book translation #6

《性、愛欲、人文主義：從文化差異到情愛取向，一場關於人類原始慾望的哲學思辨》

My translation project / book baby #6 was published last month (English below)

新譯作出版，就要照（自己莫名其妙的）傳統寫一篇翻譯心得和反思兒

雖然好友開玩笑說書名是流量密碼（順帶一提，書名通常都是出版社訂的，不是譯者FYI），但這個主題探討的問題之複雜與敏感，導致我必須調整一下分享受眾。圖片裡是我在過去這一年間寫下來的一些隨筆或抒發，歡迎一起來思索或討論！

So it took me longer than usual to come up with this post-translation reflection, for it’s going to be sensitive (or even controversial) in some of my “anecdotes.” Obviously, as an individual, a female, an East Asian, a daughter / granddaughter, a solo traveler, a former teacher, a comparatively young employee at my former workplace, a girl who happens to live up to many criteria of mainstream beauty standards in multiple societies, and many other identities, the complexities surrounding sex / gender related discussion are going to be relevant in some specific ways.

I’ve always been grateful that I’m able to grow up rather safely in this world that can be ever more malicious than we can possibly imagine. But one of my earliest memories was how my grandparents at first valued my brother over me (typical patriarchal mindset; can watch หลานม่า) but gradually changed their opinion because of my academic excellence, and perhaps the fact that I’m the only grandchild who can drink with my grandpa? Joke aside, this can actually be related to how society expects males to be better drinkers than females. Don’t get me into how I hate those bartenders’ “Oh girls like this drink.”

Just over the course of translating this book, I’ve experienced (or witnessed or heard of) all sorts of “revelations” in my life, may it be in the (overdue) relationship, at workplace or just in society in general. All these reflections (in the screenshots below of my murmurs over the year) are in one way or another related to the book, and yes, the authors surely provide many more insights or perspectives if not deeper.

以上。

Wonderfruit, Pattaya, December 2023
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There we go.
This was before I got traumatized by a dude who tried to rizz me up on the EDM dance floor. I was initially dancing alone, with a female friend resting aside. Dude approached me, and I didn’t mind chatting ofc. He was too tall (200+ cm lmfao) so suggested that we go to sit by my friend and chat. My friend thought I needed space so she left (not blaming her at all cuz she was also tired from the long day of work). Dude invited me back to the dance floor; by this time, I was not entirely feeling sure but thought it was still under my control. Tbh I was undergoing a terrible breakup, so I was somehow trying to convince myself that this was how you put yourself out there. Before I realized, dude got very touchy to a point where I felt very uncomfortable. I made an excuse trying to escape, but he followed me out the tent and offered to walk me back. Fortunately he probably finally got the hint and left.
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I wouldn’t call it sexual harassment, though. Rather a failed attempt of flirting because I wasn’t comfortable with his approach. Having said so, I was very traumatized and disgusted. I didn’t feel safe to hang around on my own on the next day, but the person who was supposed to be the safest shelter and comfort for me at the festival failed to provide what was needed (that was another story). When he saw how I dressed and looked, though, he replied, “Oh I see why he was touchy. Sorry that happened to you.” I guess that meant I looked amazing so ofc people would want to hit on me. And I understand.