I have no idea how this will go or even if it's allowed (please don't delete MNHQ! 🙏 The link is in the public domain) but I've been involved in two really interesting threads over the last few days and have learned lots about how a) genuinely good faith discussions can and do take place, even when the subject matter is difficult b) it's pretty much impossible to define a "rules of engagement" that everyone can sign up to, but even though this isn't ideal, it's still possible for insightful conversations and exchanges of views to take place respectively (but it's not always easy). Some people don't like rules of engagement, some people think they are essential.
With that all in mind, I'd like to try something:
Can the brilliant minds on this board from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere collectively review and discuss the film Adult Human Female? Link below.
Rules of engagement*
- everyone who comments needs to have watched the film. If you don't like the idea of watching the film (I'm halfway through ATM so won't comment yet except to say I think it's very watchable) or the rules of engagement that's fine but please scroll on by to a different thread
- use whatever language works for you in your comments. If you have a gender identity and/or believe TWAW then use whatever terms work for you (cis, transwomen, women etc). If you don't have a gender identity and/or believe TWANW then use whatever terms work for you (woman, adult human female, biological woman, men etc). It's probably going to be clear from the style and content of the comment what someone's position is but some people may want to state theirs. Here's mine: I don't have a gender identity but I respect that some people do hold a belief that this is important. I believe TWANW. However, I'm happy to engage in respectful debate with someone who believes that TWAW. I'm not going to argue over the word "woman" and I'm not going to try and convince you that TWANW - I simply want to discuss the content of the film
- speak in your own style. If you break the MN rules your comment will probably get reported by someone and presumably deleted. If you set out to cause offence you'll probably achieve that. I'm not sure what else you'll achieve though.
- I'll come in to facilitate and moderate this post periodically but not continuously. It's not about me responding to each comment, it's a general discussion. I won't be making my own review comments until I've finished watching it anyway, as per rule 1 😁
*I should imagine this won't be enough to please everyone but please could we see how we go 🤞 If we can't get past discussing my admittedly limited rules of engagement, then at least I know I tried.