By: Jordan Barker
In our society there is a strict (invisible)
line that distinguishes right from wrong and normal from abnormal. Sadly, the
line is not politically correct. Many people become outcast due to which side
of the culturally defined line they land on. By definition, “an intersex is a person is born with a reproductive or
sexual anatomy that doesn’t seem to fit the typical definitions of female or
male.”[1]
Therefore, a human can be born with undistinguishable features. The individuals
who are born in this situation are often left with no cultural identity and
find it difficult to fit in amonst their peers
Historically, the term
“Hermaphrodites” was used when referring to someone that was born with
ambiguous genitalia. The word hermaphrodite comes from the ancient Greek
mythology of Hermaphroditus, the child of Aphrodite and Hermes that was
transformed by a water nymph into a being of both genders. Hermaphrodites or
people of intersex are believed to have a mixture of the two parts or just plainly
have both.[2] When an individual is born, as an intersex,
the parents are the ones who are put in the position to choose what sex the
child will be. This decision may not always be the right one because as the
child grows up, they will start to realize their condition and want to make his
or her own decision. It is for this reason that there are so many ethical issues
attached to parents pre-selecting their child’s sex before they are able to
become who they are meant to be. Therefore, many intersex individuals struggle
with there self image not only on the inside but outside as well.
In the past, an
individual born as an intersex was killed on the spot because they were seen as
animal-like. As time progressed, views changed and intersex individuals were
seen as human and they were allowed to live.[3] In
our society, the choice lies within the doctor and parents and that’s the
decision the child lives with for the rest of their lives, unless other
measures are taken to reverse the decision. The individual could change their
mind along the road and dress differently than they used too, which is what
would raise eyebrows of the people in our society. Sadly, that could lead intersex
people to become victim to being judged and outcasts. Along with being an
outcast, they could become depressed and self-conscious about their looks
causing a lot of extra stress. Intersex people could seek counseling for their
depression or be prescribed medication. As a last resort, parents and the
intersex individuals could turn to surgery in an attempt to repair their
problem. It has been said that there are approximately five surgical repairs
per day in U.S hospitals. [4]
Being an
intersex child brings tough decisions for the parents and child. I feel as if
our society needs to improve the way we treat these individuals because it is
something they cannot help. I believe if people knew the true facts, they might
look at this situation in a different manner.
[1] Intersex Society of
North America, "What is Intersex?." Last modified 2008. Accessed
February 27, 2014. http://www.isna.org/faq/what_is_intersex.
[2] Moore, Crystal.
Instructor, "Unusual Sex: The History of Intersex and Transgendered
Individuals in America." Last modified 11 30, 2013. Accessed February 27,
2014.
http://sexualizedsociety.blogspot.com/2014/01/unusual-sex-history-of-intersex-and.html.
[3] Moore, Crystal.
Instructor, "Unusual Sex: The History of Intersex and Transgendered
Individuals in America." Last modified 11 30, 2013. Accessed February 27,
2014.
http://sexualizedsociety.blogspot.com/2014/01/unusual-sex-history-of-intersex-and.html.
[4] Wordpress,
"Intersex Children The Third Gender." Last modified June 24, 2009.
Accessed February 27, 2014. http://thethirdgender.wordpress.com.
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