Rock legend Alice Cooper recently voiced his thoughts on the topic of gender-affirming healthcare for young people, and his comments have struck a chord, although not harmoniously.
Cooper’s Candid Commentary
Speaking with Stereogum, Cooper, 75, known for his dramatic, theatrical performances and tracks like “School’s Out,” lamented what he sees as the current state of the gender debate.
Influential Figures Speak Up
The rock star, joining the fray of discussions that have roped in other iconic figures like KISS’ Paul Stanley and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider, stated that while he was “understanding that there are cases of transgender,” he was “afraid that it’s also a fad, and I’m afraid there’s a lot of people claiming to be this just because they want to be that.”
Navigating Gender Identity
While the debate over the authenticity of young people’s gender identities is not new, it’s gained heightened attention with such influential figures weighing in.
Paul Stanley had earlier described children’s gender reassignment as “a sad and dangerous fad,” a comment he subsequently walked back. Dee Snider, meanwhile, landed in hot water, facing accusations of transphobia after backing Stanley’s original statement.
Questioning Authenticity
Cooper’s core concern seems to be the potential confusion that could arise for children amidst this discourse. “I find it wrong when you’ve got a six-year-old kid who has no idea,” he stated.
“He just wants to play, and you’re confusing him, telling him, ‘Yeah, you’re a boy, but you could be a girl if you want to be.'”
Navigating Confusion
He added, “[It’s] so confusing to a kid. It’s even confusing to a teenager.” Cooper went on to explain, “You’re still trying to find your identity, and yet here’s this thing going on, saying, “Yeah, but you can be anything you want.
You can be a cat if you want to be.” I mean, if you identify as a tree… And I’m going, “Come on! What are we in, a Kurt Vonnegut novel?” It’s so absurd that it’s gone now to the point of absurdity.”
Cooper’s Critique on Wokeness
Cooper delved deeper into the broader implications of what he describes as the “whole woke thing,” poking fun at the ever-evolving language of inclusion.
Mocking the “Woke Agenda”
Cooper’s sharp-tongued sarcasm was evident as he talked about an imaginary New York building where the “woke agenda” was set daily.
A Controversial Joke
“Is there a building somewhere in New York where people sit down every day and say, ‘OK, we can’t say ‘mother’ now? We have to say ‘birthing person.’ Get that out on the wire right now?” he joked.
Future Concerns
He further challenged the current state of affairs, warning of possible future complications where, he believes, people could exploit the fluidity of gender norms for ulterior motives.
Cooper illustrated this by saying, “A guy can walk into a woman’s bathroom at any time and just say, “I just feel like I’m a woman today” and have the time of his life in there.”
Drawing the Line
Cooper went on to say: “Well, that’s going to happen. Somebody’s going to get assaulted, and the guy’s going to say, “Well, I felt like a girl that day, and then I felt like a guy.” Where do you draw this line?”
Adding to the Discourse
His viewpoint contrasts with other figures in the entertainment industry. Musician Nick Cave, known for his often poetic takes on social issues, previously stated, “I love my trans fans fully and wish them the best.”
Another influential artist, Hozier, stated he thought that the LGBTQ+ community, especially the trans community, is being scapegoated and unfairly targeted.
Deeply Divisive Nature
The complexities surrounding gender identity and the rights of transgender individuals have long been a point of contention, particularly in the realms of entertainment and politics.
And while each perspective has its own merits and shortcomings, Cooper’s recent remarks underscore the deeply divisive nature of this debate.
Traditionalist View of Gender
Cooper’s position appears rooted in a traditionalist view of gender, explained by his statement, “A lot of times, I look at it this way, the logical way: If you have these genitals, you’re a boy.
If you have those genitals, you’re a girl. There’s a difference between ‘I am a male who is a female, or I’m a female who’s a male’ and wanting to be a female. You were born a male. OK, so that’s a fact. You have these things here.”
Deconstructing Cooper’s Views
While Cooper is entitled to his opinions, these comments will be dissected, discussed, and debated among fans and critics alike.
Influence Across Generations
With icons from various generations weighing in, the discussion around transgender rights and recognition continues.
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The post Rock Legend Alice Cooper Serves Up His Thoughts on Gender-Affirming Healthcare: A Cautionary Tale of Cats, Birthing People, and Identity in a Kurt Vonnegut Novel first appeared on Wealthy Living.
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Source: NME