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A Call to Stop Demonizing "Trap" and its Use in the Forum

Hey guys!

Since there seems to be some confusion about it, here's why "trap" is a really crappy word and people are giving you stink-eye for tossing it around like it's hilarious. As if saying "trap" is just inherently funny or necessary to say over and over again, and adding any additional context for the label makes it any better.

First of all, "trap" originated on 4chan, from ye olde Star Wars Ackbar scene. The fact that it originated on 4chan might be enough of a red flag for some of you, but in case it's not for most of you, here's a very simple plain english breakdown for why women and LGBT folk see that word (and usually the context it's used in by the person who used it) and feel uncomfortable. This is specifically why it's a slur.

Calling a person a "trap" because they're a "biological man in women's clothing" is hurtful because by the word's very plain definition, you are reducing that person to a position of "sexual object if woman, mistake/problem for me if not." The implication is that by looking like an attractive woman, (it is only ever used for people who "pass," you may notice, no one ever uses "trap" for a clearly masculine man in a dress,) they are automatically a sexual option for you, that is their purpose, and if there's a dick under that skirt, you've been "tricked" and that's their fault. It's used as the punchline for a joke, but by cosplaying as a woman, in NO WAY did this guy invite your sexual advances or judgment, whether he's transgender or identifies as a man and just enjoys wearing women's clothing. It's especially not funny considering that the number of trans women or drag performers that have been harassed or murdered because men thought they were women and decided to be violent when they discovered they weren't is really really depressingly high.

Either way, the word is gross, unfunny, punching down, and unkind not only to the man in women's clothing, but also betrays a diminishing attitude toward women: If a woman is pretty, that means she exists to be sexualized by you. If she's secretly a man, that's apparently both your business and your problem. That's what "trap" means, all of that in one crappy little syllable. It's hurtful and shitty. It won't be tolerated here. Hopefully, you can see where we're coming from. If not, you can take it somewhere else.

This issue isn't the topic. It's the word. After reading Jacob's post I stopped using the term. There are other words you could use that don't carry the same connotations.

The authors who create manga featuring or about otokonoko (the Japanese language equivalent of trap, literally meaning daughter boy) do NOT make these works to intentionally disrespect LGBTQ sensibilities.

Let me remind you manga authors are Japanese, creating content for the Japanese market...

Errinundra wrote:

This issue isn't the topic. It's the word. After reading Jacob's post I stopped using the term. There are other words you could use that don't carry the same connotations.

If it's not clear from the title of my thread, I am appealing to the acceptance of the connotations of the word itself to no longer be negative in any way. Discussing and being open to the topic of traps is simply a means to that end. I'm fully aware this goal of mine may not be met with much agreement, but it is truly my goal.

It is my wish that the word "trap" in the context of characters appearing as the opposite sex no longer be listed as a violation of forum rules and etiquette as long as its not being used to insult someone (real or fictional).

1) The authors who create manga featuring or about otokonoko...

2) Let me remind you manga authors are Japanese,

3) I thought if there is something personally offensive to you being discussed in a thread, it can be easily resolved by simply avoiding that thread.

When has ANN become so kowtowing to every person who happens to be offended by something?

4) Yes some ANN staff members are LGBTQ identifying.

So why all this in support of trap liberation? I REALLY like...

If it's not clear from the title of my thread, I am appealing to the acceptance of the connotations of the word itself to no longer be negative in any way

several transwomen who happily label themselves traps

Lets talk about empathy.

You already know it's not allowed here.

I don't see how this is relevant. Most of these authors do not use the term, "Trap." Even if they do, what they do in Japan has no impact on what we do here.

My question to you is... why do you care about using that word? Sure, you may not be offended by it and actually like it, but given that you are aware that some people view it in a pegorative light, why do you continue to advocate for its use?

I find the reasons some people object to the word to be very persuasive whereas your "arguments" against these reasons are not.