Why I'm Not A "Feminist"

[Riverwolf]

The point is that you can't be a feminist and then say you are bothered about men, because by definition you are not

By the definition of the first feminist movement, maybe.

But we don't follow that movement. Modern feminism is its own thing, and does focus on male issues, as well. The reason is because we've since come to the realization that the problems that men face all stem from the exact same place that causes all the problems women have to face: a patriarchal culture.

 

[Revoltingest]

Where does "male supremacist" come from? Is the hammer the same as the chisel? Perhaps you argue that the hammer is greater as it strikes the chisel, but does not the chisel leave the marks? Where is the equality? Are they not different? If you same they are equal, then I would not like to borrow your tools

As an expert on hammers, & one who consorts with many, I can say with certainty that
they do not consider themselves superior to their complements, eg, the chisel, the anvil.
Note: I expect to add another wonderful hammer to my collection this month. It weighs
about 3 or 4 thousand pounds. And even it would never dis the smallest chisel.

 

[Riverwolf]

I have heard this view before, expressed by a person from the UK, but it makes no sense in the Americas. Feminism here is simply advocacy for women's rights, and anybody can do that.

Could be that the UK's feminist movement is different from the one here.

 

[Revoltingest]

Careful, because you mentioned the word "men", this post is going to be seen as male-bashing.
In spite of the fact that you insist that men are just as good as caregivers as women.
Mark my words.

Perhaps you didn't notice it because you expected her to bash men, but she was defending'm.

 

[Riverwolf]

We have roles nor rights, we keep the commandments of God, not what we want. We all answer eventually.

I'm not in any way subject to your God's commandments, any more than you're subject to the rules of my King.

A curse upon the name of Caesar!

 

[Riverwolf]

Many of you men are trapped in this role. If you truly want men's rights and if you truly want men to be free and liberated from oppression and prejudice then break free from that role.

Workin' on it.

 

[Riverwolf]

The woman has the better ability than the man, so why should we put the man in a position where he may not be suited.

Why does having a penis make someone ill-suited to a nurturing role?

 

[Alceste]

Oh yes they are just as equally good as a woman in nurturing a child. I should know, my ex-husband is playing with our kids right in front of me. And he is one of the most loving and nurturing men I know.

Men not only can be nurturing, men are nurturing. Nature does dictate that men are not nurturing. Society imposes that standard upon men. And some men just keep blindly obeying that assigned role without even questioning why.

I also married a very nurturing man. He gets real satisfaction from taking care of others in need and often goes the extra mile. It's a good balance, since I'm much more pragmatic in my care giving and feel ambivalent about it. If we end up adopting kids, we will provide a good balance of my style of pragmatic care (like making sure the bills get paid and nobody sticks a fork in a socket) and his style of emotional care (making sure everyone is content).

Would kind of suck for him if we had to switch places. Neither of us are cut out for mimicking the other's innate talents just because social expectations based on the shape of our genitals.

 

[Apex]

Going back to the OP, I found this video today and thought it could generate some good discussion in this thread:
[youtube]PqEeCCuFFO8[/youtube]

 

[Alceste]

Going back to the OP, I found this video today and thought it could generate some good discussion in this thread:
[youtube]PqEeCCuFFO8[/youtube]

She has some major misconceptions about what modern feminists actually believe.

 

[Riverwolf]

She has some major misconceptions about what modern feminists actually believe.

I don't care to watch 35 minutes of her arguments, and don't have time right now, in any case. Wanna post some highlights?

 

[Alceste]

I don't care to watch 35 minutes of her arguments, and don't have time right now, in any case. Wanna post some highlights?

I only got through about five minutes. Basically she thinks it's "entitled" for women to simply request rights and freedoms men have fought bloody wars to obtain for themselves (although she suggests no specific alternative method of activism) And she shares the common but tedious misperception that patriarchy = all individual men on earth.

 

[CynthiaCypher]

I don't care to watch 35 minutes of her arguments, and don't have time right now, in any case. Wanna post some highlights?

I think he just posted that video has a distraction because he does not like the direction this conversation is taking.

 

[Apex]

I think he just posted that video has a distraction because he does not like the direction this conversation is taking.

Yup, you got me! It has nothing to do with being perfectly in line with the OP, not at all. You keep on being the shining example of feminism that you are!

 

[CynthiaCypher]

Yup, you got me! It has nothing to do with being perfectly in line with the OP, not at all. You keep on being the shining example of feminism that you are!

Since the OP was an perfect example of building a strawman, I would that video is perfectly in line with the OP.

 

[Apex]

I only got through about five minutes. Basically she thinks it's "entitled" for women to simply request rights and freedoms men have fought bloody wars to obtain for themselves (although she suggests no specific alternative method of activism)

I got a different impression, more along the lines that society was working towards women's rights all along (although feminism did give it a push, which she does admit), but I also watched more than five minutes.

And she shares the common but tedious misperception that patriarchy = all individual men on earth.

Frankly, judging from what I have seen from feminists here I am inclined to agree with her.

 

[Apex]

I don't care to watch 35 minutes of her arguments, and don't have time right now, in any case. Wanna post some highlights?

I don't really have time for that either. I kind of wish she put this in essay form, as that would make sharing specific points infinity easier. But I can see the appeal to doing it video form, as a youtube video will reach a much wider audience.

 

[Revoltingest]

Yup, you got me! It has nothing to do with being perfectly in line with the OP, not at all. You keep on being the shining example of feminism that you are!

Now, now....let's be fair to the feminists in RF. Your video is longish, & it's only been up for less
than 2 hours now. (I've only made it half way thru so far.) I expect it to generate thoughtful
responses as more of them weigh in with more than the "no true feminism" reaction.
This gal has an interesting (& long winded) perspective.

 

[Revoltingest]

Since the OP was an perfect example of building a strawman, I would that video is perfectly in line with the OP.

Do you even know what "straw man" means? After you
find out, please observe the purpose of a green forum.
Reference:

-For any DIR or discussion sub-forum that is colored green, non-members of that area
may make respectful posts that comply with the tenets and spirit of that area.
This includes questions, as well as knowledgeable comments.

 

[Riverwolf]

I only got through about five minutes. Basically she thinks it's "entitled" for women to simply request rights and freedoms men have fought bloody wars to obtain for themselves (although she suggests no specific alternative method of activism)

In other words, if you don't fight and kill the opponents, or at least violently martyr yourself and others, in order to obtain equal rights and freedoms, you don't deserve them? To be perfectly honest, I kinda doubt that's what she was talking about, especially given what Apex said. Guess I HAVE to watch it at some point now...

And she shares the common but tedious misperception that patriarchy = all individual men on earth.

Patriarchy is maintained and enforced by both men AND women! EQUALLY! It's a cultural thing; no one person or group of people is solely to blame!