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Drag queens as social media freedom fighters October 1, 2014 USA Today reports today that Facebook apologizes to drag queens over real name policy. In a policy change, "Drag queens will now be able to use their stage names on Facebook, he [Facebook product chief Chris Cox] said." "'The spirit of our policy is that everyone on Facebook uses the authentic name they use in real life. For Sister Roma, that's Sister Roma. For Lil Miss Hot Mess, that's Lil Miss Hot Mess,' he wrote." How hilariously third-millenium! In a move apparently motivated by political correctness, Facebook has set itself on a slope that is slippery indeed. If crossdressing creates identities legitimate enough for Facebook, how about other performers or artists of any kind? Can Facebook exclude multidisciplinarians who have different identities for separate venues of social intercourse? Does Facebook attempt to unite the identities of writers who maintain entirely separate noms de plume? Web-savvy individuals have always established multiple identities, for any number of reasons. It appears that Facebook may be succumbing to this tradition. I sniff an oncoming swell of beautifully egalitarian chaos. |