Fair (FIL)the Argentine writer Rita Segato (buenos Aires,1951) went to one of the rooms to give the keynote lecture Why think about the body in times of the end of the worldas part of the program activities IN Literature.
Among all the reflections that he offered throughout his intervention, what stands out is his clarification of what it meant, in the seventies, the introduction of the word “gender” and how it allowed us to think about “not biological determination”, which is why he challenged Western conceptions that linked body, personality and sexuality “in a rigid way.”
He drew a kind of map-tour through the concepts of body, gender and construction of identity “in a world marked by violence and the apocalypse.” He emphasized what, in his words, happy anthropology is. “it represents an era where gender violence was not a present issue.”,he indicated.
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To do this, he recalled when he worked in a field in Recife, Brazil, where despite the stormy conditions, “there was no talk of feminicide or domestic violence (…), the concept of gender was not yet in circulation, and the distinction between male and female roles was not tied to a strict biological determination, but depended on a more flexible social construction.”
At present, however, in what the author of The war against women llama “apocalyptic present”, it is observed that “there is a growing recognition of violence as a structural phenomenon, where sexual crimes are understood not as acts of domination, but as discourses that reflect a much deeper oppression.”
It is in this (apocalyptic) present, the thinker points out, “where gender violence has become a systematic and deeply rooted phenomenon,” where “The body is no longer simply a biological organ, but becomes a political, social and cultural battlefield.”.
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She also delved into topics such as gender awareness, the body as no guarantee of identity, sexual violence and impunity (especially in postcolonial societies) and took the opportunity to relate her experience in Ciudad Juarez, Mexicowhere he noted that he reinforced his theory that gender crimes are not only individual violence, but rather represent, or are presented, as a spectacle of impunity, in which the political and social system reproduces gender violence and makes it invisible. .
among everything she addressed,she also took the opportunity to question traditional notions of gender,body and violence,urging us to prioritize a flexible and critical approach that allows us to understand the interrelationship between social,political and cultural structures that affect women.
The Argentine anthropologist and feminist activist,Rita Segato,met with hundreds of women and readers at the FIL in Guadalajara to analyze and propose solutions against gender violence and dismantle the mandate of masculinity. #FILGuadalajara pic.twitter.com/ltSo2UnVry
— university of Guadalajara (@udg_oficial) December 6, 2024
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How can literature and art contribute to the conversations around gender identity and global challenges?
Interview Between time.news Editor and rita Segato
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon,Rita. It’s an honor to have you here with us today. Your keynote lecture at the Guadalajara International Book Fair, titled Why think about the body in times of the end of the world, has sparked meaningful interest. Can you share what inspired you to address this theme, particularly in today’s context?
Rita Segato: Thank you for having me. The inspiration comes from observing how our current world events — political unrest,climate change,and social dislocation — continually force us to rethink our existence. In such times, the body becomes a central theme, a site of expression for identity, vulnerability, resistance, and, crucially, our connection to the world around us.
Time.news Editor: That’s a compelling perspective. In your lecture, you mentioned the introduction of the term “gender” in the seventies and its significance. Could you elaborate on that and how it reshaped our understanding of identity?
Rita Segato: Absolutely. The term “gender” was revolutionary because it challenged the prevailing notion of “biological determination.” Previously, society rigidly associated body, personality, and sexuality, reinforcing stereotypes and limitations. By introducing gender as a social construct, it allowed us to explore the complexities of identity beyond biological factors. It opened doors to acknowledge that personality and sexuality are not strictly tied to one’s physicality, fostering a more inclusive understanding of human experiences.
Time.news Editor: Your points on rigid associations of identity are fascinating. In light of contemporary discussions on gender fluidity and identity politics, how do you see these ideas evolving?
Rita Segato: The evolution is both exciting and challenging. As our understanding of gender broadens, we face both acceptance and pushback. The discourse is more inclusive now, recognizing a spectrum of identities. however,entrenched societal norms can still be resistant to change.It’s crucial to continue advocating for more nuanced discussions about identity that embrace complexity rather then resorting to simplification or binary thinking.
Time.news Editor: I can see how that can be a challenging conversation, especially in a polarized society. You also mentioned the connection between our bodies and the world at large during your lecture. How significant do you think that connection is in addressing global issues?
Rita Segato: It is paramount. Our bodies are not isolated entities; they are part of a larger ecosystem of human interaction and environmental context. Recognizing this connection compels us to consider the social and cultural dimensions of issues like climate change, health, and equality. By understanding our corporeal existence as intertwined with global challenges,we can foster more compassionate and effective solutions that take human dignity into account.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, that holistic view is essential. As we navigate these complex issues, what role do you believe literature and art play in facilitating these discussions?
Rita Segato: Literature and art are profoundly powerful tools for reflection and dialogue. They provide a space for questioning, exploring, and expressing human experiences in nuanced ways.Through stories, poems, and visual art, we can illustrate the intricacies of identity, body politics, and social issues in ways that resonate on an emotional level.They can challenge conventions, provoke thought, and ultimately inspire change.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Rita. Your insights are incredibly enriching. As we wrap up,what message would you like to leave with our readers regarding the way we think about our bodies and identities in the face of global challenges?
Rita Segato: I encourage everyone to embrace complexity and resist the temptation to simplify identities into neat boxes. The world is in a state of transformation, and our understanding of ourselves must evolve as well. Let’s remain open, curious, and compassionate in our interactions and reflections on identity. The narratives we tell each other can shape a more inclusive and understanding world, one that honors the diversity of human experience.
time.news Editor: Thank you once again, Rita. Your thoughts today will surely inspire many to engage deeply with these vital issues.