Fact Check: Did Nancy Wace stun Till Watts when she said, "What is a woman"?
What We Know
The claim that Nancy Wace stunned Till Watts with the question "What is a woman?" appears to be a reference to a broader cultural discussion surrounding gender identity and definitions of womanhood. This phrase has been notably popularized in various contexts, including feminist theory and contemporary debates on gender. For instance, the question "What is a woman?" is central to discussions in feminist literature, as highlighted by Simone de Beauvoir, who posed similar inquiries in her work on gender (source-3).
Additionally, the phrase has gained significant attention due to the 2022 documentary film "What Is a Woman?" directed by Justin Folk, which explores gender and transgender issues through interviews and discussions (source-4). The film has been described as controversial, with various individuals expressing differing opinions on its content and implications for gender theory (source-5).
Analysis
While the claim suggests a specific incident involving Nancy Wace and Till Watts, there is no verifiable evidence or credible source confirming that such an event occurred. The phrase "What is a woman?" has been widely used in academic and media discussions, but attributing a specific moment of "stunning" interaction between Wace and Watts lacks substantiation.
The sources discussing the phrase primarily focus on its implications in feminist discourse and its recent resurgence in media, particularly through the aforementioned documentary. For example, the film has been critiqued for its approach to gender issues and has sparked significant debate among various audiences (source-6). However, the claim does not provide a direct link to any specific interaction or statement made by Wace that would support the assertion of her "stunning" Watts.
Furthermore, the credibility of sources discussing the documentary varies. Some, like NBC News, provide journalistic coverage that includes multiple perspectives, while others may have a more partisan approach, potentially influencing the interpretation of events (source-7, source-8).
Conclusion
The claim that Nancy Wace stunned Till Watts with the question "What is a woman?" lacks sufficient evidence and credible sources to be validated. Given the absence of direct references to the alleged incident and the broader context of the phrase's usage, this claim remains unsubstantiated. Therefore, the verdict is Needs Research.
Sources
- Courses
- Not Your Mother's Will: Gender, Language, and Wills
- Feminist theory
- What Is a Woman? - Wikipedia
- What Is A Woman? The Question That Destroys Gender Theory
- 'What is a woman?': 3 say they were tricked into participating - NBC News
- 'What is a woman?': the disturbing film about trans rights
- "What Is A Woman?" Is a Feature-Length Exploration of Conservative Ignorance and Prejudice