La Conexión Cabalística, Berg, pp 142-146 99 Isaías, 34:6.

4.5.1. Argumentation Schemes in Constructing Identity of

Transsexuals

Argumentation is one of the five discursive strategies that are used for the justification of positive or negative attributions. The present study focuses on how topoi are employed in the construction of transsexuals’ identity. The analysis at macro level has enabled the researcher to identify four dominant themes that recurred in the texts. The four prevalent themes are delineation of the term transsexuals, stigmatization of transsexuals, civil liberties of transsexuals and acceptance of transsexuals.

In the articles, definition for the term “transsexual” was provided as it was claimed to be necessary to understand transsexuals. The analysis depicts that the print media has taken the liberty to inform readers, who were presupposed to have problems understanding the term. Definitions for the term “transsexual” and other terms that are often associated to transsexuals were provided using topos of definition, comparison and appeal to authority to clear the supposed misconception. The analysis shows that the newspapers, despite having stressed on the use of appropriate terms, have repeatedly used inaccurate terms to refer to transsexuals. Besides, it was also noticed that the newspapers have selected to portray transsexualism as a disorder, as this may help in

representing these individuals as helpless victims. There could be two motivating factors for this particular definition to be advocated by the print media. The first reason could be because of the legal law and religious stand in Malaysia. The law in Malaysia prohibits sex reassignment surgery or cross dressing (see Chapter 2, Section 2.2.1). Religions especially Islam, being the religion of the majority in Malaysia, strictly prohibits one crossing the boundaries of the binary gender. Only a hermaphrodite, who is considered to have been born with disorder, is allowed to opt for sex reassignment surgery. Since the authorities in the country view transsexualism as a behavioural issue, defining it as a disorder will enable the print media to portray these individuals as helpless victims. The second factor could be the continuous efforts of social workers, activists and psychologists to create awareness on the issue pertaining transsexuals. The way these individuals have selected to define and portray transsexuals has probably affected the way transsexuals are represented in the articles. In fact, could be seen that topos of authority is the most dominant topos that was employed in the articles. It was used to discuss almost all the themes that were identified in the texts. This could have also influenced the way transsexuals were portrayed extensively as victims by the two print media.

The analysis shows that the texts have intensely portrayed transsexuals as victims and as individuals who are constantly subjected to harassment, abuse and discrimination. This representation is heavily intensified through the use of various linguistic repertoires. These attributes were also justified through the use of topos of abuse, fear or danger, appeal to authority and consequences. The usage of these topoi accentuates the argument that transsexuals are not accepted in the society and are constantly victimised. While this might be seen as favourable representation of transsexuals, it is noteworthy that repeatedly representing these individuals as victims may not help in portraying them positively. The attempt to evoke sympathy

inadvertently places transsexuals and the readers in different groups. Transsexuals are placed in a position lower than the readers as the readers have been assigned the ability to feel sorry and sympathise with transsexuals. It is implied that transsexuals are the less fortunate group, who need the sympathy and understanding of others. It should be highlighted that only those who feel that they are more fortunate and in better position will be able to offer sympathy to others. This will give the person a higher social power as he or she will be able to decide on who deserve what amount of sympathy. The one being sympathised may not have the power to think or make decision. In fact, this asymmetrical power relation that the articles have created could be seen in the way verbs are assigned to the transsexuals. Transsexuals were always portrayed as the beneficiaries of the actions. Their action and thoughts are mitigated with words like “hope and wish”. Besides, the articles have also presented readers with the power to decide on the actions. Readers were told that they have to be “less judgemental”, even though “they may not like transsexuals”. The request is made by including the readers to create solidarity and the use of inclusive “we”, implicitly help the writer to be less assertive in his request. Hence, the level of prominence that was given to readers or others quoted in the articles was not given to the transsexuals.

The study conducted by Teh (2001) on transsexuals and Zainon and Kamila (2011) on homosexuals have concluded that the way transsexuals and homosexuals perceived themselves is influenced by the dominant ideology. The study by Zainon and Kamila (2011) for instance, concluded that the young homosexuals displayed internal struggle because they experience the compulsion to adopt the ideology of the dominant group. Hence, it can be concluded that the way transsexuals are repeatedly represented sympathetically in the print media may affect the way transsexuals perceive and shape their identity.

The analysis also shows that, although the articles have accentuated on the victimisation of transsexuals, the cause for the discrimination were discussed by backgrounding and deleting agents. The one responsible for the victimisation is often deleted or backgrounded in the articles using passive forms. The omission of agency and backgrounding may cause readers to disassociate themselves from the responsibility. Parvinder and Thavamalar (2007), highlighted that this form of reporting can be ideological as the print media may be attempting to distance their readers from the responsibility to avoid them feeling uncomfortable. This attempt to maintain interest of readers may be perceived as ideological as the newspapers are influenced by their interest to maintain readership.

The texts have also discussed civil liberties and assimilation of transsexuals in Malaysia. The issue is discussed using topos of history to illustrate the life of transsexuals in Malaysia in the past. The transsexuals were depicted in passive feminine roles to argue that they had been well accepted in the past. There are number of issues raised to show why this situation has changed in Malaysia. The Fatwa that was imposed in 1983, by the conference of Rulers was indirectly indicated as the cause for the increased discrimination. The law that enable enforcement officers to arrest cross dressers for indecent behaviour is also highlighted as the cause for the abuse of transsexuals. However, it should be highlighted here that these rules and those who have imposed the rules were not criticised. The comments were made carefully to perhaps avoid being held accountable, because of the press freedom in Malaysia. The press freedom in Malaysia is grounded by strict law that restrict media freedom especially if the issue is sensitive to any particular groups. Since Fatwa was imposed based on Islamic law imposed by the conference of rulers, it could be understood why the media has been cautious in its reporting. The analysis of argumentation schemes depicts that

the selection of topoi by the two print media to justify their representation of transsexuals is strongly influenced by the socio-political conditions in Malaysia.