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Over the past weeks, J.K. Rowling has been heavily criticised over comments made by her on Twitter about sex and transgender issues. She is accused of being transphobic by a group of her fans, who have expressed their disappointment in no uncertain terms. It’s these fans in particular that I would like to address.
I have no intention to pass judgement on the comments themselves; I simply do not know enough about the topic to do so. It’s clear that Rowling has done quite extensive research and is able to back her opinions with reasonable sounding arguments. In fact, sounding reasonable is one of the criticisms against her, as it would make her opinions more likely to be adopted by others. I’ve also read a number of thoughtful criticisms of Rowling’s essay, three of which are linked to below this post.
Just to be completely clear: the fact that she has done research into the topic and that she’s able to substantiate her position does not mean she’s right. The issues that are discussed are complex, and there might be more to this than simple false or true, black or white, left or right, for or against.
Never mind nuance, let’s assume this is a simple matter. And that she’s wrong. Simply wrong. Completely, 100% wrong. Then the question that we need to ask ourselves is why? There are three possible answers.
She’s misinformed
Even though she has done her research, she got her facts all wrong. The best course of action to remedy this situation is to present the correct facts, together with sources that debunks the false information that she is presenting.
Unfortunately, this does not seem to be the main course of action taken by those who voice their criticism loudest. Which is a shame, because the fact that Rowling has researched the topic in the first place suggest that she could be open for information.
She’s uninformed
Rowling simply has no clue what she’s talking about. If this would be the case, most of the criticism would be fair; someone with an audience as big as hers should know better than to spread misinformation.
This answer seems like the least plausible one. She demonstrated that she’s not, and it’s not what she’s being accused of. Because the accusation is:
She’s transphobic
Alright, maybe she is. Then the treatment she received would be justified, right?
I would argue it’s not. Her track record is not that of hate against minority groups. She’s not parroting populist talking points. Contrary, she’s been a big proponent of equality in the past, and she deserves our patience while we help her see the errors of her way.
We are all formed by experience, she could have had a personal experience that shaped her view on this issue. Her essay certainly points in that direction. That doesn’t mean she’s a bad person, it doesn’t even mean that it’s permanent. People’s views have ‘evolved’ before, in some cases with spectacular outcomes.
Even if the accusation is true, and Rowling is truly transphobic, the reaction of the Twitterverse is completely wrong. Instead of harassing and shunning her, she should be treated with compassion and understanding. It doesn’t mean we can’t point out when she’s wrong, we should always keep doing that. But not with the vitriol that has been send in her direction.
We are not born racist, sexist or hateful. Life and society make people this way. If we can’t help one of our most beloved, whose books inspired millions of people, and who has been praised and admired for her efforts towards equality, if we can’t help even her correct her mistakes or forgive her when she doesn’t because nobody is perfect, what hope is there for the rest of us.
I refuse to live that way.